Porsche Boxster vs BMW Z4 - On Target? | Everyday Driver TV Season 5
The BMW Z4 is aimed directly at the Porsche Boxster with more focus than ever before. And they have similar 4 cylinder engines and power output. So we found a great road and a 4 cylinder base Boxster to see how close the Z4 got to its target.
00:00 - 0:52 Intro
0:52 - 5:34 Design and Interior
5:34 - 12:12 Power and Performance
12:12 - 16:13 Handling and Ride
16:13 - Conclusions
This episode from Season 5 first Premiered on MotorTrend cable channel in September of 2019.
#BMW #Genesis #AlfaRomeo #comparison
We'll post another TV episode from one of our past seasons, every month, right here on KZhead.
Our very latest TV episodes are available on Amazon Prime or Vimeo, find them here:
www.amazon.com/dp/B07WPGDW8K
Subscribe for new KZhead Videos on Thursdays - And be sure to hit the Bell!
Plus, weekly test drive videos on our other channel:
/ testdrivevideos
You can also find our Feature Films, twice weekly Podcasts, and more through our website:
everydaydriver.com
Thanks for watching!
Please consider subscribing.
The all black trim and grill looks so good on the BMW.
BMW just looks much better
Basically how every comparison against Porsche goes. This car is SO GOOD, but Porsche is still better. Man I love Porsche.
True words I love my porsche
Porsche is Porsche
@@pettersaethre well considering they said the Z40i felt faster and it still lost, more power wouldn't help. Besides if you want to compare Z40i let's throw in the GTS with a 6 cylinder. That or throw in all the performance goodies the 4 cylinder has for the same price increase. Guess what? The Porsche still wins no matter what. It's the better driving car with more emotion.
It's funny how everyone zooms in the Boxster's mid-engine configuration, or maybe the wheelbase. But not enough credit is given to the flat engine. The flat engine provides a lower center of gravity, which allows the "simple" strut suspension to not run into camber issues when cornering hard. The Boxster's strut suspension performs much better - for example - than the similar suspension in the old Toyota MR2 (also a mid-engined car with a strut suspension). The strut suspension at each corner also allows for commonality of parts (at least the castings) at all 4 corners reducing costs. The flat engine also allows a shorter wheelbase than a laterally oriented straight 4 or 6 because the engine only has to be as long as 2 or 3 cylinders. So the flat engine allows a virtuous cycle of benefits that makes the car almost impossible to beat handling-wise.
@@jehl1963 nobody in this thread mentioned anything about why the Porsche is better. All that was said is that it is.
Nice review guys. I’m old enough to want the Z4, but young enough to want the Porsche. Out of the Porsche, I may never grow. It is and always has been the ultimate driver’s experience.
Ive owned the new z4 for the last 6 months, cant fault it in any way Try it for yourself you won't be disappointed, the trouble is everyone wants to own a Porsche period
Not everyone ;) I am teetering between the two, but I think the Z4 is going to win, simply because this will probably be the last fully gasoline powered roadster I buy, and Porsches have terrible reliability, and crazy expensive repair costs.
@@marcpasquinelli2548 I've been driving electrically in everyday life for five years and don't want anything else. I would have liked to have the drive in the Z4 as well, but now I'm going on long holiday trips with the ICE again. It may be an emotional thing. I love motorsport and the sound of roaring engines. Nevertheless, electric is the ultimate unleashing of torque and power. It's the better, far superior drive.
Good review and as a Porsche and BMW owner, I have to go with the Boxter.
... but, in spite of that, you even don't know how to write its name...
😂
Brilliant review and comparison. Excellent job guys!
Thank you both for the Amazing comparison between these two driving machines !
Love referencing your guys’ vids when I’m shopping. Such a nice treat going back to the well.
Great comparison and love that you guys picked the base models! bravo!
That new turbo 4pot on the 718 is a seriously underrated motor. 👏
Some of those outside shots look really good
Nice review! But considering the price, I think it would be more reasonable to compare Boxster 718 with Z4 M40i: - Boxster 718 - 300hp, 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, $62,600 (base price) - Z4 M40i - 382hp, 0-60 in 3.9 seconds, $63,700 (base price)
Hehe - I said the same thing before reading your comment. Spot on though.
