Z4M coupe vs 370Z coupe

[Sephiroth]

Hi guys,

This is my first post on here, figured i'd get right down to business.

Situation:

I sold my 2004 M3 coupe. I loved the car, it had an amazing suspension and the motor was excellent. It was very easy and pleasant to drive. Prior to it i had a 2008 STI that was also quite fun, in a different way. I still miss that boxer rumble on occasion.

Anyways, now im in need of a fun car. I want a 2 seater this time with decent cargo room. Must be a manual, and i want to stay in the $30k range. 2 cars came to mind immediately, the M coupe and the 370.

So im wondering if there are any former M owners on here that would care to compare the 2? I have never driven the M coupe.

Thanks,
AJ

[Red370]

Z4
Standard Engine 3.2L 330 hp I6 3.2L 330 hp I6
Horsepower 330 @ 7900 RPM 330 @ 7900 RPM
Torque (lb-ft) 262 @ 4900 RPM 262 @ 4900 RPM
curb weight: 3230
0-60 4.9
Price Range: $45,750 - $51,900

370Z
Standard Engine 3.7L 332 hp V6 3.7L 332 hp V6
Horsepower 332 @ 7000 RPM 332 @ 7000 RPM
Torque (lb-ft) 270 @ 5200 RPM 270 @ 5200 RPM
curb weight: 3232
0-60 4.6
Price Range: $31,460 - $41,820

there ya go. Better performance, less money, seems like a no brainer.

[SkyZ]

haha of course on a 370z forum ur gonna get lots of support for the 370z. but i think z4 is more soft and more comfortable. it would be more of a luxurious option while 370z is a more hardcore car.

now just ask urself do u want more luxury for a higher price or more sportiness? if ur only driving on the street u probably wont push both the 370z or z4 to its max potential soooooo make a decision based on what u want.

they're 2 very different cars

[370Zsteve]

storage space? don't buy a Z

consider a Cayman?

[Old Chuck]

Have driven the old style Z4M but not the new design. The old design was more raw and viseral then the new compared to many. The Z4M seemed to have more torque then the Z but the numbers are about the same however the Z4M seemed to have more seat of the pants feel. For the money the 370 is the better deal for putting a grin on your face but the BMW felt more refined and expensive on the inside. Comparing both 2010 models, the BMW seems more like a small Astin Martin with nice luxury touches whereas, the 370Z seems more basic and down to business. Both are quick however, I am not sure the 370Z wiill average 0-60 in 4.6.

[djpathfinder]

Originally Posted by Old Chuck

Have driven the old style Z4M but not the new design. The old design was more raw and viseral then the new compared to many. The Z4M seemed to have more torque then the Z but the numbers are about the same however the Z4M seemed to have more seat of the pants feel. For the money the 370 is the better deal for putting a grin on your face but the BMW felt more refined and expensive on the inside. Comparing both 2010 models, the BMW seems more like a small Astin Martin with nice luxury touches whereas, the 370Z seems more basic and down to business. Both are quick however, I am not sure the 370Z wiill average 0-60 in 4.6.

My brother has a 2007 Z4 M Coupe. Great little vehicle. Raw and visceral is right. The brakes are very touchy. I think the balance between brake and gas pedal pressures is much more even in our 370Z. Feels like the driver sits lower than in the Z. The 370Z is a little more civilized and I find it more tolerable as a daily driver. Yeah, the 370 is more like 0-60 in 5.0 s (there was only one source that I came across that stated 4.6 s). Both vehicles are very similar. Big difference in price. Don't forget the cost of ownership of a BMW is $$$ as well. Also, typical problems with electrical gremlins and little items like easily breakable cupholders. Don't get me wrong, I like the feel of my brother's car and I would be happy to own one. I have lots of respect and admiration of that car. Of the two, I would still choose the 370. If you could find a used Z4 M Coupe in good condition that's great. However, I don't like the new Z4 for several reasons: bigger dimensions, tamed down for mass appeal (styling, sound, suspension stiffness, etc), and a price increase...therefore I would definitely steer clear of that one. My $0.02.

