[Ryan9095]

I want my next daily driver to be a convertible. I've been a long time owner of BMWs, which I absolutely love, but part of me is looking for a change. The 4 series convertible will be less expensive and just as nice aesthetically so I'm having trouble justifying the potential switch. What do you guys think?

[Skywalker27617]

Boxster should be more fun to drive than 428i when comparing the two. If you can spring extra $ for 435i, then 435i for sure.

[RoundelM3]

I drove a Boxster for 4 years and switched to BMW. Porsches are absolutely great cars, but not all that practical as a daily driver for a variety of reasons. The legroom in the Boxster is limited and it also has somewhat limited luggage space, although that's not all that relevant in a DD. You can't actually open the hood and see the engine in a Boxster due to the placement of the convertible top storage compartment right over the top of the engine. It really comes down to whether you want a true sports roadster or a convertible - the 4-series will never be identified as a true sports car, what with its size and weight. You're correct on the cost advantage of the 4-series, though, and from my experience, I think you'd find the cost of ownership of the 4-series convertible to be lower than that of the Boxster.

[Ryan9095]

Thanks for the replies. It will probably come down to the payment. I feel like I'd be more than happy with either option. It's a DD so I'm going to be a stickler about the cost. I've never had a 2 seater either so I feel like there would be some adjusting involved although I'm sure it's an incredible driving experience. I know they are totally different cars but I appreciate the input.

[hawkerdriver]

Completely 2 different cars, but I understand comparing the two.

It really comes down to how you drive and do you enjoy driving the scenic roads.

The boxter hands down is a fantastic little machine. You can toss it in and out of corners, barely any body roll.
Manual or PDK are slick.

The 4 however has more daily comfort, still a nice ride and sporty.
Just a lot more utility, cargo space, 4 seats.

If it's your DD probably the 4 if it's a fun toy and you don't need room just go with the boxter and don't look back.

[Labeef]

Boxster is more fun, 4 series is easier to daily with more space.

[Bob Shiftright]

Depreciation on a Boxster should be a little less than on a BMW over 3 years.

The Boxster has enough space for you, plus a significant (or insignificant) other, or a dog, but not both. What's not to like?

[Saphirschwarz]

i ve been drivin a　boxster s for 2 months and a 428i for 10 days.

i dont know about boxster "non s" but if i didnt need the backseats i woulndt hesitate one second and go for the porsche.

Boxster is a daily driver without any problem, i never felt once that i would prefer another car to go to work, and it gave me such smiles every goddamn time i hear the sound or watch her lines or feel the speed or see peoples faces or stomp on the gas pedal in the middle of a curve...

i love my 428i anyway but this is really another world we re talking about.

[floydarogers]

We've had a Boxster for over 10 years. The Boxster is an open-top car first, covered 2nd. The hardtop on the BMW 'vert makes it a covered car first, open top 2nd.

The Boxster has plenty of room - I've shoped at Costco with it. Except for the back seats, the BMW has very little cargo space. The Boxster also has a better exhaust note than the BMWs; the blat of the flat-6 is unique.

[jmr986]

Have owned my Boxster for 13 years (summer car) not DD! But I do drive it frequently during the summer. Currently looking at 428 or 228 as a DD. The 428 would be more practical as a DD. On occasion Ill drive people from work and need the back seats. If kids are home may need the extra 2 seats. Can get my bike in the trunk of my Acura. Cant in the Boxster. Id go non-box for a DD.

[dtn]

Any reason why you weren't comparing the Z4 alongside these two? The N54 would be a lot of fun to drive.

If the priority is to have a convertible, i would lean more towards the Boxster if you can pony up the extra cash. Apples to apples, I think the Porsche is the better looking car.

I think unless it's a roadster, the hard-top convertible just kills the lines.

[Hound Passer]

Originally Posted by floydarogers

We've had a Boxster for over 10 years. The Boxster is an open-top car first, covered 2nd. The hardtop on the BMW 'vert makes it a covered car first, open top 2nd.

The Boxster has plenty of room - I've shoped at Costco with it. Except for the back seats, the BMW has very little cargo space. The Boxster also has a better exhaust note than the BMWs; the blat of the flat-6 is unique.

I respectfully disagree that the 3/4 hardtop verts are covered cars first, open 2nd. Even w/ the hardtop and additional reinforcement its still not as stiff as the coupe. The hardtop verts were designed to be convertibles w/ hardtops not the other way around.

Also disagree about the cargo space. I've never had any issue getting a couple roll-a-boards or other "every day" items into the trunk and I'm still in a 335i w/ 11 cubic sq. ft. The 4 series vert is roomier - 13 cubic sq ft of space vs 15.7 for the coupe.

