Test drive BMW Z4 M40i vs Porsche 718 Boxster: open match
Comparison of two outstanding roadsters - let's see who wins...
So far, the distribution of roles is very clear - Boxster for serious athletes and Z4 for lovers of leisurely walks and demonstrating sophisticated style. The new edition of the BMW roadster, however, mixed the cards again ...
They say that a good movie script should start with an explosion, and from that point on, the plot should gradually increase. Well then, let's explode ... With his cheerful clapping, hiccups and hoarse howls. The Porsche Boxster sends a clear signal that controlled explosions of fuel and air are used to power it. After all, character sound is an integral part of any good sports car, and despite doubts about the voice capabilities of a four-cylinder turbocharger, the latest Boxster 718 remains a real athlete - especially in this bright yellow color ...
On the contrary, the new Z4 is presented in a pronounced muted Frozen Gray Metallic matte gray lacquer. Actually, the definition of "gray" in this case is only true in the literal sense - otherwise, matte highlights emphasize the superbly exciting combination of convex and concave surfaces, graceful folds, sharp edges and many details that betray the character of a real predator. From the first Z3 to the latest hardtop Z4, the styling of the new generation calls for the Munich roadster's offensive nature, against the backdrop of the mild-mannered, seemingly indecisive forms of its predecessors. This is, of course, especially true of the top-of-the-line M40i, aimed by BMW right at Porsche's hunting grounds.
In general, the classic front-engine roadster scheme was not touched by the Bavarian engineers. And that's great, especially in the ideal case, when a three-liter inline six-cylinder engine stretches under a long torpedo. Compared to the 718 and its mid-engine, the driver in the Z4 sits closer to the rear axle and slightly higher off the road, which subconsciously gives the impression that the Z4 requires a little more cornering. In the Boxster, the driver feels more involved and closer to the action, and the bulging fenders also help to orientate and turn in corners.
Boxster - everything has a price
It is undeniable that even the smallest model in the Porsche lineup contains the essence of the brand. It's got it all, from the classic round controls with a central tachometer to the ignition key located to the left of the steering wheel, to the near-perfect body position on the glove-like sports seats. There are many nice, useful and expensive additions to this wonderful base, which increase the price of the test copy by about a third compared to the base model. Understandably, many of these things are expensive and require additional payment in competition, but unlike the Z4 M40i, which is usually cheaper, with the Boxster S you will have to pay extra for front LED lights, heated sports seats with leather upholstery, parking sensors and even for adaptive suspension, sports braking system and differential, as well as for automatic transmission.
At the same time, there are significant gaps in safety equipment and driver assistance systems (no knee airbag, head-up display and automatic braking and parking functions), as well as a low-positioned multimedia screen and multi-function controls. Small buttons can be best described as "taking some getting used to." Functions in the Bavarian Roadster are much easier and faster to control with the familiar rotary controller or simply with voice commands, while the large center display and fully customizable digital controllers provide rich and easy-to-understand information.
Both models feature a soft, durable and precision-crafted fabric folding roof that retracts completely behind the seats in a matter of seconds at the touch of a button and perfectly seals out aerodynamic noise when closed. In both models, the driver and his passenger are placed deep behind heavily sloped windshields, while raised side windows and aerodynamic deflectors prevent air turbulence and allow comfortable outdoor travel and conversation even at speeds of around 100 km / h. The best deal for an all-season convertible is here. certainly the Z4 is, because its powerful heating with fine-tuning of the temperature (optional steering wheel heating is also available) can handle even quite frosty weather conditions. Even with the roof closed, the Bavarian is a little quieter and more comfortable, and the passage over bumps in the road is much softer even in Sport Plus mode. The Boxster with 20-inch wheels (extra) can't achieve this level of comfort in any of the suspension modes, but overall its behavior is good enough for nasty bumps, and that can't be said even on really bad roads. . On the other hand, when driving straight down the track, it is not as stoically stable as the Z4, and shocks from the transverse joints have time to reach the steering wheel. Otherwise, the 718 manages to realize almost all the advantages of a mid-engined layout and impresses with impeccable dynamics, optimal grip, ideal weight distribution and lack of inertia in reactions. The Boxster enters corners accurately and swiftly, gives full feedback, with enough traction, stays stable at the limit and accelerates with a heavy load on the rear wheels at the exit. The passage between the snake pylons is made with laser precision. There is not the slightest trace of tension in all this, and any mistakes in the turn are justified by a slight miss of the front. The rear axle can get playful, but only if you insist very much... Overall, the 718 is a truly precise sports unit that has everything you need to perform well, no matter the competition.
Z4 is more convertible than sport
This is evident in direct comparison to the new open BMW, which maintains an honorable distance from its Porsche rival both in slalom and on the track with successive lane changes and closed track achievements. The variable ratio sports steering in the Bavarian car reacts even more clearly, but also introduces more disturbance to the behavior if the driver cannot follow the ideal trajectory precisely. The higher weight of the Z131 (6 kg) and the wider body (4 cm) are also clear indications that, despite significant progress over previous generations, the BMW model remains more of a sports convertible than a racing sports car. In Sport Plus mode, things get even more serious. On the other hand, this is not entirely true ...
In the name of the Bayerische Motoren Werke, the engine takes center stage – as is the case with the Z4, although it is located under the hood. The turbocharged inline six-cylinder unit delivers a real joy to the senses with its incredible traction, brilliant mannerisms and a sound that constantly goosebumps and even the drabest everyday life turns into a holiday. The three-liter car absorbs gas with incredible appetite, picks up speed and even at 1600 rpm delivers 500 Nm to the crankshaft. So everyone can always speed up thanks to the intelligent and smooth operation of the eight-speed automatic transmission. Amid all this splendor, Porsche's drivetrain can only counter its obvious rev-inclination and slightly better performance. Despite the boxer configuration of the cylinders with its theoretically optimal mass balance, the four-cylinder engine with 350 hp. it runs a little uneven at low revs, pulls noticeably in heavy traffic, and the sports exhaust system (optional) makes more noise than sound. It is not surprising that avid fans of the brand still mourn the wonderful characteristic timbre (and not only) of the previous six-cylinder naturally aspirated unit. It's undeniable that the modern 2,5-litre turbo engine delivers more power and torque with less fuel consumption (average 10,1 instead of 11,8L/100km 98H under test conditions), but with the case for reduction seem to be running out. The six-cylinder BMW engine satisfies an average of 9,8L/100km (compared to the cheaper 95N) under the same operating conditions. Of course, these savings do not play any role in the overall price balance.
As for the price level, Boxster remains a real Porsche, the configuration of which can quickly blow up the planned financial framework. The BMW model is a significantly cheaper buy that also offers more comfort, more refined manners and better safety equipment - the Z4 just isn't as sporty as its Stuttgart rival. Porsche fans may be reassured by the fact that the Boxster holds the lead in terms of performance, but the big boom in this comparison is definitely in favor of the Bavarians.
CONCLUSION
1. BMW
The M40i version of the new Z4, with its phenomenal inline-six, is a truly successful roadster that leaves the indecision of its predecessors in history and combines perfectly high levels of comfort with superb driving dynamics.
2. PORSCHE
In terms of brilliant road handling, the Boxster S remains a strong Porsche brand ambassador, but at such a high price point, it should offer a better engine, richer equipment and support systems.
Text: Bernd Stegemann
Photo: Hans-Peter Seifert
