Sports car, fun on B roads, nice engine sound, a bit special
Discussion
PH User said:
DRVR said:
Ian Geary said:
I had recently been looking at the weight of cars, in the hunt for that elusive "just right" blend of comfort, power and handling.
My 5 series 3l is 1,650kg - can comfortably be described as "not light"
A 3 series about 1,550kg -bit better?
Audit TT was getting on for 1450kg - hmm, only slight power to weight gain Vs the above
Something like a civic tyre r fn2 was nearly 1,300kg
To get near 1 tonne you're down to swift sports or MX-5s, but they obviously don't fulfil the OP's other criteria.
I was just interested by the question of "what is a light car?" in this context.
Exactly. This is where the Z4C is so unique. At 1,300kg it's alone, being a 6 cylinders and RWD. The Honda might be 1,300kg but it's FWD and a 4 cylinders. The footprint of a Z4 is also not all the larger than a MX5 NC, specially compared to the Honda. My 5 series 3l is 1,650kg - can comfortably be described as "not light"
A 3 series about 1,550kg -bit better?
Audit TT was getting on for 1450kg - hmm, only slight power to weight gain Vs the above
Something like a civic tyre r fn2 was nearly 1,300kg
To get near 1 tonne you're down to swift sports or MX-5s, but they obviously don't fulfil the OP's other criteria.
I was just interested by the question of "what is a light car?" in this context.
TameRacingDriver said:
DRVR said:
That's sad. In the meantime I found your tread about your NC? This was always my favorite MX5. I never understood the trash they get. They feel much better and more upscale than a NA and NB and in my opinion can hold more speed through the corners. If I had a MX5 it would be a NC. It also looks the best apart from the ND.
How do you like it compared to the MR2S? What was always a letdown in the MR2 was the interior. Somehow easier to take that in an Elise and the Lotus did it better, where the MR2 just feels cheap inside.
I've gotta be honest, the NC is a riot, it's just really great fun, feels very agile, almost hyperactive, and the interior in mine at least is far, far better than the MR2, which is you rightly point out, is pretty horrid in my opinion, and was always the weakest part of the package. Probably not completely fair to compare it with the MR2 as my NC has the BBR Super 200 kit, so naturally it feels a lot faster than the MR2 as well, it would probably be more fair to compare it with a 2ZZ MR2 but I've not driven one of those to make the comparison. I don't get some of the hate either, as it's definitely one of the most fun cars I've driven in my 20-odd years of driving.How do you like it compared to the MR2S? What was always a letdown in the MR2 was the interior. Somehow easier to take that in an Elise and the Lotus did it better, where the MR2 just feels cheap inside.
As it's looking at the moment, I will try to make the Z4C work. Meaning I will look into the steering conversion. Try finding people who actually went through the trouble of doing it and see how they feel about it, costs, work and that type of thing. If I decide that is something for me, I will then try to find a Z4C. But I want a red or green one. Maybe blue. And I don't want a black interior. I would like one of the biscuit or tan or whatever it's called in BMW speak. I know I might take a bit to find the right one. So I may get in a NC while I wait
If the Z4C steering conversion turns out not to be something I want to do, a 370Z will then get into the mix. Look into it more seriously. As apart from these 3 there doesn't seem to be anything that fits what I'm looking for.
Z4C 3.0is with a better steering is perfect in every way. NC and 370Z seem to be acceptable compromises, each with their own pros and cons.
ecsrobin said:
DRVR said:
I think you are missing the point. Anything in the same class and AWD would be porkier. Does your car have a 6 cylinder engine?
I’ll move on. Sorry if I missed it but what are you driving at the moment?
My everyday car is a Giulia Veloce. Quite like it. But more often than not wish it was a manual. But ok enough. Would prefer if they had made a Veloce with a V6 NA and a manual. But as is, unless I want to get an older car, V6 petrol with a manual, or any manual petrol saloon or estate for the matter are just not there. I need the space, the 2 extra doors and seats. Kids and all. You can find BMWs there. But I was never a fan of the larger BMWs. Love the sports cars though. Z1, Z3, Z4 etc. Besides if my everyday car was a BMW, I might not want another as a weekend car.
