2014 Porsche Boxster vs. Its Competition

Nelson Ireson Senior Editor

The BMW Z4 is the most direct alternative to the Boxster in many ways; it's roughly equivalent in power, features, and price.

But the aging Z4 lacks the refinement, the fine-tuned handling, and the sharp modern looks of the Boxster.

Audi's TT is another German take on the compact sports car, but its front-biased weight distribution makes for a more awkward, if still capable, sports driving experience.

The TT's all-wheel drive is a nice feature, however, for those in the snow belt.

The Nissan 370Z and Infiniti Q60 share much of the same structure under the skin, and while the Infiniti's interior is a closer match to the Boxster's in terms of luxury and equipment, both models offer a great deal of power and handling for their price point; unfortunately, it comes at the expense of noise and refinement.

Chevrolet's new Corvette Stingray is also one to consider against the Boxster, if only because it's a sports car, available in both Coupe and Roadster forms, for about the same price; otherwise, the Corvette is more in the 911's performance league than the Boxster's, and would significantly outpace the smaller mid-engined roadster on the street or the track.