2020 BMW Z4 M40i vs 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster | Car Comparison | Driving.ca

[@JoeDrumma]

I went with the BMW. I’ve owned a Boxster before and it was awesome, but I could load up a new BMW with safety and technology features and it came in at much less than a comparable Boxster. That plus the maintenance costs drove me to the Z4. I still love me some Boxster, but the Z4 M40i was the right choice for me.

[@borinvlogs]

I'd choose Z4 M40i over 718. Driven both in fact actually had 718 S for about 6 months. Just can't stand the noise of flat 4 does nothing in the tunnel or under the bridge. M40i feels more like a weapon just because of the sound. I love it especially removing mid box to make it even louder.

[@clu4u]

@@borinvlogs My 981 Spyder exhaust blows away the Bimmer

[@jta8587]

@@clu4u MY Jag F-type R exhaust blows all 3 away :)

[@teerapatmattayanphol8210]

My 458 blows away all 4 away 😂

[@ianedmonds9191]

@@jta8587 Yeah. I'm looking at the Jag for my next car.

[@johnlanders3694]

Anyone who doesn’t rate the 718 as a true Porsche is a F#%*witt, own it, love it.

[@monkeymanprophecy]

This was summed up perfectly by my dad. Drive the M40i and loved the sound, loved the ride, loved the smallness of it (this was first ever time testing a two seater). Dad (who understands as much about cars as our ex president about ingesting ride pods) looks at the price and says it’s too much. Then we drove a Porsche boxter base. Overall was ok, sound was meh, and comfort kinda sucked. Told him the BMW was the clear winner…he looked at me and said…”but you can buy a Porsche with the same money”. I love my dad and he is my role model. But just like him, our ex president and my 18 month old, they all have maybe have the same amount of brain cells working sometimes.

[@ericfeldman6725]

I have owned a Boxster GTS and a Cayman GT4. I got rid of them both and bought a BMW Z40i. The reason was simple I live in London, Ontario where there is traffic all the time. I dont track cars and sitting in both Porsches in the city made no sence as well as being very uncomfortable. When I looked into the BMW not only did the Z40i offer comfort for the city as well as fun when needed, but it sounds SO much better than the Porsche. To top it off all the bells and whistles in options were so much cheaper than Porsche.

[@mcesarey]

Just picked up a base 718 Boxster yesterday...absolutely love it!

[@kukakevin]

toy?

[@swanblake]

BMW is a sporty grand tourer while the 718 Boxster is a true sports car. Agree with your decision

[@alasdairstuart3394]

I agree 100% with the conclusion...and just bought the Z4. This is my every day around town but just did a 5 hr trip non stop and it was perfect. So the Z4 suits my needs. Boxster is the better sports car - mid engine and lighter will always win. BMW offering is different so take your pick. Either way, nice choice !

[@STVN9111]

26 thousand dollars in options, yet they ditched the most important performance option, Sport Chrono Package!!! UNREAL ! Whoever spec'd out this Porsche Boxster is clearly a rookie.

[@gregalanbell]

I was a cayman s owner and I rented a base 718 twice. Took in highway on 74 in Palm Desert, California, my native road, that I learned to drive on in an old bmw2002.highschool, late 1980s. The base 718 boxster was such a dream too drive on that road. I honestly didn't want it to beat any faster for this road. I've also owned a 1985 911 eurospec and a 1991 911 fully converted into a club race, and most recently a 2006 Cayman S. Unfortunately, due to the sour politics, I traded my Cayman on a new Elantra. But, when I get out of this sourpuss country, and can afford a Porsche again, I'll go with a base 718 boxster, with only pdk as an option. Used, 17 or 18.... something made b4 covid. The base 718 is the perfect Miata, a highly agile and incredibly fast version of a BMW 2002. Never driven a 356, just 911s, would like to own a 356 and a base 718 some day, hopefully b4 I turn 50.

