370z, BMW Z4M, or Cayman

[J4CKO]

370Z is the coolest, Z4M is just another a BMW Z4 to most people, Cayman is a "Not 911" and how often do you see a 370Z, every 3rd of never, Z4's and Not 911's are all over the place.

I would take the Cayman first myself, then the 370Z, then the BMW.

[JackReacher]

I went from 350z to a Cayman 2.9. I haven’t driven a 370z but everything I have read is that it’s more of the same. Good cars, but they do start to struggle when you push it above 8/10ths. Mostly due to weight but it also did quite have the top end fizz that I wanted in power delivery. I do miss the rarity of it, and the fact it wasn’t the default choice. Good cars with plenty of character but not a true sports car. The Cayman in comparison, is slightly less powerful but delivers everything that I missed in the 350z. It’s a delight to drive and you can really attack a B road in it, something I never felt comfortable in the Zed. Of course, it cost a lot more money and it should be better, but I think it’s worth the extra.

I have never drive a Z4m, but I love the look of it. The standard 3.0si coupe left me disappointed, dreadful steering and tramlined all over the place. I think the M probably fixed those and has a cracking engine. It’s a car I’d definitely want to try!

At that budget though, it’s a 2.7 gen 1 Cayman, 370z or a high miles Z4M. I think the 370z starts to make more of a case for itself, although I would still go Cayman. That Chris Harris video on the 370z/GT86/cayman S gives you an idea of how they differ, worth a watch if you haven't seen it.

[elementad]

Take that video with a pinch of salt. The 370z is a surprisingly capable car. Look at the times on the below link. You CAN feel the weight when late braking into a corner but it doesn't take away what a fun and capable car it is

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/best-cars/87055/faste...

[Hol]

Mr Tidy said:

boombastictiger said:

I went to Carlisle to buy mine and had to drive it back down to South London. On the way i saw loads of M3's, 3series with Mtec kits that look like M3's, S4's that looked liked RS4's a few Ferrari's loads of convertibles but not 1 370z or 350z .

Edited by boombastictiger on Thursday 25th February 11:36

Quite possibly, but I doubt you saw many (if any) Z4Ms either, and that is one of the three options in the OP's thread!

I have a 18m old S4 and it looks more like my neighbours 2.0 Diesel than the RS4.

That's why we buy them. They are a 333bhp mini cab clone that you can park anywhere.

[PhilUK]

JackReacher said:

At that budget though, it’s a 2.7 gen 1 Cayman, 370z or a high miles Z4M. I think the 370z starts to make more of a case for itself, although I would still go Cayman. That Chris Harris video on the 370z/GT86/cayman S gives you an idea of how they differ, worth a watch if you haven't seen it.

J4CKO said:

370Z is the coolest, Z4M is just another a BMW Z4 to most people, Cayman is a "Not 911" and how often do you see a 370Z, every 3rd of never, Z4's and Not 911's are all over the place.

I would take the Cayman first myself, then the 370Z, then the BMW.

Well, I am leaning towards the 370Z, but I am concerned about the lack of turbo and whether I would feel disappointed. I'm not gonna rag the car at top speed so I prefer a lot more down low. Really, I'm looking at the 370Z, or the TTS/Megane 265 as my turbo options.

But I'm confused. People have said that the 370Z won't feel as quick as my ST does, even though it's got more BHP and torque, and won't have the same get up and go 'push you back into your seat' kind of feeling, yet the ST Does 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, the 370Z in 4.7 and a 1/4 mile in 13.3 seconds, and the TTS does it in 5.4 and a 1/4 mile in 13 too. Surely the last two will have the same sensation of speed and must feel quicker at all speeds than my ST? (These numbers are kind of an average as there are multiple variations on different sites.)

Can anyone explain this?

Thanks.

[J4CKO]

PhilUK said:

JackReacher said:

At that budget though, it’s a 2.7 gen 1 Cayman, 370z or a high miles Z4M. I think the 370z starts to make more of a case for itself, although I would still go Cayman. That Chris Harris video on the 370z/GT86/cayman S gives you an idea of how they differ, worth a watch if you haven't seen it.

J4CKO said:

370Z is the coolest, Z4M is just another a BMW Z4 to most people, Cayman is a "Not 911" and how often do you see a 370Z, every 3rd of never, Z4's and Not 911's are all over the place.

I would take the Cayman first myself, then the 370Z, then the BMW.

Well, I am leaning towards the 370Z, but I am concerned about the lack of turbo and whether I would feel disappointed. I'm not gonna rag the car at top speed so I prefer a lot more down low. Really, I'm looking at the 370Z, or the TTS/Megane 265 as my turbo options.

But I'm confused. People have said that the 370Z won't feel as quick as my ST does, even though it's got more BHP and torque, and won't have the same get up and go 'push you back into your seat' kind of feeling, yet the ST Does 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, the 370Z in 4.7 and a 1/4 mile in 13.3 seconds, and the TTS does it in 5.4 and a 1/4 mile in 13 too. Surely the last two will have the same sensation of speed and must feel quicker at all speeds than my ST? (These numbers are kind of an average as there are multiple variations on different sites.)

Can anyone explain this?

Thanks.

My 350Z felt fairly quick, I can tell the difference between, feels and is quick, it was as quick as a mates TTS which felt a bit quicker, my CLS is N/A, no turbos and that feels silly quick for what it is (to me) and I have had a Fiat Coupe, Volvo T5, a Couple of Saab Turbos and other turbo stuff, "feels" only goes so far, actually being fast is different and it doesnt matter how its done, a 370Z is a properly quick car that will feel quicker than a Focus ST.

Then, above quick, nippy and fast, you have batst mental like AMG Mercs, Bentley Supersports, 911 Turbos, GTR's etc, why anyone tunes a GTR I cant understand, how can anyone get to a point where it isnt quick enough I will never understand !

[PhilUK]

J4CKO said:

My 350Z felt fairly quick, I can tell the difference between, feels and is quick, it was as quick as a mates TTS which felt a bit quicker, my CLS is N/A, no turbos and that feels silly quick for what it is (to me) and I have had a Fiat Coupe, Volvo T5, a Couple of Saab Turbos and other turbo stuff, "feels" only goes so far, actually being fast is different and it doesnt matter how its done, a 370Z is a properly quick car that will feel quicker than a Focus ST.

Then, above quick, nippy and fast, you have batst mental like AMG Mercs, Bentley Supersports, 911 Turbos, GTR's etc, why anyone tunes a GTR I cant understand, how can anyone get to a point where it isnt quick enough I will never understand !

I guess it's similar to an inline 4 having that torque, and a twin having a different kind of grunt. Both equally as fast, the inline 4 just having more of that aggressive torque?

I guess I need too test drive the thing at some point.

[cerb4.5lee]

PhilUK said:

Well, I am leaning towards the 370Z, but I am concerned about the lack of turbo and whether I would feel disappointed. I'm not gonna rag the car at top speed so I prefer a lot more down low. Really, I'm looking at the 370Z, or the TTS/Megane 265 as my turbo options.

But I'm confused. People have said that the 370Z won't feel as quick as my ST does, even though it's got more BHP and torque, and won't have the same get up and go 'push you back into your seat' kind of feeling, yet the ST Does 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, the 370Z in 4.7 and a 1/4 mile in 13.3 seconds, and the TTS does it in 5.4 and a 1/4 mile in 13 too. Surely the last two will have the same sensation of speed and must feel quicker at all speeds than my ST? (These numbers are kind of an average as there are multiple variations on different sites.)

Can anyone explain this?

Thanks.

Having had a Z4M and a E92 M3 and both did 0 to 60 in around 5 seconds but neither actually felt as quick as the TTS I had, the problem with a N/A engine is that it never feels that fast until you thrash it to death whereas a turbo engine gives you a thrill a lot lower down the rev range.

If you want an instant hit of power/performance then stick with something with a turbo(or two), but if you are willing to put the effort in and rag a car hard then a N/A engine will ultimately give you more reward.

I am still not really sure which way is best as both types of engines have different attributes, but the best way I can sum it up is that if the car is being used as a daily go for a turbo but if it's a weekend/occasional car go for N/A.

[boombastictiger]

Mr Tidy said:

Quite possibly, but I doubt you saw many (if any) Z4Ms either, and that is one of the three options in the OP's thread!

Mr Tidy....we meet again

Just to put into perspective the rarity/popularity - number of variants of each model registered in 2015 - Source = howmanyleft.co.uk ( I don't know how accurate the data is).

- About 35,000 Z4's

- About 10,000 Caymens

- About 2,000 370z

On the note about not seeing any Z4M's, that might be true however although a unique shape for a BMW the front looks about 80% the same as most other BMW models and the interior although with some personal touch's/differences is very similar to other BMW's based on shape and style.To the OP im not saying that this is a bad thing, BMW's are popular for a reason the interiors are made to look a certain way because it works and people love them. I used to have a BMW and loved the interior, but you won't feel AS unique as the others. I think the Z4m actually is more unique that the Caymen though.

Caymen will be constantly compared to other RWD Porches, as its sort of entry level?? if at the lights a 911 pulls up next to you....

370z is only comparable to the 350z (maybe the infiniti Skyline) in its design, functionality, handling, uniqueness, which is what makes it its own beast as it is its own range and competitor in Nissans lineup, miles different from a GTR and any other Nissan.

I am only referring to uniqueness mainly on a cosmetic level, as this was a big thing for me when making my choice upgrading from a e46 330ci where i felt a bit run of the mill albeit a fantastic car, the Caymen and Z4M will outperform the 370z stock on a track (I think), and from reviews I have heard they are more refined and smooth, whereas the 370z has more of a muscle car feel to it (not a bad thing just different).

:-)

Edited by boombastictiger on Saturday 27th February 13:05

Edited by boombastictiger on Saturday 27th February 13:06

[talksthetorque]

There were just over 1000 Z4Ms made (roadster and coupe)
Someone pointed out that it looks like any other z4 from the outside.
That's exactly the point. You'll be inside and I guarantee you'll notice the difference. We had the same 3 shortlisted as you 2 years ago.
The 370 was ok, but lacking in character for us. The boxsters in budget were ropey or older and the 3.0 Z4 coupe went out of the window once we drove a Z4MC.
Two years later and it's been great. Not lost any money, been reliable and so much fun. It's the OH's daily, and our weekend car, so we've put 10k on it and enjoyed them all.

[cerb4.5lee]

boombastictiger said:

I used to have a BMW and loved the interior

I think that was one of the big shocks I had when I had my Z4M, and because I had experienced other BMW's the Z4 was poorly screwed together with plenty of rattles and had a low rent interior too in comparison.

BMW aren't especially renowned for their lovely interiors in all fairness against other German rivals but the Z4M does really take the piss when it comes to fit and finish.

[PhilUK]

cerb4.5lee said:

I think that was one of the big shocks I had when I had my Z4M, and because I had experienced other BMW's the Z4 was poorly screwed together with plenty of rattles and had a low rent interior too in comparison.

BMW aren't especially renowned for their lovely interiors in all fairness against other German rivals but the Z4M does really take the piss when it comes to fit and finish.

Really? The reviews that I've seen say that it's aged better than the Cayman/Boxster, and it does look nicer even than the newer, quite basic 370Z.

[AdamD]

PhilUK said:

Really? The reviews that I've seen say that it's aged better than the Cayman/Boxster, and it does look nicer even than the newer, quite basic 370Z.

My Z4M roadster rattles less and has better sound deadening in the doors than my 2003 3.0 Z4 did. It's not perfect and the dash gives a odd creak when you hit a bump (it's a rather firmly sprung car) but it's only really obvious with the roof up and the radio off.

It isn't as well screwed together as a Boxster in the cabin but worth saying that even those look quite plastic inside unless the additional leather dash is optioned. The nav/entertainment is best described as functional and aged compared to a smartphone and Waze.

Both the Porsche and the Z4M can present significant service bills as they get to the point where major services are needed and additional things will need to be done due to wear tear and age. The Nissan will win on costs being newer and more mainstream but you will need to get some time in each either behind the wheel or passenger to work out what is right for you.

It's a quick car but you need to stir the gearbox and make use of the 4-8k upper powerband to extract the performance on offer. With the long gearing you will nudge 70 in second and 100 in third. As a weekend toy this isn't an issue but if you need this car to be a daily drive and shunt along in traffic you may want to consider something like a DSG gearbox TT-S which will be easier to exploit.

[cerb4.5lee]

PhilUK said:

Really? The reviews that I've seen say that it's aged better than the Cayman/Boxster, and it does look nicer even than the newer, quite basic 370Z.

As AdamD says they rattle quite a lot and I didn't really like the choice of materials used, it's very well known that the E85 Z4 isn't very well screwed together and has poor build quality and that was what I noticed too in comparison to the other BMW's I'd had.

Appreciate interior wise neither the 370Z/Boxster or Z4M are going to be lavish because that's not what they are really about but I did think the Z4 was poor.

[Olf]

I have a Z4MC as a weekender. Maybe I'm getting old and like things to be easy but I'd agree it's a bit of a fuss as a daily driver. Hard to get in and out of, pretty mediocre visibility to the rear and tricky to drive through first and second smoothly. I don't enjoy driving it around town. It's an open road car - and then it's fking magic!

[Ecosseven]

370z has always appealed and is probably where my money would go. Love the way they look and they are rare. Downsides includes the road noise and the driving position (no reach adjustment in the steering).

[boombastictiger]

Ecosseven said:

370z has always appealed and is probably where my money would go. Love the way they look and they are rare. Downsides includes the road noise and the driving position (no reach adjustment in the steering).

Thats one thing I forgot to mention, the steering wheel reach adjustment I found annoying when I first got mine as well, especially at 6ft, have sorted it with some seating adjustment but that's only good until your 6 year old nephew decides to sit in the car and play with all the button hahha,

[DavidJG]

boombastictiger said:

Caymen will be constantly compared to other RWD Porches, as its sort of entry level?? if at the lights a 911 pulls up next to you....

:-)

Edited by boombastictiger on Saturday 27th February 13:05

Edited by boombastictiger on Saturday 27th February 13:06

Not sure if serious??

If you buy a car, surely you're buying it for you? Do you really care what other people think to that extent? Seriously? If you like driving a Cayman, buy one. If a 911 turbo pulls up next to you - what? Do you care? OMG - someone's bought a faster car than mine, no, how can I live knowing that the car next to me is faster than mine? Panic!

Come on, test drive a few cars, buy one you like. Simple, isn't it? Don't forget, you're buying a car for you, not for anyone else unless your wife / partner might drive it too.

[cerb4.5lee]

cerb4.5lee said:

PhilUK said:

Does no one recommend the 370Z then? Are they not good cars?

I like them a lot and would love one and I test drove a 350Z a few years ago and really liked it, they get criticised a little for their weight but I like the old school nature of them, my old 200SX has been the favourite car I have owned so I would like to tick the box one day with either a 350Z/370Z.

I said I wanted to tick the 370Z box and I have today and I've picked up a 370Z Roadster.

Mine has an upgraded induction system and exhaust and it sounds awesome(if a tad too loud...if that's possible!). I've really taken to the engine/manual gearbox, but even though I've only driven about 60 miles in it you do feel the weight of it(which I expected if I'm honest).

First impressions are very good and I absolutely love the way it looks.

[Gooly]

Not sure why people mention the 370z's weight - it's lighter than an E46 M3 (as is the 350z) and you rarely hear people calling them heavy. It only has about 50kg more than a Z4. They have heavy control weights - this is a preference thing, but this often makes them feel heavier than they actually are. They aren't a 10/10ths car but they are extremely engaging, fun and exploitable on the road.

Z4s have the best engine out of the lot, and Caymans have the best chassis. 370z has the lowest running costs - just budget for a clutch and flywheel after 40k or so. Early models have issues with the gallery gaskets going - this is a big job, budget about a grand for it but that's pretty much the only major thing that goes wrong with them. Any Z4M will need the bottom end shells changing and likely need headgasket doing on the S54 at this age, which is about 3k worth of work, and they come with horrendous single sliding caliper as standard. Cayman is a completely different kind of drive to a 370z - which one you go for depends on what kind of driver you are and they are hard to compare. Imo a Cayman is one of the best road car chassis you can buy - but a 370z for me is more fun, with a traditional f/r layout and LSD. If you do go for a Cayman then don't let the 911 chat put you off - they are very different drives and frankly anyone who makes such a stupid comment in real life really isnt worth listening to. End of the day, most people just see a Porsche and thats that.

End of the day, it comes down to cost. If money wasnt an issue, I'd take a Z4M - but in the real world, a 370z is a hell of alot of fun for the money and you won't worry about it spinning a shell after you hit 80k in one. The only real way you're going to decide though is by test driving one.

Edited by Gooly on Wednesday 17th April 22:17