BMW M6 Convertible vs Porsche Boxster S

To begin with, BMW dubs this M6 as their fastest M ever, even though on the surface dropping two cylinders to your top-tier performance coupe seems like you’re going backwards. But then, adding two turbochargers in exchange isn’t such a bad tradeoff. Yes, you lose the sonic blast of the previous gen’s V-10, but the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 willingly produces 560 bhp and 560 lb.-ft. of torque. Not to mention, the single-clutch automated manual gives way to an 8-speed dual-clutch unit.


The Porsche Boxster really didn’t need a wholesale redesign. Since its introduction in 1997, Porsche has tweaked, fiddled with, and upgraded the roadster nearly every year, keeping it feeling modern and fully competitive. Even in the outgoing generation’s final two model years, it remained the benchmark for its class, winning our Best-Handling Cars under $100K competition and taking home another couple of 10Best trophies. Despite the outgoing car’s inarguable excellence, the 2013 Boxster rides on a new platform.

The BMW M6 Convertible and Porsche Boxster S are in the vanguard of that preconception-busting, modern attitude. Between them, they produce 863bhp and 766lb ft of torque. Both accelerate from 0 to 62mph in less than five seconds (4.3 for the M6, 4.8 for the Boxster), and both will manage top speeds high enough for a non-surgical facelift (155mph: BMW, 172mph: Porsche).

Given these figures, it's hardly surprising that neither was lacking pace out on the track; even the serious supercars failed to pull away completely down the straights. And both put on speed with minimal fuss - planted foot, a couple of tugs on the paddles and hello to licence-losing rapidity. The slick, dual-clutch gearboxes help. You can arrive at a corner, bang down the 'box and get on the power early to sling up the straighter bits. Concentrate on mashing the throttle as soon as possible because of the instant and punchy power delivery.