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The BMW Z4 Overview

The Porsche Boxster Overview

The Porsche Boxster is available in the base version or as the more powerful Boxster S. The base model has a horizontally opposed 2.9-liter six-cylinder engine. Mounted amidships, it's rated at 255 hp and 214 pound-feet of torque. The Boxster S has a 3.4-liter version that produces 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque.

Standard on both models is a six-speed manual, with Porsche's seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual (named PDK) optional. This transmission is capable of operating in full automatic mode or with gearchanges ordered up by the driver via wheel-mounted buttons.

What BMW offers…

• Though both offer the same 255 hp rating, BMW's 3.0-liter Valvetronic inline-6 produces slightly more torque - 220 lb-ft. vs. 214 lb-ft. - at a more accessible 2600 rpm.
• BMW's aluminum hardtop gives additional sound insulation, security and weather proofing that Porsche's cloth top can't match. With more glass area, the Z4 also provides far better outward visibility with its top up.
• The Z4 offers more head, leg and shoulder room than the Boxster.
• Despite their similar pricing, BMW's Z4 sDrive30i offers a much longer list of standard features, including Xenon Adaptive Headlights, rain-sensing wipers, Dynamic Cruise Control, and multi-function steering wheel.
• The Z4's standard Driving Dynamics Control provides Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings for throttle response, steering feel, DSC intervention and shift programming on automatic-equipped cars.
• With its $2300 Sport Package, the Z4 sDrive30i adds sport seats, 18-inch wheels, plus the Adaptive M Suspension with Electronic Damping Control. The M suspension adds Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings, also adjustable via Driving Dynamics Control.
• With its optional Through Loading System, the Z4 can also carry two golf bags inside the car. Neither of the Boxster's two trunks can accommodate anything of that length.
• BMW's optional navigation system includes the current generation iDrive, which offers a completely revised, highly intuitive interface, 8.8-inch color monitor, eight Programmable Memory Keys and separate quick-access buttons. The optional system includes an 80GB hard disc with 12 GB music memory and CD-ripping capability.
• Further, BMW's navigation adds MyInfo and Google-based BMW Search.
• Other options on the Z4 include Park Distance Control, Comfort Access and High Beam Assistant. Further, with navigation, PDC adds an on-screen display.
• BMW's 4 year/50,000-mile warranty includes Full Maintenance.
• BMW includes a 12 year/unlimited miles corrosion warranty.

What Porsche doesn’t…

• With less torque than BMW's inline-6, the Boxster's 2.9-liter flat-6 also peaks at a much higher engine speed – 4400 rpm compared to the BMW's 2600.
• Porsche's standard cloth top doesn't provide the security, weather proofing nor sound insulation of the Z4's standard aluminum hardtop. Outward visibility is also poor in the Boxster with its top up. (see quotes).
• The Boxster's mid-engine layout provides less interior space, with less leg, head and shoulder room than the Z4.
• Porsche's Adaptive Xenon headlights are a $1560 option; rain-sensing wipers are $690, a multi-function steering wheel is $1360 and Dynamic Cruise Control is not available. Those options alone add $3610 to the Boxster's $47,550 price.
• Porsche's Active Suspension Management (PASM), a $1990 option, affects the damping only and has no driver-selectable settings, unlike BMW's DDC.
• Driver-selectable settings for the chassis are only available with Porsche's $1320 Sport Chrono Package. What's more, sport seats and 18-inch wheels are additional extra-cost features on the Boxster, but are included in BMW's Sport Package.
• The Boxster includes front and rear trunks, but despite their nominally larger capacity both are deep and rather oddly shaped. Also, Porsche has nothing like BMW's Through Loading System to accommodate longer items.
• Porsche's Communication Management system has a 6.5-inch touch-screen, and its display is placed low on the center stack. There are no Programmable Memory Keys nor direct-access buttons. The system features a 40 GB hard-drive database, but it offers neither music storage nor CD-ripping capability.
• Porsche's navigation system has no internet-search capacity, and nothing like MyInfo.
• The Boxster's option list offers neither Comfort Access nor High Beam Assistant, and its parking assist is rear-only, with no additional display available.
• Porsche's warranty is 4 year/50,000-miles, but includes no maintenance.
• Porsche's corrosion warranty is also unlimited mileage, but only for 10 years.
   

 "Inside, the cabin is refreshingly simple with attractive wood accents, slick-looking HVAC controls and a straightforward cockpit layout." - Autoblog

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