Car comparison

Porsche Boxster (981) 2.7vsBMW Z4 (E89) 28i

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

Porsche Boxster (981)

2.7

265 hp2706 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedRoadster2012-2016
VS

BMW Z4 (E89)

28i

245 hp1997 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticTurbochargedRoadster2011-2013

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

BMW Z4 (E89) 28i

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.5 s
  • Highest torque
    350 Nm
    258 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    6.8 L/100 km
    34.6 mpg US
    41.5 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    9.4 L/100 km
    25.0 mpg US
    30.1 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    5.3 L/100 km
    44.4 mpg US
    53.3 mpg UK
  • Lowest CO2 emissions
    159 g/km
  • Best estimated range
    809 km
    503 mi
  • Best economy score
    89/100
  • Best practicality score
    32/100

Porsche Boxster (981) 2.7

  • Fastest top speed
    264 km/h
    164 mph
  • Most powerful
    265 hp
    198 kW
  • Lightest
    1,330 kg
    2,932 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    199 hp/t
    149 kW/t
    5.0 kg/hp
  • Best overall score
    52/100
  • Best performance score
    62/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelPorscheBoxster (981)2.7BMWZ4 (E89)28i
Power
265hp198kW
245hp183kW
Torque
280Nm207lb-ft
350Nm258lb-ft
Curb weight
1,330kg2,932lb
1,495kg3,296lb
Gross weight
1,645kg3,627lb
1,750kg3,858lb
Top speed
264 km/h
164 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
72.0s99% target: 261 km/h / 162 mph
Calculated
73.0s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.8s
5.5s
0-200 km/h
19.5s
Calculated
19.6s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.5s
Calculated
5.2s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
8.4L/100 km28mpg US33.6mpg UK
6.8L/100 km34.6mpg US41.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
11.8L/100 km19.9mpg US23.9mpg UK
9.4L/100 km25mpg US30.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.4L/100 km36.8mpg US44.1mpg UK
5.3L/100 km44.4mpg US53.3mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.8s
Calculated
13.6s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
199hp/t149kW/t90hp/1000 lb
Calculated
164hp/t122kW/t74hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
211Nm/t141lb-ft/ton
Calculated
234Nm/t157lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
762km473mi
Calculated
809km503mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,706cc165cu in
1,997cc122cu in
Length
4,374mm172in
4,239mm167in
Width
1,801mm71in
1,790mm70in
Height
1,282mm50in
1,291mm51in
Wheelbase
2,475mm97in
2,496mm98in
Front track-
1,511mm59in
Rear track-
1,559mm61in
Trunk volume
280L
-
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
64L
55L
CO2 emissions
195g/km
159g/km

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

Porsche Boxster (981) 2.7BMW Z4 (E89) 28iPowerTorque
  • Porsche Boxster (981) 2.7: Power / Torque
  • BMW Z4 (E89) 28i: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
PorscheBoxster (981)2.76,700 rpm4,500-6,500 rpm6,950 rpm
BMWZ4 (E89)28i5,000-6,500 rpm1,250-4,800 rpm6,750 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricPorscheBoxster (981)2.7BMWZ4 (E89)28i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.5 s
5.2 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.8 s
5.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
19.5 s
19.6 s
Top speed
264 km/h
164 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.4 s
2.3 s
330 ft
101 m
6.1 s
5.9 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.1 s
8.9 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.7 s
11.5 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.8 s
13.6 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
171 km/h
106 mph
171 km/h
106 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7
265 hp
198 kW
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
245 hp
183 kW

Porsche Boxster (981) 2.7 has 20 hp more than BMW Z4 (E89) 28i.

The biggest power difference is between BMW Z4 (E89) 28i and Porsche Boxster (981) 2.7: 20 hp (15 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7
280 Nm
207 lb-ft
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
350 Nm
258 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7
1,330 kg
2,932 lb
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
1,495 kg
3,296 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7
264 km/h
164 mph
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)2.75.8 s
BMWZ4 (E89)28i5.5 s

