comapring models Boxster vs Z3/4
 

Hi All;

New Guy here. Great site, I have found a tonne of great info here. I have searched alot of threads so that I have more of a general knowledge about the boxster. I am considering the purchase of a z3 or a 2003 Z4. From what I have read I am better off to continue to search for a 2001 / 02 M powered Z3 even though price wise it will cost about the same as a regular Z4 model.
Then I took a Boxster for a test drive and to say the least it is an impressive machine.

At the risk of creating a S___storm of controversy does anyone have any direct experience with a Boxster VS. a Z3 or a Z4? If this has already been discussed can someone direct me to the link. Both seem like great cars but the Boxster seems to have an edge in the handling dept.

Gary

An older M powered Z is going to be quicker than the boxster but as far as sound and handling go the boxster has it beat. Have you considered getting an S model Boxster thats a few years old that would even out the performance part pretty evenly. I have provided a link with some performance numbers...

http://www.car-videos.net/performance/view.asp?ID1=52&ID2=233


as you can see the S easily outdoes the standard Z in performance and I think from what I have read elsewhere those numbers seem a little high on both cars...As far as looks go I think the boxster is much better looking and I think most would agree on that. Brakes are among the best on both cars, reliablility would be a tough call as BMW's are known to have a wide variety of electrical issues but porsche's have issues as well...both cars deserve a good aftermarket warranty...

Thanks for the link some great info there.
Yes the Boxster seemed to handle better than the Z4. They both seem like great cars and I guess it will come down to availability and personal preference. M Powered Z3's are very hard to find in my area.
Lots of Boxsters with the "S" version going for a premium.
thanks
Gary

Interestingly, I just bought a book that is a compilation of a lot of magazine articles on the Boxster over the past few years (1997 - 2003, I think). In it are a lot of comparisons between the Boxster and Z3/4. I would say overall, all the articles say "it was a close call", but some picked the BM and some picked the Boxster/S. All we can conclude from that is it's up to personal taste. And for me, there is no substitute....Porsche.

(..just ignore the fact that at the moment I don't actually have a Boxster...I'm working on that as we speak! :p )