[Eric500]

Of course, the boxster wins.

What's puzzling to me is that they complain about the Z4 not having enough power in base form, but the Boxster with only a few options costs $68K...

What else could you possibly get for $68K with more power and and still more features than a $68K Boxster...

oh right, BMW makes a M40i version with most options coming in under 70K.

It's fine if they say the Porsche drives better, but to complain about something they can fix is just lazy.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...e-718-boxster/

[DPelletier]

Interesting article but the real comparison will be between the Boxster S and M40i. I really wanted a Boxster S, but after seeing ( I simply do NOT understand any negative comments on the Z4's looks) and driving the Z4 M40i and then comparing the pricing it was a no-brainer; 40% less for the Z4 with every option there is to get vs. the Boxster with most of the options I wanted (but not all). The base price for a Boxster S with zero options starts at what I bought my fully optioned M40i for. I have nothing bad to say about the Porsche except for the price and the sound.

Yes the Porsche handles and steers better. I think the Z4 M40i looks better, has a nicer interior, more power and a much better sound......and the price difference makes it a MUCH better value proposition .

2 cents,
Dave

[PrionFawkes]

I can appreciate the driving dynamics the 718 offers, and it's a tall bill for the Z4 to measure up to. If all we did was drive aggressively on twisty mountain roads, or at track days, then I might understand why the Z4 will always come in second to the 718. But the reality is that most of us will live in these things and we not only want something that has immense performance potential, but also caters to our other needs.

Most of the driving we'll do is real life, mundane stuff; and having the level of "Posh, plush, and packed with tech" that the 718 just cannot deliver, without a skyrocketing window sticker, is important.

I'll be honest, I can afford a 718 and the fully laden order sheet necessary to kit it out with everything the Z4 offers. I've driven one, and it's an absolutely wonder machine to pilot. However, when I start to take a look at the cockpit around me, I cannot help but feel that I'm getting ripped off for the price. I stare at the interior of the 718, and if I didn't know better, I would think I'm looking at a 2006 era automobile. I sit in the Z4 and feel I'm living in 2020. My mind and wallet scream, "You got a hell of a deal!", whereas the 718 would have me constantly working my way out of the cognitive dissonance.

[SgtGigglebox]

Originally Posted by PrionFawkes

I sit in the Z4 and feel I'm living in 2020. My mind and wallet scream, "You got a hell of a deal!", whereas the 718 would have me constantly working my way out of the cognitive dissonance.

My sentiments exactly.

[STR3T]

Agree with all points made. Personally would rather have a loaded Z4 M40 at it's price point.

However, I'd rather have the Porsche's depreciation and that has to figure in to cost analysis.

But even then, I think I'd rate this Z4 above the Boxster S...and incrementally higher as options get checked off (and price increases) on the Porsche.

[DPelletier]

Originally Posted by PrionFawkes

I can appreciate the driving dynamics the 718 offers, and it's a tall bill for the Z4 to measure up to. If all we did was drive aggressively on twisty mountain roads, or at track days, then I might understand why the Z4 will always come in second to the 718. But the reality is that most of us will live in these things and we not only want something that has immense performance potential, but also caters to our other needs.

Most of the driving we'll do is real life, mundane stuff; and having the level of "Posh, plush, and packed with tech" that the 718 just cannot deliver, without a skyrocketing window sticker, is important.

I'll be honest, I can afford a 718 and the fully laden order sheet necessary to kit it out with everything the Z4 offers. I've driven one, and it's an absolutely wonder machine to pilot. However, when I start to take a look at the cockpit around me, I cannot help but feel that I'm getting ripped off for the price. I stare at the interior of the 718, and if I didn't know better, I would think I'm looking at a 2006 era automobile. I sit in the Z4 and feel I'm living in 2020. My mind and wallet scream, "You got a hell of a deal!", whereas the 718 would have me constantly working my way out of the cognitive dissonance.

Well said. I can also afford the Boxster S even with it's bloated pricing for evey little thing (my V8 F type's sticker was more) but I just can't escape the feeling of being ripped off with the Porsche.

I test drove a couple Boxsters as well as a 911 and yes, they are dynamically superior.....in fact, if you look at the physics of it, they almost HAVE to be. ...but the Z4 was much closer than I expected and handles better than our SLK, a new SLC43AMG or even my F type.

Likewise the turbo 6 doesn't have the power of my F types supercharged V8 but it is quicker than I expected.

The Z4 definitely feels like "a hell of a deal" to me too.


2 cents,
Dave

[tmehanna]

Originally Posted by DPelletier

Interesting article but the real comparison will be between the Boxster S and M40i. I really wanted a Boxster S, but after seeing ( I simply do NOT understand any negative comments on the Z4's looks) and driving the Z4 M40i and then comparing the pricing it was a no-brainer; 40% less for the Z4 with every option there is to get vs. the Boxster with most of the options I wanted (but not all). The base price for a Boxster S with zero options starts at what I bought my fully optioned M40i for. I have nothing bad to say about the Porsche except for the price and the sound.