Although Porsche Boxster (981) 2.7 has more power, BMW Z4 (E89) 28i is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW Z4 (E89) 28i and Porsche Boxster (981) 2.7: 0.3 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7
8.4 L/100 km
28.0 mpg US
33.6 mpg UK
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
6.8 L/100 km
34.6 mpg US
41.5 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW Z4 (E89) 28i and Porsche Boxster (981) 2.7: 1.6 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7
199 hp/t
149 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
164 hp/t
122 kW/t
6.1 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7
762 km
473 mi
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
809 km
503 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7
265 hp
198 kW
5.8 s
264 km/h
164 mph
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
245 hp
183 kW
5.5 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7
Power
265 hp
198 kW
0-100 km/h5.8 s
Top speed
264 km/h
164 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
280 L
9.9 cu ft
Length
4,374 mm
172.2 in
Height
1,282 mm
50.5 in
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
Power
245 hp
183 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk-
Length
4,239 mm
166.9 in
Height
1,291 mm
50.8 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7
Power
265 hp
198 kW
0-100 km/h5.8 s
Top speed
264 km/h
164 mph
8.4 L/100 km
28.0 mpg US
33.6 mpg UK
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
Power
245 hp
183 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
6.8 L/100 km
34.6 mpg US
41.5 mpg UK

BMW Z4 (E89) 28i is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7
8.4 L/100 km
28.0 mpg US
33.6 mpg UK
5.8 s
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
6.8 L/100 km
34.6 mpg US
41.5 mpg UK
5.5 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7
199 hp/t
149 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
8.4 L/100 km
28.0 mpg US
33.6 mpg UK
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
164 hp/t
122 kW/t
6.1 kg/hp
6.8 L/100 km
34.6 mpg US
41.5 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehiclePorscheBoxster (981)2.7BMWZ4 (E89)28i
Power
265 hp
198 kW
245 hp
183 kW
Torque
280 Nm
207 lb-ft
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.8 s
5.5 s
Top speed
264 km/h
164 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,330 kg
2,932 lb
1,495 kg
3,296 lb
Fuel consumption
8.4 L/100 km
28.0 mpg US
33.6 mpg UK
6.8 L/100 km
34.6 mpg US
41.5 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
280 L
9.9 cu ft
Length
4,374 mm
172.2 in
Height
1,282 mm
50.5 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk-
Length
4,239 mm
166.9 in
Height
1,291 mm
50.8 in
Range score
762 km
473 mi
809 km
503 mi
CO2 score
195 g/km
159 g/km
Trunk score
280 L
9.9 cu ft
-
Power-to-weight score
199 hp/t
149 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
164 hp/t
122 kW/t
6.1 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehiclePorsche Boxster (981) 2.7BMW Z4 (E89) 28i
Consumption8.4 L/100 km28 mpg US33.6 mpg UK6.8 L/100 km34.6 mpg US41.5 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km14.70 LC100 km11.90 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi23.66 LC100 mi19.15 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,260 L333 US gal277 UK gal1,020 L269 US gal224 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,205 LC/year1,785 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Porsche Boxster (981) 2.7

  • Has 20 hp more
  • Is 165 kg lighter
  • Has 4 km/h (2 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 35 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Highest CO2 emissions

BMW Z4 (E89) 28i

  • Has 70 Nm more
  • Is 0.3 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 1.6 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 47 km (29 mi) more estimated range
  • Emits 36 g/km less CO2

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest torque
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Porsche Boxster (981) 2.7
BMW Z4 (E89) 28i
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

Popular comparisons

2.7
2.9
VS
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7vsPorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
28i
30i
VS
BMWZ4 (E89)28ivsBMWZ4 (G29)30i
2.7
S 3.4
VS
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7vsPorscheBoxster (987)S 3.4
28i
3.0i
VS
BMWZ4 (E89)28ivsBMWZ4 (E85)3.0i
2.7
S 3.2
VS
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7vsPorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
28i
30i
VS
BMWZ4 (E89)28ivsBMWZ4 (G29 LCI)Facelift 202230i
2.7
2.0 TFSI
VS
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7vsAUDITTS Roadster (8J)Facelift 20102.0 TFSI
28i
3.0 si
VS
BMWZ4 (E89)28ivsBMWZ4 Coupe (E86)3.0 si
2.7
SLK 300
VS
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7vsMercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 300
2.7
30i
VS
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7vsBMWZ4 (E89)30i
2.7
3.7 V6
VS
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7vsNissan370Z RoadsterFacelift 20123.7 V6
2.7
2.0 TFSI
VS
PorscheBoxster (981)2.7vsAUDITT Roadster (8S)2.0 TFSI
Porsche Boxster (981) 2.7 vs BMW Z4 (E89) 28i - car comparison - FastVsFaster