Z4 35is Or Boxster S 987.2?

L

Lil_g_1234

Member
So having missed having a drop top 2 seater for the last year I’m now thinking of going back to one.
Budget is around 20-25k so this would put me in a Z4 35is or a Porsche Boxster S 987.2

Question is - has anyone had it driven both and which is better?

The car will be a daily - but I do generally only do 20miles motorway miles a day commuting so this won’t sway me too much.

The Porsche are quite hard to come by, will be 3/4 years older then the z4 and seem to have less spec. But are the Boxster’s that much better?

Anybody had any experiences?
 
I'd hazard a guess that the gen 2 Boxster is a bit more reliable than the N54 and would edge it on the handling and ride. The 35iS would probably feel the faster of the 2. You really HAVE to drive both back to back to answer your question.
 
Makes for an interesting read, although unfortunately it is for the newer Boxster. I have found a Fifth Gear test that put the 987.2 against the 35i but in usual fifth gear fashion, they compared how well they slid between two cardboard boxes rather than what they are like on the road. Seems like il have to find some dealers that are willing to let me have a go!
 
I have test driven both as I looked at a Boxster before my 35is. The 35is felt far faster and gave alot more tech / options for my budget so that is what I ended up going for. The Boxster S did how ever look beautiful from the front and rear, but I was not keen on the soft top, and for me personally there was not a massive difference in handling or comfort.
 
If you are going to cruise to the Alps get a Z. If you like to shift and toss it around get a Porsche. Be aware of the Boxster issues with intermediate shaft bearing $$ and cylinder liner issues in that price/age range (google both cars for issues). Personally I like the versatility of the z4 and I had an older Boxster which felt too small and confining. The Z is in bargain territory and is a well built strong fast car. The dealer can give you a maintenance history from the VIN or the key. It should have been recalled for the fuel pump and check for cracked wheels. A good one will have any issues, like gasket leaks fixed.
 
The Boxster by quite a margin is a far better point to point car than the Z, thats always been the case, like for like as you have seen the age / specs don't match on a like for like basis, the Porsches tend to have done better residually and still appeal to the enthusiast driver, I had one for a while when I had a lovely twisty commute to work and on the same route, my would have no idea what way it went, regardless of any power advantages.

If you want more of a GT car that has all the creature comforts and can still be fun, just not as much fun, in the twisties as the Boxster then get the Z, with the hard roof its also quieter.

If I had my old commute back, I'd probably get another Boxster as it would annoy me the Z isn't as playful and balanced.
 
I have owned both and in most situations the Porsche is a better drivers car, it does feel slower due to the lack of torque compared to the N54 engine but it loves to rev and then it flies be it manual or PDK - cross country most E89's would'nt know where the boxster went though, the Boxster encourages 100% driving where I never felt comfortable doing anything like that in my 35i or 35IS. If you are looking for pure driving pleasure the 987.2 S manual is really in a different league BUT it doesn't have a steel roof, its noisier and if like me you are six foot plus the Z4 is way more comfortable so beats the Boxster hands down for cruising and long distance trips (apart from luggage space which the Porsche easily wins). Economy wise they are similar, maybe the boxster edges it, I often saw 30+ MPG vs 25 to 30 in the Z. In terms of quality, I have to agree with what was said above that the Z4 disappointed me compared to the Boxster, too many stupid niggling faults given the original price whereas I have never had a single issue of note with any Boxster, even those which could have suffered from the infamous IMS bearing failure have been perfect. Warranty wise, if you buy an E89 with a full BMW history and less than 60k miles you can stick on a BMW used car warranty on for less than £500 and its well worth it. The equivalent Porsche warranty is Much more expensive and comes with onerous terms so like on my last 987.2 I didn't bother but equally I didnt feel that I needed one for that car, it felt bullet proof. Servicing costs are maybe a bit higher on the Boxster.
Both are great cars IMO but apart from having two seats and folding roofs and the ability to go very quickly they really do address different needs - as a daily driver the Z would edge it but its not clear cut. BTW I saw a cracking 987.2S at GTOne a few weeks ago, £23k and less than 30k Miles and absolutely immaculate.
All of the above said, you wont go wrong with either but make sure that you understand what you want from the car.
Keith
 
I have a friend in West London who is selling his beautiful 55 plate Boxster S with 42,000 miles and FSH for £11900. Let me know if you are interested and I’ll pass on his details.
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