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      10-07-2014, 01:31 PM   #1
james33
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Trade my M3 vert for a Z4 - Crazy?

I have a 2008 M3 convertible with under 20K miles on it, extended warranty, Jerez Black with Boston Beige interior, 6 speed, navigation, EDC, etc. Car is flawless. But I'd like something smaller. I've always liked roadsters and small sports cars. The M3 is spectacular but it's just a big car. Is it crazy to want to do an even trade for a Z4 sdrive 35i or 35is? I've owned a 2008 M coupe and it was a blast, but really want a to keep a convertible. Also looking at a Porsche Boxster S as an even trade too.

Comments or offers? LOL
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      10-07-2014, 02:53 PM   #2
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If you want a small good looking cruiser. Z4

If you want a good drivers car akin to the M. Porsche
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      10-07-2014, 03:34 PM   #3
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Drive them both. However, having moved from a Z4 to Boxster S, I can say my preference is the Boxster. And let me add that I drove the newer Z4s and for me, the Porsche.
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      10-07-2014, 03:36 PM   #4
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That's the problem - I love the look of the Z4 but the Porsche..... it's a better sports car but it's not the most attractive and they all look about the same. It's not like I'd be tracking either car much at all, probably autocross and maybe a HPDE every once in a while.
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      10-07-2014, 03:46 PM   #5
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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I would agree with you pre-2013 for the Boxster. But I think the new gen Boxster/Cayman is better looking than the latest gen Z4. But different strokes for different folks. No question you can create crazy horsepower with the 35i and a tune and you cannot with the NA Boxster/Cayman. But the Boxster/Cayman is like a rat with sneakers.
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      10-07-2014, 04:33 PM   #6
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If you are looking for a track car then I would stay away from the Z4. However, with 5k in mods you can make a very fast and capable roadster.

IMO you have to change the suspension on the Z4 if you are going to mod it though. I went with KW Coilovers and they completely transformed the car. In a straight line I won't lose to much and the torque is very addictive. Unlike the M3 you get immediate power at 2500 rpm and it is a great dd car.

I wrecked my last car, 135i, and I test drove a few E9X M3's. I could not get past losing the torque that I had become used to in my 135i and I went to the N54 powered Z4.

It all depends on what you are looking for. A used E89 35i is hard to beat for the money.
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      10-07-2014, 05:10 PM   #7
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All good points. I think it will boil down to what I can find. Only a 2007 - 2011 Porsche Boxster S, or 2009-2012 Z4 sdrive 3.5i or 3.5is. Color is important as well - blue, yellow, orange, or MAYBE white with red interior for either car.

I'm keeping an eye on CarMax and Autotrader!
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      10-07-2014, 07:08 PM   #8
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I have both: 2013 E92 M3 coupe and 2010 E89 Z4 w/ M Sport.

Couple of thoughts:

1. If I was forced to pick one, I would pick the Z4 hands down if (1) I was not a track rat and (2) I had another car that could carry passengers/cargo.

2. The Z4 is, by some margin, a better DD than the M3, due in large part to its fuel economy, size, and low-end torque.

3. The Z4 is the better looking car. My Z4 gets far more attention than my M3 whenever I take it to car events, the dealer, etc. The E89 Z4 is far more rare than an E92 M3 and a lot of people don't even know what they are.

4. The Z4 is much, much cheaper to mod for big power. $3,000 gets you crazy power on the Z4 with downpipes, a tune, an intercooler, and a filter or intake.


In my humble opinion, a Boxster is not special enough of a Porsche to justify the premium over an E89 Z4. If it were a 911 Turbo or a Carrera GTS, sure, but not a Boxster. This is especially true when you consider the virtues of a hardtop in the Z4.

If it were me, I would buy a CPO, low-mileage Z4 35is, then mod the car with the following:
  • FMIC
  • Downpipes
  • Cobb or JB4
  • Filter
  • KW v3 coilovers
  • H&R sway bars
  • WaveTrac limited-slip differential
  • A set of lightweight, ideally 18" wheels (HRE R40s or Volk TE-37s would be awesome, but Apex would work, too)
  • Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in 235 and 275

You'll still have cash in the bank over the Boxster and you'll have a car that looks better, is faster, and handles as well as a Boxster.
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      10-07-2014, 07:25 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hujan View Post
I have both: 2013 E92 M3 coupe and 2010 E89 Z4 w/ M Sport.

Couple of thoughts:

1. If I was forced to pick one, I would pick the Z4 hands down if (1) I was not a track rat and (2) I had another car that could carry passengers/cargo.

2. The Z4 is, by some margin, a better DD than the M3, due in large part to its fuel economy, size, and low-end torque.

3. The Z4 is the better looking car. My Z4 gets far more attention than my M3 whenever I take it to car events, the dealer, etc. The E89 Z4 is far more rare than an E92 M3 and a lot of people don't even know what they are.

4. The Z4 is much, much cheaper to mod for big power. $3,000 gets you crazy power on the Z4 with downpipes, a tune, an intercooler, and a filter or intake.


In my humble opinion, a Boxster is not special enough of a Porsche to justify the premium over an E89 Z4. If it were a 911 Turbo or a Carrera GTS, sure, but not a Boxster. This is especially true when you consider the virtues of a hardtop in the Z4.

If it were me, I would buy a CPO, low-mileage Z4 35is, then mod the car with the following:
  • FMIC
  • Downpipes
  • Cobb or JB4
  • Filter
  • KW v3 coilovers
  • H&R sway bars
  • WaveTrac limited-slip differential
  • A set of lightweight, ideally 18" wheels (HRE R40s or Volk TE-37s would be awesome, but Apex would work, too)
  • Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in 235 and 275

You'll still have cash in the bank over the Boxster and you'll have a car that looks better, is faster, and handles as well as a Boxster.
Absolutely! Skip the Porsche Boxster unless you want to spend the money on the 911 or consider a C7. Otherwise, get a Z4 in the low 30's and put 5k in mods.
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      10-07-2014, 11:02 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hujan View Post
I have both: 2013 E92 M3 coupe and 2010 E89 Z4 w/ M Sport.

Couple of thoughts:

1. If I was forced to pick one, I would pick the Z4 hands down if (1) I was not a track rat and (2) I had another car that could carry passengers/cargo.

2. The Z4 is, by some margin, a better DD than the M3, due in large part to its fuel economy, size, and low-end torque.

3. The Z4 is the better looking car. My Z4 gets far more attention than my M3 whenever I take it to car events, the dealer, etc. The E89 Z4 is far more rare than an E92 M3 and a lot of people don't even know what they are.

4. The Z4 is much, much cheaper to mod for big power. $3,000 gets you crazy power on the Z4 with downpipes, a tune, an intercooler, and a filter or intake.


In my humble opinion, a Boxster is not special enough of a Porsche to justify the premium over an E89 Z4. If it were a 911 Turbo or a Carrera GTS, sure, but not a Boxster. This is especially true when you consider the virtues of a hardtop in the Z4.

If it were me, I would buy a CPO, low-mileage Z4 35is, then mod the car with the following:
  • FMIC
  • Downpipes
  • Cobb or JB4
  • Filter
  • KW v3 coilovers
  • H&R sway bars
  • WaveTrac limited-slip differential
  • A set of lightweight, ideally 18" wheels (HRE R40s or Volk TE-37s would be awesome, but Apex would work, too)
  • Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in 235 and 275

You'll still have cash in the bank over the Boxster and you'll have a car that looks better, is faster, and handles as well as a Boxster.
I agree with a lot of your points - the Boxster isn't special, the Z4 is rarer, it looks better, and I love the hard top. So I am still thinking and deciding. I've driven both already and find the Z4 to be faster in a straight line but the Boxster more fun in the corners. I really don't care about drag racing or having the fastest car. As long as it's FUN to drive and communicates with me, and is at least quick, I'd pretty pretty happy. That's why I'm leaning towards the Boxster S.... And I'm not interested in an American muscle car of any kind. I don't plan on keeping any car more than a few years - I have too many I want to own so I may eventually own the Boxster and the Z4, or maybe a 911. And I REALLY want the M2 when it comes out. THAT will be something I'd do an ED on I think.....

Decisions....
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      10-08-2014, 12:30 AM   #11
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I own both a Porsche and a Z4 and it comes down to this for me: Soft top vs Hard top. Hard top all the way.
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      10-08-2014, 11:52 AM   #12
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OP, I'm sure you know this already but there is a meaningful difference between the 987.1 and 987.2. With the 987.2 you have access to PDK and along with moving to DI for the engine a lot of little things were fixed like the engine's ability to keep itself oiled under sustained high g (i.e. at the track with semi slicks)

I'm going to play the other side for a sec, and I think you should get the 987.2 PDK for the feel and the sound and overall experience. Having the boxer motor revving hard right behind your shoulders is awesome, PDK shifts are super aggressive, the brakes feel great and the car really rotates. It is a ton of fun, even on the street. And it traps around 110mph stock, so has decent pace in a straight line.
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      10-08-2014, 04:21 PM   #13
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I can't imagine that our Z4 would ever handle as well as a Boxster, despite whatever mods that is put into it. That being said, the Boxster is a no-go due to the softtop. It looks nice w/ the top down but the top up w/ the fabric, I wouldn't be able to accept that.

However, I'd jump all over the new Cayman if someone would spot me the extra $20-30K lol.
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      10-08-2014, 05:40 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tranquility View Post
I can't imagine that our Z4 would ever handle as well as a Boxster, despite whatever mods that is put into it.
In NASA time trials, z435is and 987.2 Boxster S are both in TTB class so they are considered to be at least in the same ballpark. (I guess for those few hot laps before the stock E89 gets too hot.. haha)

The latest 981 generation is classed higher than the E89.

I think if the aftermarket is involved and tires are equivalent, all bets are off. The modded configurations Hujan and others have mentioned would be a lot of fun at the track with some brake and cooling upgrades.
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      10-08-2014, 07:34 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hujan View Post
I have both: 2013 E92 M3 coupe and 2010 E89 Z4 w/ M Sport.

Couple of thoughts:

1. If I was forced to pick one, I would pick the Z4 hands down if (1) I was not a track rat and (2) I had another car that could carry passengers/cargo.

2. The Z4 is, by some margin, a better DD than the M3, due in large part to its fuel economy, size, and low-end torque.

3. The Z4 is the better looking car. My Z4 gets far more attention than my M3 whenever I take it to car events, the dealer, etc. The E89 Z4 is far more rare than an E92 M3 and a lot of people don't even know what they are.

4. The Z4 is much, much cheaper to mod for big power. $3,000 gets you crazy power on the Z4 with downpipes, a tune, an intercooler, and a filter or intake.


In my humble opinion, a Boxster is not special enough of a Porsche to justify the premium over an E89 Z4. If it were a 911 Turbo or a Carrera GTS, sure, but not a Boxster. This is especially true when you consider the virtues of a hardtop in the Z4.

If it were me, I would buy a CPO, low-mileage Z4 35is, then mod the car with the following:
  • FMIC
  • Downpipes
  • Cobb or JB4
  • Filter
  • KW v3 coilovers
  • H&R sway bars
  • WaveTrac limited-slip differential
  • A set of lightweight, ideally 18" wheels (HRE R40s or Volk TE-37s would be awesome, but Apex would work, too)
  • Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in 235 and 275

You'll still have cash in the bank over the Boxster and you'll have a car that looks better, is faster, and handles as well as a Boxster.
+1

Check out the thread "robbing the m3 suspension" and you'll see the z can utilize many M suspension components.

I cruise and track my car. Its a ton of fun, and when its not the fastest its still one of the best looking and rarest!

For Boxster you'll always have the "why didn't you get a 911" chip on your shoulder.
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      10-08-2014, 08:52 PM   #16
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I say Boxster GTS!
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      10-08-2014, 09:12 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nicknaz View Post
OP, I'm sure you know this already but there is a meaningful difference between the 987.1 and 987.2. With the 987.2 you have access to PDK and along with moving to DI for the engine a lot of little things were fixed like the engine's ability to keep itself oiled under sustained high g (i.e. at the track with semi slicks)

I'm going to play the other side for a sec, and I think you should get the 987.2 PDK for the feel and the sound and overall experience. Having the boxer motor revving hard right behind your shoulders is awesome, PDK shifts are super aggressive, the brakes feel great and the car really rotates. It is a ton of fun, even on the street. And it traps around 110mph stock, so has decent pace in a straight line.
What year is the 987.2?
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      10-09-2014, 01:18 AM   #18
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Honestly if you want more of a drivers car buy the boxster.
It's lighter, takes corners better, and has a great mid engine setup.
Just don't buy one older then 2009? since an IMS failure will murder your engine (search for IMS and porsche to see the issues with the M96 and M97 engines.)

With that said I picked the z4.

Its cheaper, it has a hard top, and it'll walk a lot of other cars in a line.

One last thing to keep in mind if you think the z4 is being compared equally to other cars in reviews and time trials.
All the tests done were probably in a stock config between both cars right?
Seems fair to compare those RFT's to PSS equipped cars right? Just sayin...
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      10-09-2014, 06:49 AM   #19
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Thanks everyone! You've all made the same arguments here as I've made in my head over and over. LOL! I'll probably get whichever is most convenient and matches the color and options I want. Eventually I will probably own both so it won't matter which one goes first.

James
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      10-09-2014, 07:07 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jts1981 View Post
+1

For Boxster you'll always have the "why didn't you get a 911" chip on your shoulder.
I'd say because the 911 is at least twice the cost (for not twice the performance) unless you get an older one with a melted chocolate interior. eeuw.

Only reason I'd pay the extra for a 911 is if I was in need of part time rear seats. Other than that a boxster/cayman is more than good enough.
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      10-09-2014, 11:52 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by james33 View Post
What year is the 987.2?
2009 and up
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      10-09-2014, 02:25 PM   #22
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[QUOTE=Hujan;16747022]I have both: 2013 E92 M3 coupe and 2010 E89 Z4 w/ M Sport.

Couple of thoughts:

1. If I was forced to pick one, I would pick the Z4 hands down if (1) I was not a track rat and (2) I had another car that could carry passengers/cargo.

2. The Z4 is, by some margin, a better DD than the M3, due in large part to its fuel economy, size, and low-end torque.

3. The Z4 is the better looking car. My Z4 gets far more attention than my M3 whenever I take it to car events, the dealer, etc. The E89 Z4 is far more rare than an E92 M3 and a lot of people don't even know what they are.

4. The Z4 is much, much cheaper to mod for big power. $3,000 gets you crazy power on the Z4 with downpipes, a tune, an intercooler, and a filter or intake.


In my humble opinion, a Boxster is not special enough of a Porsche to justify the premium over an E89 Z4. If it were a 911 Turbo or a Carrera GTS, sure, but not a Boxster. This is especially true when you consider the virtues of a hardtop in the Z4.

If it were me, I would buy a CPO, low-mileage Z4 35is, then mod the car with the following:
  • FMIC
  • Downpipes
  • Cobb or JB4
  • Filter
  • KW v3 coilovers
  • H&R sway bars
  • WaveTrac limited-slip differential
  • A set of lightweight, ideally 18" wheels (HRE R40s or Volk TE-37s would be awesome, but Apex would work, too)
  • Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in 235 and 275

Go with the Z and the above CRAZY FAST upgrades.

If its a Porsche, Go for the 2014 New Cayman.
The 911 Performance and pocket $20K plus

2014 Porsche Cayman
MSRP: From $52,600
Horsepower: 275 HP to 325 HP
Engine size: 2.7L, 3.4L
Configurations
Base Manual $52,600
Base Automatic $52,600 -WHY

S Automatic $63,800
S Manual $63,800




2014 Porsche 911
MSRP: From $84,300
Horsepower: 350 HP to 560 HP
Engine size: 3.4L, 3.8L
Body styles
Coupe From $84,300
Convertible From $96,200
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