2003 BMW Z4 versus 2012 370Z

Troyz

Just a quick comparison since I recently owned a BMW Z4:
2003 BMW Z4 2.5 i6 versus 2012 370z (Both cars had the sports package and manual)

Acceleration: While the Z4 was much slower it was much smoother even up the red line. The 370Z feels coarse and unbalanced. The power in 370Z always makes me smile. I wished I got the 3.0 BMW but I don’t think it would have been able to touch the 370Z.

Braking: Both braked well. 370Z steering wheel shakes when light braking.

Routine Handling 30-50MPH: The Z4 wins. I think being narrow and more balanced it feels like a lighter car when it isn't. 370Z does not respond as quick to driver input.

Emergency Lane Change: 370Z feels heavier the way the steering wheel is set up. The Z4 is more responsive and seemed quicker. The Z4 wins from a drivers experience it just seemed more precise.

Stability Control: The Z4 has 3 modes, the 370Z has 2 (on or off).

Blind Spots: 370Z is the worst I ever driven. Z4 Wins with the tops up or down.

Clutch: All the time spent with Z4's picky clutch has made me love 370z's clutch.

Tranny: Toss up. While the Z4 wins seems to shift faster, the Syncro Rev in the 370Z almost feels like you’re in automatic.

Bling: 370z Touring with Navigation almost feels like an Infinity. 370Z is the clear winner. I get more compliments from guys in the 370Z while the Z4 seem to be liked more by the ladies. I see many women driving Z4 (typically autos). I haven’t seen many women driving a 370Z. This is truly a manly man’s car.

Reliability: I will never get a used BMW w/o a warranty again! I spent $1000’s of dollars for crap I never knew existed on a car. The BMW forum has tons of threads about steering issues and class actions lawsuits.

LostSol

I test drove many cars before getting my Z, including an 2006 Z4-M Coupe, and while I agree with you about the coarseness of the VQ while stock, once you open up the exhaust it seems to be a different beast. But nothing is as smooth as an inline 6.

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kenchan

steering shouldn't shake with light braking.

engine feels fine to me up to redline. i run post-maf tubes and kn drop-ins. those help keep the air flowing smoothly. im not a fan of loud intakes.

not sure about the rest.

Z is a huge bang for the buck imo and a joy to drive.

kidkotic2001

I test drove many cars before the Z and I really like the Z period.

I agree with you that the Steering does shake when breaking. I have taken it to two Nissan Dealers and they say its normal. This is my second Z and both of them did it.

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ThAt WaS a CrAzY nIgHt

Drex

ive found the steering wheel shaking while breaking is more tied to the wheels following the grooves/imperfections in the road than anything else

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2011 Nissan 370z | 6MT | Magnetic Black | Sport Package

kenchan

thats tramlining, not shaking then. steering does not shake on my car.

mults

This should tell you something

Bling: 370z Touring with Navigation almost feels like an Infinity. 370Z is the clear winner. I get more compliments from guys in the 370Z while the Z4 seem to be liked more by the ladies. I see many women driving Z4 (typically autos). I haven’t seen many women driving a 370Z. This is truly a manly man’s car.

Personally, I do not like the looks of the Z4, but if you are happy, then I am happy for you .

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mults
40th Anniversary 'Z', 312.06HP/260.58TQ (Dynosty EcuTek Tune)
Build Date/Number: 1/27/2010 #706
Berk HFC + CBE, R2C CAI, Clear Bra, Cleveland Z Club

Mt Tam I am

Nice write up.

I frequently deal with Z4's and have yet to see one between 30-50 MPH pull away, or challenge my Z yet. Then again many are driven by ladies with automatics.

No shake under braking unless I've warped my rotors again (at least 4 times).

I know the Z produces more, albeit rougher, power and some of the worst blind spots.

I am surprised by the (clunky) tranny being a toss up or that the Z's clutch wins.

Not at all surprised on reliability issue nor cost of repairs.

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Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

Magic Bus

True that many Z4's are driven by women. Actually got two separate compliments about my Z from women driving Z4's in parking lots. It's nice to talk to females who enjoy cars.

cooltoy

Fixed it for you.

jaedub

This might sound a bit biased but 370z totally out performs z4 in almost every aspect. Put the 370z against the z4 M-series, then you got yourself a challenge. Just remember that 370z is a sports car and z4 is a luxury coupe.

And it's true that the z4's are driven mostly by women because they're soft and docile.

cooltoy

Women or Z4's?

Ziggyman

Both, had a 2006 Z4 Roadster, it was my wife's favorite car that Ive owned. It was nice but slow and tramlined like a MOFO.

Verts have more trunk space than a Z, but even the new 35is goes for $65K for the same performance as a Z.

Not a bad car, but $ for $ not comparable to a Z for performance. The interior options are way beyond a Nissan but you pay dearly...

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The Dude abides!

roy'sz

I kept seeing this smoking hot blonde with a huge rack driving a z4 in my old hometown.in the worst way I wanted and never happened.

On another note ive had the m4 pull away from me when I only had my cbe. They are pretty quick!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtvG...data_playerARK HFC'S-ARK Grip-Stillen G3-M370-UPREV-Kinetix upper control arm-WC Latheworks-Stage2 Bad@$$ Driver(318whp/268tq)-

Mt Tam I am

I've never laid eyes upon her but .

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Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber