1997 Porsche Boxster vs. 2008 BMW Z4
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Porsche Boxster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Porsche Boxster would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Porsche Boxster (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2008 BMW Z4. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW Z4 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1997 Porsche Boxster.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Porsche Boxster (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4. 2008 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1997 Porsche Boxster has manual transmission. 1997 Porsche Boxster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Porsche Boxster | 2008 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | Boxster | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2480 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2500 mm |