Just saw this after my same comment.
300hp to 382hp comparison is reasonable? I think it's more important to decide if one car is WORTH more cash while having similar HP to the other.
In Germany the boxter starts at 64k and the Z4 30i at 61k. The Z4 M40i starts at 70k here
@@ekimandersom4478 no one lives in germany tho
Fantasic review. My favorite thing you have done in maybe a year. Part might be the cars.. not cheap but reasonable compared to other cars and so happy the porsche has a manual. Todd, i do give extra points for the third pedal..a lot of points. It makes me happy being involved with the driving feel. I wish the cars were 6 cyl.. mostly for the sound. They seem to have enough power to compare to a classic 911. The mid engine and manual trans just make me happy to be alive.. less screens.. less electronics.. more pure fun. Todd , i agree the crackle is not my thing either..
I love the stuff you guys do, and that includes this comparison piece. That said, it’s a shame you guys weren’t able to find a Z4 M40i as that BMW is more closely matched for price and even acceleration to the Boxster (because the Boxster has more grip due to the mid-engined layout of course). ‘21 Porsche 718 Boxster: $62,000 ‘21 BMW Z4 30i: $49,700 ‘21 BMW Z4 M40i: $63,700 Claimed 0-60: ‘21 Porsche 718 Boxster (PDK & Sport Chrono): 4.5 Seconds ‘21 BMW Z4 30i: 5.2 Seconds ‘21 BMW Z4 M40i: 3.9 Seconds Side note: due to Porsche’s conservative estimates we can assume the Boxster does 0-60 in closer to 4.2 seconds. Would the Boxster still have won? Probably, especially since it has a manual option. But hey, at least the Z4 would’ve been able to put up a better fight 🤷♂️
Who cares 1 to 100 acceleration, feeling is something you can't measure
I love your channel. There's so much chemistry between you guys, totally different personalities, but so complementary...
Thank you! We're glad it works for you. Thrilled to have you watching and enjoying!
You can get a base-ish 6 cylinder z4 for the price of your 4 cylinder tester. I'd take that all day. You dont get the flat 6 in the Boxster until $95k... but once you do, it's one of the best cars, like, ever made
The 718 Spyder is perhaps the greatest convertible sports car ever made. The base Boxster, while a level or two below that, still has the same architecture as the best convertible in the world.
@@JohnFromAccounting shut up, have you ever driven one lol. B58 is a no brainer
I think you can get a stripped down GTS 4.0 Boxster with a flat-6 during their year end sale for maybe just under $70K with sole wheel and deal negotiation.
Then you need to accept that you want an executive sports car lol
I did get the 6-cylinder M40i,.... but due to taxes that Z4 is about US$ 120.000 in my country
I just got a low miles 718 Boxster I LOVE this car so much, no way was I going to go for a discontinuing Z4 or Audi TT, i cant even think of life without my Porsche its just brilliant
I love this channel. You're always very good. Big Props. Luv and Peace.
Great review as always! Hard to beat a manual Porsche 🤔 would love to drive one someday
“I don’t want to hear it crackle” boxster sounds like a refined jdm can’t wait to drive one and hear that
Do you guys ever mention which roads you perform some of these shoots on? I'm often amazed by how gorgeous the landscape is for many of your videos. Thanks for sharing your great content!
Looks like they are on on parts of big cottonwood canyon and guardsmans pass from the ski hills in the background
@@D3str0y3r0f Some of these are definitely guardsmans pass, I've driven it a number of times and recognize some of the views. So pretty!
Mexico 🇲🇽 its always somewhere in Mexico 😆
You guys and Throttle House is all we need on youtube. Really enjoyed your videos!
We appreciate the compliment! Thank you for watching!
Great video as expected from you guys! I'm saving up for a used 718 Cayman T right now. Hopefully I find one in the next year to secure my analog sportscar 🙏 Greetings from Germany 👍
I'm also from Germany and just bought a manual 718 T. Great car. I hope you find the right one for you. I was also looking for about a year until I found the right car at the right price.
