I can't imagine a Z4 doing anything other than outperforming the Z3...
When it comes to looks, however....
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yep, and the Z3 is lighter than the Z4, so performance wise..
so it's better looking, can track better, and it's cheaper!? Whodathunkit!?
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oh yeah, that folding hardtop weighs alot, almost forgot
Going into my TENTH YEAR of providing high quality reproduction BMW fabrics!
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I'm at the beginning of my search for a Z3, and have wondered about the Z4. My only input is that I have driven a '99 M Roadster and felt that seat was made just for me. I loved it, and can honestly say it's the most comfortable seat I have experienced. I didn't have the top up, so I can't comment on head room, but at 5'9, don't think I'd have a problem.
This week, I hope to drive a Z4 roadster (3.0) of a co-worker. I personally think the modern interior of the Z4 is cheaper looking in the surface of the plastics used. So for me, the Z3 is more visually engaging from a classic point of view. For me, the final decision may be rather difficult, since I'll have to balance joy of driving against visually stimulating.
Last edited by mspa; 02-16-2015 at 09:49 PM.
You sound like a z3 owner already!
I was once a fan of the z3, but now I can't conceive of ever owning one. They just look dated to my eyes in comparison. While I can agree that the z3 design does appeal to more people and is more reminiscent of the "classic" sports car look, I feel that the z4's modern look still holds up just as well today (and probably for years to come) as it did when it first came out.
Last edited by montaillou; 02-17-2015 at 05:45 PM.
Not so much a signature as a cry for help.
Hold on, saw this in a cartoon once...think I can pull it off.
My daughter wanted a roadster, so we test drove a 350z, z3 and z4. The 350z like most Jap cars doesn't have a soul. The German cars do. While the Z4 may be better on paper and faster, etc. She overwhelmingly chose the Z3 because of the driving experience. I wholeheartedly agreed. So drive them both before making the call. Some things are better represented on the Internet and paper than they are in person.
I have both. A 2007 Z4 auto and a 1999 Z3M stick.
They are much different cars. Somedays I prefer the ease of the Z4. Somedays I like to blast music and run through the gears of my Z3M. There is no wrong answer. Just depends on your preferences. Or buy both!
I currently have a Z3 2.5i in near-perfect condition. I admit - as someone who was single for a long time - that I don't mind noisy, harder-riding cars. I put in my earplugs and off I go. I'm not conversing with anyone or listening to music, so.....Then I met my current finance. She is not a "car person", but doesn't mind road trips, and doesn't get car sick. We drove the Tail of the Dragon at 8/10 and she thought it was great.
That said......the trip to Hilton Head in the Preservation Class winning 1985 535i was a trial to her.
So, I'm about to buy a Z4, because they are much more acoustically isolated going down the road. 800HZ diff whine at highway speeds is a problem on the non-M Z3 models, but the Z4s have isolated diffs that aren't heard in the cabin. I did drive a Z4M, and while it was fun, when you look at running costs, there's no way to justify the M. I can put 4 nice Zimmermann rotors and TRW Ultra pads on a Z4 for what ONE rotor costs on the M. I'm nearly 60 and do all my own work on my cars.....and less is better these days.
zed in gville.jpg
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