So the Z4C will be my fun weekend blaster.
DRVR said:
PH User said:
DRVR said:
Ian Geary said:
I had recently been looking at the weight of cars, in the hunt for that elusive "just right" blend of comfort, power and handling.
My 5 series 3l is 1,650kg - can comfortably be described as "not light"
A 3 series about 1,550kg -bit better?
Audit TT was getting on for 1450kg - hmm, only slight power to weight gain Vs the above
Something like a civic tyre r fn2 was nearly 1,300kg
To get near 1 tonne you're down to swift sports or MX-5s, but they obviously don't fulfil the OP's other criteria.
I was just interested by the question of "what is a light car?" in this context.
Exactly. This is where the Z4C is so unique. At 1,300kg it's alone, being a 6 cylinders and RWD. The Honda might be 1,300kg but it's FWD and a 4 cylinders. The footprint of a Z4 is also not all the larger than a MX5 NC, specially compared to the Honda. My 5 series 3l is 1,650kg - can comfortably be described as "not light"
A 3 series about 1,550kg -bit better?
Audit TT was getting on for 1450kg - hmm, only slight power to weight gain Vs the above
Something like a civic tyre r fn2 was nearly 1,300kg
To get near 1 tonne you're down to swift sports or MX-5s, but they obviously don't fulfil the OP's other criteria.
I was just interested by the question of "what is a light car?" in this context.
PH User said:
DRVR said:
PH User said:
DRVR said:
Ian Geary said:
I had recently been looking at the weight of cars, in the hunt for that elusive "just right" blend of comfort, power and handling.
My 5 series 3l is 1,650kg - can comfortably be described as "not light"
A 3 series about 1,550kg -bit better?
Audit TT was getting on for 1450kg - hmm, only slight power to weight gain Vs the above
Something like a civic tyre r fn2 was nearly 1,300kg
To get near 1 tonne you're down to swift sports or MX-5s, but they obviously don't fulfil the OP's other criteria.
I was just interested by the question of "what is a light car?" in this context.
Exactly. This is where the Z4C is so unique. At 1,300kg it's alone, being a 6 cylinders and RWD. The Honda might be 1,300kg but it's FWD and a 4 cylinders. The footprint of a Z4 is also not all the larger than a MX5 NC, specially compared to the Honda. My 5 series 3l is 1,650kg - can comfortably be described as "not light"
A 3 series about 1,550kg -bit better?
Audit TT was getting on for 1450kg - hmm, only slight power to weight gain Vs the above
Something like a civic tyre r fn2 was nearly 1,300kg
To get near 1 tonne you're down to swift sports or MX-5s, but they obviously don't fulfil the OP's other criteria.
I was just interested by the question of "what is a light car?" in this context.
DRVR said:
PH User said:
DRVR said:
PH User said:
DRVR said:
Ian Geary said:
I had recently been looking at the weight of cars, in the hunt for that elusive "just right" blend of comfort, power and handling.
My 5 series 3l is 1,650kg - can comfortably be described as "not light"
A 3 series about 1,550kg -bit better?
Audit TT was getting on for 1450kg - hmm, only slight power to weight gain Vs the above
Something like a civic tyre r fn2 was nearly 1,300kg
To get near 1 tonne you're down to swift sports or MX-5s, but they obviously don't fulfil the OP's other criteria.
I was just interested by the question of "what is a light car?" in this context.
Exactly. This is where the Z4C is so unique. At 1,300kg it's alone, being a 6 cylinders and RWD. The Honda might be 1,300kg but it's FWD and a 4 cylinders. The footprint of a Z4 is also not all the larger than a MX5 NC, specially compared to the Honda. My 5 series 3l is 1,650kg - can comfortably be described as "not light"
A 3 series about 1,550kg -bit better?
Audit TT was getting on for 1450kg - hmm, only slight power to weight gain Vs the above
Something like a civic tyre r fn2 was nearly 1,300kg
To get near 1 tonne you're down to swift sports or MX-5s, but they obviously don't fulfil the OP's other criteria.
I was just interested by the question of "what is a light car?" in this context.