[@ianedmonds9191]

It's weird - When I was considering a Z4 E85 I drove a 3.2s boxster. It felt good but a little flat. It didn't excite me in the same way the Z4 did. It felt very competent and fast but not as exciting at low speeds. The E85 Z4 is a great fun car. It's flawed no question. It's flaws add to it's fun IMHO. It can be made to work at legal speeds and it's easy to enjoy it and keep your licence. I drove an Mr2 (sw20 rev 3 ) for many years and it was loads of fun. It had 174bhp and it was all at the top end. I loved that car and that's why I was drawn to the Boxster. Big difference between mid engined and 174BHP and 280BHP. Getting the mid engine benefit comes from braking at the last moment so the breaking force balances the weight and the car pivots around the mid point. Much easier to approximate at lower speeds with a 4banger than at much higher speed with a 6 cylinder engine. The Boxster was just out of my competency range. Also the phantom of the IMS. I watched all sorts of videos on it and I just could not convince myself it would not happen to me. I bought a Z4 and I'm happy as a pig in clover. Great fun. Reliable (roof not withstanding - Seriously the roof design is a joke. Replace the motor and move the motor into the boot as soon as you get one.) Gorgeous car and a joy to daily. Luv and Peace.

[@marcpasquinelli2548]

I test drove both 718 base and 30i, and the 718's power delivery was...almost jarring? It was okay from 1,000-3000ish RPM, but above that the turbo spooled and it was a rocket. Not sure that's ideal for daily.

[@donh1572]

A few weeks ago I had a had time deciding which of these two to buy. I landed up getting a new Miata since it’s more visceral than these two. It’s not as fast but the smiles per mile keep on coming!

[@Malcom2345]

Cool. Went with a 718 base 5 years back, something you didnt mention was resale. Was excellent when l traded up to an S recently 😀

[@nt007]

Did you sell privately or traded at the dealer?

[@combinedeffects4799]

I absolutely love my BMW Z4 m40i - I am sure the Porsche is slightly better as an all out sports car but in term of looks and the overall sweetness and the essence of a beautiful timeless roadster - I have to admit I didn’t even give the Porsche a chance.

[@drivingca]

Thanks for watching!

[@combinedeffects4799]

@@drivingca thanks for great review.

[@e.a.p3174]

I own a Z4 with a manual, and I really would prefer an automatic. It's kind of a nuisance to shift when you hold your Tim Horton's cup. I live in Alberta where the roads are wide and flat ( and full of pot holes). Most of my driving is in the city.

[@Alexander5R]

Yesterday I was driving in the highway in my MX-5 ND2, out of nowhere a black Boxer S passes me, he then lowers the speed and changes to the middle lane, so I pass him by. He is then in my rear mirror again and passes me, then slows down and changes again to the middle lane. I think that he wanted to race with me, of course I wouldn't even try, besides being ilegal and dangerous, it wasn't even a match. So he gets bored (I assume) and leaves. 20 minutes later I see that some black convertible on my rear mirror approaching very fast, I thought "OMG this guy is at it again", then he changes lanes and past over me very fast (I was doing 75 mph, which is 5 mph over the limit, so I assume he was doing 90+ mph) without even caring about me and my little car, I took a look and it was a brand new Z4. I then kinda wished that those two met further in the highway so they can race like the Porsche dude wanted, I think that it was a fairer match. Now this morning all I'm thinking who of those two had the better car.

[@adventuresofjandk]

You did

[@balalhussain4406]

Deliberated over the same question for more than a year. Test drove the Boxster and the z4. I went for the Z4...just bought it last week. For the wow factor and the creature comforts....paid way less for the Z4 with 95% of the fun factor along with daily drivability.

