CAR COUNTRYCar Happy

Bmw Z4 Coupe Or Porsche Cayman?

Among the compact sports cars, the BMW Z4, Porsche Cayman and Porsche Boxster stand out. But which is you? And why did BMW and Porsche wait so long before making the coupes? There is no Boxster coupe, but the Cayman is almost the same thing – but uprated.

It might seem odd that the two German companies, well-known for high-performance and sporty cars, waited to announce their coupes at the same time. The answer lies in why they introduced the roadsters in the first place.

Porsche wanted a new, smaller model to increase its market coverage. Not everyone likes the 911, and not everyone wants a coupe. So it made sense to opt for the mid-engine layout – the 911 is rear-engined – and the better balance that gives in designing the Boxster. At the same time, the addition of an open-top roadster would also increase sales. And both tricks worked.

But what about BMW? Well, BMW wanted to build cars in the USA, and did not want to build the same cars it built in Germany as that would increase costs. So it decided to build a roadster for the US market, although it would be marketed elsewhere.

At that time there was more potential volume for a boulevard cruiser type of two-seater than an out-and-out sports car in the USA, so the BMW Z3 was born. It was a rather tall car for a sports car, and although a hardtop was offered, it looked odd, making the car look even taller than it was.

Z4 more sporty than Z3

The BMW Z3 did not really catch on in Europe, so the Z4 was designed as a more sporty car than the Z3, and with its 3-liter engine which develops 265 bhp, is a good match in performance for the Porsche Boxster. Meanwhile, Porsche decided to fill out its range with an extra model, to be priced between the Boxster and the 911. In fact, the Cayman is based on the Boxster, but has more sporty suspension, and has a larger engine. Now, though you can get a Cayman with a 2.7 liter engine as well as the 3.4 liter job. The Boxster gets 2.7 and 3.2 liters.

Because Porsche makes flat-six engines, it can easily produce engines of different capacities from 2.7 to 3.8 liters, and many parts are common to all of them.

If you are looking for a sporty car, then you will want to look at the Z4 3-liter, which produces 265 bhp, and reaches 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, a time matched by the Boxster 3.2. The Cayman is a fraction quicker, getting to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Mind, if you want maximum performance from these cars, you can get the BMW Z4 M, with over 300 bhp on tap.

Choosing between Z4 and Cayman

But when it comes to the choice between the Z4 and Cayman coupes,you will be influenced by which one looks better. Although the Z4 looks a lot better than the Z3 it does have a few quirky lines, which don’t appeal to everyone, and the coupe is no better.

The Cayman has the usually slick Porsche lines, with a long tail and built-in spoiler which looks pretty good. On the road performance is not much different, and both have super engines and gearboxes, but they don’t do things in quite the same way. The Cayman is a beautifully balanced car that can be driven fast with confidence, but if you want to hang the tail out, the Z4 might be more to your liking.

Both are great sports cars, and will give you a lot of fun. What else should you consider? Nissan’s 350Z is also quite a car, with a lusty V-6, the Mercedes-Benz 350 SLK 350 and new Audi TT are also worth looking at.

About the Author

Fast Autos

Audi A1 Vs Mini review – Auto Express

Agency Power Front Brake Lines Audi Allroad Wagon 01-05 $70 Agency Power Front Brake Lines Audi Allroad Wagon 01-05Agency Power now has a wide variety of steel braided brakelines for most high-end performance cars. The brakeline kits are made in the USA to meet strict D.O.T. certifications. The steel braided

Agency Power Rear Brake Lines Audi Allroad Wagon 01-05 $70 Agency Power Rear Brake Lines Audi Allroad Wagon 01-05Agency Power now has a wide variety of steel braided brakelines for most high-end performance cars. The brakeline kits are made in the USA to meet strict D.O.T. certifications. The steel braided l

Agency Power Rear Brake Lines Audi A3 06-08 $70 Agency Power Rear Brake Lines Audi A3 06-08Agency Power now has a wide variety of steel braided brakelines for most high-end performance cars. The brakeline kits are made in the USA to meet strict D.O.T. certifications. The steel braided lines are a

Agency Power Rear Brake Lines Audi A4 B6 B7 02-07 $70 Agency Power Rear Brake Lines Audi A4 B6 B7 02-07Agency Power now has a wide variety of steel braided brakelines for most high-end performance cars. The brakeline kits are made in the USA to meet strict D.O.T. certifications. The steel braided lines

Agency Power Front Brake Lines Audi A3 06-08 $70 Agency Power Front Brake Lines Audi A3 06-08Agency Power now has a wide variety of steel braided brakelines for most high-end performance cars. The brakeline kits are made in the USA to meet strict D.O.T. certifications. The steel braided lines are a

