Z4 vs 718 Boxster
Two makers, one class, one decision: the Z4 from BMW or the 718 Boxster from Porsche. Neither has a lead that settles everything. The Z4 is ahead on fuel economy & range, and the 718 Boxster is ahead on engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 718 Boxster wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Z4 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range6.0
- Engine & Performance2.5
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Z4 has better fuel economy
The numbers aren’t close. The Z4 lists 28 mpg for fuel economy (combined), while the 718 Boxster lists 22 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The 718 Boxster has 45 hp more power
A clear win for the 718 Boxster: 300 hp against 255 hp. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The Z4 has better highway fuel economy
Here the Z4 pulls well ahead of the 718 Boxster, with 33 mpg compared to 25 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
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The Z4 has better city fuel economy
The Z4 doesn’t just edge this one; 25 mpg against 20 mpg is a lead you’ll feel. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
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The Z4 has 15 lb-ft more torque
The gap on torque is slim (295 lb-ft against 280 lb-ft), yet it tips toward the Z4. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
718 Boxster leads
In the engine & performance category, the 718 Boxster isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. In its favor, the 718 Boxster has 45 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Point to the Z4 for 15 lb-ft more torque. That makes the 718 Boxster the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Total system output
Z4: 255 hp 718 Boxster: 300 hp The 718 Boxster’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Z4: 295 lb-ft 718 Boxster: 280 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Z4 leads
This is one of the Z4’s strongest areas. On fuel economy & range, the 718 Boxster falls well short. On the Z4, you get better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the Z4 is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (combined)
Z4: 28 mpg 718 Boxster: 22 mpg The Z4 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (highway)
Z4: 33 mpg 718 Boxster: 25 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the space & practicality section. Bottom line for space & practicality: it’s a wash.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing specs are close enough that neither gets the point. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the Z4’s and the 718 Boxster’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Z4 | 718 Boxster |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo flat-4 |
| Total system output | 255 hp | 300 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 280 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual (7-speed PDK optional) |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Z4 | 718 Boxster |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 25 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 33 mpg (winner) | 25 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Z4 | 718 Boxster |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Z4 | 718 Boxster |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Z4 | 718 Boxster |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Z4 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (28 mpg vs 22 mpg combined)
- you cover long highway distances (33 mpg vs 25 mpg on the highway)
- you want better city fuel economy (25 mpg vs 20 mpg)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 280 lb-ft of torque)
Choose the 718 Boxster if…
- you want more power (300 hp vs 255 hp)
- you already use other Porsche products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Z4 or the 718 Boxster?
Neither wins outright. Choose the Z4 if fuel economy & range matters most, or the 718 Boxster if engine & performance does.
Executive Summary
Honestly, the Z4 versus the 718 Boxster is one of those matchups where your priorities matter more than the logo. The Z4 has better fuel economy, and for most people that’s not a small thing. Plus, the Z4 gets better city fuel economy, which I wouldn’t overlook. Where the 718 Boxster fights back is 45 hp more power.
Who should get which? The Z4 for fuel economy & range, the 718 Boxster for engine & performance.
My pick: it genuinely depends, with the Z4 ahead on fuel economy & range and the 718 Boxster ahead on engine & performance.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.