Yes the Porsche handles and steers better. I think the Z4 M40i looks better, has a nicer interior, more power and a much better sound......and the price difference makes it a MUCH better value proposition .

2 cents,
Dave

Noone really expects the Z4 to win dynamically against a mid engined Porsche. llooks like they wanted to compare the two with I4 engines regardless of the price differential. Unless I missed something, the title should have been "2019 BMW Z4 sDrive30i vs. 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster: Which Makes for a Better Summer .....around the race track?" I also couldn't find any criticism for the Z4 except the imprecise steering, lack of power (both compared to the Boxter) and the looks, which are highly subjective. Personally, I think the Z4 is the better looking between the two, but I don't really see anything beautiful or original about the Z4, it's just a solid, coherent design.

[nullspace]

I've owned three Porsches (901, 986, and 991) and I love the brand. I'm sure I'll own more in the future. That said, I ordered my Z4 M40i because it's significantly cheaper and more modern.

If I configure a 718 to have the things I want - decent stereo, adjustable seats, dual climate control, keyless start, CarPlay, LSD, leather interior, etc. it prices out to around 98K. The Z4 came out to 71K with literally every option.

I couldn't justify the price difference especially considering that even with all the options the Porsche interior is a big step down (in my opinion). The platform is from 2012 and it's showing its age - not in driving dynamics which remain stellar, but in terms of features and design. Plus you can't open the top on the move.

[stein_325i]

As a Boxster owner, even I can agree that the Z4 is probably enough of a sports car for most people and definitely a much better value in comparison. Of course the Boxster is dynamically superior due to its weight, layout, and steering, but the new Z4 is a great car, a big improvement dynamically over the E89. I would gladly take a Z4 M40i as its similarly priced to the "lightly optioned" Boxster in the article and it does have the sweet inline 6.

But, as an enthusiast, the Boxster was a clear choice for one reason, the 6-Speed Manual. As a third/summer car, and already having two autos, a manual was crucial to finding the perfect convertible for my wife and I, which is one reason I would love if BMW would make a manual for the Z4 or at least special order, as I'd lease one immediately, but sadly that car doesn't exist, and because of that, the Boxster is my choice of roadster to lease.

[DPelletier]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

As a Boxster owner, even I can agree that the Z4 is probably enough of a sports car for most people and definitely a much better value in comparison. Of course the Boxster is dynamically superior due to its weight, layout, and steering, but the new Z4 is a great car, a big improvement dynamically over the E89. I would gladly take a Z4 M40i as its similarly priced to the "lightly optioned" Boxster in the article and it does have the sweet inline 6.

But, as an enthusiast, the Boxster was a clear choice for one reason, the 6-Speed Manual. As a third/summer car, and already having two autos, a manual was crucial to finding the perfect convertible for my wife and I, which is one reason I would love if BMW would make a manual for the Z4 or at least special order, as I'd lease one immediately, but sadly that car doesn't exist, and because of that, the Boxster is my choice of roadster to lease.

As I said, I have nothing bad to say about the Boxster except price.....I was looking for a 981 GTS 'cause I much prefer the sound of the old 6 even if it doesn't have quite as much power but since no two Porsches are the same, I couldn't find one with the options I wanted. For those that want a MT, you raise an excellent point.....for me, it was the opposite: auto/DCT only for a variety of reasons but I was very impressed with the ZF in the Z4 and I've been very happy with the ZF in my F type as well. I get the allure of the 6 spd and I have other MT vehicles but I'm happy with the modern, paddle shifted auto in the Z4.

Dave

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by DPelletier

As I said, I have nothing bad to say about the Boxster except price.....I was looking for a 981 GTS 'cause I much prefer the sound of the old 6 even if it doesn't have quite as much power but since no two Porsches are the same, I couldn't find one with the options I wanted. For those that want a MT, you raise an excellent point.....for me, it was the opposite: auto/DCT only for a variety of reasons but I was very impressed with the ZF in the Z4 and I've been very happy with the ZF in my F type as well. I get the allure of the 6 spd and I have other MT vehicles but I'm happy with the modern, paddle shifted auto in the Z4.

Dave

Totally agree, the Porsche Tax is very high, and if I were to get an Auto I'd go full Z4, just very greatful that I have that choice.

[Germanauto]

This was pretty much expected. BMW doesn't do hardcore cars anymore, it's always about balancing sport with luxury with a bias toward the latter.

At least this seems like a competent and reasonably fun car, unlike the E89 which it replaces.

Main selling points for the Bimmer over the 718: cheaper leases, option for 6 cylinders, more tech (mostly useless to enthusiasts though), and more eye-catching looks (good or bad depending on your preference).

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

This was pretty much expected. BMW doesn't do hardcore cars anymore, it's always about balancing sport with luxury with a bias toward the latter.

At least this seems like a competent and reasonably fun car, unlike the E89 which it replaces.

Main selling points for the Bimmer over the 718: cheaper leases, option for 6 cylinders, more tech (mostly useless to enthusiasts though), and more eye-catching looks (good or bad depending on your preference).

I definitely agree, but has there ever been a Z4/3 that was better than the Boxster? I mean, I always consider Porsche to be a different class above BMW, Merc, and Audi.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

I definitely agree, but has there ever been a Z4/3 that was better than the Boxster? I mean, I always consider Porsche to be a different class above BMW, Merc, and Audi.

Yup Porsche is a cut above overall.

But the Z3 and first gen E85 Z4 were pretty well-engineered and placed an emphasis on sporting. They were compact and had classic BMW driving dynamics.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Yup Porsche is a cut above overall.

But the Z3 and first gen E85 Z4 were pretty well-engineered and placed an emphasis on sporting. They were compact and had classic BMW driving dynamics.

True, good ol' days are long gone, we live in a world where BMW would rather make an X6 M SUV than an Z4 M Roadster

[CeEl]

Another point for the Z4: can be custom ordered easily! Looked into a Boxster GTS a couple of years ago, and would have had to order right at the beginning of the model year. A couple months later nobody had production slots available.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

True, good ol' days are long gone, we live in a world where BMW would rather make an X6 M SUV than an Z4 M Roadster

The world has changed and with it consumer preferences. BMW has become too big to cater to people like us.

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

I definitely agree, but has there ever been a Z4/3 that was better than the Boxster? I mean, I always consider Porsche to be a different class above BMW, Merc, and Audi.

Yes there has!

Well, at least in the opinion of Richard Hammond when he reviewed the Z4M. It seems that you haven't see this, so I hope you enjoy it. Its typical vintage Top Gear and a fun watch:

[hans007]

I priced out a boxster with basically the standard features on a z4 base with convenience package which is roughly what I'm considering ordering.

you know things like seats that adjust and nav and a half decent set of speakers that sort of thing since you have to live in this car in the real world. also the pdk is $3000+ and yes you do get an auto for free in a z4 if you wanted one.

the boxster is so stripped down that it's $20k more (50 vs 70)

unless you are made of money and have to get the most track worthy roadster this is a significant difference , and the boxster inside and out feels 5 years old .

even a m40i costs less than a pretty stripped down 718 so this comparison is pretty dumb as it is, why not compare a base macan and a x3 m while we are at it. unless money isn't a thing for you which I guess for car journalists who never pay for cars that is true.

what makes for a better summer? a z4 and a $20k pile of cash works for a lot of people. I'd guess more than the 718.

[Eric500]

Originally Posted by hans007

I priced out a boxster with basically the standard features on a z4 base with convenience package which is roughly what I'm considering ordering.

you know things like seats that adjust and nav and a half decent set of speakers that sort of thing since you have to live in this car in the real world. also the pdk is $3000+ and yes you do get an auto for free in a z4 if you wanted one.

the boxster is so stripped down that it's $20k more (50 vs 70)

unless you are made of money and have to get the most track worthy roadster this is a significant difference , and the boxster inside and out feels 5 years old .

even a m40i costs less than a pretty stripped down 718 so this comparison is pretty dumb as it is, why not compare a base macan and a x3 m while we are at it. unless money isn't a thing for you which I guess for car journalists who never pay for cars that is true.

what makes for a better summer? a z4 and a $20k pile of cash works for a lot of people. I'd guess more than the 718.

My thoughts exactly! If you can spend $70k on a 2 seat convertible and the option exists for an m40i for the same price as a base boxster, why wouldn't you compare the two?

Obviously wanting to save 20k is a reason to go 30i which seems quick enough, but these auto journalists don't care for price. So why not show what your money can buy within the class of car instead of saying the BMW is too slow but you save some money... that's the most unhelpful piece of review.

50-70k also gets a TTS and C7 corvette and some form of high performance mustang if you really want to be broad, but the boxster and z4 are more direct competition

[DPelletier]

As a relatively new BMW owner (had an X3 a while back and currently have a Jaguar F type V8S, MB SLK350 and GLC43AMG), I have to admit that I don't get all the lamentation about lacking a Z4M..... The M40i is the best performing Z4 to date whatever you call it, easily eclipsing all Z3's and 4's that have come before it in any way you can measure such things. Seeing as how the M40i already outperforms some "real M cars" on the dragstrip and the track, I'm not sure it matters what it's called. What engine would they use in a 2020 Z4M anyhow and how much faster do you think it'd be....

2 cents,
Dave

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by DPelletier

As a relatively new BMW owner (had an X3 a while back and currently have a Jaguar F type V8S, MB SLK350 and GLC43AMG), I have to admit that I don't get all the lamentation about lacking a Z4M..... The M40i is the best performing Z4 to date whatever you call it, easily eclipsing all Z3's and 4's that have come before it in any way you can measure such things. Seeing as how the M40i already outperforms some "real M cars" on the dragstrip and the track, I'm not sure it matters what it's called. What engine would they use in a 2020 Z4M anyhow and how much faster do you think it'd be....

2 cents,
Dave

I mean the lack of a Z4 isn't so bad as the M40i is great, but its just disappointing that BMW would rather make a 2 ton M SUV rather than a true sports car, especially since the brand prides themselves on making great sport cars