Car comparison

Porsche Boxster (987) · Facelift 2009 2.9vsBMW Z4 (E89) 30i

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

New comparison

Porsche Boxster (987) · Facelift 2009

2.9

255 hp2893 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedRoadster2009-2012
VS

BMW Z4 (E89)

30i

258 hp2996 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedRoadster2009-2011

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW Z4 (E89) 30i

  • 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 economy score
    84/100
  • Best practicality score
    28/100

Porsche Boxster (987) Facelift 2009 2.9

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.8 s
  • Fastest top speed
    261 km/h
    162 mph
  • Lightest
    1,365 kg
    3,009 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    187 hp/t
    139 kW/t
    5.4 kg/hp
  • Best estimated range
    714 km
    444 mi
  • Best overall score
    50/100
  • Best performance score
    62/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelPorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9BMWZ4 (E89)30i
Power
255hp190kW
258hp192kW
Torque
290Nm214lb-ft
315Nm232lb-ft
Curb weight
1,365kg3,009lb
1,490kg3,285lb
Gross weight
1,670kg3,682lb
1,745kg3,847lb
Top speed
261 km/h
162 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
89.6s99% target: 258 km/h / 161 mph
Calculated
76.0s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.8s
5.8s
0-200 km/h
22.1s
20.5s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.5s
Calculated
5.5s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.1L/100 km25.8mpg US31.0mpg UK
8.5L/100 km27.7mpg US33.2mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
13.6L/100 km17.3mpg US20.8mpg UK
12.4L/100 km19mpg US22.8mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.5L/100 km36.2mpg US43.5mpg UK
6.2L/100 km37.9mpg US45.6mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.9s
Calculated
13.9s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
187hp/t139kW/t85hp/1000 lb
Calculated
173hp/t129kW/t79hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
212Nm/t142lb-ft/ton
Calculated
211Nm/t141lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
714km444mi
Calculated
647km402mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,893cc177cu in
2,996cc183cu in
Length
4,342mm171in
4,239mm167in
Width
1,801mm71in
1,790mm70in
Height
1,292mm51in
1,291mm51in
Wheelbase
2,415mm95in
2,496mm98in
Front track
1,490mm59in
1,511mm59in
Rear track
1,534mm60in
1,537mm61in
Ground clearance
127mm5in
-
Trunk volume
130L
180L
Max trunk volume-
310L
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
65L
55L
CO2 emissions
214g/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 (987) Facelift 2009 2.9BMW Z4 (E89) 30iPowerTorque
  • Porsche Boxster (987) Facelift 2009 2.9: Power / Torque
  • BMW Z4 (E89) 30i: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.97,200 rpm4,400-6,000 rpm7,500 rpm
BMWZ4 (E89)30i6,600 rpm2,500 rpm6,850 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricPorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9BMWZ4 (E89)30i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.5 s
5.5 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.8 s
5.8 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
22.1 s
20.5 s
Top speed
261 km/h
162 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.2 s
2.3 s
330 ft
101 m
6.0 s
6.1 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.1 s
9.1 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.7 s
11.7 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.9 s
13.9 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
165 km/h
102 mph
168 km/h
105 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
255 hp
190 kW
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
258 hp
192 kW

BMW Z4 (E89) 30i has 3 hp more than Porsche Boxster (987) Facelift 2009 2.9.

The biggest power difference is between Porsche Boxster (987) Facelift 2009 2.9 and BMW Z4 (E89) 30i: 3 hp (2 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
290 Nm
214 lb-ft
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
315 Nm
232 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
1,365 kg
3,009 lb
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
1,490 kg
3,285 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 (987)Facelift 20092.9
261 km/h
162 mph
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
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 (987)Facelift 20092.95.8 s
BMWZ4 (E89)30i5.8 s

Although BMW Z4 (E89) 30i has more power, Porsche Boxster (987) Facelift 2009 2.9 is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

Fuel consumption comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW Z4 (E89) 30i and Porsche Boxster (987) Facelift 2009 2.9: 0.6 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 (987)Facelift 20092.9
187 hp/t
139 kW/t
5.4 kg/hp
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
173 hp/t
129 kW/t
5.8 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
714 km
444 mi
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
647 km
402 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
255 hp
190 kW
5.8 s
261 km/h
162 mph
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
258 hp
192 kW
5.8 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 (987)Facelift 20092.9
Power
255 hp
190 kW
0-100 km/h5.8 s
Top speed
261 km/h
162 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
130 L
4.6 cu ft
Length
4,342 mm
170.9 in
Height
1,292 mm
50.9 in
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

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 (987)Facelift 20092.9
Power
255 hp
190 kW
0-100 km/h5.8 s
Top speed
261 km/h
162 mph
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
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

Porsche Boxster (987) Facelift 2009 2.9 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 (987)Facelift 20092.9
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
5.8 s
BMWZ4 (E89)30i
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK
5.8 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 (987)Facelift 20092.9
187 hp/t
139 kW/t
5.4 kg/hp
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
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

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehiclePorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9BMWZ4 (E89)30i
Power
255 hp
190 kW
258 hp
192 kW
Torque
290 Nm
214 lb-ft
315 Nm
232 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.8 s
5.8 s
Top speed
261 km/h
162 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,365 kg
3,009 lb
1,490 kg
3,285 lb
Fuel consumption
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
130 L
4.6 cu ft
Length
4,342 mm
170.9 in
Height
1,292 mm
50.9 in
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
Range score
714 km
444 mi
647 km
402 mi
CO2 score
214 g/km
-
Trunk score
130 L
4.6 cu ft
180 L
6.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
187 hp/t
139 kW/t
5.4 kg/hp
173 hp/t
129 kW/t
5.8 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 (987) Facelift 2009 2.9BMW Z4 (E89) 30i
Consumption9.1 L/100 km25.8 mpg US31 mpg UK8.5 L/100 km27.7 mpg US33.2 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km15.92 LC100 km14.88 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi25.63 LC100 mi23.94 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,365 L361 US gal300 UK gal1,275 L337 US gal280 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,389 LC/year2,231 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Porsche Boxster (987) Facelift 2009 2.9

  • Is 125 kg lighter
  • Has 1 km/h (1 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 14 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 67 km (42 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Smallest trunk

BMW Z4 (E89) 30i

  • Has 3 hp more
  • Has 25 Nm more
  • Uses 0.6 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 50 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Porsche Boxster (987) 2.9
BMW Z4 (E89) 30i
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2 vehicles selected

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