----
I test drove a Boxster a long time ago. Wickedly fun car. Room wasn't a necessity at the time but I didn't buy it because w/ all the option and no free maintenance the Z4 was a more bang for the buck (but less fun). I have a 335i vert now and can't see how the two cars compare. Day and night, salt and pepper. One is a sports car, the other a sporty convertible.

[Ryan9095]

Originally Posted by dtn

Any reason why you weren't comparing the Z4 alongside these two? The N54 would be a lot of fun to drive.

If the priority is to have a convertible, i would lean more towards the Boxster if you can pony up the extra cash. Apples to apples, I think the Porsche is the better looking car.

I think unless it's a roadster, the hard-top convertible just kills the lines.

Never personally been a fan of the Z4 so I haven't considered it (or roadsters in general actually...) I have other "fun cars" so I'm not worried about having the base model (BMW or Porsche) for my DD. I appreciate all the input and comments. I think if I can get the Porsche lease where I want monthly then I might give it a go. If not, the 4series is a great car and I'd be thrilled to drive that as well.

[Cup o' Joe]

BMW lease might be less expensive overall.

BMW has a lower residual, but a lower MF and more incentives to bring the price down. Also, you might be able to negotiate more on the BMW.

Porsches are great cars, but the MF is much higher, and they offer less incentives. Also, the cars tend to be more basic and options tend to be more expensive.

That being said, the new boxster is beautiful, and I would go for one of those!

[RoundelM3]

Just to clarify - when I spoke of "room" in a Boxster, I was also referring to overall legroom and seating comfort. In my 1997 car, I could either have the backrest at the right angle but uncomfortably short legroom or have the legroom right and sitting bolt upright. Also, couldn't seem to sit low enough to not be looking straight at the windshield header - I'm 6'3" with most of that height in my legs, so comfort was always some sort of compromise. Z4 is the same thing - just too cramped for me.

No question about how great the Boxster handled or its incredible looks, but as another poster said, the base car is not terribly expensive, but everything seems to be a costly option. Things may have changed in that regard since 1997, but after getting the "new Porsche" out of my system, I'll not go back again. Just too impractical for a DD for me.

[Ryan9095]

Originally Posted by Cup o' Joe

BMW lease might be less expensive overall.

BMW has a lower residual, but a lower MF and more incentives to bring the price down. Also, you might be able to negotiate more on the BMW.

Porsches are great cars, but the MF is much higher, and they offer less incentives. Also, the cars tend to be more basic and options tend to be more expensive.

That being said, the new boxster is beautiful, and I would go for one of those!

Lowest quote I got off a dealer is mid 600s a month with $7500 due at signing. Sticker price of $60k. Yikes! I'll probably stick with the BMW.

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by Hound Passer

I respectfully disagree that the 3/4 hardtop verts are covered cars first, open 2nd.

Perhaps "focused" is a better word: the Boxster is a more focused sports convertible, while the BMW is a more focused luxury sports convertible.

[alex2364]

Originally Posted by Ryan9095

Lowest quote I got off a dealer is mid 600s a month with $7500 due at signing. Sticker price of $60k. Yikes! I'll probably stick with the BMW.

You're not going to be able to get anywhere close to BMW's lease numbers with a Porsche. Porsche lease programs are notoriously bad, especially compared to BMW.

[nicknaz]

Go for the boxster (even though the base model is a bit slow in a straight line). the BMW folding hardtops add a lot of pork to the car (i.e. my Z435 weighs as much as much larger 335)

[munch520]

Isn't the M235 convertible coming out soon? That could be a nice mix of the two options.

I think the Boxter lacks the comforts and conveniences of the 4 series, but it is a more nimble car. Then again, so is a Miata. Comes down to what mix of criteria you are looking for.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by munch520

I think the Boxter lacks the comforts and conveniences of the 4 series, but it is a more nimble car. .

Porsche has a lot of "luxury" comfort/convenience options like (leather air vent slats, leather on all interior surfaces, burmester stereo, etc etc) that are not available on the 3/4 series.

I think if the Boxster lacks comfort/convenience features, it is because the person who ordered held back when checking options to avoid getting their wallet crushed...

[munch520]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Porsche has a lot of "luxury" comfort/convenience options like (leather air vent slats, leather on all interior surfaces, burmester stereo, etc etc) that are not available on the 3/4 series.

I think if the Boxster lacks comfort/convenience features, it is because the person who ordered held back when checking options to avoid getting their wallet crushed...

Probably, and in this price point you have to. As already discussed, Porsche's options ain't cheap.