Car comparison

BMW Z4 (E89) 30ivsPorsche Boxster (987) 2.7

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 (987)

2.7

240 hp2687 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedRoadster2004-2006

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
  • Most powerful
    258 hp
    192 kW
  • 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
  • Largest trunk
    180 L
  • Best overall score
    50/100
  • Best performance score
    61/100
  • Best economy score
    84/100
  • Best practicality score
    28/100

Porsche Boxster (987) 2.7

  • Lightest
    1,295 kg
    2,855 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    185 hp/t
    138 kW/t
    5.4 kg/hp
  • Best estimated range
    667 km
    414 mi

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWZ4 (E89)30iPorscheBoxster (987)2.7
Power
258hp192kW
240hp179kW
Torque
315Nm232lb-ft
270Nm199lb-ft
Curb weight
1,490kg3,285lb
1,295kg2,855lb
Gross weight
1,745kg3,847lb
1,610kg3,549lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
256 km/h
159 mph
To 99% top speed
76.0s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
91.5s99% target: 253 km/h / 157 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.8s
6.2s
0-200 km/h
20.5s
Calculated
24.0s
0-60 mph
5.5s
Calculated
5.9s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
8.5L/100 km27.7mpg US33.2mpg UK
9.6L/100 km24.5mpg US29.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
12.4L/100 km19mpg US22.8mpg UK
13.9L/100 km16.9mpg US20.3mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.2L/100 km37.9mpg US45.6mpg UK
6.9L/100 km34.1mpg US40.9mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.9s
Calculated
14.3s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
173hp/t129kW/t79hp/1000 lb
Calculated
185hp/t138kW/t84hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
211Nm/t141lb-ft/ton
Calculated
208Nm/t140lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
647km402mi
Calculated
667km414mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,996cc183cu in
2,687cc164cu in
Length
4,239mm167in
4,329mm170in
Width
1,790mm70in
1,801mm71in
Height
1,291mm51in
1,295mm51in
Wheelbase
2,496mm98in
2,415mm95in
Front track
1,511mm59in
-
Rear track
1,537mm61in
-
Ground clearance-
121mm5in
Trunk volume
180L
130L
Max trunk volume
310L
-
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
55L
64L
CO2 emissions-
229g/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.

BMW Z4 (E89) 30iPorsche Boxster (987) 2.7PowerTorque
  • BMW Z4 (E89) 30i: Power / Torque
  • Porsche Boxster (987) 2.7: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWZ4 (E89)30i6,600 rpm2,500 rpm6,850 rpm
PorscheBoxster (987)2.76,400 rpm4,700-6,000 rpm7,200 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWZ4 (E89)30iPorscheBoxster (987)2.7
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.5 s
5.9 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.8 s
6.2 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
20.5 s
24.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
256 km/h
159 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.3 s
2.3 s
330 ft
101 m
6.1 s
6.2 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.1 s
9.3 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.7 s
12.0 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.9 s
14.3 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
168 km/h
105 mph
161 km/h
100 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 (987)2.7
240 hp
179 kW

BMW Z4 (E89) 30i has 18 hp more than Porsche Boxster (987) 2.7.

The biggest power difference is between Porsche Boxster (987) 2.7 and BMW Z4 (E89) 30i: 18 hp (13 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 (987)2.7
270 Nm
199 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 (987)2.7
1,295 kg
2,855 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 (987)2.7
256 km/h
159 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 (987)2.76.2 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW Z4 (E89) 30i and Porsche Boxster (987) 2.7: 0.4 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 (987)2.7
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW Z4 (E89) 30i and Porsche Boxster (987) 2.7: 1.1 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 (987)2.7
185 hp/t
138 kW/t
5.4 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 (987)2.7
667 km
414 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 (987)2.7
240 hp
179 kW
6.2 s
256 km/h
159 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 (987)2.7
Power
240 hp
179 kW
0-100 km/h6.2 s
Top speed
256 km/h
159 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
130 L
4.6 cu ft
Length
4,329 mm
170.4 in
Height
1,295 mm
51.0 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 (987)2.7
Power
240 hp
179 kW
0-100 km/h6.2 s
Top speed
256 km/h
159 mph
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 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 (987)2.7
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
6.2 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 (987)2.7
185 hp/t
138 kW/t
5.4 kg/hp
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWZ4 (E89)30iPorscheBoxster (987)2.7
Power
258 hp
192 kW
240 hp
179 kW
Torque
315 Nm
232 lb-ft
270 Nm
199 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.8 s
6.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
256 km/h
159 mph
Lightness
1,490 kg
3,285 lb
1,295 kg
2,855 lb
Fuel consumption
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 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
130 L
4.6 cu ft
Length
4,329 mm
170.4 in
Height
1,295 mm
51.0 in
Range score
647 km
402 mi
667 km
414 mi
CO2 score
-
229 g/km
Trunk score
180 L
6.4 cu ft
130 L
4.6 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
173 hp/t
129 kW/t
5.8 kg/hp
185 hp/t
138 kW/t
5.4 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 (987) 2.7
Consumption8.5 L/100 km27.7 mpg US33.2 mpg UK9.6 L/100 km24.5 mpg US29.4 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km14.88 LC100 km16.80 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi23.94 LC100 mi27.04 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,275 L337 US gal280 UK gal1,440 L380 US gal317 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,231 LC/year2,520 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW Z4 (E89) 30i

  • Has 18 hp more
  • Has 45 Nm more
  • Is 0.4 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 4 km/h (2 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 1.1 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 50 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Heaviest

Porsche Boxster (987) 2.7

  • Is 195 kg lighter
  • Has 12 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 20 km (12 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Best estimated range

Cons

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

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
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Engine or modification
BMW Z4 (E89) 30i
Porsche Boxster (987) 2.7
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BMW Z4 (E89) 30i vs Porsche Boxster (987) 2.7 - car comparison - FastVsFaster