RS Clio 200 vs Z4 3.0si Coupé
Discussion
That's not at all my observation of the pedal travel of a current work A3 (pool car) that driven early last week between London and Brighton, which fitted how most Audi brakes have felt IME.
Hence my comment and comparison with 986/987.
I still don't see why I would go back to an Audi if I don't like the way the brake pedal feel.
Hence my comment and comparison with 986/987.
I still don't see why I would go back to an Audi if I don't like the way the brake pedal feel.
Anyway to get back to the OP's question I bought a Z4 Coupe last June having wanted one for years, and a Clio or any other hot hatch didn't enter my mind as an alternative.
Comparing them is a bit like comparing an apple with an orange - they're both fruit in the same way Clio's and Z4's are both cars!
Probably depends on whether you prefer being pushed or pulled, want/need more than 2 seats, like a straight 6 soundtrack, etc.
As has been suggested best plan is to try both as that should help you focus on your priorities.
Comparing them is a bit like comparing an apple with an orange - they're both fruit in the same way Clio's and Z4's are both cars!
Probably depends on whether you prefer being pushed or pulled, want/need more than 2 seats, like a straight 6 soundtrack, etc.
As has been suggested best plan is to try both as that should help you focus on your priorities.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
What Z4 did you have? Facelift/coupe/SE/M Sport and which rims/tyres?Yes I read the reviews but ignored them, unfortunately I always noticed the numb/artificial steering and overly unforgiving ride (even after switching to 17"s and normal tyres).
If they were OK the M versions wouldn't have switched to hydraulic steering and normal tyres? Not tried one but assumed that the Boxster would be far better on both fronts, must give one a go.
danp said:
anonymous said:
[redacted]
How about it's steering and ride?! Far bigger flaws in my experience.Edited by danp on Saturday 31st January 07:55
When I change to non RF in a couple of months i anticipate it getting better still.
A large majority of cars ride worse than the Z4. The roadster is worse but the coupes mega stiffness makes a much better job of it.
smith94 said:
My coupe is on the 17'' wheels and the ride is pretty good in my opinion, especially when you get up a little speed.
When I change to non RF in a couple of months i anticipate it getting better still.
A large majority of cars ride worse than the Z4. The roadster is worse but the coupes mega stiffness makes a much better job of it.
I need to try one of these as well ;-) I like the idea of turning one into a semi-track car as they are reasonably light already and have that engine, must be able to lose a good few kg of electric seats, heavy wheels, RFT's etcWhen I change to non RF in a couple of months i anticipate it getting better still.
A large majority of cars ride worse than the Z4. The roadster is worse but the coupes mega stiffness makes a much better job of it.
Edited by danp on Sunday 1st February 19:22
They will be churning out FWD hot hatchbacks with 4 pot engines for years to come, while the opportunities to own a NASP straight six RWD roadster that is new enough to use daily in all conditions are going to get fewer and fewer. I think I'd have to think of all of a nano second to choose between those two!
I have had both cars (Z4 Roadster not Coupe) and ran them at the same time - see my profile picture. I replaced the Z4 with a Nissan 350Z Roadster which I currently run alongside the Clio 200. The BMW was a very enjoyable car to own but for me was too soft, uncomfortable on a long run, vague brakes, uncommunicative steering but a nice car. The difference between the two is huge and what you have commented on so far, the Z4 is the better car to own albeit more money.
Edited by Rs2oo on Tuesday 3rd February 20:55
Rs2oo said:
I have had both cars (Z4 Roadster not Coupe) and ran them at the same time - see my profile picture. I replaced the Z4 with a Nissan 350Z Roadster which I currently run alongside the Clio 200. The BMW was a very enjoyable car to own but for me was too soft, uncomfortable on a long run, vague brakes, uncommunicative steering but a nice car. The difference between the two is huge and what you have commented on so far, the Z4 is the better car to own albeit more money.
I see you thought the Z4 Roadster too soft, but the OP was asking about the Coupe.Edited by Rs2oo on Tuesday 3rd February 20:55
I've never tried a Roadster but I think it and the Coupe are almost 2 different cars - I certainly wouldn't describe my Z4C as "soft" in any way - I know Wiki isn't always reliable but the Coupe reputedly has nearly twice the torsional stiffness of the Roadster!
(Not surprising really as the Roadster only has the floor holding the front to the back, whereas the Coupe has a roof to double up).
Agree Z4 can be wearing on a long run, esp. on motorways, and steering isn't great but my brakes are in no way vague.
