[23109VC]

I recently had a Z4 M40 as a loaner from my local dealer.

My wife and I had actually been already talking about buying a sports car later this year. We had originally talked about picking up a new or lightly used 718 Boxster. We used to have a first generation boxster several years ago but as our family grew we got rid of it. The kids are now bigger and having a "fun" and somewhat less practical car is an option.

I had never driven the new Z4 and I have not seen very many on the road. I always kind of discounted the Z4 as a "wannabe boxster" and never bothered to consider one.

After having one as a loaner I have a completely different outlook on the car now. It was a total blast! My daily driver is an M550 and Whole the Z4 is a totally different experience and even delivered power differently - it was in the same league in terms of acceleration. That is saying a lot because the M550 is seriously fast!

Z4's seem to be a far better value than a Boxster - a 70k loaded z4 compares to a 2.5 S thet is probably $100k at least. So if I want a boxster it is a $30k premium - unless you want to get something that's used with some mileage on it.

I'm curious if anybody else here was in the same dilemma cross shopping these same cars? What were your thoughts ajd observations?

I'm going to set up a weekend where I can test drive each car on the same day and get a much better back to back comparison.

Thx

[Westside Guy]

Just think about it, the M40i will be $30k less expensive, more luxurious inside, plenty of power, fun to drive and you will be behind the wheel of a Unicorn.

We will be looking forward to your observations after you drive both of them.

[ejm3]

You're going to find the 718 is going to end up being MUCH more expensive than the Z4.
Also as long as it takes to order and receive a Z4 I would imagine the Porsche would be even longer, though I can't confirm.
Unless you're going to take it to the track the Z4 is a better deal.

[NVHoo]

The boxster's mid-engine design makes it a better handling car compared to the Z4 but here are the things that put the Z4 on my next car list:
1. Better performance per $
2. Exclusive - everyone owns a boxster and you rarely see a G29
3. Much more useful trunk space. While the boxster has more space, it's split between front and back. The Z4 trunk is much more practical for long trips and has room for a compact spare if that is your desire (which it is for me in long trips in the rural southwest where I am often 50+ miles from a garage).
5. The totally enclosed engine compartment of a boxster means that you can't do a casual check of the engine belts, leaks, etc without dropping the undercover. Almost all DIY on a boxster is a PIA without a lift.
6. The cost of some of the "routine" maintenance is eye-watering if you plan to keep the boxster for any length of time. Had a friend take his 718 in for routine 40K mile service plus brakes and was charged $5K!

[StefLag67]

Originally Posted by NVHoo

The boxster's mid-engine design makes it a better handling car compared to the Z4 but here are the things that put the Z4 on my next car list:
1. Better performance per $
2. Exclusive - everyone owns a boxster and you rarely see a G29
3. Much more useful trunk space. While the boxster has more space, it's split between front and back. The Z4 trunk is much more practical for long trips and has room for a compact spare if that is your desire (which it is for me in long trips in the rural southwest where I am often 50+ miles from a garage).
5. The totally enclosed engine compartment of a boxster means that you can't do a casual check of the engine belts, leaks, etc without dropping the undercover. Almost all DIY on a boxster is a PIA without a lift.
6. The cost of some of the "routine" maintenance is eye-watering if you plan to keep the boxster for any length of time. Had a friend take his 718 in for routine 40K mile service plus brakes and was charged $5K!

I'd second that. On a twisty mountain road, with equally skilled drivers, I don't think you have a chance to follow the pace of a 718S with a M40i. It doesn't brake and turns as well.
To the 6 points above, I'd add:
7. I found the G29 a much more comfortable car, and you are more protected from the wind
8. the G29 offers much better technology: Android Auto (only CP is available on the 718), HUD, large digital displays

[23109VC]

Originally Posted by NVHoo

The boxster's mid-engine design makes it a better handling car compared to the Z4 but here are the things that put the Z4 on my next car list:
1. Better performance per $
2. Exclusive - everyone owns a boxster and you rarely see a G29
3. Much more useful trunk space. While the boxster has more space, it's split between front and back. The Z4 trunk is much more practical for long trips and has room for a compact spare if that is your desire (which it is for me in long trips in the rural southwest where I am often 50+ miles from a garage).
5. The totally enclosed engine compartment of a boxster means that you can't do a casual check of the engine belts, leaks, etc without dropping the undercover. Almost all DIY on a boxster is a PIA without a lift.
6. The cost of some of the "routine" maintenance is eye-watering if you plan to keep the boxster for any length of time. Had a friend take his 718 in for routine 40K mile service plus brakes and was charged $5K!

Thanks! I had a lot of those same observations! You are definitely correct about the trunk the Boxster rear trunk is extremely small it's only good for a little tiny things and while the frunk is deep it is not wide. Even though the two cars have the same combined storage the bigger rear trunk on the Z4 is actually more functional.

The price differential is what really got me. I'm in a financial position where I could buy either one but I'm not so well off that I wouldn't notice the difference. One of the things I really noticed about the BMW during the two days I had it was how well appointed it is, how many standard features the car came with, and what a value it was. I guess it's hard to really say that a relatively impractical 2 seat roadstetr that cost almost 70,000 is a "deal"… but when you're comparing it to a similarly equipped Porsche 718… it is definitely noticeably less expensive for relatively the same thing.

One thing I had really kind of wanted was a manual transmission. I have always had manual cars growing up and it was only recently that I gave them up totally - in fact the last one I had was a 986 Boxster. Honestly with the modern automatics of today I don't want to manual for my daily driver.. but if I had a little roadster I can see we're having a stick shift would really complement the other fun aspects of the car.

I have driven a few PDK Porsches - I did drive a base 718 a couple years ago. I rented that over a weekend and it was PDK equipped - well it was too far in the past to compare I just were thinking it was a ton of fun and I remember thinking it surprised me feeling quicker than I thought it would. I had wanted to try out an S model to see how much faster it felt.. but never did.

Ultimately I think the Z4 is going to prove to be the more practical and more economically sound decision and the only way a Boxster Will win out is if after driving them back to back I just fall in love with it and wouldn't be happy and anything else.

I'll definitely post back here once I get a chance to go out and try them out

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by 23109VC

Thanks! I had a lot of those same observations! You are definitely correct about the trunk the Boxster rear trunk is extremely small it's only good for a little tiny things and while the frunk is deep it is not wide. Even though the two cars have the same combined storage the bigger rear trunk on the Z4 is actually more functional.

A few months ago one of our posters uploaded pictures of how much he was able to pack in his Z4's trunk when he and his wife went on a road trip. I was blown away as to how much he was able to fit in the Z4's trunk. Hopefully he or someone else who remembers which thread they are located in can re-post those pictures.

[leeatmg]

I started looking at new cars due to trade in values. I had been driving a big RAM pickup, and had owned a Z3 back in 2000 (which I loved, but...kids.). My dream car was always a Boxster.

When I started looking, I looked at them, and also the Z4 for nostalgia reasons at first. The more I compared them, the more I liked the Z4, although I never got the "but I really always wanted a Boxster" bug out of my head. But the Boxster is/was basically unavailable, and I ordered my Z4 assuming it would be good enough, close enough.

It is so much more than that. After a little over a month of ownership, I saw a Boxster in traffic the other day and realized I had zero interest in it. It surprised me that the Boxster, a car I had lusted after for over twenty years, was completely uninteresting to me. I am, as much as someone can be, in love with this car.

[Westside Guy]

I found this picture showing golf clubs in the trunk that was posted by Geradeaus a few months ago to give you an idea of how much you can place in the Z4's trunk. There is still another group of pictures showing luggage stored in the trunk made by another member I could not locate.

[Kwajtrader]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

A few months ago one of our posters uploaded pictures of how much he was able to pack in his Z4's trunk when he and his wife went on a road trip. I was blown away as to how much he was able to fit in the Z4's trunk. Hopefully he or someone else who remembers which thread they are located in can re-post those pictures.

Here is what I packed in the trunk for a weekend trip. Note that there are already things in the trunk besides what’s on the cart.

[Karnidge]

In my opinion, the Z4 and Boxster are very comparable. You wouldn't be a sad panda if you ended up in either one. And if the price was the same, it would truly be a dilemma. But the $30K + price difference kind of makes the BMW a no-brainer.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by Kwajtrader

Here is what I packed in the trunk for a weekend trip. Note that there are already things in the trunk besides what's on the cart.

Thanks for sharing that great picture of what you fit in the trunk that I had referenced earlier. You blew me away when I first saw it posted. In fact I am afraid to show it to my wife who always packs too much when we travel!

[DPelletier]

The 718 GTS 4.0 is my dream roadster....but when I purchased my M40i all there was in Porsche land was the 2.5 litre 4cyl and it sucked compared to the M40i's engine. ......and the price was 35% more for the Porsche. Now that they have the 4.0 6cyl, the Porsche is back on top of my wish list.......but cost here will be at least 50% more than my M40i and while I can afford it, I can't justify it.

Dave

[Rob_G77]

I test drove this new 718 Boxster 2 years ago and it sounded exactly like an old 70's Volkswagen beetle. Sound alone would have probably killed the ownership experience for me, but it still had some pep to it. I'd like to try one on the highway.

Rob

[RLF]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

I found this picture showing golf clubs in the trunk that was posted by Geradeaus a few months ago to give you an idea of how much you can place in the Z4's trunk. There is still another group of pictures showing luggage stored in the trunk made by another member I could not locate.

I put golf clubs in mine with no problem, but run the woods through the pass-through between the seats, however.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by 23109VC

Ultimately I think the Z4 is going to prove to be the more practical and more economically sound decision and the only way a Boxster Will win out is if after driving them back to back I just fall in love with it and wouldn't be happy and anything else.

I'll definitely post back here once I get a chance to go out and try them out

So did you test drive the Boxster and fall in love with it or come to the logical decision that the Z4 was the more practical and sound decision?

Curious minds want to know!

[BEAR-AvHistory]

My Boxster is now my son in laws car. The Z4 M40i is just more suitable for what I mainly use it for, fast runs to the beach & back with long legs at 85mph.

[23109VC]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

So did you test drive the Boxster and fall in love with it or come to the logical decision that the Z4 was the more practical and sound decision?

Curious minds want to know!

My wife came to her senses and pulled her "endorsement" of either! So I'm on hold. 😢

Although he she has hinted that she might rather get a 911 … so now I have to get her to test drive a 991.2…

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by 23109VC

My wife came to her senses and pulled her "endorsement" of either! So I'm on hold. 😢

Although he she has hinted that she might rather get a 911 … so now I have to get her to test drive a 991.2…

You should tell her not to be so logical! 🤪

[leeatmg]

Originally Posted by 23109VC

My wife came to her senses and pulled her "endorsement" of either! So I'm on hold. ��

Although he she has hinted that she might rather get a 911 … so now I have to get her to test drive a 991.2…

The lesson here is to push "submit" the instant you hear "yes." No hesitation.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by leeatmg

The lesson here is to push "submit" the instant you hear "yes." No hesitation.

This is similar to the rules from Monopoly.

[Germanauto]

I drove the Z4 once and thought it was pretty good but I still took issue with the steering like I do for nearly all BMWs. However I'm more of a niche consumer who always chooses the sportiest car over the more practical or luxurious one.

The Z4 is still pretty good to drive and compared to the Boxster, is more luxurious and offers far more value for the dollar from a performance and luxury/tech perspective. I get the appeal, but part of me misses when BMW roadsters were more sports cars than grand touring cars.