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      12-30-2018, 10:55 PM   #1
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Z4 vs 718 Cayman review : Car Magazine UK

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Full review: https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-re...he-718-cayman/

Z4 vs Cayman: verdict

The Cayman has the nicer steering; lighter, quicker, more involving. Its handling encourages and allows a slightly wilder approach, letting you get closer to front-wheel lock-ups under braking, compelling you to actively fight ruts and ridges that momentarily deflect the trajectory, and approaching the limit with a live-wire connection between steering, throttle and rear suspension.

What the Porsche lacks in this company is an extra helping of torque to whiplash the car forward with a vengeance.

Points in favour of the Porsche include quantifiably 
less body fat, a sportier overall set-up, a rowdier Sport+ 
calibration, the aforementioned extra bit of brake bite and a loftier redline. Having said that, four cylinders and 2.0 litres simply don't burn the same fingernail-curling fireworks as a rasping 3.0-litre six.

At the end of the day the Z4 is the faster car – and more often than not it matches the Porsche for tactile excellence and transparent interaction to boot. If you're comfortable with the extrovert exterior design and the over-styled cockpit, the Z4 rewards with a legendary engine, a remarkable chassis and an impressive, involving and invigorating turn of speed. How marked is the BMW's transition from poseur to pro? Munich should have badged its new roadster Z5.
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      12-30-2018, 11:32 PM   #2
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A very astute review. Can't wait for the US-spec comparo!
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      12-31-2018, 10:57 PM   #3
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Quote:
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Thanks for sharing!
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      12-31-2018, 11:21 PM   #4
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Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure!
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      01-01-2019, 11:46 AM   #5
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Very interesting write up. As a 718 Boxster owner I can't wait to test drive the new Z4 both 30i and M40i to compare to my car. BMW definitely wins when it comes to everyday livability, speed, and engine (noise and feel), but the lack of a manual really is a disappointment and they should at least consider making it a factory order option so its at least available in some way because I'm sure it'd be an absolute joy to drive with one.
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      01-02-2019, 04:50 PM   #6
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That was a good review towards the Z4. Can't wait to hear the reviews on its Supra counterpart.
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      01-02-2019, 05:00 PM   #7
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Will we ever get a small little Z3 or 1st gen Z4 sized car again?

This thing is huge.
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      01-02-2019, 05:05 PM   #8
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Sounds right. Rumour says the M40i is very similar to the M4 in terms of parts. Glad the Z4 is back
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      01-02-2019, 05:25 PM   #9
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Seems like a rehash of the last Z4M vs Cayman S at that time. The Cayman was a marginally better sports car (lighter, sharper, more agile) but the M Coupe has that engine. Everyone who drove mine Z4M and a coworker's Cayman S agrees that the M was more engaging and characterful, and most importantly, more exciting to drive.

Having driven and contemplated buying a 718GTS, giving up my S55 for a four cylinder is still a big sticking point for me.
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      01-02-2019, 05:59 PM   #10
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The specs say twin turbo charged 6? Surely this thing has the single turbo B58? The M40i doesn't have an S55 or N63TU in it, does it? That would be insane if it did. Maybe I missed something?
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      01-02-2019, 06:07 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CntryClub007 View Post
The specs say twin turbo charged 6? Surely this thing has the single turbo B58? The M40i doesn't have an S55 or N63TU in it, does it? That would be insane if it did. Maybe I missed something?
Common confusion caused by BMW's TwinPower turbo trademark name. TwinPower can refer to a true twin-turbo setup (S55) or a twin-scroll single turbo (B58). The new Z4 uses the latter.
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      01-02-2019, 06:32 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CP911 View Post
Common confusion caused by BMW's TwinPower turbo trademark name. TwinPower can refer to a true twin-turbo setup (S55) or a twin-scroll single turbo (B58). The new Z4 uses the latter.
They most likely meant "Twin Scroll Turbo"
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      01-02-2019, 07:07 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mnikhil View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by CP911 View Post
Common confusion caused by BMW's TwinPower turbo trademark name. TwinPower can refer to a true twin-turbo setup (S55) or a twin-scroll single turbo (B58). The new Z4 uses the latter.
They most likely meant "Twin Scroll Turbo"
I was thinking they read "TwinPower" somewhere in the marketing literature and just didn't know their stuff like half of the so-called auto journalists out there.
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      01-02-2019, 07:20 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CP911 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by mnikhil View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by CP911 View Post
Common confusion caused by BMW's TwinPower turbo trademark name. TwinPower can refer to a true twin-turbo setup (S55) or a twin-scroll single turbo (B58). The new Z4 uses the latter.
They most likely meant "Twin Scroll Turbo"
I was thinking they read "TwinPower" somewhere in the marketing literature and just didn't know their stuff like half of the so-called auto journalists out there.
Yeap, makes sense. I once had to thoroughly educate a co-worker who had an X5-50i that he indeed truly had 2 physical turbo's. He was convinced that BMW got sued and it only had one. But yes, to the common folk, it could be confusing...to the enthusiast, just give us more boost.

Regardless, B58 in the new Z4 could be a ton of fun.

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      01-02-2019, 08:01 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Racer20 View Post
Seems like a rehash of the last Z4M vs Cayman S at that time. The Cayman was a marginally better sports car (lighter, sharper, more agile) but the M Coupe has that engine. Everyone who drove mine Z4M and a coworker's Cayman S agrees that the M was more engaging and characterful, and most importantly, more exciting to drive.

Having driven and contemplated buying a 718GTS, giving up my S55 for a four cylinder is still a big sticking point for me.
Was thinking the same thing. Z4M is more like a baby hot rod, handles great but requires more attention lest it get away from you. And the redline is higher and more joyous to crest. Is it 2006 again? Engine vs chassis though it sounds like this time then differences in the former might be even closer in the BMW's favour even if the chassis differences are even harder to compare.

Sadly if you're looking for a manual driving experience its literally no contest this time around though.
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      01-02-2019, 08:54 PM   #16
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I went there to check the Z4 vs the 718 but the Supra article below it caught my eyes ... never been a T-fan before but this thing is promising
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      01-03-2019, 06:45 AM   #17
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Really a skewed comparison and unnecessary. Aside from being sporty spyders these cars are made with two completely different recipes...it's like a running shoe vs a sporty loafer, both great when used purposefully. I too prefer a manual in these "smaller" form factor cars, shame that the demand isn't there any more but I would still offer it at a cost to the customer.
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      01-03-2019, 08:14 AM   #18
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Absolutely agree. They really should have badged it a Z5 and not a Z4. Glad to know that BMW's new roadster is on par with the 718. The exhaust note in the 718 is horrible though. On the other hand, the previous Boxster Spyder is hands down one of the very best cars ever made!
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      01-03-2019, 09:00 AM   #19
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It is a shame that the Porsche has gone to a four-cylinder engine, but otherwise I think it would be hard to justify picking the BMW. This is a fairly soft article, trying hard not to play favourites, at least the way I read it.

I'd be very surprised if there isn't more of a gap between the two in terms of steering feel and driver involvement than Kacher suggests.

The other hard thing about picking the Z4 is depreciation. The Cayman is sure to hold its value well, whereas depreciation on all Z4s to date has been very steep. I don't see that changing with the new model. But that means a two-year-old Z4 will be a great choice.
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      01-03-2019, 09:01 AM   #20
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Although Euro-spec, I'm assuming from a sporting perspective the Cayman S would walk all over the new Z4???

Either way, I can't believe how amazingly well this review bodes for the new Z4...sounds like a vastly improved machine...well done BMW.
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      01-03-2019, 10:11 AM   #21
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strong. good to see the Z coming back.
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      01-03-2019, 11:55 AM   #22
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I've always loved the Boxster/Cayman's gorgeous styling and brilliant performance. But, the new Z4's day-to-day comfort and practicality – bundled with strong performance, sublime engine, stand-out uniqueness, and Porsche-whomping price point – make me suspect that BMW has the right mix for decent market appeal. I think they turned out a seriously excellent and am hoping it'll be highly competitive in the marketplace. It's definitely **not** an embarrassment to BMW this time around!
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