Z4 vs SLK vs Boxster

[persian54]

Originally Posted by juhap

Well, considering it's not even available yet, I'm sure it is more exclusive than the Z4. But it really doesn't look THAT different from the current Boxster unless you're a big fan of them. And as it is right now, I can't even throw a rock blindfolded without hitting a Boxster or Audi TT. No doubt it's a great car, but exclusive it will never be.

I used to rarely see Z4s around here when I had my 09

but now with my 11, i see them all the time... especially after the leases got dirt cheap lol

[dtp_jr]

A lot is made of the Z4's supposed bad handling with the old Boxster being held up as the epitome of good handling. However, the Stig's TopGear track time was 128.7s for a 2005 Boxster S and 128.2s for a 2009 Z4 35i.

In 2005 the Boxster S had a curb weight of 2965lbs with 280HP according to Edmunds and the 2009 Z4 weighed in at 3450lbs with 300HP. This gives the BMW a weight to power ratio of 11.5lbs/HP with the Boxster at 10.6lbs/HP.

So if the handling of the BMW was as terrible as some would have you to believe how does the Z4 that is overall heavier, with worse weight/power ratio and saddled with run flat tires beat it around a track by half a second?

[baldguyj]

Our Torque does well! Depending on track and conditions torque beats handling. Then others the other way around.

[Nv Z]

Originally Posted by baldguyj

Our Torque does well! Depending on track and conditions torque beats handling. Then others the other way around.

And for some of us, driving comfort and the hard top, made the decision of which car to buy easy.

[35iDriver]

Originally Posted by rfx45

No matter what, it is all part of the package and why we love these cars. So you're telling me that if this car is slower than a Miata but drives like a BMW and cost the same, you wouldn't mind the car?

I mean the 35is or even the Boxters S, if it goes 0-60 in 7 seconds but still handles the same, would you consider it? I doubt it because the Boxster drive similar to the Boxster S but you obviously care for hp and how fast it can go as well or else you'd just consider the Boxster, 28i or the SLK250 and save a few thousands of dollars.


Power and speed is all part of the driving dynamics so it still has to be considered when making a purchase. 0-60 times isn't always about the straight line. You also want to feel that your car has enough power for what you are paying. And whether you like it or not, 0-60 times is a measuring stick on how each stack up against each other so we can compare and contrast when making a decision.

To add to that......Total amount of torque and how soon in the powerband you reach max torque are nearly as important as HP. This is where the 35i and 35is outshine the Boxster.

Meaning the Z4 will feel faster than the new Boxster most of ther time and during normal everyday driving, since it has more torque and the max torque hits at 1500 RPMs. You feel as if you have more control of the vehicle's speed because the vehicles response to the throttle is more immediate. All of this enhances the driving dynamics and the drivers experience.

[Dr Stig 2]

I'm not a troll.
I own the 35is and it is the best car I've ever owned.
However, the new boxster is the best looking thing I have ever seen with a Porsche badge except for the old GT.

If it was an affordable car here, I'd seriously consider one.
To spec it up to be equivalent to my Z4 would make a boxster S about a $180,000 car here. Compared to about $150K for the Z.
Add to that you can haggle a better deal with BMW and the Porsche sales guys are all dicks, i guess i will stay with what i have for a while.

But I think the boxster now is an attractive car.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by dtp_jr

A lot is made of the Z4's supposed bad handling with the old Boxster being held up as the epitome of good handling. However, the Stig's TopGear track time was 128.7s for a 2005 Boxster S and 128.2s for a 2009 Z4 35i.

In 2005 the Boxster S had a curb weight of 2965lbs with 280HP according to Edmunds and the 2009 Z4 weighed in at 3450lbs with 300HP. This gives the BMW a weight to power ratio of 11.5lbs/HP with the Boxster at 10.6lbs/HP.

So if the handling of the BMW was as terrible as some would have you to believe how does the Z4 that is overall heavier, with worse weight/power ratio and saddled with run flat tires beat it around a track by half a second?

Point well taken, plus the Z4 is a much nicer looking car

[CeEl]

Originally Posted by Constant.S

Well, there isnt a comparison for the Z4 yet in the BMW lineup, the 6 series is soft top and not a two seater but if you are N/A engine fan then the Boxster is the right car for you.