RWD
Coupe
6 cylinder engine
How are they not the same type of car?
PH User said:
DRVR said:
PH User said:
DRVR said:
PH User said:
DRVR said:
Ian Geary said:
I had recently been looking at the weight of cars, in the hunt for that elusive "just right" blend of comfort, power and handling.
My 5 series 3l is 1,650kg - can comfortably be described as "not light"
A 3 series about 1,550kg -bit better?
Audit TT was getting on for 1450kg - hmm, only slight power to weight gain Vs the above
Something like a civic tyre r fn2 was nearly 1,300kg
To get near 1 tonne you're down to swift sports or MX-5s, but they obviously don't fulfil the OP's other criteria.
I was just interested by the question of "what is a light car?" in this context.
Exactly. This is where the Z4C is so unique. At 1,300kg it's alone, being a 6 cylinders and RWD. The Honda might be 1,300kg but it's FWD and a 4 cylinders. The footprint of a Z4 is also not all the larger than a MX5 NC, specially compared to the Honda. My 5 series 3l is 1,650kg - can comfortably be described as "not light"
A 3 series about 1,550kg -bit better?
Audit TT was getting on for 1450kg - hmm, only slight power to weight gain Vs the above
Something like a civic tyre r fn2 was nearly 1,300kg
To get near 1 tonne you're down to swift sports or MX-5s, but they obviously don't fulfil the OP's other criteria.
I was just interested by the question of "what is a light car?" in this context.
RWD
Coupe
6 cylinder engine
How are they not the same type of car?
But the description is, front engine, RWD, manual, more than 4 cylinders, coupe, 2 seats, as old or newer, as heavy or lighter than 1,300kg. As I mentioned before the only thing which comes close is the Crossfire. Or maybe the 370Z with a few concessions.
I don't think I have to tell you that the shift in engine position is a huge difference and totally changes the driving experience and hence, the whole type of car it is.
DRVR said:
PH User said:
DRVR said:
PH User said:
DRVR said:
PH User said:
DRVR said:
Ian Geary said:
I had recently been looking at the weight of cars, in the hunt for that elusive "just right" blend of comfort, power and handling.
My 5 series 3l is 1,650kg - can comfortably be described as "not light"
A 3 series about 1,550kg -bit better?
Audit TT was getting on for 1450kg - hmm, only slight power to weight gain Vs the above
Something like a civic tyre r fn2 was nearly 1,300kg
To get near 1 tonne you're down to swift sports or MX-5s, but they obviously don't fulfil the OP's other criteria.
I was just interested by the question of "what is a light car?" in this context.
Exactly. This is where the Z4C is so unique. At 1,300kg it's alone, being a 6 cylinders and RWD. The Honda might be 1,300kg but it's FWD and a 4 cylinders. The footprint of a Z4 is also not all the larger than a MX5 NC, specially compared to the Honda. My 5 series 3l is 1,650kg - can comfortably be described as "not light"
A 3 series about 1,550kg -bit better?
Audit TT was getting on for 1450kg - hmm, only slight power to weight gain Vs the above
Something like a civic tyre r fn2 was nearly 1,300kg
To get near 1 tonne you're down to swift sports or MX-5s, but they obviously don't fulfil the OP's other criteria.
I was just interested by the question of "what is a light car?" in this context.
RWD
Coupe
6 cylinder engine
How are they not the same type of car?
But the description is, front engine, RWD, manual, more than 4 cylinders, coupe, 2 seats, as old or newer, as heavy or lighter than 1,300kg. As I mentioned before the only thing which comes close is the Crossfire. Or maybe the 370Z with a few concessions.
I don't think I have to tell you that the shift in engine position is a huge difference and totally changes the driving experience and hence, the whole type of car it is.
DRVR said:
For weekend? Nothing at the moment.
My everyday car is a Giulia Veloce. Quite like it. But more often than not wish it was a manual. But ok enough. Would prefer if they had made a Veloce with a V6 NA and a manual. But as is, unless I want to get an older car, V6 petrol with a manual, or any manual petrol saloon or estate for the matter are just not there. I need the space, the 2 extra doors and seats. Kids and all. You can find BMWs there. But I was never a fan of the larger BMWs. Love the sports cars though. Z1, Z3, Z4 etc. Besides if my everyday car was a BMW, I might not want another as a weekend car.
