BMW Z4 vs Porsche Boxster
Discussion
Hi all, new year, new motor and I'm thinking to go for sthg a little less practical for the w/e’s.. I wandered if anyone had any thoughts re. these two. I've only driven the Z4 - enjoyed it, although I agreed with a lot of reviews re. the ride quality.
I like the looks/ interior (esp vs prev gen Boxster) too + can live with the grief from friends who think it’s a Z3/ think I shouldn’t be driving a hairdr.. convertible at all! (will see what they say on a sunny spring/ summer’s day..)
From most reports, it seems the Boxter's going to have the edge in driving (and ride?) though and I don’t mind getting a slightly older one (I've got about 13k to play with). On the other hand, running costs (esp on a slightly older one)... I would almost certainly avoid main dealers, but I imagine still a fair bit more than the BMW for parts etc.
I’d be grateful for any one’s thoughts and experiences of driving and running these two though. I’m prob looking at going for a 2.5si Z4 or base Boxster, but could be tempted to move up to the 3.0/ S.
Many thanks
I like the looks/ interior (esp vs prev gen Boxster) too + can live with the grief from friends who think it’s a Z3/ think I shouldn’t be driving a hairdr.. convertible at all! (will see what they say on a sunny spring/ summer’s day..)
From most reports, it seems the Boxter's going to have the edge in driving (and ride?) though and I don’t mind getting a slightly older one (I've got about 13k to play with). On the other hand, running costs (esp on a slightly older one)... I would almost certainly avoid main dealers, but I imagine still a fair bit more than the BMW for parts etc.
I’d be grateful for any one’s thoughts and experiences of driving and running these two though. I’m prob looking at going for a 2.5si Z4 or base Boxster, but could be tempted to move up to the 3.0/ S.
Many thanks
nonuts said:
Get the Z4 but get one with 3.0Si or ///M on the back 
Yes - this!!!Having owned all 3 (Boxster, Si and M), the Boxster is too wallowy. Fine if you are used to driving saloon cars but just not rewarding enough as a sports car. Having said that, the ride is good.
The M is the opposite - too hard for some but the most rewarding once you've learned how to drive it.
3.0Si is a good compromise but the ride is still hard for some.
Eagerbeaver said:
nonuts said:
Get the Z4 but get one with 3.0Si or ///M on the back
Yes - this!!!Having owned all 3 (Boxster, Si and M), the Boxster is too wallowy. Fine if you are used to driving saloon cars but just not rewarding enough as a sports car. Having said that, the ride is good.
The M is the opposite - too hard for some but the most rewarding once you've learned how to drive it.
3.0Si is a good compromise but the ride is still hard for some.
Your Boxster must have been fecked.
Personally, I couldn't get on with the variable ratio steering on the Cayman and Boxster, so I plumped for the Z4 Coupé, which I owned for a year, selling it just before Christmas. I would recommend most people who weren't worried about the steering went for the over the Z4, because I think the Boxster's a better all round sports car, plus it has a lower CofG and arguably a more sporty engine and suspension. Both are great cars though, so have a test drive in both and then decide - they're very different in character, namely that the Boxster soaks things up better and it the purer sports car, although the Z4 does entertain in the way it does things in its more traditional way. I think the Boxster's the better sports car to be quite frank, but I could fully understand a decision to buy the Z4 instead (I did!).
Edited by RobM77 on Thursday 6th January 20:20
Timmartin, just had a nosey at your profile. Great write-up on the Cayman there! Must.resist.the.classifieds! 
OP: I've got a Boxster, and it's a great car. Have never driven the first gen. Z4, although I like the look of them, much more so than the gen.2.
However, If you do go for the Boxster, make sure you do your homework. they can be a little costly. Check the clutch, if it's heavy and bites quite high, walk away or bargain hard. It's about £600-£700 to replace. The older 986's require servicing every twelve months (987's every 24 months iirc), this is between £250-£300 a time (Porsche specialist prices). Mine has had issues with the MAF and a couple of Lambda sensors which caused poor performance/running, all replaced now though and it's back to its best.
I'd definitely drive 3 or 4 different ones before buying as there are some dogs out there...
OP: I've got a Boxster, and it's a great car. Have never driven the first gen. Z4, although I like the look of them, much more so than the gen.2.
However, If you do go for the Boxster, make sure you do your homework. they can be a little costly. Check the clutch, if it's heavy and bites quite high, walk away or bargain hard. It's about £600-£700 to replace. The older 986's require servicing every twelve months (987's every 24 months iirc), this is between £250-£300 a time (Porsche specialist prices). Mine has had issues with the MAF and a couple of Lambda sensors which caused poor performance/running, all replaced now though and it's back to its best.
I'd definitely drive 3 or 4 different ones before buying as there are some dogs out there...
Edited by useyourdellusion on Thursday 6th January 20:48
Also depends how big you are. I am 6ft and 110kg like a rugby player and I don't feel anywhere near as comfortable in the Boxster. I feel like I sit too upright and the steering wheel sits too front on for me. It feels slightly un-natural. The Z4 on the other hand fits me perfectly.
Some people forget to take this into consideration when comparing two cars. Hope this helps!
Some people forget to take this into consideration when comparing two cars. Hope this helps!
Big Tav said:
Also depends how big you are. I am 6ft and 110kg like a rugby player and I don't feel anywhere near as comfortable in the Boxster. I feel like I sit too upright and the steering wheel sits too front on for me. It feels slightly un-natural. The Z4 on the other hand fits me perfectly.
Some people forget to take this into consideration when comparing two cars. Hope this helps!
I've also found that about the Boxster. I couldn't get the seat back far enough to have my legs in a decent position with the back of the seat reclined comfortably. And even if you slide it further forward than ideal, I couldn't reach the steering wheel properly due to a lack of reach adjustment. It's a classic Porsche problem, and lots of people complain about it. Unnacceptable on such an expensive car in my opinion. The Z4 is certainly more accomodating.Some people forget to take this into consideration when comparing two cars. Hope this helps!
RobM77 said:
Personally, I couldn't get on with the variable ratio steering on the Cayman and Boxster, so I plumped for the Z4 Coupé, which I owned for a year, selling it just before Christmas. I would recommend most people who weren't worried about the steering went for the over the Z4, because I think the Boxster's a better all round sports car, plus it has a lower CofG and arguably a more sporty engine and suspension. Both are great cars though, so have a test drive in both and then decide - they're very different in character, namely that the Boxster soaks things up better and it the purer sports car, although the Z4 does entertain in the way it does things in its more traditional way. I think the Boxster's the better sports car to be quite frank, but I could fully understand a decision to buy the Z4 instead (I did!).
The steering ratio is not variable in the old cars (986) as far as I know. Edited by RobM77 on Thursday 6th January 20:20
Have owned both from new and driven several examples of both as well. Boxster all the way, Z4 is a good car (albeit the ride is harsh and tramlining terrible on our roads) but the Porsche is in a different league.
I should add that I'm not an expert driver.
Edit. Just read some of the above comments. I'm six one and have no problem in either car.
I should add that I'm not an expert driver.
Edit. Just read some of the above comments. I'm six one and have no problem in either car.
Edited by mattviatura on Friday 7th January 10:31
Depends what you want.
For me the Z4(M) is a far, far better car than either the Boxster or the Cayman - it just has that raspy edginess that somehow prevents you getting bored. It's much more raw and it feels fast, wheras the Porsche is very composed and precise and might be rewarding for a while but it is one of those cars you get used to very quickly and then get bored of. The M is a more difficult car to drive, but that's the main reason it's a much better car to own, especially if you're one of those people like me that's usually looking at the classifieds 3 weeks after getting a new car.... I don't look at them any more.
I really can't understand how people find the Z has a harsh ride - i do a 30 mile each way commute in mine on A/B roads every day and it's actually much less crashy than the 1 series (runflats) i had previously. I find it firm but extremely comfortable and not at all crashy.
For me the Z4(M) is a far, far better car than either the Boxster or the Cayman - it just has that raspy edginess that somehow prevents you getting bored. It's much more raw and it feels fast, wheras the Porsche is very composed and precise and might be rewarding for a while but it is one of those cars you get used to very quickly and then get bored of. The M is a more difficult car to drive, but that's the main reason it's a much better car to own, especially if you're one of those people like me that's usually looking at the classifieds 3 weeks after getting a new car.... I don't look at them any more.
I really can't understand how people find the Z has a harsh ride - i do a 30 mile each way commute in mine on A/B roads every day and it's actually much less crashy than the 1 series (runflats) i had previously. I find it firm but extremely comfortable and not at all crashy.
pilchardthecat said:
I really can't understand how people find the Z has a harsh ride - i do a 30 mile each way commute in mine on A/B roads every day and it's actually much less crashy than the 1 series (runflats) i had previously. I find it firm but extremely comfortable and not at all crashy.
