Z4M Roadster or 987 Boxster S

[Herman Toothrot]

As a 3rd car, I have a track day / B road car in my mk3 MR2 & I have a dog cart A6. I want a car that when it comes to holidays would get chosen to drive round Europe, the one to drive to lunches out etc but otherwise it'd probably spend a lot of its life sat on the drive as I commute by motorbike.

I've always preferred mid engined cars than front engined & the Boxster I think is more practical. I had driven and agreed to buy a 986 S 2 years ago but it had an unfortunate meeting with a lamp post before I took delivery so I know I like them to drive, never driven a Z4M. Hard to pin down exact sizes of storage areas, but I have crawled all over a Boxster and looked at Z4 boots on the internet, the Boxster looks to have more space.

The main reason I've started wondering about the BMW as an alternative is the engine, it being superior to the Boxsters in just about every way and it seems the most logical Boxster competitor. Its especially the reliability of the BMW that's making me think it maybe a better proposition, I have this very big black cloud of doubt about the engine in the Porsche, worry that it'll fail if stood for too long between use, fail if I pull off in too high a gear etc etc

Reviews say the Boxters chassis is superior all round, better ride, better handing, more grip. Also prefer the looks of the Boxster.

I think I want a Boxster - but should the BMW merit test driving?

[kambites]

For that role, definitely the Boxster because it rides better, but I'd have thought you'd be better off with a full-blown GT car.

[Dalto123]

I think the Z4m is certainly worth a test drive of if you're considering one of them.

Boxster's are lovely cars though (I biased ) - made well, plenty of power and lots of storage space (especially for a weekend away)

[Globs]

Herman Toothrot said:

The main reason I've started wondering about the BMW as an alternative is the engine, it being superior to the Boxsters in just about every way and it seems the most logical Boxster competitor. Its especially the reliability of the BMW that's making me think it maybe a better proposition

Plus you don't have Porsche AG pricing.
If you get the Boxster, factor in Hartech replacing the chocolate in the engine with metal.

[zed4]

Been done a few times

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[kambites]

The Evora is perhaps worth considering too? Better ride quality than either of the German offerings (and probably better handling too). Probably not the same quality level, though, either perceived or actual.

Edited by kambites on Sunday 4th August 18:35

[Globs]

Also look at Jaguar convertibles.

[smiles1]

Difficult choice, but a great one to have I enjoyed both when I drove them but for very different reasons. The Boxster was a well set up car with a good chassis and nicely balanced - reminded me a lot of my elise but not quite so direct, but I could easily have a lot of fun on a road trip and not feel like my back was broken. A well set up, nicely balanced car which I would happily drive a lot of miles in.

The Z4M for me just felt more playful, its front engined, rear drive layout made it more fun to drive than direct (if that makes sense). I remember throwing it around more, playing with it out of corners and just generally putting a cheeky smile on my face. Oh and I love the engine!

If I was to buy a car to do a lot of (fun) road miles in I'd buy the Boxster. But it would be a tough decision as I did enjoy the playful nature of the Z4M.

p.s. Steve, I've booked Abingdon next Friday, are you coming?

[davepoth]

Globs said:

Also look at Jaguar convertibles.

I was going to say that. If cornering isn't the top issue I'd be going for an XK or something similar as it'll be much nicer for long runs.

[RocketScience]

TVR Chimaera 500

[Herman Toothrot]

kambites said:

The Evora is perhaps worth considering too? Better ride quality than either of the German offerings (and probably better handling too). Probably not the same quality level, though, either perceived or actual.

Edited by kambites on Sunday 4th August 18:35

Different price league.

[kambites]

Herman Toothrot said:

Different price league.

Ah, you're looking at earlyish 987s and Z4Ms then? As someone said above, for the usage you describe I'd have though a Jag XK or Merc SL or something would be better than either. However, of the two cars you list, the Boxster is certainly the better cruiser. Worth driving the Z4M, but the ride would drive me mad if I was using it for long trips - it's considerably worse than my Elise in that respect.

[Herman Toothrot]

smiles1 said:

p.s. Steve, I've booked Abingdon next Friday, are you coming?

Yep See you there :-)

[Herman Toothrot]

kambites said:

Ah, you're looking at earlyish 987s and Z4Ms then?

Yes, was thinking £10K 2.7 987 but then as with everything you start thinking really need the "better one" so crept up a bit to include S prices..

[GroundEffect]

kambites said:

The Evora is perhaps worth considering too? Better ride quality than either of the German offerings (and probably better handling too). Probably not the same quality level, though, either perceived or actual.

Edited by kambites on Sunday 4th August 18:35

Too expensive.

[kambites]

Herman Toothrot said:

kambites said:

Ah, you're looking at earlyish 987s and Z4Ms then?

Yes, was thinking £10K 2.7 987 but then as with everything you start thinking really need the "better one" so crept up a bit to include S prices..

Glad it's not just me that does that. It's far too easy to keep thinking "that's only a bit more" and end up at twice your original budget.