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Porsche Boxster or BMW Z4

21 messages,  Last post on Mar 23, 2009 at 9:15 AM

You are in the Porsche Boxster & Boxster-S Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster, Car Buying, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Convertible

Messages Page 3 of 3

#12 of 21 Re: Boxster or BMW Z4 [habitat1] by dl7265

Sep 06, 2006 (9:29 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (Sep 06, 2006 5:15 am)
Having just driven a G35 Coupe against the 335i Twin Turbo at the Texas Motor Speedway. I can say your spot on. What looks good on paper (350Z, G35) does not translate into a fine Sports car. Personally I would not take a 800 Hp Nissan over the Bimmer or Porsche. What a hunk of junk...
 
DL

#13 of 21 Z4 is a great value; especially used by vsaxena

Sep 07, 2006 (11:02 pm)

The Z4 is definitely cheaper to own than the Boxter. And right now BMW has truly incredible lease rates on the Z4 (at least till August) with very low interest rates. I am quite sure that the lease programs are going to be aggressive since the end of summer is here. The good thing about leasing is that you can always buy the car if you want to keep it but in case you do not want to keep it you do not pay the huge sales tax up-front.
 
I had a 2004 Z4 3.0 SMG and it was truly a blast to drive. BTW, do consider the 335 coupe. You can do European Delivery and get the car for 10-11% of MSRP. It is a blast to drive and you can seat four if you need it. However, you will not be able to throw it around like the Z4.
 
Also thanks the incentives offered on Z4 in the last few years, you can get a $48K MSRP loaded 2003-2004 Z4 3.0 for between $25-30K, which is almost 50% off the MSRP for a car still under warranty. A great deal for a great car. Check out ebay or craigslist for cars at a great value. If you are not looking for a particularly sporty ride, avoid the Sports Package since it can make the ride harsher. Also non-Sports Package cars are slightly cheaper.
 
The options to look for are Premium Package (includes automatic soft top with leather) and Heated Seats. Everything else (xenons, stereo, convenience package are nice to have).

#14 of 21 True - except get the sports package! by txranger1

Sep 18, 2006 (2:52 pm)

vsaxena has some good advice except one thing - Get the sports package. Having that little button to push can make all the difference. I really love using it, but not all the time.

#15 of 21 Re: True - except get the sports package! [txranger1] by vsaxena

Sep 20, 2006 (1:25 am)

Replying to: txranger1 (Sep 18, 2006 2:52 pm)
The only problem with the Sports Package is the 18" Run Flats which can make the ride quite harsh. The throttle and steering response with the Sports button is definitely better; I had it on all the time . If the OP does not mind the harsher ride, then ZSP is a must have.

#16 of 21 Re: Boxster or BMW Z4 [squelch] (not hosting here) by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Apr 25, 2007 (1:17 pm)

Replying to: squelch (Sep 05, 2006 1:59 pm)
There's always a good chance of Boxster or 996 engine failure at around the 100K mark. That's just the way it is, sad to say.
 
Personally I'd buy the Boxster and be sure to ditch it around 80K, but I wouldn't turn down a Z4 if you gave me one
 
I just prefer the Boxster looks.

#17 of 21 Doctor J by larryjod

Jan 01, 2008 (8:14 pm)

After 100,000+ troublefree miles on my '88 924S, I bought an '07 5 speed Boxster. Comfort & handling are awesome. I get 27 MPG on the highway, love the engine sound and having 2 trunks is nice. I test drove an automatic Boxster S and the power was great but the price was alot higher. If I ever buy a BMW it will be a sedan, the Z4 felt cramped. There is nothing like driving a Porsche!

#18 of 21 boxter vs z4 by aren1

Feb 17, 2008 (10:53 pm)

i sue to own a boxter s and loved it so much, fun to drive and great handling, only problen is it has been a money pit, so many times i have to bring to the dealership after 45,000 miles and labor and materials are about twice as much as other european cars. recently bought a z4, not quite like my boxter but close enough - better mpg and i love the styling. I do like boxters but prefer carrera's , i just dont find it practical for my financial situation - only thing i hate about boxters is whenever i came side by side with 911's or carreras i feel so inferior, witha z4 its hard to tell the difference between 2.5 and 3.0

#19 of 21 Re: boxter vs z4 [aren1] by majormcf

Apr 08, 2008 (6:19 pm)

Replying to: aren1 (Feb 17, 2008 10:53 pm)
Great thing about where I live is 911s are as rare as big foot sightings. The Porsche is several levels above the BMW so obviously it is going to cost more. You get what you pay for. I have a BMW motorcycle and its an awesome bike but their cars just dont measure up to Mercedes or Porsche.

#20 of 21 Z4 VS Boxter by z4poppy

Oct 20, 2008 (12:32 am)

I have an 06 Z4 roadster and after 25000 miles have only had to change oil and rotate and balance tires. No problems at all. I drove all the roadsters on the market and the Z4 has the feel I was looking for. I personally liked it much better than the Boxster. My only dislike is the runflat tires, and I am about to change to conventional tires. If I take it easy, I can get 30 mpg on a tank of gas that is 75% highway miles. It is just a great overall car for me. I traded in 2000 Z3 with 91000 miles on it. No major quality issues with it.
You have to decide for yourself which is best for you. Just buy the one you enjoy the most. Get as much seat time as you can in each before you decide. Good luck!

#21 of 21 Boxster vs. Z4 by dtownmil

Mar 23, 2009 (9:15 am)

I test drove both, and personal preference lead me to the Boxster. I like the look better, the transmission, sound, feel, and pretty much everything else.
 
I feel that the Porsche is the better performing car, regardless of what the numbers say, and that the Z4 is more of a cruising car. Just my opinion.
 
Both are great cars of course.

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