Z3 or MX-5 for Italian road trip??
Discussion
Well,
As the title suggests... we're booked to head to Garda in a couple of weeks and were planning to take the MX5 (its a 2005 1.8 MK2.5) but since then my father has just bought a end of the line Z3. It's only a 2.2 but does have air con (mazda doesn't) and i guess it'd be a better cruiser?
Thoughts.....
As the title suggests... we're booked to head to Garda in a couple of weeks and were planning to take the MX5 (its a 2005 1.8 MK2.5) but since then my father has just bought a end of the line Z3. It's only a 2.2 but does have air con (mazda doesn't) and i guess it'd be a better cruiser?
Thoughts.....
I did try the aircon on my Z3 last summer (despite me thinking it's a bit pointless) and it was useful to help cool the face/body from the centre vents. Not sure if this helps at all since the MX5 probably handles better than the Z3 (though the Z3 does grip well enough and you can throw it around once you're used to it).
In either case it should be a memorable trip.
In either case it should be a memorable trip.
Depends what exactly you are planning.
I did a tour round Ftance with the OH in a mx5 last year. Honestly we would've given anything for aircon. It was creeping up to 40degrees so you couldn't travel for long with roof down. It seems crazy but it was cooler with the roof up but obviously still like a sauna.
If your happy driving in the evening or early morning take the mx5. If you plan to be in the car during the afternoons, take the BMW.
Obviously though this weather dependent, if it's not looking that warm I'd go Mazda regardless.
I did a tour round Ftance with the OH in a mx5 last year. Honestly we would've given anything for aircon. It was creeping up to 40degrees so you couldn't travel for long with roof down. It seems crazy but it was cooler with the roof up but obviously still like a sauna.
If your happy driving in the evening or early morning take the mx5. If you plan to be in the car during the afternoons, take the BMW.
Obviously though this weather dependent, if it's not looking that warm I'd go Mazda regardless.
We did a trip to Lake Garda in the late 90's in my Z3. Taking some scenic roads through France on the way down, after 2 days of top down driving we were craving air con as we were getting broiled by the sun, even with good sun cream.
Also, how much luggage have you got? The Z3 has lots more room in the boot I recall than my colleagues MX5 (mk2) and the cubby behind the drivers seats could fit a few bottles of wine.
Oh dear, I've just read this back to myself and I sound a right old fart.
Go for the Z3 as the 6 pot will sound better in the alps, tunnels and mountain roads, hairpins etc.
Also, how much luggage have you got? The Z3 has lots more room in the boot I recall than my colleagues MX5 (mk2) and the cubby behind the drivers seats could fit a few bottles of wine.
Oh dear, I've just read this back to myself and I sound a right old fart.
Go for the Z3 as the 6 pot will sound better in the alps, tunnels and mountain roads, hairpins etc.
Thanks for all the input guys.
Although the response seems split I agree with all points, mainly that I know the MX5 and its a great handling car, however I do think the Z3 will be a better tourer and i'll appreciate the cruse and air con. Also the Estoril Z3 is (IMO) more of a looker than our silver MK5. In response to some questions i wont really be hooning either way as its a relaxed cruse with the OH rather than a gumball blast!
I'm visiting the old man on Sunday so will have a chap with him about it then I guess. Thanks for the positive comments too - i've been nagging my wife for a few years to do it and we're both really excited now - leave on the 19th!
P
Although the response seems split I agree with all points, mainly that I know the MX5 and its a great handling car, however I do think the Z3 will be a better tourer and i'll appreciate the cruse and air con. Also the Estoril Z3 is (IMO) more of a looker than our silver MK5. In response to some questions i wont really be hooning either way as its a relaxed cruse with the OH rather than a gumball blast!
I'm visiting the old man on Sunday so will have a chap with him about it then I guess. Thanks for the positive comments too - i've been nagging my wife for a few years to do it and we're both really excited now - leave on the 19th!
P
We did Garda a few years back in my Tuscan, no aircon.
With the roof off after driving all day my forehead was like a baboons arse, i had to wear a hat for 2 days till it settled down.
Just coming back now from the South of France, 250 miles at a leisurely pace today with the roof down on the M3.
Wifey burnt again, overnight stop at Clermont Ferrand.
With the roof off after driving all day my forehead was like a baboons arse, i had to wear a hat for 2 days till it settled down.
Just coming back now from the South of France, 250 miles at a leisurely pace today with the roof down on the M3.
Wifey burnt again, overnight stop at Clermont Ferrand.
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