2008 BMW Z4 vs. 2012 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayman is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 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 (320 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2008 BMW Z4. (261 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW Z4 weights approximately 45 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 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (316 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 2012 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | Z4 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 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 | 1395 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1306 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