OP, you really need to try both then decide, but make sure you try them in the spec. you would choose to buy.
GLWTS!
drove that RS at the Nürburgring in November (rental), and ye it's good but i don't really get what's so fun about it, and there are hot hatches that i did like a lot (Golf 2 gti, Cooper (S) 2002-2007)
like somebody said, there's the MPV feeling inside, and overall distant feeling but i guess that's normal nowadays
haven't driven a Z4, but i pretty much like all small bmw's to drive, the older the better perhaps,
RWD + 6 in line is a great combo, you'll enjoy it also just when you want to cruise, and ye that Z4 Coupe looks great, future classic
ps
wish we had UK 2nd hand car prices and taxes on the Continent!
like somebody said, there's the MPV feeling inside, and overall distant feeling but i guess that's normal nowadays
haven't driven a Z4, but i pretty much like all small bmw's to drive, the older the better perhaps,
RWD + 6 in line is a great combo, you'll enjoy it also just when you want to cruise, and ye that Z4 Coupe looks great, future classic
ps
wish we had UK 2nd hand car prices and taxes on the Continent!
No Idea what you mean with MPV position. Just because youre not sitting on the floor doesnt mean its cant be sporty. I actually prefer a more upright position for a road car. Regarding 'distant feeling', again no idea what you mean. Compared to other sporty hatches (and many sporty non hatches ie Z4) the Clio is much more involving to drive with decent pedal weighting (not the usual overly light crap they have on most new cars) -good brake feel, good throttle sensitivity and normal weight clutch (with good spacing between brake and accelerator- refreshing when manufacturers do this!). The steering is also very good weighting and decent enough feel. The suspension is probably the best point on them. Good travel, good damping and great body control but not so stiff it becomes 'crashy'. Although I have the non-cup (for the reason I live around some truly terrible roads) so cant comment on the cup. Havent been on a track in mine yet but im sure it will feel quite at home there. Basically its a car you can tell they have actually put some effort into making it a good drivers car.
I cant offer much detail about the Z4 as only drove a friends for 20min but other than having a nice engine, nice interior the rest was a bit meh. Not my sort of car to be honest so I dislike them even before driving them!
I cant offer much detail about the Z4 as only drove a friends for 20min but other than having a nice engine, nice interior the rest was a bit meh. Not my sort of car to be honest so I dislike them even before driving them!
I'd go for the BMW, looks so much better than the Clio as well as being a fair bit quicker.
The Clio is going to be immense fun and on the right road would probably be the better car to drive quickly.... but they feel so cheap IMO. The Cup versions are obviously meant to be like that but as a daily car it isn't a brilliant place to be.
Like someone else said, a 130i could be a good compromise?
The Clio is going to be immense fun and on the right road would probably be the better car to drive quickly.... but they feel so cheap IMO. The Cup versions are obviously meant to be like that but as a daily car it isn't a brilliant place to be.
Like someone else said, a 130i could be a good compromise?
thiscocks said:
No Idea what you mean with MPV position. Just because youre not sitting on the floor doesnt mean its cant be sporty. I actually prefer a more upright position for a road car. Regarding 'distant feeling', again no idea what you mean. Compared to other sporty hatches (and many sporty non hatches ie Z4) the Clio is much more involving to drive with decent pedal weighting (not the usual overly light crap they have on most new cars) -good brake feel, good throttle sensitivity and normal weight clutch (with good spacing between brake and accelerator- refreshing when manufacturers do this!). The steering is also very good weighting and decent enough feel. The suspension is probably the best point on them. Good travel, good damping and great body control but not so stiff it becomes 'crashy'. Although I have the non-cup (for the reason I live around some truly terrible roads) so cant comment on the cup. Havent been on a track in mine yet but im sure it will feel quite at home there. Basically its a car you can tell they have actually put some effort into making it a good drivers car.
I cant offer much detail about the Z4 as only drove a friends for 20min but other than having a nice engine, nice interior the rest was a bit meh. Not my sort of car to be honest so I dislike them even before driving them!
must say, suspension was great on that RS, not too crashy indeedI cant offer much detail about the Z4 as only drove a friends for 20min but other than having a nice engine, nice interior the rest was a bit meh. Not my sort of car to be honest so I dislike them even before driving them!
nomad63 said:
Roundozo said:
I'll just leave this here...
.....and I`ll leave another one with it, only in support you understand
Back to OP. I wouldn't even consider it a decision. Z4 all the way. Take a coupe out for a drive. Get rid of the run flats and they're a great drivers car.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff