Edmunds: 370Z vs. 135i

RCZ · 12-15-2008, 06:45 PM

The Z rocks, I test drove the 135i and it was pretty boring.

sensi09 · 12-15-2008, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Endgame

Maybe, but what about if you toss a good set of coilovers on a Z?? I think the Z's advantage lies in its revised chasis, length, and stance. Apples for Apples in any scenario, I give the Z the advantage.

This coming from someone who was all but sold on the 135i.....

You could throw some coilovers on a Z, but my response was about the "comfort" oriented 135i he was referring to. With a good set of coilovers or just the BMW performance suspension, he could have both the comfort along with the sporty feel from the 135i.

cstr_Cali · 12-15-2008, 08:47 PM

AK370Z · 12-15-2008, 09:15 PM

Sweet find, Cstr!

Here's what their lead sr editor has to say:

Quote:

Lead Senior Editor Ed Hellwig says:
This wouldn't have been a very tough decision if the 370Z was nothing more than the old car with a bigger engine and some new styling. I never much cared for the 350Z. Lots of potential there, but it was always hard to exploit it. I would have chosen the 135i in a second.

But Nissan went further, much further. The 370Z feels like a real sports car, not just a Japanese muscle coupe. You can push it hard around turns without feeling like it's about to bite your head off at any moment. The steering is accurate and nicely weighted, too. And when you're not running at full speed, it's a comfortable, refined car that doesn't beat you up.

I could say almost all the same things about the 135i. It, too, is easy to drive fast and comfortable everywhere else. There's more room inside and less road noise on the highway as well. But in the end, that's why I would pick the Z. It has that edge that makes it more than just a fast daily driver. It's the opposite, a fast sports car that just happens to be comfortable enough to drive every day. It wasn't always this way with the Z, but it is now and I like it.

I like this guy

I have been waiting for this image for the longest time!

Sweet win by the Z!

Minicobra1 · 12-15-2008, 09:19 PM

NIce write up, I almost bought a 135i, but I decided to wait to see what the new BMW Z4 was going to look like, while I was waiting, the 370Z came along!!

BimmerFile | BMW News and Opinion has pics and specs of the new 2009 Z4, I was surprised to see how heavy it was, it's no lighter then the 135i, manf est. 0-60 puts it at 5.1 for the TT S-Drive 35i model. It's a disappointment For a car that will sell for $12-15K more then a 370 . It does look classy though, although I would rather have an 08 Z "M" coupe, I think that has a better look overall.

370Z FTW !!

Braden

AK370Z · 12-15-2008, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minicobra1

BimmerFile | BMW News and Opinion has pics and specs of the new 2009 Z4, I was surprised to see how heavy it was, it's no lighter then the 135i

Where can I find the specs? How much does the car weigh?

sensi09 · 12-15-2008, 09:32 PM

The new Z4 looks great, and with a biturbo engine, hardtop convertible along with an improved interior compared to the 370Z, I think I'd opt for one over the new Z.

The curb weight of the Z4 with the turbo engine is 3450lbs, but I do believe BMW does their curb weights a bit different. Regardless though, the increased weight owes itself primarily to the hardtop convertible. I'm also not aware if a regular coupe will be offered.

There is some speculation that the V8 from the M3 might not make it's way into the Z4 due to the economy. But that is all speculation at this point.

Here are the specs Official Z4 Technical Specs DataSheet and PRESS RELEASE - New 2009 2010 BMW Z4 - ZPOST

Endgame · 12-15-2008, 09:51 PM

Ehh... E85 Z4M > 09 Z4

370Z > E85 Z4M

Too me......

Ryephile · 12-15-2008, 10:52 PM

This review gives me warm fuzzy feelings.

