2006 BMW Z4 vs. 2012 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayman is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW Z4 would be higher. At 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Cayman (330 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2006 BMW Z4. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW Z4 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2012 Porsche Cayman.
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, 2012 Porsche Cayman (370 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW Z4. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 2012 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | Z4 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4346 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
