| 2010 Porsche Boxster vs 2010 BMW Z4 | November 18, 2009 | AUTORIVALS.NET |
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| With the redesign of the Z4, BMW might have a serious contender this time unlike the last few generations which were too small to compete against others like the Porsche Boxster. The Z4 has grown up and gone hard with a new hardtop replacing the soft top convertible. This effectively combines the convertible and coupe into one car this time although separating them for performance sake might've still been nice. Nevertheless, BMW tries to once again take a stab at the Porsche Boxster which has long reigned as a performance bargain (well, relative to other Porsche's that is). | ||
| 2010 Porsche Boxster | vs | 2010 BMW Z4 |
 Porsche's familiar look is still here although updated in 2009. The headlights are larger than typical Porsches but it's still unmistakably a Porsche. |
 The Z4 gets larger and more aggressive compared to the last generation. The stance is wider than before which makes the Z4 look lower. The hood is chiseled nicely and the twin kidney grille is wide enough to make it look good. |
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| The BMW has an unorthodox front end where the top actually protrudes further than the bottom. We're not sure how much more aerodynamic that can be compared to the Porsche's smooth front design but the Z4's flat front still looks good. Porsche could try to restyle the side vent on the Boxster which looks more like a poorly made aftermarket part than something that belongs on a Porsche. | ||
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| Because of their layouts, each vehicle takes on different proportions. BMW's front engine layout creates a long hood and short trunk lid. The Boxster's front and rear proportions are more balanced due to its mid-engine platform. The long hood and short deck design looks better and is what most classic sports cars follow but the Porsche gives better front driver visibility. | ||
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| Even with the optional hardtop, the Boxster can't match the Z4's look with the top up. The B-pillar is too wide and thick compared to the Z4's sleek design. However, both tops still look too rounded for their long, low profile bodies. The rest of the Boxster's side profile is unexciting compared to the Z4's curvature and crease that goes from the hood to the rear fender. | ||
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| The Porsche looks better with the top down whereas the BMW can pull off either look. The Z4's new two-piece folding roof is one of the nicer designed hardtop convertibles. However, the additional weight gain of a folding hardtop sacrifices performance so we shouldn't expect to see it on a Porsche anytime soon. | ||
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| The Z4 might look better with a hardtop but the rear design isn't as good as the Porsche. The Boxster's sloping rear is a sleeker design than the Z4 which is a tad bland. | ||
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| Both vehicles mimic each other by placing the third brake light on the trunk but combined with Porsche's sloping rear, the Boxster looks better. The Boxster's fenders create a wavy look in the rear profile and looks more dynamic than the Z4's curved trunk lid. The BMW's rear seems a little boring relative to the aggressive front end. | ||
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| BMW wins for interior design and luxury. Everything looks luxurious and rich to the touch compared to Porsche's drab styling. Both layouts are functional but the Boxster places controls and the information screen a little too low. The Z4 features a pop-out screen that comes out at the top of the dash. Not only does it place the screen nice and high, but who doesn't love a pop-up screen? | ||
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PROS +Dynamic rear profile +Center mounted exhaust CONS -Soft top and hardtop both look bad -Drab interior |
PROS +Aggressive front styling +Looks good with top up or down +Classic sports car proportions +Rich interior CONS -Boring rear styling |
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| Video Source: YouTube via Fifth Gear |
| NOTES |
| Porsche's design philosophy is performance then luxury. BMW's design philosophy is luxury then performance. What do you prefer? |
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