which is better 1.8 MX5 or 3.0 Z3?
Discussion
It has come to the stage for me to buy a roadster I was wondering if the people here could help me with advice on making the right choice. I have heard the MX5 is allot of fun and generally cheaper to buy and run. although the Z3 with its 3.0 engine is a good buy too but more expensive and I have heard it can struggle with it's chassis being from the old BMW E30. I am going to be using the cars for a bit of commuting and weekend fun. Just want to know peoples opinions particularly if you have owned either, your experiences. Please help me make this decision. opinions and experiences will be greatly received.
I can sort of answer this.
MX5 is undoubtedly the much better handling car, more fluent by far.
The BMW straight 6 is a much much nicer engine however, and utterly composed, yet able to lift it's skirt when required.
Essentially, choose this:
Do I want ultimate handling, or relaxed smooth power.
The MX5 is the weekend car, the Z3 a daily driver GT (not saying you cant drive an MX5 daily, just I know I'd prefer the Z3 for daily commute if I had the choice).
However, I know which one down a twisty B road I'd choose, no matter how nice the engine is in the Z3: The MX5.
you could sidestep all of this and get a Z3M Roadster
MX5 is undoubtedly the much better handling car, more fluent by far.
The BMW straight 6 is a much much nicer engine however, and utterly composed, yet able to lift it's skirt when required.
Essentially, choose this:
Do I want ultimate handling, or relaxed smooth power.
The MX5 is the weekend car, the Z3 a daily driver GT (not saying you cant drive an MX5 daily, just I know I'd prefer the Z3 for daily commute if I had the choice).
However, I know which one down a twisty B road I'd choose, no matter how nice the engine is in the Z3: The MX5.
you could sidestep all of this and get a Z3M Roadster
Onwed various Mx5's, and my wife has a 2.8 Z3.
Mx5 needs no description. I would however say the Z3 isn't as crap in the real world as people make out. The straight six is a peach, it was just as well put together as the mx (better materials), and was better on long journeys.
Dont rule out the Zed. Try them both, and get which you prefer for your usage.
Mx5 needs no description. I would however say the Z3 isn't as crap in the real world as people make out. The straight six is a peach, it was just as well put together as the mx (better materials), and was better on long journeys.
Dont rule out the Zed. Try them both, and get which you prefer for your usage.
asuppel said:
cheers neil bolton have you owned or driven either? anybody driven the 3.0 Z3 or owned one?
I own a Mk 1 MX5 in 1.6 flavour and it rocks. Simple as that (and I've driven a lot of very nice cars over the years).I also own a slightly tinkered with (i.e. will keep up and outdrag a 330) 328 Sport. It also rocks (and handles, but not as well as the MX5).
I wish I had the 328 engine in the MX5, but then when the mood takes me, a thrashy blatty 1.6 engine is the most fun going...other times, the straight 6 is a wonderfully soothing engine to use.
Put it another way:
If I had a hangover and was commuting to work, I'd take the 328, if not, I'll take the MX5.
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