Naturally, the proportions are different between Boxster and 911. The Boxster is a mid-engine car. Unlike the rear-engine 911, the Boxster engine is mounted ahead of the rear axle -- rather than over the rear axle or behind it. This mid-engine configuration yields excellent weight distribution. Just as important, it puts most of the car's mass between the front and rear axles, a big asset when making rapid maneuvers; and that's what cars like this are all about.

Riding a 95-inch wheelbase and measuring 171 inches overall, the Boxster is about 10 inches longer than the BMW Z3 and Mercedes-Benz SLK. It's also a bit wider, with a wider rear track. Fortunately, the extra dimensions do not translate to a weight penalty. The basic Boxster scales in just over 2,800 pounds, which is a little lighter than its competitors; the S model weighs just 55 pounds more than the base.

Propelling this tidy package is an update on a traditional Porsche design: the horizontally opposed or boxer 6-cylinder engine. With cylinders opposed 180 degrees to one another, boxer engine designs offer packaging advantages, because they lie flat. This flat design helps engineers keep the car's center of gravity low. At a glance, the engine is classic Porsche, with roots that date to Ferdinand Porsche's early work in the 1930s. But there's a key contemporary difference: Boxster's flat-6 is liquid-cooled, eliminating the old 911 cooling fans and lending a distinctly new sound to the power delivery. The Boxster engine represents the state of Porsche art with twin overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, and variable cam timing. Power on the base engine has been increased from 201 to 217 horsepower for model year 2000. And the new Boxster S model's 250 horsepower compares well with the BMW M Roadster's 240 horsepower.

Two transmissions are offered: the standard 5-speed manual gearbox and Porsche's 5-speed Tiptronic automatic. The Tiptronic offers its operator the choice of full automatic operation or fingertip push-button self-shifting, similar in concept to a Formula 1 racing car. It's the best compromise between stick and automatic on the market and works extremely well, but at $3,210 it's also the most expensive. The manual gearbox provides better performance and efficiency and seems more fitting for the Boxster. We prefer it.

Braking is superb, with oversize vented discs on all four wheels plus Porsche's latest antilock system. The traction control system, which includes an automatic brake proportioning system, is available as a separate option for $870.