[@clu4u]

Bimmer is a poor man’s Porsche😹

[@balalhussain4406]

@@clu4u LOOL....But I get actually get alot more head turns driving around in the z4 with comparable performance as the Porsche.... +40K extra in my pocket versus if I had gone with the Boxster GTS :)

[@balalhussain4406]

@@clu4u Not to mention paying that much for a 4 cylinder v the z4's inline 6....love that sound :)

[@charleslu7044]

I got a 981 Spyder, kids, grownups come up and tell me how much they like the Spyder. I had a 987S for 15 years and the Spyder is a completely different animal. GT Silver Metallic over Garnet Red. When peeps come up to you and compliment your ride, that’s a completely different universe. I’ll bet no one comes up to talk about your Bimmer, ever.

[@balalhussain4406]

@@charleslu7044 I would've gone for the 911 if we're talking about the perfect sportscar Charles.

[@oliverthemog3525]

I would have thought a GTS or at least an S would have been a bit more of a fair comparison. Options aside, it would be a better match. Great vid regardless of engine choice!

[@borinvlogs]

They compare the similarly priced cars, but not bhp wise.

[@charleslu7044]

The 2.5 with 365 hp is a better comparison and very close in base price.

[@ProdigyRE]

I owned two boxters the engine went after 6000 miles on first a 2014 then bought and 2016 electrical problems galore. The Boxter is amazing when it works. Other than that it is poor quality car. It requires a crap load of maintenance, had problems with leaks in roof. It was a total disappointment. I just bought BMW Z4 m40 .

[@charleslu7044]

I just bought a 981 Spyder, traded in a 987 Boxster S, which I put 140,000 miles. I modded the heck out of it, exhaust, ECU, lightweight fly wheel, underdrive pulley, Bilsteins. I miss that car, it was a go kart. The Spyder is a whole other type of animal. We are lucky indeed to enjoy such rides.

[@frostyarnie2941]

I thought so. .....thanks .

[@jasonbrown8473]

The 718 sounds so different then the Boxster I rented years ago, sounds really angry. Definitely considering one now

[@ntherrington]

I just bought the exact Z4 they had in the video. It is perfect for a date night with the wife or exhilarating for a solo ride through the country

[@abcdLeeXY]

Z4 is the better cruiser Boxster is more purposeful as a weekend driver Agree 100%

[@mpc007]

Base 718 Boxster should be pitted against the Z4 sDrive 30i, its a better comparison. In this vid, BMW is a no brainer imo. Way better value for money ratio.

[@foca656]

I tried both and went with the Z4.It was more comfortable on a longer trip.Better sound, tech and I love the infotainment.The main decision came from my wife, she said the Boxster looked like a Girls car and the Z4 looked more like a guy’s car.Lol that was it.

[@nikolasmoljanovic2884]

Z4 will age badly due to it's vertically placed headlights which is a fail that will hopefully be redesigned on a facelift model. It already looks bad next to a new 4/M3's.

[@foca656]

@@nikolasmoljanovic2884 I guess is a matter of taste.I love those lights.I had an M3 and this one gets way more compliments than any BMW or Lexus I ever had.I had plenty.I got it mainly because is a convertible.The infotainment is the best I have seen.The sound quality is not as good as a Mark Levinson on a Lexus but it is not bad at all.I never really liked the Z4 until this Edition and many people feel the same.The rear end is beautiful.Is fast, fun and topless is the way to go for beautiful spring weather.Yes I did look at the Boxster S but it was too harsh.Plus if I am going to drive a Porsche has to be a 911.

[@nikolasmoljanovic2884]

Of course it gets compliments, it looks very fresh and impractical due to the car being a two seater. It's a great car and tech is much better than Porsche', but I still went for the Boxster in the end. The front of a new Z4 just doesn't grow on me.

[@foca656]

@@nikolasmoljanovic2884 the front looks like the new Fiat or a Mustang sometimes.I agree is okay.But that @$$ is a beauty hahahahaha.Impractical for sure but I have an IS350 F sport for every day driver and My wife an RX AWD in case we want confort on a long trip.A two seater is just to have fun.Life is short, I work hard, cars are fun so might as well enjoy it.

