Z4MC vs Porsche C2S

[BensZ4MC]

Anyone had any experience of living with both these 2 cars... would be interesting to understand what the differences are around:

Performance
Handling
Practicality
Comfort
Fuel Economy
Servicing ect..

Cheers B

[Great Pretender]

The C2S is marginally quicker in a straight line, but not so much that it would make much of a difference save for an all out drag race.

[taffyracer]

BensZ4MC said:

Anyone had any experience of living with both these 2 cars... would be interesting to understand what the differences are around:

Performance
Handling
Practicality
Comfort
Fuel Economy
Servicing ect..

Cheers B

You don;t say whether it's a 996 or 997 for comparisons, but assuming 996
Performance about the same
Handling z4 wins imo
Practicality C2s wins hands down
Comfort C2s wins hands down, the Z4M was one of the most uncomfortable cars I ever owned and crap build quality
Fuel Economy about the same, C2s might be slightly better
Servicing ect about the same

Edited by taffyracer on Tuesday 30th March 17:41

[adycav]

taffyracer said:

the Z4M was one of the most uncomfortable cars I ever owned and crap build quality

Thank fk for that.

I was honestly thinking that there was something wrong with me, everyone else seems to love them except me.

[KENZ]

Think it depends what kind of cars you owned previously. The only car I would have liked to own but didn't was the Z3m Coupe..

In my time of owning 2 seaters. I have had
2 Mx5's Mark 1 & 2
1 MGF VVC
2 BMW Z3'S
Then the exception E46 M3
Z4M Coupe

[Fizgig]

build quality of my 2007 Z4MC is spot on, yes, its not as solid as an audi, but lets not forget there was a need to balance quality / weight saving. new cars maybe better, but i've owned plenty worse... IMHO my boxster (986) wasn't any better put together...

I'll agree that it takes a long time to get comfy, strangely enough my old 2.5 roadster seemed to be more comfortable to get a good seating position, but i put that down to the lighter gearchange and clutch.... my boxster was nearly as uncomfortable as a megane.... never got comfy.... but all the porsches are a little less stiff than the z4mc...

Still would never swap :-)

[BensZ4MC]

Thanks.. I am thinking 997 C2S rather than 996

[Beedub]

same here my z4m build is spot on, its never put a foot wrong in 3 years of ownership and still puts a huge smile on my face. Its the best car ive owned, and ive had a good few now.

[Great Pretender]

taffyracer said:

BensZ4MC said:

Anyone had any experience of living with both these 2 cars... would be interesting to understand what the differences are around:

Performance
Handling
Practicality
Comfort
Fuel Economy
Servicing ect..

Cheers B

You don;t say whether it's a 996 or 997 for comparisons, but assuming 996

There never was a 996 C2S

[Nano2nd]

well i've just bought a 997 C2S after over 2 years in a Z4MC... the Z4MC is a great car, however i can honestly say the 911 does everything better! its quicker, more comfortable, practical, better looking, easier to drive, even sounds better (mine has PSE) - which i'm very suprised about!

the only things i can find in favour of the z4 is price, theres more room for your left leg and you don't get as much grief from ****wits as its much more subtle... though my C2S has a massive rear spoiler which probably doesn't help

[Nano2nd]

adycav said:

taffyracer said:

the Z4M was one of the most uncomfortable cars I ever owned and crap build quality

Thank fk for that.

I was honestly thinking that there was something wrong with me, everyone else seems to love them except me.

never had an issue with build quality in either of mine, no squeeks or rattles at all....

though agreed if your talking about the harsh ride, silly clutch and over sensitive throttle

[Great Pretender]

adycav said:

taffyracer said:

the Z4M was one of the most uncomfortable cars I ever owned and crap build quality

Thank fk for that.

I was honestly thinking that there was something wrong with me, everyone else seems to love them except me.

You're not alone. Despite opposition from those close to me, I too have found the build quality(especially in the bits you cannot see) to be rather lower than BMW's usual high standard. The ride has been discussed at length of course and the general conclusion is that it's terrible.

However, I actually cannot think of another similarly aged car that will offer the same RWD bang for buck, with exception of the Cayman S which is slower and more expensive and perhaps something from Blackpool, but even they attract a subtly different market. Indeed, the fact that the OP is considering the 'Zed' against the much more expensive Porsche 997, is testimony to the ability of the car.

A flawed diamond I reckon.

[Nano2nd]

Great Pretender said:

However, I actually cannot think of another similarly aged car that will offer the same RWD bang for buck, with exception of the Cayman S which is slower and more expensive and perhaps something from Blackpool, but even they attract a subtly different market. Indeed, the fact that the OP is considering the 'Zed' against the much more expensive Porsche 997, is testimony to the ability of the car.

A flawed diamond I reckon.

absolutely! pound for pound the Z4MC is the best value performance car you can buy! i still can't believe i couldn't sell mine

[BensZ4MC]

and what are the running cost like compared to Z4?

[Great Pretender]

BensZ4MC said:

and what are the running cost like compared to Z4?

Much higher.

If the Pork is bought through an official dealer with a warranty, you must replace parts with those that are 'Porsche Approved' and fit only 'N' rated tyres. Otherwise your warranty will be void.

It's a clever way for Porsche to mug and then rape you in broad daylight

[daz4m]

Great Pretender said:

adycav said:

taffyracer said:

the Z4M was one of the most uncomfortable cars I ever owned and crap build quality

Thank fk for that.

I was honestly thinking that there was something wrong with me, everyone else seems to love them except me.

You're not alone. Despite opposition from those close to me, I too have found the build quality(especially in the bits you cannot see) to be rather lower than BMW's usual high standard. The ride has been discussed at length of course and the general conclusion is that it's terrible.

The ride has not been deemed as terrible that's b*llox, it's stiff and not suited to all roads but it works very well on the right one, a bit like the GT3. I find the ride more than acceptable for my daily drive, it's not really fair to compare it to the C2S which is more of a cruiser. Ofcourse it's easier to drive but I bet it's less fun in comparison to the raw experience you get in the Zed,

And taking off your bumper and declaring the build quality 'crap' is not really fair is it? I would argue it's a far more reliable proposition than the other M cars (past and present) due to it's simplicity. I admit the interior could be better screwed together but why is that so important it's not a barge FFS.

Overall, the C2S is probably a slightly better car but for me the price differential does not warrant the difference.

[R1_NUR]

Which is better?

It has to be the Porsche surely?

But it should be better it cost 30% more. (If you include the discounts available on the Z4M at the time more like 35-45%.)

If I could afford it I would own a C2S - but I can't and I am more than happy to 'make-do' with a Z4MC.

[flimper]

The Z4M's ride is just fine thank you

[jontysafe]

The ride was fine until the roads pitted and pot holed this winter, but the same could be said in any car.

I can`t say I find mine the most comfortable car in the world, 2-2.5hrs is the longest stint I`d want to do. That said I absolutely love the fact you have to "drive" this car and you can`t just switch off, especially if you are pressing on.

Personally I don`t like the image that comes (still) with a 911 and wouldn`t compare the two. Although the turbocharged Cayman S does appeal.

http://www.tpcracing.com/products/TPCRacing-987-Ca...

Hopefully my next car/project, although put on hold for the next year or so as am getting married!

[shunt]

I've also considered this swap, but the cost to change doesn't warrant it.

On top of that the horror stories of Porsche servicing from pals has really put me off.

The ride isn't the best, Mrs Shunt hates the car but I didn't buy it for her. For the money there's nothing to touch it for performance and rarity / looks.