@@Swoerm ich suche auch einen mit Schaltgetriebe. Mein PZ meinte die Chancen stehen ganz gut, da demnächst viele Leasing-Rückläufer kommen für den Touring (gab es ja erst ab 2019). Ich bin allerdings leider noch nie einen gefahren, daher hoffe ich, dass es dann auch klickt 😉
Still have my '06 Boxster base and love bringing it out for top down drives in the TX hill country. Love the show guys.
You must not drive it much huh?
@@gigi9467 Wish I could drive it more.
@@gregrisley1050 yea well if u did thing would blow up on you lol so your good
@@gigi9467 after dailying an early boxster for quite a while now, I gotta disagree
@@ANeonTurtle how miles total? 50k?
Great review. Only wish is a cargo storage comparison on both vehicles.
Scenery is stunning!
Great content as usual
The Z4 for me. It looks better, the trunk is larger, for the same price it´s much better equipped and the maintenance costs are lower. All things an EverydayDriver (in the meaning of the word) should also think about, not only that it´s more fun in the Porsche in the mountain on a curvy road with speed limits.
I doubt the trunk is larger, specially not if you combine the front and rear trunk from the porsche.
Great video. Agree completely with the conclusion. I have the Z4 30i with all the options as that suits my driving needs so I made the right choice for me. It gets a lot of great comments and turns heads more than the Porsche which is a bonus and it’s fun to drive.
That's a chick's car
My BMW M3 is my daily driver, but my Porsche is my passion car. Great review guys!
it's interesting u used 'my' four times, and u mentioned the bmw model but not the porsche... hmmm
@@minigiant8998 Boxster S
No one believes you.
@@user-zk8bq1bv7v no one cares about your opinion either
Fun Review! Love both cars!!!!!
I have a 2003 bmw Z4, 3.0 6 speed manual. Black on black with the M suspension. I love that car. Oh yeah, it's pushing 200,000 miles.
As someone who has owned both, and spefically for a daily, I have to give it to the Z4. There is just more creature comforts and the extra money spent on the boxter really didn't seem worth it. Also oddly enough when I had a 2008 Z4 3.0si I recieved a lot more compliments then my 2011 boxter, not that thats important but I always thought it was kinda funny. I wanted to like the boxter better, everyone said it was better, but for me the Z4 just felt like home, can't explain it.
I hope to be able to afford one of them someday
@@Rishi2015 keep grinding bro 💪🏽
@@michaeljr8615 thanks mate :)
I'm in an E85 Z4 2.5si right now and seriously considering a Boxster. The E89 is a turnoff and there isn't a lot of alternatives. I'd love to find a mint SW20 mr2 to put a v6 into but that ship has sailed I fear. Lotus V6s are still too expensive so it always comes back to Porsche - Probably a 987 Boxster S with a 3.4 l engine. I had an MR2 and I loved the mid engine feel. Having that with some power would be nice. I have loved my Z4 though.
I think you just did explain it and we’ll. Thanks.
This car ( Z4 )is so beautiful and so balanced and easy to live with. The proportions are sooooo right. I almost purchased the 4 cylinder used but I think I am going to pay the extra and get myself a new one and go for the colour combination I want . I just can’t get this car out my mind after I drove it with my wife’s hair in the wind with the top up and the the feel of the wind with the top up. However I don’t like to be the centre of attraction - with the top up - you feel too many eyes on you and you wonder if they hate you for driving such a car.
I have to go with the Porsche I love every minute of mine!
Hear, hear! My husband bought a boxster for me ALLEDGEDLY, but he drives every time when he gets a chance!😆
I'd take the Boxster every day of the week!
GTS or GTS 4.0?
@@lukamilas8648 4.0!! 100%, 4.0L Flat 6 Power All The Way
Even the 2 L four-cylinder 718 is better than the BMW. Porsche, there is no substitute.
@@Tx4ever1234 I actually bought the 2L boxster over the Z4 M40i. I've been there, had to choose with my own money. I test drove both. The Z4 was lovely. Impressive, comfy, lots of kit, and stunning looks. But it was just a bit muted, it didn't leave me wanting to go back and put my deposit down. The Porsche had me before I got out of the dealers car park on the test drive! It was basic, noisier, less kit. Technically the Z4 should have won, and I loved the looks, but the Boxster just calls you, even with the little 4cyl engine, in a way the BMW just didn't.
Awesome video guys 👏
The weight distribution in the porsche does it for me. The engine being right behind you gives it a near perfect balance
More great scenery...and cars!!
SPECTACULAR footage. This channel is some of my favorite automotive content on KZhead right now.
That’s a huge compliment. Thank you. Glad to have you watching.
Was this filmed in UT? Thx ☺️
Really well done presentation. As fair as I can imagine possible. Now, if only Porsche would steal away BMW's body designer, I mean, *_...that front end!_*
The boxster 718 was my initial buy but i chose the Z4 mainly for the fresher exterior look as well as newer interior. However, personally, i think the porsche cars hv long lasting looks and value.
Another great video!
Most reviewers never mention the service schedule and maintenance costs for the Porsche ($$$). It must be part of the calculation of ownership.
Great review from a strict sport's car perspective, but I think there is a bigger picture review that could be done. For instance, there are items that could be measured or compared in each model that someone would find just as/ or more valuable than steerage, weight of the vehicle, horsepower, etc.. Trunk/storage space, model option for price, infotainment system are just a few things I would have liked to see compared.
Fuel usage and maintenance costs is allot cheaper in the Beemer
+1. Good call gent's! .. The mid-engine Porsche Boxster/Cayman chassis is very hard to argue with. . "Porsche there is no substitute" .. My ordered new '98 Carrera S (993) goes to the grave with me ..... great presentation gent's!
I honestly wouldn't be able to justify $60k+ for a 4cyl. Nothing against 4 cyl cars, I have a miata and a Focus ST. However, for that money, I want the sound and specialty of a 6 cylinder
Especially since you can get a civic type r with more hp and practicality than both the z4 and the boxer for almost half the price
I agree with you. They're great engines, but something in the back of my head says that I could save up for another 6 months and go up to the GTS or 718 Spyder.
Sports cars are getting to expensive and too generalized. They need to be marketed as your 2nd or 3rd car, not your only car. That way they don't have to be luxury cars. They don't have to be easy in traffic. They can be manual, lightweight, and inexpensive to build.
@@thirdpedalnirvana Yes, like a bike !
40k used
Can't wait for you two to drive the manual Z4
The scenery and cinamography 👍👍
Where was this shot? The roads look amazing.
I'm more of the Porsche Cayman, I also thought the Boxter was canceled. Nice Canyon Roads and spectacular forest ⛰🏞⛰🏎🏁🙋👌
The Boxter is part of Porsche's strategy
I’m sorry but I just can’t get behind the flat 4 in the Porsche 🙁 I love the car but the sixes sound sooooo much better.
They do, but bring your wallet. The upcharge for the flat six is sickening.
C’mon Doug, it’s only another $100 grand for 2 more cylinders that you can’t really use...
LOVE THIS CHANNEL
As someone who actually has a 2019 Z4 I’ll take the Z any day for a daily driver. In comfort control the car is not stiff and in sport I’ll take on a boxer any time. Just sold the 2019 and now getting the 2021 in red.
M40?
Great job on the comparison, both of those cars look great. Technically they usually get faster and more luxurious but that don't make them more fun. Not to mention I would never spend 60k+ on a 4 banger turbo sports car no matter how much power it made. I drive a 2011 base Boxster, manual trans, with hydraulic steering and wouldn't change it for the newer cars. It is a therapeutic analog experience that will be lost especially to the younger generation's just getting into cars.
right on, keep the true, pure sport car alive and well maintained! they basically don't lose value its crazy
I have the M40i version, I love it.
The m40i is what I want go take a look this weekend. Dealer near me just got one for 68k.
@@lukamilas8648 did you buy it?
@@adriandiaz1636 guy put a deposit on it literally 10 minutes before I got to the dealership. It had 6800 miles was a 2020 and it went for $68,500.
The Boxster’s plain steering wheel is enough to win me over.
Yea, how about you pay 60k for nothing. Even better cuz who drives when you have your legs!
Really? A steering wheel...?