Agency Power Front Brake Lines Audi A4 B6 B7 02-07 $70 Agency Power Front Brake Lines Audi A4 B6 B7 02-07Agency Power now has a wide variety of steel braided brakelines for most high-end performance cars. The brakeline kits are made in the USA to meet strict D.O.T. certifications. The steel braided lines

Shopzeus USA zeusd1TOYC2169447 Racing Cars Temporary Tattoos 144 PKG $25.77 Race Cars Tattoos (144/PKG)

Shopzeus USA zeusd1TOYC2168953 Die Cast Cars 25/BOX $27.86 Die Cast Racecars Another super value Fun small diecast Racing cars. (25/PKG)

Alex By Panline Usa Inc. ALE888W Dirty Cars $26.48 It s a car wash in your tub Dip the 2 cars in warm water to watch the dirt disappear.Car wash suction cups to the wall.

Beco IN11-CAR Gemini Baby Carrier – Cars Espresso $129 White cars on light coffee background .Espresso brown carrier with avocado green piping. MADE IN USA

Replicarz P437091980 2009 Audi R8 Nurburgring StuckBielaBasseng $107.99 This is the 2009 Audi R8 Nurburgring Stuck/Biela/Basseng. Minichamps produces the widest selection of street and race cars available to the modern day collector. Superior quality and finish all are accurate reproductions of the real cars they represent. Each model is mounted on a custom base and includes a high quality acrylic display case.

Oettinger Roof Spoiler Audi A3 8P Sportback 05 $348.99 Oettinger Roof Spoiler Audi A3 8P Sportback 05Not for Cars with Sports Package or S Line option.Oettingers Audi A3 Sportback tuning program features a roof spoiler beautifully designed for perfect fitment and matched appearance to the Oettinger Rear

Cars $21.99 Men’s 1.7 oz EDT Spray. Cars cologne for kids is made by Disney. This fragrance for kids contains the fresh scent of sweet flowers and tart citrus. This kids fragrance is recommended for any occasion.

Pagid RS 19 Yellow Rear Brake Pads Audi RS4 00-02 $291.98 Pagid RS 19 Yellow Rear Brake Pads Audi RS4 00-02Best compound for endurance racing on the basis of the RS14. A slight reduction of the friction value improves the modulation controllability. Nevertheless, the friction value is enough for cars withou

Pagid RS 19 Yellow Rear Brake Pads Audi RS6 02-04 $304.92 Pagid RS 19 Yellow Rear Brake Pads Audi RS6 02-04Best compound for endurance racing on the basis of the RS14. A slight reduction of the friction value improves the modulation controllability. Nevertheless, the friction value is enough for cars withou

OTC OTC7707 Strut Nut Socket For Vw And Audi $47.56 Features and Benefits:. This 13/4 long socket is built for VW and Audi FWD cars in which the top shockretaining nut is recessed inside the strut tower. The tool s center bore allows you to hold the strut shaft from turning using a 7/8 (22mm) hex key and appropriately sized wrench.

Minichamps 1:43 2009 Audi R8 Nurburgring Rostek/Rast $103.99 This is the 2009 Audi R8 Nurburgring Rostek/Rast. Minichamps produces the widest selection of street and race cars available to the modern day collector. Superior quality and finish all are accurate reproductions of the real cars they represent. Each model is mounted on a custom base and includes a high quality acrylic display case.

Replicarz P437091977 2009 Audi R8#44; Nurburgring#44; RostekRast $103.99 This is the 2009 Audi R8 Nurburgring Rostek or Rast. Minichamps produces the widest selection of street and race cars available to the modern day collector. Superior quality and finish all are accurate reproductions of the real cars they represent. Each model is mounted on a custom base and includes a high quality acrylic display case.

Pagid RS 19 Yellow Rear Brake Pads Audi RS4 05 $304.92 Pagid RS 19 Yellow Rear Brake Pads Audi RS4 05Best compound for endurance racing on the basis of the RS14. A slight reduction of the friction value improves the modulation controllability. Nevertheless, the friction value is enough for cars without p

Pagid RS 19 Yellow Rear Brake Pads Audi S8 02 $291.98 Pagid RS 19 Yellow Rear Brake Pads Audi S8 02Best compound for endurance racing on the basis of the RS14. A slight reduction of the friction value improves the modulation controllability. Nevertheless, the friction value is enough for cars without po

Pagid RS 19 Yellow Front Brake Pads Audi S8 02 $386.23 Pagid RS 19 Yellow Front Brake Pads Audi S8 02Best compound for endurance racing on the basis of the RS14. A slight reduction of the friction value improves the modulation controllability. Nevertheless, the friction value is enough for cars without p