So the Z4C will be my fun weekend blaster.
What happened to your VX and IS250? My everyday car is a Giulia Veloce. Quite like it. But more often than not wish it was a manual. But ok enough. Would prefer if they had made a Veloce with a V6 NA and a manual. But as is, unless I want to get an older car, V6 petrol with a manual, or any manual petrol saloon or estate for the matter are just not there. I need the space, the 2 extra doors and seats. Kids and all. You can find BMWs there. But I was never a fan of the larger BMWs. Love the sports cars though. Z1, Z3, Z4 etc. Besides if my everyday car was a BMW, I might not want another as a weekend car.
So the Z4C will be my fun weekend blaster.
ecsrobin said:
DRVR said:
For weekend? Nothing at the moment.
My everyday car is a Giulia Veloce. Quite like it. But more often than not wish it was a manual. But ok enough. Would prefer if they had made a Veloce with a V6 NA and a manual. But as is, unless I want to get an older car, V6 petrol with a manual, or any manual petrol saloon or estate for the matter are just not there. I need the space, the 2 extra doors and seats. Kids and all. You can find BMWs there. But I was never a fan of the larger BMWs. Love the sports cars though. Z1, Z3, Z4 etc. Besides if my everyday car was a BMW, I might not want another as a weekend car.
So the Z4C will be my fun weekend blaster.
What happened to your VX and IS250? My everyday car is a Giulia Veloce. Quite like it. But more often than not wish it was a manual. But ok enough. Would prefer if they had made a Veloce with a V6 NA and a manual. But as is, unless I want to get an older car, V6 petrol with a manual, or any manual petrol saloon or estate for the matter are just not there. I need the space, the 2 extra doors and seats. Kids and all. You can find BMWs there. But I was never a fan of the larger BMWs. Love the sports cars though. Z1, Z3, Z4 etc. Besides if my everyday car was a BMW, I might not want another as a weekend car.
So the Z4C will be my fun weekend blaster.
The IS250 I loved as well. My was a F sport and I really liked it as an everyday car. Comfy and fun enough with the V6 and manual, being RWD. But it was getting old already and I was fancying a newer car for may everyday use. So sold it recently. Chasing RWD and manual has led me to the large BMWs before the Lexus, which I didn't particularly enjoy. Might have been bad luck. So I decided to compromise and it was either RWD or manual for a petrol saloon, as I didn't want a BMW 3 again. I chose to stick with RWD and take my chances with the transmission. I really like the Giulia but always wish it was a manual. Can't say it is any more fun than the IS250 though. It has more toys, is newer and all that. But the IS250 was more fun because of the manual. It was also somehow more refined, strangely, Maybe it's just nostalgia.
DRVR said:
Ok, I have no interest of dragging this out. As I'm pretty sure I know what I want.
But the description is, front engine, RWD, manual, more than 4 cylinders, coupe, 2 seats, as old or newer, as heavy or lighter than 1,300kg. As I mentioned before the only thing which comes close is the Crossfire. Or maybe the 370Z with a few concessions.
I don't think I have to tell you that the shift in engine position is a huge difference and totally changes the driving experience and hence, the whole type of car it is.
The Crossfire looks great, but is down on power and is based on the first generation SLK so it has a steering box rather than a rack and pinion set-up. But the description is, front engine, RWD, manual, more than 4 cylinders, coupe, 2 seats, as old or newer, as heavy or lighter than 1,300kg. As I mentioned before the only thing which comes close is the Crossfire. Or maybe the 370Z with a few concessions.
I don't think I have to tell you that the shift in engine position is a huge difference and totally changes the driving experience and hence, the whole type of car it is.
The 350Z/370Z options might fit the bill but do seem to be heavier - and post 23 March 2006 registrations are in Band M for Road Tax whereas 3.0Si Z4s are in Band K.
I'm obviously biased as I've had two 3.0Si Coupes.
Until I bought an M Coupe in December 2019.!
