Outdoor sports: upscale roadsters porsche holds the top spot in a contest among seven open-air sports cars.

Roadsters are the athletes of the convertibles class. These two-seaters are generally quicker, more agile, and often more expensive than your everyday ragtop. They are sports cars best suited for carving up winding roads on warm, sunny weekends. The real focus is on top-down driving enjoyment and performance; practicality is a secondary consideration.

For this test we've brought together seven upscale roadsters that are either new or have recently been updated. The Chevrolet Corvette and Mercedes-Benz SLK have been redesigned and the Porsche Boxster partially redesigned for 2005. The Honda S2000 and Nissan 350Z have been recently revised, necessitating an update of their test. We never tested the BMW Z4, which replaced the Z3, and the Lotus Elise is new to the U.S. Each car goes about delivering driving enjoyment in a different way and with varying degrees of success.

Prices for our upscale roadsters ranged from $33,665 for the Honda S2000 to $57,520 for the Corvette.

The midengine Porsche Boxster was the winner among our seven competitors and becomes our top-rated upscale roadster. The Boxster is very enjoyable to drive, with a firm, controlled ride and excellent steering. It posted the group's best avoidance maneuver times and its dry braking distance was the shortest we've ever measured on our test track. The revised interior is tastefully finished, but the well-bolstered, narrow driver's seat doesn't fit everyone.

Unlike its predecessor, which wasn't very sporty, the redesigned Mercedes-Benz SLK is now an enjoyable driver's car. The engine is strong and the suspension keeps the SLK composed and controlled. Interior trim is of high-quality materials. The head restraints have optional heat vents that can turn even cold days into convertible weather. With the folding hardtop raised, the SLK is uniquely quiet for a roadster.

The Chevrolet Corvette is an American icon now in its sixth generation. The new Corvette is quieter and rides better than the previous model, and a power top is finally an option. Interior trim and materials have been upgraded as well. While its powerful V8 is a strong point, the light steering and soft suspension compromise agility.

Two years ago, we found the coupe version of the Nissan 350Z to be stiff and uncomfortable, with an interior that was lacking in quality. Since then, Nissan has made improvements all around.