2021 BMW 4 Series vs 2020 Porsche 911

The 2020 Porsche 911, with its sleek design and iconic silhouette, continued to captivate enthusiasts with its timeless charm. Renting a 911 in Miami, the experience was reminiscent of the thrill seen in "Bad Boys For Life." The 992 model, with its widebody styling and athletic stance, showcased Porsche's ability to subtly evolve the 911's design while maintaining its classic appeal. The interior, though minimalist, offered a blend of traditional analog elements and modern technology, creating a driving environment that was both luxurious and functional. However, the base interior left much to be desired, with materials that felt subpar for a car of its price range.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 4 Series sparked conversations with its bold new design, particularly the prominent twin-kidney grille. While opinions on its aesthetics varied, the rest of the car adhered to BMW's familiar styling cues. The 4 Series shared its platform with the 3 Series sedan, offering a slightly larger and more aerodynamic body. Inside, the 4 Series boasted a clean and uncluttered design, with standard sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. However, the interior materials, while decent, did not quite meet the expectations of a luxury vehicle in its price bracket.

The 2020 Porsche 911 was a performance marvel, with its unyielding chassis and rear-engine layout providing exceptional grip and agility. The Carrera and Carrera 4 models featured a 3.0-litre flat-six engine with twin turbochargers, delivering 379 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. The Carrera S and 4S models upped the ante with 443 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, offering immediate thrust and a thrilling driving experience. The 911's PDK dual-clutch transmission was standard, providing seamless shifts, while a seven-speed manual was available for purists. The 911's handling was precise, with staggered-diameter tires and a firm ride that balanced comfort and performance. Despite its sporty nature, the 911 remained a practical choice for daily driving, with decent fuel efficiency and all-wheel-drive options for year-round usability.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series offered two powertrains: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 430i, producing 255 hp and 294 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six in the M440i, delivering 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The M440i also featured a 48-volt mild hybrid system for improved efficiency. The 4 Series was quick, with the 430i accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, and the M440i in 4.5 seconds. However, the driving experience was hampered by a hesitant transmission and vague steering feedback. While the chassis was composed and the AWD system provided ample grip, the overall driving dynamics lacked the engagement expected from a performance coupe.

The 2020 Porsche 911 offered a comfortable and supportive cabin, with large windows for excellent visibility. The interior was designed for driving focus, with a simple layout and intuitive controls. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though some features were buried in menus. The 911 provided 132 litres of front trunk space and 264 litres with the rear seats folded, making it practical for a sports car. The convertible model featured a quick-operating soft-top, adding to its versatility. The 911's design allowed for easy entry and exit, making it suitable for everyday use.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series, while not the most practical, offered more front headroom and trunk space than many of its competitors. The interior was spacious for a coupe, with a well-laid-out cockpit and excellent outward visibility. The infotainment system was integrated seamlessly into the dashboard, with a cubbyhole for phone storage and angled cupholders for convenience. The 4 Series provided a comfortable driving environment, though rear seat space was limited, as expected in this segment.

The 2020 Porsche 911 came standard with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and high-resolution touchscreens. Porsche Connect offered smartphone app integration and onboard WiFi. However, the base stereo system was underwhelming, and many desirable features were part of costly packages. Advanced options like night-vision cameras and InnoDrive added to the 911's tech appeal, but basic features like power-folding mirrors were extra.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series featured the iDrive 7 infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and optional Live Cockpit Professional with a 10.25-inch screen. The system was user-friendly, with a rotary controller and voice control. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. Optional upgrades like a head-up display and wireless charging enhanced the tech experience.

The 2020 Porsche 911 had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection and 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 received crash-test ratings. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go was part of an optional package, offering advanced driver assistance capabilities.