BMW Z4 vs Porsche Boxster
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2016 Porsche Boxster
Overview
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Porsche BoxsterBase |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | sDrive30i | Base |
| Body style | Convertible | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2016 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Porsche BoxsterBase |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $56,100 | $52,100 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $24,423 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $41,757 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $51,192 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 3 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Porsche BoxsterBase |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| City MPG | 25 MPG (best) | 20 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 33 MPG (best) | 30 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13.7 gal | 16.9 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Porsche BoxsterBase |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 265 hp (best) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (best) | 206 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.7 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | flat 6 |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Porsche BoxsterBase |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 9.9 cu ft (best) | 4.6 cu ft |
| Payload | 459 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,314 lbs | 2,888 lbs (best) |
| Wheelbase | 97.2 in | 97.4 in (best) |
| Length | 170.7 in | 172.2 in (best) |
| Width | 73.4 in (best) | 70.9 in |
| Height | 51.4 in (best) | 50.5 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Porsche BoxsterBase |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side pole | Not Rated | — |
| Rollover | Not Rated | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 1 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | BMW Z4 | Porsche Boxster |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | sDrive30i $56,100 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Base $52,100 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | M40i $68,400 MSRP | S $63,900 MSRP |
| 3 | — | GTS $74,600 MSRP |
| 4 | — | Spyder $82,100 MSRP |
Live inventory
BMW Z43 for sale
See all
BMW Z4 vs Porsche Boxster FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 BMW Z4 or 2016 Porsche Boxster?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 BMW Z4 vs 2016 Porsche Boxster on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 BMW Z4 or 2016 Porsche Boxster?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2016 Porsche Boxster starts lower at $52,100. Live BMW Z4 listings start at $24,423.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 BMW Z4 or 2016 Porsche Boxster?
- The 2016 Porsche Boxster leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (52,100).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 BMW Z4 or 2016 Porsche Boxster?
- The 2026 BMW Z4 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (28).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 BMW Z4 or 2016 Porsche Boxster?
- The 2026 BMW Z4 leads on horsepower in this comparison (382).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 BMW Z4 vs 2016 Porsche Boxster?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: BMW Z4 (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).