Update as I've now had the M2 and Z together for a month, driving it back to back and have noticed other nuances not noticed in the first 9 days of driving the M2 in Europe.

As mentioned earlier, the Z's steering being hydraulic has better feel. Also on long straights, the Z's steering wheel only needs to be kept in center and it tracks very straight, but it does tram line more than the M2. The M2 probably because of electric steering, feels just a little floaty and needs very minute adjustments to stay on a straight line. Please don't get me wrong, it's not bad, but something that is noticed.

The brakes on the M2 are more sensitive, but I don't feel it stops any faster than the Z. Once again not bad but something noticed.

The M2 clutch, synchro's and auto rev match is definitely superior. I have the RJM pedal in the Z but still no comparison to the M2. The M2's clutch is lighter, with an easy to recognize engagement point. The M2 also auto revs to approx 1k just before it engages 1st or reverse gear, plus a 1/2 second brake assist on an incline, making this car almost impossible to stall. Yes it sounds like cheating, and a newbie to sticks will not truly appreciate this technology, but it's 2017 and things should progress.

Not sure why, but I'm guessing it's better synchro's, because driving the M2, I can be absolutely buttery smooth between up shifts or down shifts. Also you don't hear the blip of the throttle before the engagement of the gear, like the Z. The M2 seems to hold the blip of the throttle, just until the clutch makes contact. Pretty amazing really.

As mentioned earlier, I preferred the Z's shifter and still feel it's the better shifter, as the gates are better defined and shifting angles are better. The M2's shifter feels a bit rubbery, also 2nd to 3rd and 4th to 5th requires me to change the angle of my arm for a fast smooth shift.

My initial thoughts on handling remain the same, the M2 feels more balanced/controllable. Braking and entering a turn, it's very precise and balanced, whereas the the Z is precise but feels like it's front heavy. However both hug the turns well and on accelerating out of the turn, they both do a great job.

The Z also sits lower and feels like a true sports car from the drivers seat. The M2 sits quite a bit higher and makes you feel like you're driving sedan but don't let that fool you, the car handles. However you gotta give the Z a lotta points and love that feeling. The Z also offers more of a mechanical, analog old school feeling.

The M2 is also definitely firmer and can be close to jarring on bad roads or pot holes versus the Z. Yet on better roads, the M2 feels smoother, kinda interesting really. Maybe I get that impression because the M2 has less road noise and is quieter inside versus the Z, and I dynomatted the Z's doors & hatch.

Interior, electronics, music, seats, visibility and practicality all favor the M2. Plus the M2 is the faster, overall better car and I guess I'm happy it is, as it is the newer car and I did pay $20k more for it then the Z.

Im DCT M2. Always a manual guy in general. Love the mech feel of the DCT and swift shifts and sounds of its operation. I dont really notice the steering deficiency in the M2 vs the STi I had that was wonderful and hydraulic. A touch less effort overall with the M2 system. Its to me very direct/precise.

Overall driving experience is one of the best Ive had. I loved my Z but would not take the Z over the M2. I was actively pursuing the M4 but glad I picked a Long Beach Blue M2 :) We all have different tastes and expectation for our personal driving experience. If you are happy then you are winning. Be happy to drive and enjoy sports machines :) The M2 is a "Magic Bus" :)

Mahalo to those in Hawaii :) Aloha from Mallorca Isla Balearic :)

Thanks Magic. I been looking for a M2 to test drive. I figured the car would be as described, but you don't really know till you drive one. I'm glad I got to live it thru your words.

I think the Z still remains a superior car in the sense that, you're sitting down low, you get the feedback through the wheel and it seems to offer very similar performance. It seems the only flaw in the Z is that it's front heavy. I'm trying to figure out what would be the best mitigator of this flaw. Lowering the Z's cog has helped reduce the front heft feeling but it's still there. In my opinion. The next Z doesn't have to grow in size or be overly techy. Keep it analog n erase the front heavy feel and it will be the best car for the money at any price.

That said. I'm sure the M2 is still an amazing car with obvious pros being a newer car.

Have you tried lighter front rotors? It lightened up the feel at least for me.

This was not a concern when I purchased the M2 as I thought they'd be very similar. But the M2 is getting about 3 mpg better in the same driving conditions as the Z. The Z averaged about 16.3 in it's DD duties (70% city) and the M2 has now gotten 19.2 in the same conditions.

Also insurance on the brand new M2, is only $3 a month more then my 13 Z and they all have very high coverages. What's crazy is the 11 GTI is the highest of our 3 car policy.

I have slotted stop techs. I'm not feeling them as much lighter than stock. Which rotor do you use?

I use the Z1 slotted and drilled 2-piece on the front and back.