2021 BMW 4 Series vs 2020 Porsche 911

The 2020 Porsche 911 was a head-turner in Miami, reminiscent of the iconic car driven by Will Smith in "Bad Boys For Life." The reviewer was thrilled to find a 2020 Carrera S with only 2,000 miles on the clock, finished in a dark blue similar to the movie car. The new 992 model's design enhancements, including the widebody styling, vertical slats on the engine cover, and a single thin taillight wrapping around the back, made it stand out even more. The interior, while minimalist, could be customized to look exquisite with various color combinations and materials, although the base interior felt somewhat cheap for a car of its price.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series coupe's styling was dominated by its massive new twin-kidney grille, which was polarizing in its reception. The rest of the car maintained standard BMW styling cues, with LED headlights and taillights and a familiar overall shape. The new front end was aerodynamic, contributing to a lower drag coefficient compared to the previous model. The interior followed recent BMW design practices, offering a clean and uncluttered look. The front sport seats were standard, with 10-way power adjustment and driver’s memory, but the materials, while good, didn't quite meet the standards of a true luxury car.

The 2020 Porsche 911 excelled in every performance measure, with a chassis that felt unbendable and capable of beating supercars with V8 engines and 600-plus horsepower off the line. The rear engine over the axle, low weight, and precise gearing and software contributed to its impressive performance. The 911 Carrera and Carrera 4 models featured a 3.0-liter flat-six engine with twin turbos, producing 379 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. The Carrera S and 4S models offered even more power, with 443 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (PDK) was standard, with a seven-speed manual available on the S and 4S models. The 911's staggered-diameter tires and firm ride quality made it a thrilling yet comfortable machine for everyday use.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series offered two powertrains: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 430i, producing 255 horsepower and 294 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six in the M440i, with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 430i xDrive could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the M440i xDrive achieved it in 4.3 seconds. However, the transmission in the 430i xDrive test car felt hesitant, often staying in too high a gear. The chassis was composed, with minimal body roll and plenty of grip, but the variable sport steering lacked feedback. The engine sound and Adaptive M Suspension settings didn't enhance the driving experience significantly, making the 4 Series less engaging than expected.

The 2020 Porsche 911 offered supportive and comfortable front seats with large windows for easy visibility. The cabin's simplicity helped focus on driving, with a few toggle switches for essential functions and an easy-to-use infotainment system. The 911 provided 5 cubic feet of luggage space in the front trunk and an additional 9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The convertible model could lower or raise its soft-top in 12 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. Overall, the 911 was easy to use, park, and drive daily.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series did well for a coupe, offering more front headroom and trunk space than its competitors. The front-seat space felt adequate, making it a right-size car for those who don't need a sedan's extra space but might feel cramped in a two-seat sports car. The cockpit was logically laid out, with an infotainment touchscreen integrated into the dashboard and easy-to-reach controls. The cubbyhole ahead of the shifter was perfect for holding a phone, and the in-door cupholders were angled for easy access. Outward visibility was excellent, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Porsche 911 came standard with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and high-resolution touchscreens. Porsche Connect provided remote functions and onboard LTE WiFi. However, the base stereo system was underwhelming, and many features like heated seats, power-folding mirrors, and ambient lighting were optional. The 911 offered advanced tech options like a night-vision camera, Porsche InnoDrive, and various performance-enhancing features, but some basic features were high-cost extras.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series featured the standard BMW iDrive 7 infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch display screen. The optional Live Cockpit Professional setup included a 10.25-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster. The iDrive rotary controller made navigating the system easy, and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant provided voice control. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with a head-up display and wireless phone charging available at extra cost.

The 2020 Porsche 911 had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection and front/rear parking sensors. Optional features included lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard driver-assist features included lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and speed-limit information. Adaptive cruise control was available as part of the $1,700 Driving Assistance Professional Package, which also included steering assist.