In searching for a fun car to complement my Mercedes C63, I've now driven the Boxster S, RS60, and Spyder at least two times each, and the result is a bit surprising: I prefer the S.

The Spyder is great, and certainly sharper than the S (as intended), but I think the S still performs almost as well, while being significantly more comfy and practical. The ride of the Spyder is about as firm as my C63 and, believe me, that's saying something!

The RS60 is a 2008 car, and the most beautiful Boxster I've seen so far, but I think the S performs better, perhaps because of updates since 2008.

I also have to say that the handling of the Boxster S is in a different league from C63, even though the C63 is no slouch. Quite a thrill! On the other hand, the C63 still smokes the Boxster in a straight line from any speed. So the two cars complement each other well - quite different personalities and strengths.

Last but not least, though I've mainly driven automatic transmissions over the years, I really think manual is the way to go in the Boxster. For me, it makes the experience of driving the car vastly more engaging.

 

My last Boxster was an S and have had an Aston Martin Vantage and Audi S5 with and in between my last Boxster S and the Spyder i picked up a few weeks ago. The Spyder is the most fun car I have owned in a while. I do not think you will be sacrificing that much comfort between the S and Spyder. I live in Houston and have been driving the Spyder with only the primary top and windows down, with the ac on, it is more than comfortable/adequate. The driving experience and beauty of the Spyder versus the S will win you over.