Quote:
Originally Posted by Sand123
After reading through these 5 long pages, I feel like I need to submit my own opinion to tamper some of the dissention going on here. I currently drive a Mazdaspeed 3 (not a Mazda 3, like some have posted, that is a completely different car) and I carpool with a friend who drives an 06 Porsche Cayman S. I have also test driven and been looking at the 370Z.
I have driven all three of these cars. I am considering buying a 370Z which is why I am on this forum, and I am not "TROLLING" like Mook has been accused of. I do have to agree with Mook on the point that the Mazdaspeed3 (with minor bolt-ons makes close to 300 bhp) "feels" a bit faster than the 370Z and Cayman S because of the extra torque and more linear power delivery. However, the Cayman S is the better car (and faster car, though it did run a slower lap time than my MS3 at the autocross  . I've enjoyed driving the Porsche because of the RWD, and for that reason I test drove the Z recently, and have been considering trading in my Mazdaspeed3 for that car. It is mainly a function of having the rear wheel drive. As far as motor is concerned, I still prefer the MS3 motor (keeping in mind that I do have the bolt-on intake and midpipe which makes some extra power) because of the sheer wave of torque that it produces. But I like the RWD of the Z, and the shorter wheel base and handling characteristics. So overall I'm torn, and am having a difficult time choosing.
There seems to be a pretty biased feeling of superiority among Z owners against other manufacturers like Mazda, Honda, etc. The Mazdaspeed3 IS a great sports car; if you don't agree, check out the reviews on Automobile and Car and Driver. "This is a sports car folks, hang on and enjoy it," are the words from one article that I remember best. I know Z owners feel like they are in a different league, but you're still talking about cars that fall into the 25K to 30K price range and offer similar power to weight numbers. The Z is not a Ferrari and it is still a logical competitor against cars like the MS3 and WRX, STI, G37, Evo, etc. 30K will buy you any one of these cars.
I had dismissed the Z previously because the 350 was a slower car than the MS3 as far as power to weight and track times are concerned. But I love that the new 370Z is lighter AND stronger. So I am back in the market. But I just want to shed some light on this argument, and remember, never underestimate the competition! |
If you are having hard time deciding and dont' care about track performance, like I was, test drive a certified pre-owned 06/07 BMW M Coupe. 07 will give you 4 years of warranty and 100,000 miles for $34-38k, 06 - $30-34k. And they will pay for your oil changes and brake pads for two years.
M3 engine, 330 hp / 262 lb (huge low end), 3200 lb and 50/50 weight, a real mechanical M3 LSD.
Check out this comparo by Brits, funny as hell:
BMW Z4 M Coupe vs Porsche Cayman S - Feeling the burn - Top Gear
I bought mine two days ago. If the "feel" is what you are after and you want a rwd, this might be for you. No way it will beat Z on the track, except on the drag strip, but fun factor bests all the other cars I have driven. It feels like a beast, faster than the Mazda and it has the M3 engine so don't worry about low end, lol. In sport mode and traction control off, it demands lots of driver input. If Z is the real life hero, M coupe is a comic book hero. No match for the real thing, but a lot more fun. Although, some mags listed 4.4 to 60 in the M Roadster, coups a bit slower. Oh, and it comes with concierge button - lol. Just don't expect the same fuel efficiency as the Z