Probably if the Z is still on run flats, mine was transformed once I got rid off them. With them on it was crashly and followed every tiny rut. Driving on narrow roads was a constant battle to stop it flinging itself into a hedge.Regarding the interior size comments, I found the Boxster too small also ( and the S2000 fwiw). Plenty of room in the Z (at 6'3'') although my head did brush the roof. Noisy at M way speeds with the top down too as my ears where in the air flow.
kambites said:
chris7676 said:
The steering ratio is not variable in the old cars (986) as far as I know.
I don't know whether the change came with the 987, but early 986s definitely have a fixed ratio rack and are much better cars for it, IMO. Sorry, I'm not too gened up on my Boxster variants. I can't remember if the funny rack came in with the 996 or 997 911 models (I'll check my Frére book sometime). Incidentally, Mercedes have an optional variable rack that changes at 10% steering angle, which is far more intuitive because almost all corners need more than 10% steering wheel movement, so you experience consistency in cornering, but calmness on the motorway. What's screwy about the Porsche system is that it changes at 30%, so it's possible to take ten corners, five of which are on one rack ratio and the other five are on the other. Extremely confusing, and my brain just can't cope with it. I did enquire about getting a normal rack fitted with a few specialists, but didn't get anywhere. If anyone's reading this and knows how to do it for a 997C2S or Cayman S, then please mail me or post, as both cars are potential future purchases for me.I've got an 01 986 S and an 07 Z4 3.0Si so can probably give a reasonable comparison
performance > pretty much the same, the Boxster feels and sounds like it's quicker but i don't think there's any difference in it. don't get a 2.5 Z4, they're too slow. the 231bhp 3.0 is the least you'd want
handling > again there's probably not much actual difference but i feel more conencted in the Boxster and it feels better balanced
Ride > definitely more compliant in the Boxster though that's probably down to me still having the crap RFT's on the Z4, they'll be going when the tyres are due to be changed
running costs > i average about 24 mpg in the Boxster and 31 in the Z4. parts and servicing are more expensive on the Boxster and more seems to go wrong, though that's probably due to it being 6 years older and has done 50k more miles
overall > the Z4 is the easier car to live with day to day, the clutch and steering are lighter, you're not worried it's going to break and it generally feels very well screwed together. but a telling thing is that if i'm ever just going out for a hoon i nearly always take the Porsche. so i guess it depends what you want from the car, you get more car for your more money with the BM but more fun from the Porsche, all IMO of course
performance > pretty much the same, the Boxster feels and sounds like it's quicker but i don't think there's any difference in it. don't get a 2.5 Z4, they're too slow. the 231bhp 3.0 is the least you'd want
handling > again there's probably not much actual difference but i feel more conencted in the Boxster and it feels better balanced
Ride > definitely more compliant in the Boxster though that's probably down to me still having the crap RFT's on the Z4, they'll be going when the tyres are due to be changed
running costs > i average about 24 mpg in the Boxster and 31 in the Z4. parts and servicing are more expensive on the Boxster and more seems to go wrong, though that's probably due to it being 6 years older and has done 50k more miles
overall > the Z4 is the easier car to live with day to day, the clutch and steering are lighter, you're not worried it's going to break and it generally feels very well screwed together. but a telling thing is that if i'm ever just going out for a hoon i nearly always take the Porsche. so i guess it depends what you want from the car, you get more car for your more money with the BM but more fun from the Porsche, all IMO of course
If budget limits you to a base model boxster vs 3.0si Z4 then therese no competition in my opinion, it would be the Z4 for me all the way.
If you can stretch to a 3.2 then I would imagine things become a bit more difficult.
Depends on how much you would like a Porsche badge on the front of your car as well.
If you can stretch to a 3.2 then I would imagine things become a bit more difficult
. Depends on how much you would like a Porsche badge on the front of your car as well.
R26Andy said:
If budget limits you to a base model boxster vs 3.0si Z4 then therese no competition in my opinion, it would be the Z4 for me all the way.
If you can stretch to a 3.2 then I would imagine things become a bit more difficult.
Depends on how much you would like a Porsche badge on the front of your car as well.
I would definitely take a 3.0Si over a 2.7 Boxster but i'd take the 2.7 Boxster over the 2.5 Z4 and it's a very tough call between a 2.7 Boxster and a 231BHP 3.0 Z4If you can stretch to a 3.2 then I would imagine things become a bit more difficult
. Depends on how much you would like a Porsche badge on the front of your car as well.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff