Lotus to Z4 Coupe - Anyone done it?
Discussion
Thinking of going from an Elise 111R to a Z4 3.0si. Mainly for practical and comfort reasons. Will I regret it the first time I try going round a bend? Will the throttle delay bug me? Is the ride as bad as people say?
Anyone done it? Or gone the other way?
Apologies if this has been posted before - I'm too lazy to check.
Anyone done it? Or gone the other way?
Apologies if this has been posted before - I'm too lazy to check.
I've got at Z4C 3.0si SE that I've had since Sep 07. I'm loving my car and really dont think I could replace it with something that does everything, well ok barr carry 4 people, so well.
As for how it stacks up against your lotus I've only had limited drives in standard S1 cars. My honest take on it is for/as an everyday car the Z4C is the way to go. A quick press of the sports button makes such a diff and when just covering ground keep it of and its nice and easy going.
As for the ride well my cars on standard SE wheels and I find it ok for every day driving. I've had a few people say its a bit hard but I guess it depends on what they are coming out of. I've had scoobs,E46 M3's and a ford racing puma that were a lot more hardcore. That said I thought the X3 with sports kit was great!
Deff worth a look though go and get a drive in one.
As for how it stacks up against your lotus I've only had limited drives in standard S1 cars. My honest take on it is for/as an everyday car the Z4C is the way to go. A quick press of the sports button makes such a diff and when just covering ground keep it of and its nice and easy going.
As for the ride well my cars on standard SE wheels and I find it ok for every day driving. I've had a few people say its a bit hard but I guess it depends on what they are coming out of. I've had scoobs,E46 M3's and a ford racing puma that were a lot more hardcore. That said I thought the X3 with sports kit was great!
Deff worth a look though go and get a drive in one.
Those are the right reasons to go to a Z4
Naturally it wont feel as responsive and alive in your hands compared to the Lotus but then little else will. I've never detected any throttle delay, so I'm not really sure what that refers to.
Its a good fun car to drive though - quite tail happy but reasonably progressive; if oversteer is your thing then you'll enjoy. The steering is OK, not the most feelsome but its direct and accurate. Ride is quite choppy (mine is Sport spec) but improved after ditching the runflats. The engine is a peach: plenty of power & torque, smooth as silk, sounds good, and returns impressive economy (av 29mpg). Cabin comfort excellent, its well built and cheap to run (service intervals roughly 16k miles)... take one for a test drive and see what you think.
Naturally it wont feel as responsive and alive in your hands compared to the Lotus but then little else will. I've never detected any throttle delay, so I'm not really sure what that refers to.
Its a good fun car to drive though - quite tail happy but reasonably progressive; if oversteer is your thing then you'll enjoy. The steering is OK, not the most feelsome but its direct and accurate. Ride is quite choppy (mine is Sport spec) but improved after ditching the runflats. The engine is a peach: plenty of power & torque, smooth as silk, sounds good, and returns impressive economy (av 29mpg). Cabin comfort excellent, its well built and cheap to run (service intervals roughly 16k miles)... take one for a test drive and see what you think.
Vlad - as TD says, no sign of throttle delay on mine either. I think it's inevitable that the Elise will feel a more focussed car, but I'd be surprised if you found the Z4C a disappointment. It's almost practical, pretty damn quick, far and away the best handling car I've owned (although the benchmark ain't high) and (IMHO) its very good looking. In my view, a very pleasing package.
wrighty78 said:
Trackdemon - it was very good to see yours stickered up down at Le Mans - looked great. Made me even more disappointed that a combination of too many tents and bad planning meant we came down in the estate car. And whose was the white Z4MC? Looked cracking with the Gulp stickers.
Cheers, its a great car for such trips! The white Z4MC belongs to Classic Car Club....I've had an S1 for 10 years and a Z4C for 1. In my view, fairly obviously, they're not the same sort of beast! On any thing but the most twisty road the Z4 would beat the S1 (I've never been in a 111R), the Z4's pace is surprising and the grip in the dry impressive (in the wet I suspect the run flats are to blame). The Z4 is comfortable-ish and a pleasant place to trundle up and down the country.
But... The Z4 feels heavy compared to the S1 (it is), the steering is dull and the package is nowhere near "as special" on the right road at the right time with the right frame of mind.
I'm really happy with both (and very surprised by the Z4), if I had to choose one it would probably be the Z4 - as an all rounder it does a great job, for "that moment" it can't compete, but those moments seem to be getting fewer and further between for me.
I'm sure that doesn't help, but as other say have a test drive-I think dealers will be very happy to see you at the moment...
But... The Z4 feels heavy compared to the S1 (it is), the steering is dull and the package is nowhere near "as special" on the right road at the right time with the right frame of mind.
I'm really happy with both (and very surprised by the Z4), if I had to choose one it would probably be the Z4 - as an all rounder it does a great job, for "that moment" it can't compete, but those moments seem to be getting fewer and further between for me.
I'm sure that doesn't help, but as other say have a test drive-I think dealers will be very happy to see you at the moment...
I thought about one very seriously last year, but in the end didn't bother, partly because of the slightly unresolved handling issue - mainly a lack of traction / grip at the back when hitting bumps / crests. Also, compared to a non dbw Elise (or 993 in my case), you WILL hate the throttle lag, particulary if you heel and toe. Very noticeable when trying to blip the throttle to change down, though reasonable if the throttle is already somewhat open. Say cruising along, then putting the hammer down.
IMHO the sport button actually makes it worse, without it the response is ridiculously slack, with it, you still have the delay but half the travel.
It still is a stunning car, great looking and pretty quick. Just not worth the compromises for me and depreciation risk, being heavily discounted new.
Final nail in the coffin was driving an E90 330i M Sport. No rear grip issues and stunningly well balanced given it's size / weight. Even the throttle is better (though still far from perfect).
Best of luck which ever you choose.
IMHO the sport button actually makes it worse, without it the response is ridiculously slack, with it, you still have the delay but half the travel.
It still is a stunning car, great looking and pretty quick. Just not worth the compromises for me and depreciation risk, being heavily discounted new.
Final nail in the coffin was driving an E90 330i M Sport. No rear grip issues and stunningly well balanced given it's size / weight. Even the throttle is better (though still far from perfect).
Best of luck which ever you choose.
Well I've gone and done it.
So far I'm missing the Lotus quite alot but for no sensible reason, I just do.
The Z4 looks great, is very comfy, I can drive it happily in the rain, I can fit stuff in the boot and the A120 is dispatched with ease. I just hope I can bond with it like I did with the Elise.
So far I'm missing the Lotus quite alot but for no sensible reason, I just do.
The Z4 looks great, is very comfy, I can drive it happily in the rain, I can fit stuff in the boot and the A120 is dispatched with ease. I just hope I can bond with it like I did with the Elise.
You'll have to bring it along: http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Steve - are you coming down?
Steve - are you coming down?
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