I love the steering wheel, you can upgrade to the smaller GT steering wheel too and get the heat multi-function version of either the basic or GT steering wheel (I would do both but the GT adds the little stupid fake screws). When you actually consider the key ingredients of what you are buying, it is remarkably good value.
Owning a 981.2 with 6 cylinder NA engine, I would say driving the Porsche is not like just driving a sport car. To me, it feels like you ride on a legend.
On the z4 is the front vents behind the wheels functional like the GR86?
Perfect video to watch on my day off before takin the 1le out for a spin
Bro, your 1le would destroy these pos german cars, and you can fix your camaro with a hammer as can i (mustang) and then there is the sound of a v8.......
I had a 06 z4m roadster for a year that I sold on February. it was my first BMW/convertible and I loved it. plenty of power and a blast to drive. I now want another roadster and have now been considering an 06-09 boxster s manual or an r171 slk 55 amg. or even another z4m. thoughts?
You want old cars?
I celebrate progress, and I'm happy for drivers with $60k, but I might as well be watching a Sci Fi movie. I'm content with my 00 2.7L 986 and 01 3.0L Z3. My ears perked up when Todd said the Z4 rose up around him and he felt low in the car. One of the things I like about my Z3 is how low the doors and dash are, and how it (not the Miata) is the closest copy of the British sport car experience. You can hang your elbow (down) over the door, and look ahead over that long hood.
Great video !
Don't like the crackle? But we love the crackle...
Yes but I daily my Z4 and go grand touring in it. It's more comfortable without a doubt. Change the review point of view to a grand tour of America and you'd see a different conclusion When i want to have fun I'll go in the Miata. But I would dread going long distances in it. The reason Porsche wins every review is that it's a review conducted in a day in some canyon pass.
I have had the BMW & currently own a Boxster S. Both are great cars to drive but the Boxster is considerably better. It handles like nothing else. 👍
One of my sons has a 2010 911, but previously had an M3. He highly recommends the 718 (or G4 really), but with the options I want in a car, it's over $100K so it's out for me. I'm old, and the Z4 M40i is the best option for me. I have an old 2006 SLK350 that I've had for almost 13 years, and considering getting a new car. The Z4 is the ONLY car that I have seen that even comes close to what I want. Different strokes. If I want to carve some canyons, I have a '07 VFR800 that does that really well. Having a cage in the canyons is not as exciting as the bike IMO.
Had a 987s, then a F-type S and now a 718s. The 718 may be a 4cyl but it is the best car by far. Power is immense and nothing handles as well.
Am i tripping or did you guys say there were only 3 generations of z4 and forget about the actual 3rd gen with the hardtop? either way, great video
I enjoyed this comparison video very much; I rented a Gen 2 Z4 in Germany a few years ago and found it to be a really nice grand touring car but still pretty good off the Autobahn on the twisties. However, unless you have drunk very deeply of the German Koolaid (and I am a BMW sedan owner) or absolutely must have a manual transmission, I don't see how either of these cars is very competitive in the North American market compared to a C8 Corvette. The 1LT version of that car is priced in this region--well, actually quite a bit cheaper than this stripped Porsche with the antiquated interior. The Z4 never sold well so no surprise it will disappear but Porsche's pricing is ridiculous if you want to go up market for the 6 cylinder Boxster.
Corvettes and Porsches come from different worlds - they are about different things / purposes. Corvettes come from the American muscle car heritage - big cars with huge HP engines, reasonably priced with poor build quality (because of management decisions - not union labor). Porsche comes from a tradition of small, light cars that go quickly because of their weight and handling ability. Other than the 996, Porsche’s build quality is far superior to any Corvette. In all Porsches I’ve driven, you feel more connected to the road than in any Corvette I’ve driven. I would suggest that what’s ultimately most important is not how much HP is under the hood; but rather, the quality of the experience / engagement you experience when you drive the car.
@@davidsherley2652 Yeah I agree here, you can't compare a C8 to a Z4 Boxter. If you like the C8 (which I love it) you are looking for an entirely differn't experience. If we are talking soley price points and staying with the the theme of small sports car, I think you can could make a great argument for a MX4 but only for fun to $ ratio, the boxter and z4 are just better cars but yeah expensive.
@@wrighterjfly Cough cough kzhead.info/sun/f5ull86MeqKOeX0/bejne.html
When I was looking for a two seater, I was looking at the E89 Z4 compared to the Mercedes SLK and fell in love with the looks of the E89. I bought the SDrive35i and love it. I think that is the comparison, not against a Boxster. I think it would be Boxster vs TT.
I have the Z4 20i with a tuning box fitted running at 270bhp which is actually more than the 30i puts out, not bad for 300 pounds. Cracking car, Alpine White with Magma red seats and upgraded wheels.
Old slogan ”Porsche there is no substitute” still reminding us who is the King of the road😏... Nice try though BMW Great review. You guys are the best. Thanks ☺️
The 6 manual transmission Seals the deal.
I could never buy manual .
@Travis It'll be the only vehicle I'll drive, there's a prototype All Electric Vehicle (EV) Mustang called Lithium With the current S550 : 2 door Fastback in White with the 6 Speed Manual Transmission 900 hp 1,000 Foot Pound Torque On KZhead Lithium Mustang look it up
I have a 718 Boxster, red, manual. Nothing makes me feel so good :) Oh, and it has 2 trunks. Road trip!!
Hard to beat the mid-engine layout. I have a 1M in my garage, but I DD my Cayman 981S because it's just balanced so well.
Nice
C8 Corvette vs the Porsche 718 please. The Corvette would win any performance metric (unless you go for the top trim GT4) but the Porsche is more analog, so it would be interesting to see which one you would choose and how they stack up against each other.
We did this exact comparison as part of Season 8 on TV. It’s currently on Amazon and will work its way to KZhead as we catch up with our back catalog. Thanks for watching and thanks for your interest!
@@EverydayDriver thank you
I love my Cayman T''s crackles especially now with the windows open! Plus the turbo sound.
Yeah, hearing the dude be so disgusted at the crackling was the dumbest thing I've ever heard. I love it too in my 981S.
gay 😁
My quandary is do i get a 2010 z4 or a much older 986 boxster. Older z4s are very reasonably priced.
had a boxter for the money and mine was five years old 5,000 UK pounds - it was very good in every aspect, servicing porsche dealer expensive but many specialists - in two years besides tyres only bought a battery - bought the porsche battery and it cost 200 pounds plus VAT .. if you buy one goodness have somebody who knows what they are doing to check it first .. if its good it is very good .. if a bad one it costs quite a lot to replace parts ..
Great stuff guys, thanks!
very nice Nature, where is it?
This is why all Porsche sports cars need Sport Chrono. Gets rid of all the crackles and pops from the exhaust and makes things even more aggressive than the regular Sport mode. Of course you could probably get a tune to do something similar but I do like what you get from the factory with the Sport Chrono pack.
Does it really matter WRT to performance?
i saw the new z4 , nice looking
Thank you
11:21 Paul could feel the audience's eyes glazing over 🤣
I thought he was mocking Biden, lol.
718 Boxster S is just one amazing beautiful Porsche and affordable too~!
What year is the bmw? Loved the video!
Can you still get a Z with a manual?
Which country is that ??so beautiful landscapes
BMW has an excellent 👌 sports coupes and cabriolets in the the Mini Cooper's. They have a massive market there so they don't need a Z4. Maybe BMW will revive the Z5 electric. But every 'Porsche' is a hero ❤ 🏎. Great relevant car 🚗 review.
Is there any "sports"car left in which I can sit in upright position without making a round back?
I own a 981 and an m2 lci. Bmws are fantastic but the gap between it and the cayman is way more than you make it out (in this video and your other comparison). Porsche chassis and steering is miles better than bmw's. That and the sound (at least the flat 6) is also way better than the inline 6. Love Bmws but porsche is on another level entirely.
No surprise there. Same as it always been since their introduction
the Boxster has a fast 0 to 60. but its the less powerful one?
I like the crackle!
When it comes to Sports/Drivers Cars Porsches are just very very very hard to beat.
"that turbo lag is not a detriment, its a delight!" - can't be more than bias than that.
what part of utah is this?
If the I8 isn't a sports car is it a gt or some weird luxury hybrid coupe thing ?