[@nikolasmoljanovic2884]

@@foca656 Sure, I was just saying those cars like Z4/Boxster draw much attention because they leave an impression of a weekend car because they look and feel impractical and that makes them awesome and stand out in person. Pictures don't justify these cars.

[@jerryho5397]

do u even know your cars... and which segment they play....

[@toms_garage]

Great video, love the colour of that z4

[@unreliablenarrator6649]

You don't5 need navigation. Car play works fine and the choice of maps is better than any OEM Navi system.

[@Riley_1955]

Yeah for that much to begin with Navi should be a stock feature.....Porsche should be ashamed of themselves to charge that much.....And anybody that would pay that is a fool.

[@clu4u]

@@Riley_1955 You sound a little jelly? Get some PB and go make yourself a sandwich 🥪

[@drbobs8267]

Good video, I’m not sure I agree with the conclusion… I think that the 718 with the PDK could also be an excellent every day driver and more fun on the weekends to boot! But, if you want a more cushy driving car, then Z4.

[@michelcharest8108]

You know you should have compared the Boxster S with the M40

[@ourtvchannel]

Why ? The basic Boxster with the joke "extras" that give it what virtually every other car has these days as standard is already more expensive.

[@aidenp5768]

26,000 options ? Was that exaggeration?

[@rodrigosanroman5858]

Nope.

[@feoalexandrovich9373]

$26,000 worth of options

[@HanLi1984]

Great video! Question on maintenance though, is it easy enough to DIY oil change on the mid engine? If not that’s a big bummer

[@charleslu7044]

I did oil changes for 15 years in my 987S, it’s so easy.

[@kiphenrie2291]

BMW has the sound I need.

[@Riley_1955]

Man the Porsche just has that look that no other sports car can compare too......Oh and I love my 99 boxster base too.....If offered I guess I would trade even up for a new 718.....Lol

[@silvanobado9988]

z4... is a complete car... so is the best..

[@jhors7777]

Thank you for posting this helpful video.

[@kavineshanuragavan7153]

You play 2600 dollars for navigation. Buy one of the best phones about some wireless buds with the leftover cash and use the free navigation in the pho e

[@BatDimen]

Porsche. Classier, higher regarded, less common, better engineered over the BMW

[@ZEWCHOOB]

But it's a 2 litre and a lot slower.

[@BatDimen]

@@ZEWCHOOB Some Ford Mustangs are faster than Porsche 911s but can you really compare?

[@ZEWCHOOB]

@@BatDimen True, I'd love a Boxster as my next car, but I can't justify going from m 3 litre inline 6 in my M235i to a 2l 4cyl, it makes the decision tricky..

[@BatDimen]

@@ZEWCHOOB Yeah, that part I understand. I have a 2016 981 3.4 Liter flat 6 naturally aspirated myself and wouldn't trade it for the 718 2L versions at all. You can always do the Spyder/Gt4 versions or the new GTS 4.0 that just came out :-)

[@ZEWCHOOB]

@@BatDimen Hahaha, I wish I had that much money! It'll probably have to a BMW for me, or a 981 Cayman S at a push.

[@Commonsense4Life]

Your right. I don’t. The Porsche would be the epitome of that perfect little weekend sports car, race track and through canyon roads (and you would get beat up from its harsh suspension, 😂)! However. The Luxury, GT cruiser, head turning stunningly beautiful interior and outside appearance beach cruiser goes to the BMW Z4 Roaster! Hands down! 😉 I want one of those. And I’m gonna get one, soon (Z4 Roadster)!

[@egachai]

That would be such a good compromise conclusion.

[@ClintonSnow]

Hello, Driving.ca I would like to ask you the following questions: Is this BMW Z4 excellent for a daily drive in the downtown? Does this BMW Z4 has good fuel economy?

