370z, BMW Z4M, or Cayman

[cerb4.5lee]

Gooly said:

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.

I love the clutch/gearbox heavy nature in the 370Z for sure and I think it really adds to the experience. The gearbox in my Z4M was absolute toilet in comparison.

In terms of weight I thought that my E92 M3 and Z4M felt heavy though...I guess the TVR spoilt me in that regard. So that is why I feel that the 370Z feels heavy as well.

I do get hung up over weight though and the sweet spot for me is between 1100kg and 1200kg.

[Mr Tidy]

Very interesting thread as I've got a Z4 3.0Si Coupe, so one of these has to be on the radar once I fancy a change!

[RobM77]

Gooly said:

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.

Because the 370Z and 350Z are heavy for what they are: sports coupés. Compared to a Z4 3.0si or a Cayman, the modern Z cars are both very heavy. An E46 M3 is a four seater family car, so a totally different proposition. Furthermore, the way the Z cars drive shows that weight well; the steering is heavy and without much feel; and the handling, whilst nicely balanced, is very planted rather than tip-toe. I consider them as mini-GTs, like the SLK, which I think is a fairer backdrop to assess them by, rather than comparing them to lighter and more nimble coupés like the Cayman.