BMW Z4 vs Boxster

SCVWGUY · 01-10-2004, 08:21 PM

I can't belive I am writing this, but went to the LA autoshow today, and really enjoyed the feel of the Z4 for my daily driver. I would consider a 996, but the maint will kill me and the thought of no warranty doesn't make it better.

I can't stand the boxster, so should I stick with the Accord?

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

I think the Z4 is one of the uglier cars out there, but I don't like any of Bangle's designs.

Why can't you stand the Boxster? I'd dig one for a daily driver. It is still a flat 6 after all...

84porsche · 84porsche's Garage

I would never tell you to stick with an Accord. Although it is the cheapest of the bunch either the BMW Z4 or the Boxster will be a fun car. They both have been very close in all the magazine reviews with the Boxster winning by a very small margin. I think the only magazine that the Z4 won in was Bimmer - biased article possibly. I think the Z4's designs will grow on you but test drive both before and see which one you truly like better.

no substitute · 01-10-2004, 09:12 PM

In Excellence the basic Boxster had the Z4 for lunch when it came to handling. This in spite of the fact that the BMW is a half a second quicker 0-60. One of the test drivers is a BMW afficionado and he preferred to drive the Boxster too. It does cost a bit more, however. What BMW is able to do with the M series, they apparently haven't achieved with the Z4. Sorry, but I don't believe in the concept of car gender, and the Boxster is probably a bit too pricey for most secretaries anyway. It may very well be Porsche's best platform. If you like it, get it.

onewhippedpuppy · 01-10-2004, 09:18 PM

I hated the Z4 until I saw one in person, now it's growing on me. Drive both, buy whichever you like better. Ditch the Accord, now that's a secretary car.

SpeedracerIndy · 01-10-2004, 09:38 PM

I still don't like the look of the Z4. Too trendy with its sharp edges. I think in 10 years, the Z4 will look like a trendy car of the time, and the Boxster will look like a Porsche, which is a timeless design.

moazam · moazam's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by CDiercks
I think in 10 years, the Z4 will look like a trendy car of the time, and the Boxster will look like a Porsche, which is a timeless design.

Or it'll look like a 914 to most people.

That could be a good thing depending on your taste.

campbellcj · 01-10-2004, 10:05 PM

I personally never liked the styling of the Z3 and the Z4 makes me wanna hurl. I actually like the E36 M3 and ///M Coupe best of that whole 94-2004 genre. And the new 5-series is effin' heinous!

Stick with a well-equipped and well set-up Boxster. Or perhaps an Audi TT is another viable alternative? Cheaper, and strong performance potential...

Tool Pants · 01-10-2004, 10:50 PM

jyl · jyl's Garage

Subjective opinion follows:

The Z4 is a Bangle-mobile. Lots of creases and angles that have no function, just contrived styling - like the "Z" on the side. It is an okay look car from some angles, but as a long-hood, short-deck, convertible sportscar it'd be hard for it not to look okay, it really should be a stunner - and isn't. The Z4's look and appeal aren't going to last. In a couple years people will view them they way they view Z3's now.

The Boxster is a classic Porsche design, smooth and functional. It's been around for quite a few years now and still looks good. Unfortunately the car has been "held back" by Porsche, both in performance and in styling. Can you imagine a twin-turbo Boxster with flared fenders stretched over 935-size wheels? Never going to happen, alas. Also, with the new Boxster coming, the current ones are going to drop in value pretty hard.

I'm not sure I'd use a 2-seat sports car as my daily driver - "daily driver" to me means stop-and-go-traffic, getting parked in crowded lots and left at the airport for a week, sometimes hauling the kids to school, etc. If my "daily drive" didn't have any of those, then why wouldn't I'd drive my 911 every day.

Subjective opinion ends.

Buy whatever you like - your opinion is the only one that matters.

atlporsche · 01-11-2004, 01:46 PM

my daily drive is a stop and go, with out all that other stuff.

What am I getting??

I HAVE NO IDEA. I looked at a boxster...it's really all I need. then toss a couple of bags in it with the wife, and zoom off we go for the weekend.

on the other hand...if I need to take a 912 engine somewhere, or various other parts or go to the wrecking yard...323iT (3-series wagon) then build it into the M3 Touring they never built.

on the third hand, MINI gets my juices flowing.

sjd

svandamme · svandamme's Garage

the mini is awesome handling, but you need the cooper S or it's slow even the normal Cooper
the interior is so girly , they might as well have painted all of 'em pink.
on top of that, the Cooper S is extremely expensive for what it is...

the Z4 vs boxster , Mid engine boxter >>> it will always be more fun
Z4 reminds me of Z3 to much, which is and always will be a hairdresser or doctor's wife car. true the 4 is beefier than the 3 , but it also has the ugly new design that makes all new beamers uglier than Jabba the Hutt.

TargaRob · 03:16 PM

Get the Boxster. It's a Porsche.

BlkBird · 01-11-2004, 05:24 PM

Test drove the Z4 in a BMW sponsored autocross. It's a nice car with really nice finish. But it lacks pizzazz.

Handling was nice but it didn't have the edge a P-car provides (although I have never driven a Boxster under similar conditions), I especially hated the semi-automatic transmission.

But it is a nice car. Definitely nice. Yes, nice is the word that comes to mind. If you like nice you'll like it. If you like an edge... well you won't find it meets your needs.