[@themonster921]

come si fa a comparare un 3000 con un 2000?

[@driver_18]

I think the 718 Spyder would have been better.

[@jahwangful]

I would buy Corvette C8

[@bp7770]

Corvette wants to be a porsche in the worst way. Hence the mid engine design. Plus vettes are for old dudes

[@goorgert1364]

Porsche can teach BMW how to make a dashboard that doesn't resemble a household entertainment system.

[@rgthomson100]

Not apples to apples, the BMW against the 718 spyder, price is roughly the same although you could spend a lot more on extras, between these two its the BMW but against the spyder im having the posche Not Porcher its just a Porshe

[@frostyarnie2941]

Thanks you’ve answered my question. (I’ll play all day until I’ve lost my license! 😂😂😂)

[@Sortahere1669]

i like the bmw z4

[@frs2080]

Roads look like Eastern Europe or South Italy… or worse 😜 greetings from Holland. Boxster T is probably the better the solution pricewise 😉 Boxster S/GTS energywise 😁

[@tanmaychopdar3485]

I already have the z4............and I am even gonna buy the Porsche

[@donkeyshot8472]

bmw throaty 6 cylinder, porsche sewing machine 4 cylinder - and the 718s are selling miserably worldwide...enough said.

[@donkeyshot8472]

@Clarence yes, I know. however, the market for 4 cylinder 718 sewing machines is dismal, and even smaller for the way overpriced spyder (corr.) version. porsche destroyed the boxster/cayman line with the 718 going 4 cylinder, but this is nothing compared to the way the german auto industry as a whole will destroy itself in the near future, post-corona, "post-industrial" age...

[@Riley_1955]

Yeah it seems like most manufacturers American or foreign are going 4 cylinder turbo for their base engine.....But if Porsche doesn't get their head out of their arse and get back to a flat six they are going to go down the tubes.

[@dirkstuer6256]

Z4 m40i vs Porsche 718 boxster gts 2.5

[@balalhussain4406]

Nice video guys.

[@failingup4907]

Both cars are nice.. Porscha.. LOL The E is silent. Or is would be spelled Porsche' .. Its a German name not French. I'll keep my C7 Corvette with a manual over both. Beautiful cars tho.

[@unreliablenarrator6649]

My X5 is a great SAV (yes, SAV) but for an open coupe, Porsche please.

[@dallasstang2818]

Base Boxster vs top Z4… ummmmmok

[@xiaobinlu5394]

Seems very novice reviews

[@omarz-444]

Bimmer 😍👌

[@JGV_IX]

I think that Porsche sounds like a cement mixer…

[@shaunmcinnis566]

Agree, Porsches always sounded like shit..I had one too.

[@agodunknown]

business machine vs absolute pleasure ..

[@ShakingTwoTrees2012]

As the man said, if you search for back roads just get the Miata (MX-5) as I did... you'll save $30,000 and your license!

[@JoeDrumma]

I just couldn’t fit my 6’2” frame into that car.

[@grahamjones2759]

@@JoeDrumma - the Boxter is too tight for me at 6'3".... awesome car though.

[@Riley_1955]

I tried very hard to make myself buy a MX-5 I really did but I just couldn't get over the small interior for my long arms and legs so I bought me a boxster and love it.

[@clu4u]

@@Riley_1955 I’ve owned 2 now have a 981 Spyder. Best car I’ve ever owned! It’s jaw dropping beautiful

[@Molloy1951]

Guys are comparing the Z4 with the wrong Porsche trim here. It should have been at least the Boxter S. A bit nonsensical comparison, unfortunately

[@themonster921]

la bmw non tiene la strada in curva

[@Derek-b8q]

Pointless

[@kukakevin]

old guy so boring of the money ..

[@caominh2874]

that bmw has so much artificial sound

[@eduki]

4 cyl vs 6 cyl, the Boxster is a joke