S2000 vs z4 coupe
Discussion
Hi lads, been lurking on these forums for a decade or more and I think this is my first post so please be gentle!
I'm 39 with a wife and two kids, she has her big soccer-mom crv for family duties and I have an fn2 and an Aprilia Tuono v4, both of which I'm in the process of trying to sell.
I'm looking for a fun car to replace both the civic and more importantly the bike for a year or two (every now and then I take a break from motorcycles when I get fed up with them) that the wife can also have a super fun time in when she feels like it.
Originally I had one car on my list - the s2000. Over the last fortnight I've studied the cars and drooled over YouTube videos. I know what to expect with the high revving engine and to me that's a positive. Unfortunately reality and logic has slowly worked its way into the equation and I'm being forced to realise the s2000 may not be the car for me.
A few years ago I was an early adopter on the 'next big thing', the gt86. I bought into the press hype and all the videos talking about driver satisfaction and ended up with in my opinion an overpriced dissapointment that to this day remains the biggest mistake I've ever made car-wise!
I can't help but wondering if I'm about to make the same mistake all over again with the s2000.
A couple nights ago I found myself down the YouTube rabbit hole - 370z,tt quattro etc and then I stumbled across a car I knew almost nothing of - the z4 coupe.
The more I read about this car the more I like it. More power than the s2000, more space inside (I'm 6'2") and obviously a bit more modern in general.
On the other hand the s2000 would appear to be the more 'fun' of the two, if even only marginally. Running costs are almost identical too. I'll throw myself to the wolves here and also add I am really not a fan of bmw as a brand and all that it entails. I've not considered owning one for years and have always been a lover of all things Japanese. Not to say I haven't had German cars, just that I'm not exactly a marque snob.
Looking to spend up to £12k for a mid-mileage, well looked after effort. The car will not be going on track either.
Any advice between THESE TWO cars would be appreciated lads!
I'm 39 with a wife and two kids, she has her big soccer-mom crv for family duties and I have an fn2 and an Aprilia Tuono v4, both of which I'm in the process of trying to sell.
I'm looking for a fun car to replace both the civic and more importantly the bike for a year or two (every now and then I take a break from motorcycles when I get fed up with them) that the wife can also have a super fun time in when she feels like it.
Originally I had one car on my list - the s2000. Over the last fortnight I've studied the cars and drooled over YouTube videos. I know what to expect with the high revving engine and to me that's a positive. Unfortunately reality and logic has slowly worked its way into the equation and I'm being forced to realise the s2000 may not be the car for me.
A few years ago I was an early adopter on the 'next big thing', the gt86. I bought into the press hype and all the videos talking about driver satisfaction and ended up with in my opinion an overpriced dissapointment that to this day remains the biggest mistake I've ever made car-wise!
I can't help but wondering if I'm about to make the same mistake all over again with the s2000.
A couple nights ago I found myself down the YouTube rabbit hole - 370z,tt quattro etc and then I stumbled across a car I knew almost nothing of - the z4 coupe.
The more I read about this car the more I like it. More power than the s2000, more space inside (I'm 6'2") and obviously a bit more modern in general.
On the other hand the s2000 would appear to be the more 'fun' of the two, if even only marginally. Running costs are almost identical too. I'll throw myself to the wolves here and also add I am really not a fan of bmw as a brand and all that it entails. I've not considered owning one for years and have always been a lover of all things Japanese. Not to say I haven't had German cars, just that I'm not exactly a marque snob.
Looking to spend up to £12k for a mid-mileage, well looked after effort. The car will not be going on track either.
Any advice between THESE TWO cars would be appreciated lads!
Have you sat in an S2000 OP? I popped myself in the drivers seat a good few years ago, to see if I fitted...and the answer was a big no [I am 6'6" though so maybe those extra inches count]!!
I'm not sure you could go wrong with either. If you only plan to keep it for a while, you won't lose much money.
I'm not sure you could go wrong with either. If you only plan to keep it for a while, you won't lose much money.
