[DPelletier]

After reading a few similar comparisons, I thought I'd add my own in the hope it may assist anyone considering these cars. My first list also had the Audi TT-S and Jaguar F type on it but these were eliminated early on; the F type because I already own one and I wanted something smaller and lighter and the Audi because it does nothing for me visually.

I started with the SLC as we've purchased five vehicles from our local MB dealer and we've always been treated very well. We currently own a 2006 SLK350 that my wife drives occasionally so the SLC is an improved version of that car. I found the SLC to be very luxurious with a ton of cool features (air scarf, magic sky control, etc.). Interior styling was nice but getting very dated. Power was very good from the Bi-Turbo V6 as was the accompanying soundtrack. Shifting was very good too (far better than the mushy 7 spd auto in our old SLK).....on the flip side, styling was very dated, while the car was small it was also heavy. The folding metal roof also takes up valuable trunk space and for us the metal roof was a negative (given our use - mostly top down) for weight, complexity and higher center of gravity. Basically the SLC ticked most of our boxes on paper but was less inspiring to drive and look at than the other two cars.

Next up was the Boxster S. I've been interested in the Boxster for some time but really wasn't keen on the changes made from the 981 to the 718....mostly the swap to the 2.5l 4 cyl from the old flat 6. I actually found a used 2015 Boxster 981 GTS and almost bought it but it was missing some "must have" options (like every Porsche unless you order one) and it was quite expensive for a 5 year old used car. Anyhow, we took out a new Boxster S for a good drive. Driving dynamics and steering were excellent, PDK shifted great though it felt a bit clunky at low (parking lot) speeds, engine was just OK: more power than I expected (light weight always helps) but less than the SLC or Z4 and the sound wasn't as good. I've always found the Boxster to be appealing visually - especially from the front, a bit less so from the rear. Interior was nice, not quite as luxurious as the SLC and felt dated compared to the Z4 but certainly very nice.

Next up was the Z4. I honestly hadn't considered a BMW previously as I didnt' find the previous versions of the Z4's particularly attractive. The new Z4 looked vastly improved to my eye and I found the styling and proportions to be very attractive. Taking it for a test drive, the dynamics and steering were very good; not quite as sharp as the Boxster but much closer than I expected. The engine was great; good power and great sound. The ZF didn't disappoint either (I have one in my F type as well). The interior was very nice, fresh and modern with the most up to date feel.

SLC43AMG Pros:
- very luxurious
- nice size
- good power and sound

SLC43AMG Cons:
- dated styling
- heavy for it's tiny size
- mushy dynamics compared to the other two
- huge loss of trunk space and functionality when the top is down

Boxster S Pros:
- sharp steering, handling and dynamics
- light weight
- attractive looks

Boxster S Cons:
- sounds like my son's Subaru
- styling is a bit dated both inside and out

Z4 M40i Pros:
- visually very attractive
- modern, well appointed interior packed with tech
- great engine, power and sound
- new, fresh design

Z4 M40i Cons:
- handling and steering not quite as sharp as the Boxster
- it would be nicer if it was 200 lbs lighter

Prices as tested;

- SLC43AMG. While a new 2019 is priced almost identically to the Z4M40i, our dealer had a left over 2018 for an excellent price: $78,500.00 Can, out the door.

- The Boxster S was well equipped but even with less options than the others, it's price was a hefty $132,500.00 Can.

- The Z4 with every option available was $93,725.00 Can.


All three cars are great cars.....the SLC couldn't compete with either the Boxster or Z4 from a dynamic standpoint and since it is due to be discontinued and given the dated styling, it was eliminated from consideration.

The Boxster S is a great car and I have a soft spot for them. If they still used the old flat 6, I would have had a much harder decision but despite it's light weight and great driving dynamics, I didn't find the engine inspiring in any way. Given this and the truly massive price premium for the Porsche, I (somewhat reluctantly) scratched it off the list.

...which left the Z4 M40i which I feel is a great car offering stunning looks, great performance and sound with a fresh feel and providing great value. My Z4 M40i should arrive in another week or so and hopefully we will enjoy this car for a few years at least.

Cheers,
Dave