which is better 1.8 MX5 or 3.0 Z3?

[asuppel]

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.

[asuppel]

the only thing with the MX-5 is I am worried I might be seen as a bit girly!

[asuppel]

I have found an MX5 for 3K a 1997 1.8 with all the history and 67K on the clock and a
2001 Z3 3.0 7K FSH 56K,

both are very tempting. what should I do?

[asuppel]

Z3M Roadster is a bit too powerful and are very expensive, and not sure about that engine in that chassis!

[asuppel]

cheers neil bolton have you owned or driven either? anybody driven the 3.0 Z3 or owned one?

[asuppel]

so how well does and MX5 stand up as a daily commuter?

[asuppel]

oh no I cant make the decision, I like the idea of the dont mess with me looks of the Z3 and want the handling of the Mazda anything else out there?

[asuppel]

OK an MX5 it is then, next question is 3100 too much for a 1.8 97 ltd edition with FSH and 67,000 miles on the clock and leather seats????

[asuppel]

I have driven the following cars:

Porsche Boxster S 2001
Nissan 350Z 2005
Toyota Celica T-sport 2002
Golf Gti 16 V mk2
Golf Gti 16 V mk3
Renault 5 gt turbo
Peugeot 205 1.9 GTI

[asuppel]

why would I need that?
a for the 944 it would be hard to find a good one of these for the money and are a bit more thirsty than a 3.0 Z. Also the parts and maintenance is silly on a 944 would rather go for a Boxster S if going down the P route.

[asuppel]

MR2 Roadster looks horrid and does not have any storage for anything including body parts!

[asuppel]

I will upload a picture when I make the purchase, I will test drive the Z3 3.0 tonight, and let you know I have already driven the MX5 and it was FUN! I would like to improve the exhaust not if I buy the MX5 any ideas on a cheap and easy way to do this?

[asuppel]

Mk2 mx5's dont really have the good looks of the flip up light mk1 version and look a bit middle age mum!

[asuppel]

As I said earlier in the post the Z3 is a 2001 and it is a 3.0 and has to full AC SChnitzer kit on it it is up for &K the MX5 for 3K but what I was getting at was the Z3 worth the extra wonger or will the MX5 be as fun?? as a cheap and cheerful Roadster?

[asuppel]

&K mean 7K sorry typo

[asuppel]

Well I went ot the see the Z3 last night and could not feel much of that power, due to the flexing chassis. The car did look good though, but I think I would get bored driving it all the time that engine is too smooth for it's own good. I am looking at a MK2 Mx5 tonight to compare to the MK1 what is everyone's thoughts on the MK2 over the Mk1?? anyone

[asuppel]

what is the maintenance like on the boxster??

[asuppel]

cheers porky might get an MX-5 as an intro to softops sports cars then progress onto on Boxster once I get to grips