I was in your position several years ago. Wife, 2 young kids, wife had a big car I had a hatch etc. I looked at exactly the same cars you're looking at and ended up with the z4... Which I ran alongside an old CRV funnily enough.
Kept it 6 months and to this day still wish I'd got an s2000 or an Elise instead (both were cheaper back then).
The long and short of it is that it's just not much fun to drive. It looks ideal on paper but just has no character or life about it. I loved the sound of the engine from inside and lived the way it looked outside but that was it. It was like having a beautiful wife with a sexy voice who just had no chat, couldn't cook and was s
t in bed. There's an old Chris Harris review on here of the z4 coupe (tell me I'm wrong article) I remember reading it after I had mine a while and thinking he was right.
Kept it 6 months and to this day still wish I'd got an s2000 or an Elise instead (both were cheaper back then).
The long and short of it is that it's just not much fun to drive. It looks ideal on paper but just has no character or life about it. I loved the sound of the engine from inside and lived the way it looked outside but that was it. It was like having a beautiful wife with a sexy voice who just had no chat, couldn't cook and was s
t in bed. There's an old Chris Harris review on here of the z4 coupe (tell me I'm wrong article) I remember reading it after I had mine a while and thinking he was right.Hmmm. Just these TWO?
There have been similar conversations on PH about the choice between the two -
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I'd second that the z4 is a bigger car and therefore more comfortable.
I'd also second that on runflats the handling is a bit sub par what you'd expect.
I'd also second that you would need to get the 3.0si in order for it to be a close run thing.
The steering in the s2000 i didn't find as vague when i drove my friends but it was only a single drive, i didn't have it for a long time. It was a bit snappy and if you are used to the fn2 then i would say you'd probably feel fairly at home in the s2000.
The BMW build quality/finish is probably better but i would not say it was as reliable as the honda. Common sensor faults, computer telling you about servicing it every blah blah, messages telling you this and that get checked etc. BMW's nanny computer telling you to go spend money at their door. That isn't just the z4 though. I've had that issue in every BMW i've had bar the e46. That is still my favourite.
Best advice i can give you is to find four local (ish) cars.
1 at the top end of your budget of each model and drive them back to back (as close to that as you can) to properly compare how they feel.
Then. choose 2 at the bottom end of the price range and do the same thing.
The reason i do this is to see what the car at the lower price range is like against the newer, more well kept end. Gives me a feel of what it may be like in a handful of years if i were to keep them. Highlights the niggles that you might not notice on the newer cars.
As a buying tactic its served me well in the past and gives you a nice picture of what the car will be like when you buy it and an indication of what it might feel like with some miles/years under its belt.
I know you said you'd only keep it for 1 - 2 years - but - i still think its worth doing. Especially if you can, driving them back to back to compare.
There have been similar conversations on PH about the choice between the two -
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I'd second that the z4 is a bigger car and therefore more comfortable.
I'd also second that on runflats the handling is a bit sub par what you'd expect.
I'd also second that you would need to get the 3.0si in order for it to be a close run thing.
The steering in the s2000 i didn't find as vague when i drove my friends but it was only a single drive, i didn't have it for a long time. It was a bit snappy and if you are used to the fn2 then i would say you'd probably feel fairly at home in the s2000.
The BMW build quality/finish is probably better but i would not say it was as reliable as the honda. Common sensor faults, computer telling you about servicing it every blah blah, messages telling you this and that get checked etc. BMW's nanny computer telling you to go spend money at their door. That isn't just the z4 though. I've had that issue in every BMW i've had bar the e46. That is still my favourite.
Best advice i can give you is to find four local (ish) cars.
1 at the top end of your budget of each model and drive them back to back (as close to that as you can) to properly compare how they feel.
Then. choose 2 at the bottom end of the price range and do the same thing.
The reason i do this is to see what the car at the lower price range is like against the newer, more well kept end. Gives me a feel of what it may be like in a handful of years if i were to keep them. Highlights the niggles that you might not notice on the newer cars.
As a buying tactic its served me well in the past and gives you a nice picture of what the car will be like when you buy it and an indication of what it might feel like with some miles/years under its belt.
I know you said you'd only keep it for 1 - 2 years - but - i still think its worth doing. Especially if you can, driving them back to back to compare.
BUG4LIFE said:
Have you sat in an S2000 OP? I popped myself in the drivers seat a good few years ago, to see if I fitted...and the answer was a big no [I am 6'6" though so maybe those extra inches count]!!
I'm not sure you could go wrong with either. If you only plan to keep it for a while, you won't lose much money.
Yes fella I was lucky enough to sit in one with a hard top very recently and it was tight but OK. I'm not sure you could go wrong with either. If you only plan to keep it for a while, you won't lose much money.
With £12k to spend i'd be looking at other things. A z4 coupe is a great car, but there are many more interesting things to consider... IMO.
The 370z is a lot of car for the money and would be up there. The jaguar XK is also something to consider, but i do have a real soft spot for these.
If you upped your budget a tiny bit, top of my list would be an SLK55. Something very special about these and really good value too.
The 370z is a lot of car for the money and would be up there. The jaguar XK is also something to consider, but i do have a real soft spot for these.
If you upped your budget a tiny bit, top of my list would be an SLK55. Something very special about these and really good value too.
nitrodave said:
With £12k to spend i'd be looking at other things. A z4 coupe is a great car, but there are many more interesting things to consider... IMO.
The 370z is a lot of car for the money and would be up there. The jaguar XK is also something to consider, but i do have a real soft spot for these.
If you upped your budget a tiny bit, top of my list would be an SLK55. Something very special about these and really good value too.
Not interested in any of those cars. The 370z is a lot of car for the money and would be up there. The jaguar XK is also something to consider, but i do have a real soft spot for these.
If you upped your budget a tiny bit, top of my list would be an SLK55. Something very special about these and really good value too.
jonathan-ddq71 said:
Good advice so far lads.
Starting to consider mx5 2.0 sport roadsters too. Seem like good wee cars and a lot cheaper than the s2000 or the z4c.
You could get a very good one for that money and perhaps look at getting one of the bbr packaged gems. Much better than the standard car and that is already cracking IMO. Starting to consider mx5 2.0 sport roadsters too. Seem like good wee cars and a lot cheaper than the s2000 or the z4c.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mazda-MX5-Sport-Tech-BB...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Likewise if you are still keen on the z4 option. Whilst they may have slightly higher miles than you would like. You can get a z4M in your price bracket. They are a very different beast compared to the usual 3.0 z4/si.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
You could get the older z4coupe (e86) for a lot less than 12k...or the newer Z4's (e89) for around that (higher mileage )
Head to the Z4 forum and you'll get a bit more info and depending on where you are you could always have a chat with a local owner.
- https://z4-forum.com/forum/index.php?sid=92bd3adb5...
there's always a few for sale on there as well.
I've had mine for around 3yrs (30k+) miles, daily driver and it's been awesome, it's not without it's faults and def needs a bit of fettling to get how you'd like, but once you've got it sorted, it's good fun
Head to the Z4 forum and you'll get a bit more info and depending on where you are you could always have a chat with a local owner.
- https://z4-forum.com/forum/index.php?sid=92bd3adb5...
there's always a few for sale on there as well.
I've had mine for around 3yrs (30k+) miles, daily driver and it's been awesome, it's not without it's faults and def needs a bit of fettling to get how you'd like, but once you've got it sorted, it's good fun
Edited by aquarianone on Wednesday 12th September 13:39
Both great cars to drive the z4 is the nicer place to sit but the s2000 feels more raw.
I would pick the z4 personally just for the low down grunt. The s2000 is fantastic but you really have to be high up the rev range to make the most of it and bearing in mind you will be doing around 90mph in 3rd gear it can be hard to get the most out of the car on most roads
I would pick the z4 personally just for the low down grunt. The s2000 is fantastic but you really have to be high up the rev range to make the most of it and bearing in mind you will be doing around 90mph in 3rd gear it can be hard to get the most out of the car on most roads
I've not owned either, but had a couple of extended test drives in a z4 coupe and the s2000 on track a few times.
Both have great engines let down by poor chassis and steering. I desperately wanted a z4 coupe, loved the looks and engine stats on paper, but the poor ride quality, tramlining and lack of any steering feel put me off. I then tried one without runflats and things were better but still not enjoyable enough to drive. The s2000 is a better driver's car due to the peaky engine in my opinion, and is incredibly well built. However, it's hard to know what the rear end is going to do and the steering feel again is pretty poor. Engine is an absolute masterpiece though.
I ended up in a 350z which also has many shortfalls, and then a Cayman 987 which eclipses them all as a package. If you can get a good 2.7 Cayman for £12k that would be the best option in my opinion, but will likely have higher running costs.
Both have great engines let down by poor chassis and steering. I desperately wanted a z4 coupe, loved the looks and engine stats on paper, but the poor ride quality, tramlining and lack of any steering feel put me off. I then tried one without runflats and things were better but still not enjoyable enough to drive. The s2000 is a better driver's car due to the peaky engine in my opinion, and is incredibly well built. However, it's hard to know what the rear end is going to do and the steering feel again is pretty poor. Engine is an absolute masterpiece though.
I ended up in a 350z which also has many shortfalls, and then a Cayman 987 which eclipses them all as a package. If you can get a good 2.7 Cayman for £12k that would be the best option in my opinion, but will likely have higher running costs.
A lover of Japanese cars, have you considered an S15 Silvia?
Granted you will pay the dreaded 'drift tax', but 12K would get you a good Spec-R so the best variation of the SR20 Nissan made, 6 speed box, LSD and good modcons for a turn-of-the-century car. Chances are at 12K it would be modified (Possibly CAI, Exhaust, Coilovers etc) if that is/isn't your thing... An endless parts catalogue too if you did want to change anything to suit your needs
Granted you will pay the dreaded 'drift tax', but 12K would get you a good Spec-R so the best variation of the SR20 Nissan made, 6 speed box, LSD and good modcons for a turn-of-the-century car. Chances are at 12K it would be modified (Possibly CAI, Exhaust, Coilovers etc) if that is/isn't your thing... An endless parts catalogue too if you did want to change anything to suit your needs
Edited by Billy.RS on Wednesday 12th September 17:25
I hate to say it but you won't ever replace the bike so try to take that side of it out of the equation, if you want a car that feels a bit special/has some go & character then I'd suggest you take a look at the these:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
They feel a bit special hand, they're pretty much bulletproof & you can't help but smile on start up, you may have to stretch the budget a bit though.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
They feel a bit special hand, they're pretty much bulletproof & you can't help but smile on start up, you may have to stretch the budget a bit though.
ZX10R NIN said:
They feel a bit special hand, they're pretty much bulletproof & you can't help but smile on start up, you may have to stretch the budget a bit though.
They may feel a bit special to you, but the OP is looking at an S2000 or Z4 Coupe - so he probably doesn't want an auto V8 wafty barge! 
I've had a Z4 Coupe for over 4 years and love it, despite the EPAS and RFT "issues"!
I had a "play" a month or 2 ago with an S2000 and it was neck and neck - that Honda was quick! But as they all had a hood it wasn't for me.
You probably need to decide whether you prefer a Coupe or a Roadster, because after all the Z4 was available as a Roadster too.
Then see if you can get a drive in an example of all of your options!
Or try joining some forums specific to the marque and see if you can get to see them that way.
lj04 said:
I'm 5'9 and had the seat right back in my Cayman. But love chucking an elise into the mix. Always overlooked by people who haven't tried one. You either love or hate the drive, plenty of owners over 6 foot. Reliable and depreciation proof.
That’s strange because I’m 5ft 10 and my Cayman seat was nowhere near right back and a 6ft 5 friend of mine could drive it comfortably. Do you have 5ft of legs and only a 9 inch body? 
Yes Elise / Exige should be considered I agree
I know you said just those 2 cars but but but........
Boxster!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Boxster!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
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