You know, I think he may have a point there. Maybe not the M6, but the rest of the 6 series convertibles. I did test drive it a lot, and the rear seat is really just an extension of the trunk and not really a seat IMHO. Everything (power, noticable changes between the normal/sport/sport+ settings, etc.) was just more pronounced than on the Z4. Agree it's a different style, but if I had had the money, I would have given the 6 very serious consideration. Styling is different, but other than that, it has everything I love about the Z4 -- just a tiny bit more of everything without the hard top!

[rfx45]

Originally Posted by CeEl

You know, I think he may have a point there. Maybe not the M6, but the rest of the 6 series convertibles. I did test drive it a lot, and the rear seat is really just an extension of the trunk and not really a seat IMHO. Everything (power, noticable changes between the normal/sport/sport+ settings, etc.) was just more pronounced than on the Z4. Agree it's a different style, but if I had had the money, I would have given the 6 very serious consideration. Styling is different, but other than that, it has everything I love about the Z4 -- just a tiny bit more of everything without the hard top!

Except the 640i convertible starts at ~$81k and the 650i (which has a turbo V8) starts at ~$90k.

[tranquility]

Man, we can't seriously be comparing the Z4 to a 6 series... If I wanted a big monster, I'd buy a yacht. I dislike large cars and the Z4 is already edging on big for my tastes (it's the same length as a Honda Civic sedan!).

[rfx45]

Originally Posted by tranquility

Man, we can't seriously be comparing the Z4 to a 6 series... If I wanted a big monster, I'd buy a yacht. I dislike large cars and the Z4 is already edging on big for my tastes (it's the same length as a Honda Civic sedan!).

I'm perfectly happy with the E89s length, I just love the long hood. I really don't think it'll look as good if they shortened it.

[E36ic4Me]

Originally Posted by 35iDriver

Total amount of torque and how soon in the powerband you reach max torque are nearly as important as HP.

Absolutely, an excellent point! The E36 325i was replaced by the 328i. The 328i had exactly 1 horsepower more then the 325i did. However, with the torque difference, it drove like an entirely different car and felt worlds faster.

[CeEl]

Originally Posted by rfx45

Except the 640i convertible starts at ~$81k and the 650i (which has a turbo V8) starts at ~$90k.

Right ... that was his point, the Z being a "poor man's 6". Poor being very relative when talking about these price points

[Constant.S]

Lol... Seriously??? The 6 series isnt even a roadster! So by definition its not even comparable. The definition BMW gives for the 6 series is "Exeutive coupe/Convertible". They even announced a 4 door version of the 6 series to rival the A7 and CLS. How can you guys even compare two different car philosophies is beyond me.

[NFexec]

Well, I just sold my '09 Boxster I had for 3 years and got a 2012 Z435i. I loved my Porsche, and found it to be extremely well built, great fun to drive, loved the engine roar upon smart acceleration, but also the smooth and yet solid driving when just cruising. Great to have two trunks, and the creature comfort items are very well thought out and work flawlessly.

For the money, it is probably THE car to have in terms of the "handles like driving on rails" saying goes... but it is also quite stiff. That means one feels every little bump and crack in the road. And, while some say its design is getting old, it still DOES draw attention.

My Z4 is easily as fast if not faster, handles ALMOST as flat and sharp as the Boxster, but unless one is a demanding track enthusiast, it works extremely well, looks great, and can get you into deep trouble very quickly if you don't apply wisdom behind the wheel! It's also a very comfortable cruiser. And yes - comparably equipped, it is less expensive than the Porsche. And BMW often promotes pretty decent deals -- I got a nice windfall from selling my Porsche and am now enjoying a very affordable lease with my Z4.

I'm glad I had a 3-year Porsche "experiment", but I'm very happy to be driving a Z4 35i now, too!

Doug

[G14RRV]

i have never driven a boxter but i regularly drive z4 and slk (my mums), the post from the slk forum is bang on i would imagine, boxter best, z4 middleman and slk looks good but tad boring

here is a couple pics from the z4-forum.com i posted


Quality not best.

my z is sdrive20i msport pack, and the slk is r172 slk200 with amg pack

[crystalbluedive]

Z4 35is > SLK > Boxster

[nhhiep]

you guys don't agree with the M6 is a 911 version of the Z? M6 and 911 are the best of two brands. Both tune for speed and handling, with much higher price than the z/boxster. Both have useless backseats. I'd say if we can compare the Z to Boxster, then isn't it the same with M6 and 911?

[rfx45]

I don't really see the Boxsters/Cayman a baby 911 since it's mid-engine and overall, even better than the regular 911. They strictly limit it's hp (always below the 911 hp) because they know that if they make one that can compete with the 911s power for a cheaper price, then it'll take away sales from their niche car and a lot of 911 enthusiast who goes from one 911 to another 911 might be pissed and switch brands. That is something Porsche isn't willing to take a risk at in the moment.


Plus the regular 911 is still at least $10k more than the 640i coupe before options. Then there will be a plethora of other 911s that will simply overwhelm the 6 series.

And again, the new 6-series gran coupe kind of separates it from the 911 altogether unless you try and compare it to the Panamera?

[Kish]

I just traded an '06 Boxster manual for a ZS35i 7 speed. I don't track my cars so I can't speak about that aspect. There is no car but the Cayman in this price range that handles as well or is as much fun to drive as a Boxster. The grip and handling is amazing. Mine was optioned out, but I got a near $60K car for $48K. Just luck. A woman ordered an automatic loaded and they f'ed up and ordered it in a manual. They sat on it from August, as no one wanted to pay 4 all the options, until I got it on a special deal in April. Had 6 years of fun, but always found the new Z4 style more to my taste, and saw very few on the road. I see Porsche's all day long. Same boring styling. The Boxster looks more like a toy than the Z4 to me anyway. I'm liking the change and think the Z4 is a good car 4 me at my age anyway. Just sexier to me and less girlly. The 7 speed dual clutch manual is really fun and has the low end torque that's missing in the Boxster. Can't really tune a Boxster much either. I did like winding out the Boxster to 7K RPMS with each shift. Very smooth power curve. Once u hit 4K rpms it loves to make power up to red line.
The Z4 turbo is easy to tune and tuned makes the new Boxster S not a good relative value. It's fast enough untuned for me. Just getting a cat back and a CAI. That will make it about as fast as the is. What I really love is that in heavy traffic I'm not cluching and stopping over and over, and over for eternity. I get caught in rush hour alot on the highway, and the Boxster was a pain in the arse that stop and go situation.
If I were younger I'd go for the Boxster S (with few options) no doubt, but I find the Z4 more mature. I always wanted a Z8 and when I serviced my Z4 Weds. there was a silver Z8 there being serviced. I prefered the lines of my silver Z4 much more. That pleasantly surprised me. I was going to get the Z4 in a manual, but next to the Boxster the BMW manual just felt sloppy. The Boxster manual with a short throw shifter is a great tranny when not in traffic. Realiability wise the Boxster can't be beat. BMWs just are no longer reliable. Almost as bad as an Audi.
Brian1

[35iDriver]

Originally Posted by Z4sd

I will give you my opinion Sir......

The Z4 is a great all around car but its chassis does suffer from an extra 300-500lbs of weight compared to the previous Z and previous & current Boxster. Now that's not exactly a great recipe for the ultimate driving roadster It really does not handle that well, and you will feel its heaviness. it is more of a blvd cruiser BUT it does come with tons of Technology, Comfort. For me though, A roadster first obligation is great dynamic drive, handling, and excitement, the new Z with its hardtop, electronic brake, 300-500 lbs extra comes short in this department and at a starting MSRP of $50k for a turbo 4 cylinder!!!!, don't think so.

My choice is the Boxster and by that I mean the NEW Boxster 2013 due for sale in June/July. Style has been changed for the first time and it looks excellent inside and out, aggressive, and might I say even more exclusive than the Z4. It has all the technology and comfort of the Z but it gives you one thing the Z cannot match. 500lbs less in weight (can't believe BMW did this) chassis and suspension that are unmatched in the roadster world. Basically, the Boxster can give you a comfortable ride AND the best Handling Driving dynamics out there, but you do have to pay some 6-10 thousands more, comparatively optioned.

Don't listen to those who tell you its a track car. Its actually very civilized and leaves its competitors in the dust in the Twistiest, handling, and driving dynamics. The new Boxster is a Killer, simply put. Check the pics below.

OK, couple things.............

1) The 35i weighs about 250 lbs more than the e85M. That would be the best 2 cars for comparison. To say the e89 weighs 500 lbs. more than the e85 is an exaggeration.

2) The 2013 Boxster looks 95% like the 1998 - 2011 Boxster and I see 25 of those upside down bath tubs on the road for every ONE e89 I see. So, which one is more exclusive????

3) "Boulevard Cruiser" ? - are you #$%& serious??!! Go drive something like a G37 convertible, then drive a 35i with new Michelin PSS Non Runflat tires, which many of us are switching to and then you tell us which car is the "Boulevard cruiser" and which is the nimble sportscar.