When the BMW 135i was first announced, I must admit I was pretty excited to hear about a new small BMW coupe. As the details rolled out, I was a bit disappointed, however it was the several test drives that really put the nail in the coffin for the 135i being in my garage. Instead of getting a genuine sport coupe, sports car, or GT, the 135i is a big fat 335i that is sucking in its gut to hide how flabby and insulated it is. The steering feels horribly artificial and rubbery, the engine lacks involvement, and the suspension is destroyed with pathetically soft rubber bushings. Add to that a critical mistake to ergonomics, no real interior door-closing handle [!], and I was crushed.

Reading Edmunds review appears to validate everything I was hoping for in the 135i, and it's called the 370Z. Razor precise, visceral, and exciting with real performance and sexy aesthetics to back it up, the 370Z has me really excited again for a real GT sports car.

Cheers,
Ryan

cstr_Cali · 12-15-2008, 11:05 PM

When I drove the 135i about the only thing I found to my liking were the awesome sports seats and the glorious torque of the N54 motor. Neither of which are quite enough to justify the premium the car commands over more reasonably priced albeit less prestigious competitors such as the EVO and STI. In my eyes. Besides, when I look at the 135i the feeling doesn't escape me that you really have to want the badge to take ownership of such a fugly car and gimmick of an attempt at trying to recreate the original 02.

Funny enough looking at the interior specs on edmunds it would appear based off of numbers alone the 370Z is the bigger car. The 135i was a good fit legroom wise, headroom was OK. Cars make me wish I wasn't so tall at times.

SnakeBitten · 12-16-2008, 04:14 PM

How tall are you? Im 6'6" @ 250lbs and Ive yet to find a sportscar that I can look sexy getting out of. I dont think one exists. Always the same comments. "Aint you too big for that car dude?" "How'd you fit in that?" blah blah blah lol...

cstr_Cali · 12-16-2008, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnakeBitten

How tall are you? Im 6'6" @ 250lbs and Ive yet to find a sportscar that I can look sexy getting out of. I dont think one exists. Always the same comments. "Aint you too big for that car dude?" "How'd you fit in that?" blah blah blah lol...

Technically I'm 6'4.5". Add shoes and that goes up an inch. I do notice that how I fit in a car depends largely on the shoes I'm wearing as you always know where your feet are in a car and how they're situated over the accelerator and brake pedals. I've always been a PUMA fan and most of the shoes I wear are PUMA's. Outside of Speedcats most of their shoes run wide. I'm slowly converting over to Converse where the shoes run more narrow and the sole is less dense.

SnakeBitten · 12-17-2008, 05:30 PM

Lol @ giants. Im gonna see if my shoes makes a difference. Its gotta be the shoes lol.

xDIEGOx · 12-17-2008, 05:46 PM

I hate you guys. I'm only 5'5

SnakeBitten · 12-17-2008, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xDIEGOx

I hate you guys. I'm only 5'5

I hope you are still growing

12-15-2008, 08:47 PM	#18 (permalink)
cstr_Cali Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 347 Drives: smoke grey Rep Power: 573	Tubed Edmunds 370Z vs. 135i comparo

12-15-2008, 09:19 PM	#20 (permalink)
Minicobra1 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Orange County, CA. Posts: 1,205 Drives: 370Z Tour, Spt, 6mt Rep Power: 645	NIce write up, I almost bought a 135i, but I decided to wait to see what the new BMW Z4 was going to look like, while I was waiting, the 370Z came along!! BimmerFile \| BMW News and Opinion has pics and specs of the new 2009 Z4, I was surprised to see how heavy it was, it's no lighter then the 135i, manf est. 0-60 puts it at 5.1 for the TT S-Drive 35i model. It's a disappointment For a car that will sell for $12-15K more then a 370 . It does look classy though, although I would rather have an 08 Z "M" coupe, I think that has a better look overall. 370Z FTW !! Braden Last edited by Minicobra1; 12-15-2008 at 09:23 PM.