[Red370]

Originally Posted by Old Chuck

Have driven the old style Z4M but not the new design. The old design was more raw and viseral then the new compared to many. The Z4M seemed to have more torque then the Z but the numbers are about the same however the Z4M seemed to have more seat of the pants feel. For the money the 370 is the better deal for putting a grin on your face but the BMW felt more refined and expensive on the inside. Comparing both 2010 models, the BMW seems more like a small Astin Martin with nice luxury touches whereas, the 370Z seems more basic and down to business. Both are quick however, I am not sure the 370Z wiill average 0-60 in 4.6.

i'm also not sure the Z4 will average 4.9 either.

[Mike]

We had a last generation Z4 roadster, and have a '10 Z4 Sdrive 35i. The M coupe was a whole different animal. The Z4 is my wife's car and the 370 mine. Even though I haven't driven mine in the time that we have had hers because of the track mishap, I still think I enjoy the raw feel of the Z better, but like I said, the M coupe is a different beast, and it would be hard to compare.

If you aren't into modding, the fact that for the same price the 370Z will be new, could be a big factor with the warranty. I've voided the warranty on just about every car I have owned soon after delivery, so that wouldn't matter to me. You should try to drive them back to back.

[WICKED_GRIN]

^^ The Z4 sDrive35is is the real beast…….with 369 lb-ft at your command for short bursts!



2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is First Drive

[Sephiroth]

I think i should have clarified. Im looking at a 2006-2008 Z4M, the one that people say feels raw and visceral. They have dropped to the $30k range and are price competitive with the Z i think. Many of them can be had with BMW's CPO warranty so a 2008 model will have warranty till 2014.

I've got the Cayman S as a remote possibility since i don't know anything about Porsche maintenance cost or insurance cost. The dealership down the street has one in the low $40ks.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

I think i should have clarified. Im looking at a 2006-2008 Z4M, the one that people say feels raw and visceral. They have dropped to the $30k range and are price competitive with the Z i think. Many of them can be had with BMW's CPO warranty so a 2008 model will have warranty till 2014.

I've got the Cayman S as a remote possibility since i don't know anything about Porsche maintenance cost or insurance cost. The dealership down the street has one in the low $40ks.

defnitely check out the Cayman S. That thing is way above and beyond both of these cars. My friend had one and it was pretty damn nice.

[370Zsteve]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

I think i should have clarified. Im looking at a 2006-2008 Z4M, the one that people say feels raw and visceral. They have dropped to the $30k range and are price competitive with the Z i think. Many of them can be had with BMW's CPO warranty so a 2008 model will have warranty till 2014.

I've got the Cayman S as a remote possibility since i don't know anything about Porsche maintenance cost or insurance cost. The dealership down the street has one in the low $40ks.

I find the 1st-gen Z4 to be a chick car. get the Cayman S!!!!!!! Save up for your maintenance costs though

[Tyrell Tyson]

Originally Posted by 370Zsteve

I find the 1st-gen Z4 to be a chick car. get the Cayman S!!!!!!! Save up for your maintenance costs though

Cayman S is a panty dropping machine, i am thinking of getting one...not 100% sure at the moment but thinking really hard

[Mark]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

I think i should have clarified. Im looking at a 2006-2008 Z4M, the one that people say feels raw and visceral. They have dropped to the $30k range and are price competitive with the Z i think. Many of them can be had with BMW's CPO warranty so a 2008 model will have warranty till 2014.

I've got the Cayman S as a remote possibility since i don't know anything about Porsche maintenance cost or insurance cost. The dealership down the street has one in the low $40ks.

Let me know if your interested. I have a 06 z4m with 43,000 miles. A great car

[spearfish25]

There's no new Cayman S selling in the $30k range. Not sure why that keeps coming up as an option.

As for Z cargo space, I find there is actually lots of space. I routinely drive around with a tool box, two large plastic containers of work supplies, a duffle, tire inflator...the rear hatch holds more than you would think. You can easily fit a weeks' worth of groceries in the back even with all the other crap i have back there. Could you put the luggage of a family of four back there? No. But I've found that it's quite capacious.