RS Clio 200 vs Z4 3.0si Coupé

[MattHall91]

Following on from my post yesterday regarding my new car, I have narrowed it down to these 2.

This is the way I see it:

Clio: brilliant drive, puts a smile on your face on the way back from work at the weekend, Rev-happy, more fun to throw around.

Z4: peach of an engine, more grown up, engine sound, straight line performance.

Running costs will be about the same so that's not an issue. Neither really is the fact the BMW would have to be older, as they will go on for longer anyway.

Thoughts please!

EDIT: possibly a FN2 Type-R as well, but the looks and red carpets are a no-no for me.

[MattHall91]

Buff Mchugelarge said:

Can only speak for the Renault but I loved mine

So much fun and had an uncanny knack of making you grin even when you're not in the mood?!
Didn't had any trouble with mine whatsoever in 16k very enjoyable miles.
Managed 41 mpg in it once. Driving gently.. usual was around 35Mpg day to day

I haven't heard a bad word about them at all tbh!
What spec was yours? If I go French, it's got to be Cup with Recaros.

[MattHall91]

CO2000 said:

If you are a 91 model I'd go for the Clio (or similar) if you are nearer 91 then the BM

Indeed that is my birth year. That straight 6 is tempting though...

[MattHall91]

16v stretch said:

I had the z4 roadster a few years back and I was only born a year before you.

Can't wait to get another!

What made you sell the first one? Did you experience any unexpected bills/issues?

[MattHall91]

smith94 said:

Easy decision - Z4.

Great looking, great engine, great running costs and a much nicer place to be than the clio.

This is mine.

Lovely example! Grey or blue are my favourite colours.

Seeing as I don't need practicality at this age it would almost be wrong to get anything else than a seater.

[MattHall91]

CharlieGee said:

I was thinking about this earlier after the brief discussion on my thread yesterday. You've mentioned it above but make sure you get the Recaros. Not having the Recaros in my 182 really irritated me and particularly because it was only impatience. Should have waited for the right one to come along. The 200 is set to depreciate pretty rapidly to £4k as well if you ask me, can't see Z4 coupes with miles below £80k heading that way for a long time / ever.

I'm in exactly the same boat!

Although already I have found 3-4 cars on here that fit the bill. Certainly the one thing I wouldn't compromise on if buying. I'm easy with regards to colour, just not silver.

[MattHall91]

What do we think of these??

Clios

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/r...

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/r...

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/r...

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/r...

Z4s

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

[MattHall91]

talksthetorque said:

Go and sit in both.
If you sit in both before you drive them I'm guessing you will only bother test driving one.

Thanks for the advice, potentially very helpful

[MattHall91]

keo said:

The red 200 has sold, i rang up after it.

So you're in the market too obviously?...

[MattHall91]

Rs2oo said:

I own a Clio 200 with the Cup Chassis. Amazing car round a track and when driving fast on a good road. That's about it. Not a good car to drive to the shops etc.

I have previously owned a Z4 3.0i. Quick car in a straight line, not good round a track.

Personally, I would spend my cash on the BMW. Wont depreciate like the Clio, looks special now, far more relaxing and still pulls like a train. Really depends what you want, a hooligan track based car or a mature sports coupe.

I would do 1 track day a year, max. Mainly spirited drives on nice weekends and general hooning locally whenever the mood takes me.

[MattHall91]

Rs2oo said:

Pebbles167 said:

I don't mean to sit on the fence, but drive both and see what appeals to you.

I'd imagine the Z4 to be a fair bit quicker than the Clio in most situations

Yes, straight line and away from traffic lights. Round twisty bits and on a short track without too many straights Clio will whip the Z4. I've owned both, driven them both hard on road and track. On track the Clio amazes you, the Z4 just too soft.

For someone who isn't buying the car to focus on track days, this isn't something I've worried about at all.

[MattHall91]

keo said:

MattHall91 said:

keo said:

The red 200 has sold, i rang up after it.

So you're in the market too obviously?...

Yeah think i have narrowed a 200 down as my next car, i used to have a Trophy and loved it. I test drove a 200 last week and liked it, felt very similar to my Trophy. I only had a quick 10/15 minute test drive though

What else did you rule out along the way then if you don't mind me asking?

[MattHall91]

Neither then, unfortunately! Been in a few rag tops and they've never done anything for me.

[MattHall91]

Thanks Clowsey that's good advice.

How's the Z4M then?

[MattHall91]

Does anyone know if the price of a Z cope has gone up in recent months?

I seem to remember seeing several for under 9k with sub-60k miles on. Now some are on for over 10k with 80k+?

[MattHall91]

Ok guys decision is made now anyway.