Denso Iridium Spark Plug AUDI A4 96-04 1-Step Colder $11.99 Please Call for Best Pricing Denso Iridium Spark Plug AUDI A4 96-04Vivid Racing carries iridium spark plugs by Denso for your vehicle. These plugs are designed for cars running more horsepower. As you increase power, the need for a faster colder

Denso Iridium Spark Plug AUDI A6 95-04 1-Step Colder $11.99 Please Call for Best Pricing Denso Iridium Spark Plug AUDI A6 95-04Vivid Racing carries iridium spark plugs by Denso for your vehicle. These plugs are designed for cars running more horsepower. As you increase power, the need for a faster colder s

Denso Iridium Spark Plug AUDI A8 01-03 1-Step Colder $11.99 Please Call for Best Pricing Denso Iridium Spark Plug AUDI A8 01-03Vivid Racing carries iridium spark plugs by Denso for your vehicle. These plugs are designed for cars running more horsepower. As you increase power, the need for a faster colder s

Denso Iridium Spark Plug AUDI ALLROAD QUATTRO 01-04 1-Step Cold $11.99 Please Call for Best Pricing Denso Iridium Spark Plug AUDI ALLROAD QUATTRO 01-04Vivid Racing carries iridium spark plugs by Denso for your vehicle. These plugs are designed for cars running more horsepower. As you increase power, the need for a fa

Denso Iridium Spark Plug AUDI RS6 03-04 1-Step Colder $11.99 Please Call for Best Pricing Denso Iridium Spark Plug AUDI RS6 03-04Vivid Racing carries iridium spark plugs by Denso for your vehicle. These plugs are designed for cars running more horsepower. As you increase power, the need for a faster colder

Denso Iridium Spark Plug AUDI S6 95-97 1-Step Colder $11.99 Please Call for Best Pricing Denso Iridium Spark Plug AUDI S6 95-97Vivid Racing carries iridium spark plugs by Denso for your vehicle. These plugs are designed for cars running more horsepower. As you increase power, the need for a faster colder s

Replicarz K09241DB Audi Q5 Deep Sea Blue with Black Interior $142.99 Nicely done in 1:18 scale by Kyosho this is the Audi Q5 in blue with black interior. The model has all opening features to show the detailed interior and engine detail. Kyosho produces some of the best quality street cars at a very affordable price.

Rieger GTS Front Grill for Cars with Golf IV Look Headlamps Volkswagen Golf III 93-99 $178.99 Rieger GTS Front Grill for Cars with Golf IV Look Headlamps Volkswagen Golf III 93-99Rieger is the leading German manufacturer of body kits and accessories for Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Ford and many others. Rieger body kits and accessori

Replicarz P437101900 2010 Audi R8 LMS#44; Nurburgring#44; EkstromJarvisScheiderWerner $119.59 This is the 2010 Audi R8 LMS 100 driven at 24 Hrs. Nurburgring by Ekstrom Jarvis Scheider and Werner. Minichamps produces the widest selection of street and race cars available to the modern day collector. Superior quality and finish all are accurate reproductions of the real cars they represent. Each model is mounted on a custom base and includes an acrylic dust cover. Limited edition of 1 010 pieces.

Replicarz P437101902 2010 Audi R8 LMS#44; Nurburgring#44; AbtCollardLuhrMies $119.59 This is the 2010 Audi R8 2 driven at 24 Hrs. Nurburgring by Abt Collard Luhr and Mies. Minichamps produces the widest selection of street and race cars available to the modern day collector. Superior quality and finish all are accurate reproductions of the real cars they represent. Each model is mounted on a custom base and includes an acrylic dust cover. Limited edition of 1 010 pieces.

Replicarz P437019031 1910 Audi Type A Phaeton#44; Blue withBlack Interior $119.59 Very nicely done in 1:43 scale by Minichamps this is the 1910 Audi Type A in blue. Minichamps produces the widest selection of street and race cars available to the modern day collector. Superior quality and finish all are accurate reproductions of the real cars they represent. Each model is mounted on a custom base and includes a high quality acrylic display case.

Replicarz P437101997 2010 Audi R8 LMS#44; Nurburgring#44; LudwigRostekBronzelWinkelhock $119.59 This is the 2010 Audi R8 LMS 97 driven at 24 Hrs. Nurburgring by Ludwig Rostek Bronzel and Winkelhock. Minichamps produces the widest selection of street and race cars available to the modern day collector. Superior quality and finish all are accurate reproductions of the real cars they represent. Each model is mounted on a custom base and includes an acrylic dust cover.

Replicarz P437101998 2010 Audi R8 LMS Nurburgring BassengStipplerStuckRockenfeller $124.19 This is the 2010 Audi R8 LMS 98 driven at 24 Hours. Nurgurgring by Bassen Stippler Stuck and Rockenfeller. Minichamps produces the widest selection of street and race cars available to the modern day collector. Superior quality and finish all are accurate reproductions of the real cars they represent. Each model is mounted on a custom base and includes an acrylic dust cover.

Pagid RS 19 Yellow Rear Brake Pads Audi S4 Quattro 04 $304.92 Pagid RS 19 Yellow Rear Brake Pads Audi S4 Quattro 04Best compound for endurance racing on the basis of the RS14. A slight reduction of the friction value improves the modulation controllability. Nevertheless, the friction value is enough for cars wi

Pagid RS 19 Yellow Rear Brake Pads Audi TT R32 04-06 $291.98 Pagid RS 19 Yellow Rear Brake Pads Audi TT R32 04-06Best compound for endurance racing on the basis of the RS14. A slight reduction of the friction value improves the modulation controllability. Nevertheless, the friction value is enough for cars wit

Pagid RS 19 Yellow Front Brake Pads Audi S4 Quattro 04 $422.4 Pagid RS 19 Yellow Front Brake Pads Audi S4 Quattro 04Best compound for endurance racing on the basis of the RS14. A slight reduction of the friction value improves the modulation controllability. Nevertheless, the friction value is enough for cars w

EBC Brakes Greenstuff 2000 Series Front Sports Pads Audi A6 3.0T 09 $104.45 EBC Brakes Greenstuff 2000 Series Front Sports Pads Audi A6 3.0T 09The EBC Premium street sport pad for cars up to 200bhp. General spirited street driving. Design for premium street driving offering better brake effect up to 600 C 1100 F. EBC Greenst

EBC Brakes Greenstuff 2000 Series Front Sports Pads Audi A6 3.2L 05-08 $104.45 EBC Brakes Greenstuff 2000 Series Front Sports Pads Audi A6 3.2L 05-08The EBC Premium street sport pad for cars up to 200bhp. General spirited street driving. Design for premium street driving offering better brake effect up to 600 C 1100 F. EBC Gree

EBC Brakes Greenstuff 2000 Series Front Sports Pads Audi A6 3.2L 09 $104.45 EBC Brakes Greenstuff 2000 Series Front Sports Pads Audi A6 3.2L 09The EBC Premium street sport pad for cars up to 200bhp. General spirited street driving. Design for premium street driving offering better brake effect up to 600 C 1100 F. EBC Greenst

EBC Brakes Greenstuff 2000 Series Front Sports Pads Audi A6 4.2L 05-08 $104.45 EBC Brakes Greenstuff 2000 Series Front Sports Pads Audi A6 4.2L 05-08The EBC Premium street sport pad for cars up to 200bhp. General spirited street driving. Design for premium street driving offering better brake effect up to 600 C 1100 F. EBC Gree

EBC Brakes Greenstuff 2000 Series Front Sports Pads Audi A6 4.2L 09 $104.45 EBC Brakes Greenstuff 2000 Series Front Sports Pads Audi A6 4.2L 09The EBC Premium street sport pad for cars up to 200bhp. General spirited street driving. Design for premium street driving offering better brake effect up to 600 C 1100 F. EBC Greenst

EBC Brakes Greenstuff 2000 Series Front Sports Pads Audi A3 2.0T 06-09 $81.98 EBC Brakes Greenstuff 2000 Series Front Sports Pads Audi A3 2.0T 06-09The EBC Premium street sport pad for cars up to 200bhp. General spirited street driving. Design for premium street driving offering better brake effect up to 600 C 1100 F. EBC Gree

EBC Brakes Greenstuff 2000 Series Front Sports Pads Audi A3 3.2L 06-09 $81.98 EBC Brakes Greenstuff 2000 Series Front Sports Pads Audi A3 3.2L 06-09The EBC Premium street sport pad for cars up to 200bhp. General spirited street driving. Design for premium street driving offering better brake effect up to 600 C 1100 F. EBC Gree

EBC Brakes Greenstuff 2000 Series Front Sports Pads Audi A4 1.8T 97-98 $77.49 EBC Brakes Greenstuff 2000 Series Front Sports Pads Audi A4 1.8T 97-98The EBC Premium street sport pad for cars up to 200bhp. General spirited street driving. Design for premium street driving offering better brake effect up to 600 C 1100 F. EBC Gree

[backlinksmage]