2009 Honda S2000 |
It begins with a day at the races; a track day at Oulton Park in the North of England. In time-honored test driving tradition, me and my colleagues take as many vehicles to these events as possible and review as many as possible in a short space of time. We squabble over who gets the glory of driving the Lamborghini Gallardo (my colleague wins), who has the distinct pleasure of driving the Golf R32 (I win) and finally an argument over who drives what in a 2 lap race between a Porsche Boxster and a Honda S2000. After I draw the shortest of two straws, my colleague chooses the Boxster (naturally) and I trudge despondently to the S2000.
As we rev at the starting line my thoughts are obviously negative; driving skills aside, no one would expect a Honda S2000 (at least £5,000 less than the Porsche) to keep up. As the flag is waved I put my foot to the floor and hope for the best. This is where things went against expectation.
2008 Honda S2000 |
2008 Honda S2000 CR |
I won the two lap race as convincingly as I started it and as a result feigned my win as a total triumph on my abilities as an exceedingly good driver. In my heart I knew that my success was entirely dependent on the S2000's unexpected and frankly harrowing performance on the track.
It's not only quicker than the Porsche Boxster, it's a lot cheaper. So bear that in mind next time you're drooling outside a Porsche dealership.