A tale of two seaters
Roadsters that satisfy the sun-craving soul

With the dog days of summer behind us, convertibles are as coveted these days as the last ice cream cone of the summer and the final trip of the year down the local waterslide. Sure, some ragtops can carry four people, but for the true sun-worshipping enthusiast, there's nothing like the sporty feel of a roadster. We recently had the chance to sample two of the more tempting choices: The Mazda Miata SE and the Porsche Boxster S. Both droptops share the same basic chemistry - good looks, two seats and a cloth top - but are geared toward buyers with distinct tastes and different sized wallets.

Mazda Miata SE
Those who remember the Triumphs and MGs of old will identify with Mazda's Miata. Far more reliable than those British beauties, the Miata thrives on its no nonsense design and simple operation. Originally launched in 1990, the car is now in its second generation, selling 1,230 units last year in Canada (not bad in a country were convertible weather is only available about four months a year).

Our tester was a Titanium Grey Metallic Special Edition, one of only 175 that will make it to Canada this year. Besides standard Miata features, the SE adds a 6-speed manual transmission (a 5-speed automatic is available on regular Miatas for $1,075) and cosmetic features like a blue top and seats, aluminum pedals, a Bose stereo, an aero package and unique 16-inch wheels.

From the driver's seat, one marvels at the simplicity and purity of the Miata's design. All the controls, including the radio, are simple to operate and the top can be lowered or raised by hand with only a little muscle work. There's not a lot of storage in the cabin, but there's a trunk out back with enough suitcase room for a weekend getaway.

A 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder engine with 142 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque drives the rear wheels. Not huge numbers, but the Miata isn't exactly a heavy car at just over 2,000 lb. The Boxster S comes in at almost 3,000 lb. Engineering types call this the power-to-weight ratio, a factor that gives the Miata its sprightly feel.

The droptop never felt underpowered, but the Miata isn't exactly a tire scorcher either. Where it excels is in the twisties. From the driver's seat the dimensions of the car are easily recognizable, almost go-kart like, and the short shifts of the 6-speed manual transmission promote copious downshifting. Over lumpy roads there's a few loud rattles, but with the top down at highway speeds, driver and passenger can carry on a normal conversation. The car's size could be a disadvantage against SUVs or transport trucks. In a collision the Miata would definitely be the loser.

Our Mazda stickered for an affordable price of $31,990. However, a base 5-speed ragtop starts a just $27,695, making it the least expensive convertible available in Canada. Not a bad price for a car as well balanced and invigorating as the Miata.

Porsche Boxster S
On the other end of the roadster spectrum is the Porsche Boxster S; a ragtop that does everything the Miata can, but with more toys, poise, technology and brawn.

Launched six years ago, the Boxster follows the roadster traditions established by famous Porsches of the past, like the 356. For 2003 the car has undergone "discreet refinements" to its styling and engine power.

Our tester was the high output Boxster S model, which uses a 3.2-litre, 6-cylinder boxer engine to drive its rear wheels. The mid-engine design of the car means there are actually two trunks, one fore and one aft, but storage is still a bit tight. The S puts out 258 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque, a slight increase over last year and 33 hp and 37 lb-ft better than the base Boxster.

While it doesn't have the same eagerness as its Carrera cousins, the Boxster proved nimble on the street. Handling is Ginsu knife sharp and the 6-speed shifter is smooth, though it takes some time to adjust to the clutch take-up (a 5-speed automatic with Tiptronic is optional). Acceleration to 100 km/h from zero takes a respectable 5.7 seconds. Over larger bumps the Boxster S will shudder, mostly because of its firm suspension, tuned for tight cornering. Letting the engine rev out becomes quite addicting, mostly because of the top end power it delivers and wonderful scream from the centre exhaust.

From a base price of $73,450 our Boxster S added options that brought its as tested price to $82,335, more than double the Miata's cost. Still, the Porsche's performance and prestige can justify the difference.

In the end, which roadster to favour boils down to ego and economics. Like ice cream, whether you choose a double scoop of Boxster or single scoop of Miata, it depends on your appetite. Either way they're both guaranteed to make you feel cool on these last days of summer.