Car comparison

BMW Z4 (E89) 30ivsPorsche Boxster (986) S 3.2

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

New comparison

BMW Z4 (E89)

30i

258 hp2996 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedRoadster2009-2011
VS

Porsche Boxster (986)

S 3.2

260 hp3179 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedRoadster2002-2004

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW Z4 (E89) 30i

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.8 s
  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Highest torque
    315 Nm
    232 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    8.5 L/100 km
    27.7 mpg US
    33.2 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    12.4 L/100 km
    19.0 mpg US
    22.8 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.2 L/100 km
    37.9 mpg US
    45.6 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    647 km
    402 mi
  • Best performance score
    61/100
  • Best economy score
    84/100

Porsche Boxster (986) S 3.2

  • Most powerful
    260 hp
    194 kW
  • Lightest
    1,360 kg
    2,998 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    191 hp/t
    143 kW/t
    5.2 kg/hp
  • Largest trunk
    260 L
  • Best overall score
    51/100
  • Best practicality score
    31/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWZ4 (E89)30iPorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
Power
258hp192kW
260hp194kW
Torque
315Nm232lb-ft
310Nm229lb-ft
Curb weight
1,490kg3,285lb
1,360kg2,998lb
Gross weight
1,745kg3,847lb
1,670kg3,682lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
258 km/h
160 mph
To 99% top speed
76.0s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
79.6s99% target: 255 km/h / 159 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.8s
6.4s
0-200 km/h
20.5s
Calculated
22.4s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.5s
Calculated
6.1s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
8.5L/100 km27.7mpg US33.2mpg UK
11.1L/100 km21.2mpg US25.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
12.4L/100 km19mpg US22.8mpg UK
16.4L/100 km14.3mpg US17.2mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.2L/100 km37.9mpg US45.6mpg UK
8L/100 km29.4mpg US35.3mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.9s
Calculated
14.4s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
173hp/t129kW/t79hp/1000 lb
Calculated
191hp/t143kW/t87hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
211Nm/t141lb-ft/ton
Calculated
228Nm/t153lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
647km402mi
Calculated
577km358mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,996cc183cu in
3,179cc194cu in
Length
4,239mm167in
4,320mm170in
Width
1,790mm70in
1,780mm70in
Height
1,291mm51in
1,290mm51in
Wheelbase
2,496mm98in
2,415mm95in
Front track
1,511mm59in
1,455mm57in
Rear track
1,537mm61in
1,514mm60in
Ground clearance-
121mm5in
Trunk volume
180L
260L
Max trunk volume
310L
-
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
55L
64L

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.

BMW Z4 (E89) 30iPorsche Boxster (986) S 3.2PowerTorque
  • BMW Z4 (E89) 30i: Power / Torque
  • Porsche Boxster (986) S 3.2: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWZ4 (E89)30i6,600 rpm2,500 rpm6,850 rpm
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.26,200 rpm4,600 rpm6,450 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWZ4 (E89)30iPorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.5 s
6.1 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.8 s
6.4 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
20.5 s
22.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
258 km/h
160 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.3 s
2.5 s
330 ft
101 m
6.1 s
6.4 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.1 s
9.5 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.7 s
12.2 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.9 s
14.4 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
168 km/h
105 mph
164 km/h
102 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
258 hp
192 kW
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
260 hp
194 kW

Porsche Boxster (986) S 3.2 has 2 hp more than BMW Z4 (E89) 30i.

The biggest power difference is between BMW Z4 (E89) 30i and Porsche Boxster (986) S 3.2: 2 hp (1 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
315 Nm
232 lb-ft
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
310 Nm
229 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
1,490 kg
3,285 lb
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
1,360 kg
2,998 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
258 km/h
160 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (E89)30i5.8 s
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.26.4 s

Although Porsche Boxster (986) S 3.2 has more power, BMW Z4 (E89) 30i is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW Z4 (E89) 30i and Porsche Boxster (986) S 3.2: 0.6 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW Z4 (E89) 30i and Porsche Boxster (986) S 3.2: 2.6 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
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
173 hp/t
129 kW/t
5.8 kg/hp
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
191 hp/t
143 kW/t
5.2 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
647 km
402 mi
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
577 km
358 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
258 hp
192 kW
5.8 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
260 hp
194 kW
6.4 s
258 km/h
160 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
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
Power
258 hp
192 kW
0-100 km/h5.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
180 L
6.4 cu ft
Length
4,239 mm
166.9 in
Height
1,291 mm
50.8 in
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
Power
260 hp
194 kW
0-100 km/h6.4 s
Top speed
258 km/h
160 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
260 L
9.2 cu ft
Length
4,320 mm
170.1 in
Height
1,290 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
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
Power
258 hp
192 kW
0-100 km/h5.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
Power
260 hp
194 kW
0-100 km/h6.4 s
Top speed
258 km/h
160 mph
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK

BMW Z4 (E89) 30i 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
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK
5.8 s
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK
6.4 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
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
173 hp/t
129 kW/t
5.8 kg/hp
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
191 hp/t
143 kW/t
5.2 kg/hp
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWZ4 (E89)30iPorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
Power
258 hp
192 kW
260 hp
194 kW
Torque
315 Nm
232 lb-ft
310 Nm
229 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.8 s
6.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
258 km/h
160 mph
Lightness
1,490 kg
3,285 lb
1,360 kg
2,998 lb
Fuel consumption
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
180 L
6.4 cu ft
Length
4,239 mm
166.9 in
Height
1,291 mm
50.8 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
260 L
9.2 cu ft
Length
4,320 mm
170.1 in
Height
1,290 mm
50.8 in
Range score
647 km
402 mi
577 km
358 mi
Trunk score
180 L
6.4 cu ft
260 L
9.2 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
173 hp/t
129 kW/t
5.8 kg/hp
191 hp/t
143 kW/t
5.2 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
VehicleBMW Z4 (E89) 30iPorsche Boxster (986) S 3.2
Consumption8.5 L/100 km27.7 mpg US33.2 mpg UK11.1 L/100 km21.2 mpg US25.4 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km14.88 LC100 km19.43 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi23.94 LC100 mi31.26 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,275 L337 US gal280 UK gal1,665 L440 US gal366 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,231 LC/year2,914 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW Z4 (E89) 30i

  • Has 5 Nm more
  • Is 0.6 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 2 km/h (1 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 2.6 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 70 km (44 mi) more estimated range

Pros

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

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

Porsche Boxster (986) S 3.2

  • Has 2 hp more
  • Is 130 kg lighter
  • Has 18 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 80 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW Z4 (E89) 30i
Porsche Boxster (986) S 3.2
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