Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2005 Porsche BOXSTER VS 2005 BMW Z4 Near Phoenix, AZ

The Boxster has standard head airbag curtains which act as a forgiving barrier between the driver and passenger’s upper bodies and the window and pillars. Combined with high-strength steel door beams and lower side airbags this system increases head protection in broadside collisions. The Z4 doesn’t offer side airbag protection for the head.

The Boxster offers an optional backup radar to help warn drivers about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind their vehicle. This collision warning system uses radar to detect obstacles behind the rear bumper. The Z4 doesn’t offer a rear collision sensor.

Both the Boxster and the Z4 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The Boxster’s corrosion warranty is 4 years longer than the Z4’s (10 vs. 6 years).

The Boxster’s standard 2.7 DOHC 6 cyl. produces 56 more horsepower (240 vs. 184) and 24 lbs.-ft. more torque (199 vs. 175) than the Z4 2.5i’s standard 2.5 DOHC 6 cyl. The Boxster’s 2.7 DOHC 6 cyl. produces 15 more horsepower (240 vs. 225) than the Z4 3.0i’s standard 3.0 DOHC 6 cyl. The Boxster S’ standard 3.2 DOHC 6 cyl. produces 55 more horsepower (280 vs. 225) and 22 lbs.-ft. more torque (236 vs. 214) than the Z4 3.0i’s standard 3.0 DOHC 6 cyl.

As tested in Road & Track the Boxster S is faster than the Z4 3.0i (manual transmissions tested):

In a Road & Track race course test, the Porsche Boxster S was clocked 3.44 seconds faster than the BMW Z4 3.0i (67.27 sec. vs. 70.71 sec.).

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Boxster lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability. The Z4 doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

The Boxster has 2.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Z4 (16.9 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the Boxster’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Z4:

The Boxster’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the Z4 2.5i are solid, not vented.

The Boxster stops shorter than the Z4:

For better traction, the Boxster’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Z4 (F:235/40R18 & R:265/40R18 vs. F:225/40R18 & R:255/35R18).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Boxster has standard 17 inch wheels. Smaller 16 inch wheels are standard on the Z4 2.5i.

The Boxster offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Z4’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Boxster S handles at 1.00 G’s, while the Z4 3.0i pulls only .92 G’s of cornering force in a Road & Track skidpad test.

The Boxster S goes through Road & Track’s slalom 6.9 MPH faster than the Z4 3.0i (73.9 vs. 67 MPH).

The Boxster has a much larger trunk than the Z4 with its top up (9.9 vs. 9.2 cubic feet). The Boxster has a much larger trunk than the Z4 with its top down (9.9 vs. 8.5 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox keeps your small valuables safer in the Boxster. The Z4 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Boxster’s front power windows raise and lower automatically with one touch, especially convenient at tollbooths or drive-up windows. Only the driver’s window of the Z4 works automatically with one touch.

To help keep the driver’s hands on the wheel, the Boxster offers optional steering wheel controls for the radio. The Z4 doesn’t offer steering wheel audio controls.