Mr Tidy said:
DRVR said:
Ok, I have no interest of dragging this out. As I'm pretty sure I know what I want.
But the description is, front engine, RWD, manual, more than 4 cylinders, coupe, 2 seats, as old or newer, as heavy or lighter than 1,300kg. As I mentioned before the only thing which comes close is the Crossfire. Or maybe the 370Z with a few concessions.
I don't think I have to tell you that the shift in engine position is a huge difference and totally changes the driving experience and hence, the whole type of car it is.
The Crossfire looks great, but is down on power and is based on the first generation SLK so it has a steering box rather than a rack and pinion set-up. But the description is, front engine, RWD, manual, more than 4 cylinders, coupe, 2 seats, as old or newer, as heavy or lighter than 1,300kg. As I mentioned before the only thing which comes close is the Crossfire. Or maybe the 370Z with a few concessions.
I don't think I have to tell you that the shift in engine position is a huge difference and totally changes the driving experience and hence, the whole type of car it is.
The 350Z/370Z options might fit the bill but do seem to be heavier - and post 23 March 2006 registrations are in Band M for Road Tax whereas 3.0Si Z4s are in Band K.
I'm obviously biased as I've had two 3.0Si Coupes.
Until I bought an M Coupe in December 2019.!
Transaxle Porsche? I know you said not another after a 996, but a 944T or 968 will tick every box for B road blasting, except the >4 cyls thing. No need to worry about steering or brakes and the ride/handling combo is pretty good.
From my recent searching, very good ones are within your budget. Alas, a manual 928 is not.
From my recent searching, very good ones are within your budget. Alas, a manual 928 is not.
DRVR said:
PH User said:
DRVR said:
PH User said:
An Elise, Exige or VX220 would be the pick for a fun car, the interiors are far more of a special place to be rather than a car like a Z4 where you could be sat in any sort of normal car. Admittedly the soft touch plastics aren't as good though.
You think? Seating in a 2 seats car which is basically a bubble, and having the rear view you have, and the rear arches and that bonnet in front of you, while seating basically on the rear wheels, feels and looks like any normal car to you? To me it doesn't really. Normal would be an E92 for example. The Z4 coupe is an unique car in many ways. Definitely special within the BMW fleet and special as a whole. What else out there like it? In that shape and package? Definitely not in the mass produced market. We would need to look at something like a TVR. Anything similar to it has either an inline 4, or an auto box, or is a convertible or is FWD. Definitely special. Aston doesn't offer anything like it. Mercedes doesn't offer anything like it. Audi doesn't offer anything like it. Nobody does really. Latest Supra is larger, porkier and auto only. F-type V6, same. What else? Very unique car really. It has many faults. But not being special is not one of them. Arguably the most special or unique car made by BMW in the last 20 years.
The VX220 for being rear mid engine of course it's special. The majority of cars being front engine. But there is nothing special about the engine or the sound. The interior has just enough in it to be considered road legal and not a race car. Totally different type of car than what I'm looking for.
Based on my own experience, I'd say a S2 Elise with the K-Series engine would be perfect! The K-Series can sound fantastic with the right exhaust. Alternatively, if you don't mind going a bit more 'raw', then a S1 Elise. I've moved on from Lotus, mainly due to daily driving one for 15 years+ and getting a bit fed up of the lack of luxuries/difficulties getting in and out!
I've owned an F-Type V6S, which was really special to drive, had a lovely interior with lots of special features (auto raising air vents etc.), garnered lots of positive attention and was an all-round fantastic car! The ZF8 gearbox is perfect; you wouldn't miss the gearstick, imho. However the F-Type is wide, driving fast down B-roads feels like you're just holding on for dear life, and mine broke a lot!
I now own an R172 SLK55. It handles far better than the F-Type, has a lovely interior and better still, the 5.5L V8 sounds incredible (with an x-pipe fitted)! Granted, it's auto only.
Otherwise, there isn't much out there ... Chimaera; worried about safety in a crash? Tamora; will the Speed Six engine blow up? Boxster/Cayman; the obvious choice! GranTurismo/Cabrio; too heavy, expensive to run? Evora?
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff