The Essence of the Roadster

Back in 2004, the automotive world celebrated the purest form of driving: the two-seat roadster. Stripped of the bulk and complexity of modern SUVs, these cars focused on the intimate connection between the driver, the machine, and the open road. Our review evaluates four key players of that year: the Porsche Boxster S, the Audi TT, the Nissan 350Z, and the BMW Z4.


The Contenders

  • Porsche Boxster S: The performance benchmark. With a mid-engine layout and a 258-hp 3.2-liter flat-six, it remained the gold standard for handling and balance.
  • Audi TT Roadster: A design icon. In 2004, it introduced a 250-hp 3.2-liter VR6 engine paired with a revolutionary DSG6 transmission, blending style with advanced tech.
  • Nissan 350Z Roadster: The value proposition. Based on the Infiniti G35 platform, it offered 287 horsepower and a powerful 3.5-liter V-6 at a highly competitive price point.
  • BMW Z4 3.0i: The daring newcomer. With its bold, polarizing styling and a 225-hp 3.0-liter inline-six, it sought to redefine the classic front-mid-engine sports car.

Performance and Handling

Our testing took place on the winding backroads of Santa Barbara, California, putting each vehicle's suspension, steering, and engine response to the test. While every car offered a unique driving experience, the results varied significantly based on engineering philosophies.


4th Place: Nissan 350Z Roadster

The 350Z provided immense power and high value. However, its heavy platform—rooted in sedan architecture—made it feel less agile than its competitors. Testers noted it lacked the "surprise and delight" features expected in a dedicated sports car, ultimately labeling its design as somewhat cluttered.


3rd Place: BMW Z4 3.0i

The Z4 impressed with its exceptional powertrain and a perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Yet, it struggled with an over-engineered exterior design and electric power steering that many editors found to be numb. Despite its immense cornering grip, the harsh ride quality hampered its overall score.


2nd Place: Audi TT Roadster

The Audi charmed the team with its brilliant interior craftsmanship and the impressive DSG transmission. While it couldn't hide its economy-car origins in terms of chassis rigidity, its all-wheel-drive stability and personality made it a joy to pilot under most conditions.


1st Place: Porsche Boxster S

The Boxster S took top honors by a wide margin. As one tester put it: «With a bottomless well of power, planted chassis, fluid steering, tireless brakes—damn, the thing is just brilliant.» It was the quickest, best-handling, and most well-rounded car of the group. While it carried the highest price tag, its performance pedigree made it the undisputed champion.