12-15-2008, 10:52 PM	#24 (permalink)
Ryephile Base Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Metro-Detroit Posts: 23 Drives: '02 Cooper S Rep Power: 17	This review gives me warm fuzzy feelings. When the BMW 135i was first announced, I must admit I was pretty excited to hear about a new small BMW coupe. As the details rolled out, I was a bit disappointed, however it was the several test drives that really put the nail in the coffin for the 135i being in my garage. Instead of getting a genuine sport coupe, sports car, or GT, the 135i is a big fat 335i that is sucking in its gut to hide how flabby and insulated it is. The steering feels horribly artificial and rubbery, the engine lacks involvement, and the suspension is destroyed with pathetically soft rubber bushings. Add to that a critical mistake to ergonomics, no real interior door-closing handle [!], and I was crushed. Reading Edmunds review appears to validate everything I was hoping for in the 135i, and it's called the 370Z. Razor precise, visceral, and exciting with real performance and sexy aesthetics to back it up, the 370Z has me really excited again for a real GT sports car. Cheers, Ryan __________________

12-15-2008, 11:05 PM	#25 (permalink)
cstr_Cali Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 347 Drives: smoke grey Rep Power: 573	When I drove the 135i about the only thing I found to my liking were the awesome sports seats and the glorious torque of the N54 motor. Neither of which are quite enough to justify the premium the car commands over more reasonably priced albeit less prestigious competitors such as the EVO and STI. In my eyes. Besides, when I look at the 135i the feeling doesn't escape me that you really have to want the badge to take ownership of such a fugly car and gimmick of an attempt at trying to recreate the original 02. Funny enough looking at the interior specs on edmunds it would appear based off of numbers alone the 370Z is the bigger car. The 135i was a good fit legroom wise, headroom was OK. Cars make me wish I wasn't so tall at times. Last edited by cstr_Cali; 12-15-2008 at 11:08 PM.

12-16-2008, 04:14 PM	#26 (permalink)
SnakeBitten Base Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Midwood Posts: 232 Drives: 05 DBZ M6 Rep Power: 17	How tall are you? Im 6'6" @ 250lbs and Ive yet to find a sportscar that I can look sexy getting out of. I dont think one exists. Always the same comments. "Aint you too big for that car dude?" "How'd you fit in that?" blah blah blah lol... __________________

12-15-2008, 06:45 PM	#16 (permalink)
RCZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami Posts: 6,403 Drives: '09 370Z Rep Power: 1119	The Z rocks, I test drove the 135i and it was pretty boring.

12-15-2008, 09:32 PM	#22 (permalink)
sensi09 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: so cal Posts: 449 Drives: _ Rep Power: 17	The new Z4 looks great, and with a biturbo engine, hardtop convertible along with an improved interior compared to the 370Z, I think I'd opt for one over the new Z. The curb weight of the Z4 with the turbo engine is 3450lbs, but I do believe BMW does their curb weights a bit different. Regardless though, the increased weight owes itself primarily to the hardtop convertible. I'm also not aware if a regular coupe will be offered. There is some speculation that the V8 from the M3 might not make it's way into the Z4 due to the economy. But that is all speculation at this point. Here are the specs Official Z4 Technical Specs DataSheet and PRESS RELEASE - New 2009 2010 BMW Z4 - ZPOST

12-15-2008, 09:51 PM	#23 (permalink)
Endgame A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Phoenix Posts: 1,613 Drives: Nothing Now! Rep Power: 224	Ehh... E85 Z4M > 09 Z4 370Z > E85 Z4M Too me......

12-17-2008, 05:30 PM	#28 (permalink)
SnakeBitten Base Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Midwood Posts: 232 Drives: 05 DBZ M6 Rep Power: 17	Lol @ giants. Im gonna see if my shoes makes a difference. Its gotta be the shoes lol. __________________ Last edited by SnakeBitten; 12-17-2008 at 05:32 PM.

12-17-2008, 05:46 PM	#29 (permalink)
xDIEGOx Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 377 Drives: 02 Ram 4x4 Rep Power: 232	I hate you guys. I'm only 5'5 __________________ Wanna see every Top Gear episode? Click --->Top Gear

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