Choice of purchase Honda S2000 AP1 or BMW Z4 e85 3.0i or mx5

[M3ATTA]

Dear fellow PH's

I currently own a NB MX5 1.8 and love it to its rusty bolts and squats. however its age only 14 years old is showing and the tin worm will make it a future restoration project. I drive like I stole and it most of the time and safely and it had not given me a hiccup yet in my two years of ownership of 24k miles. sadly I may have to see it go my choices are those listed above. I apologise if this roadster comparison has been made before I am asking again as the opinions to very depending on the time of year you propose the question Which one should I buy and why ?.

My Miata is completely stock with LSD and has been a great entry level car and I have enjoyed learning about oversteer, understeer and throttle balance into corners and general maintenace. For this reason very few roadsters can come within a barge pole of a distance.

I love the Miata's power to weight ratio and would like something fairly similar and fun to drive 0.10's of the time in the dry and sometimes wet.

I feel the choices above are better for drivers with serious skill. however I question there reliability. I have never seen a z4 at an uphill event or auto-solo event I do intend on doing the odd auto-solo once in a while Miata tyres are very cheap AD08rs @ £89 per tyre 195/5015.

I have never driven an s2000 or a v6 z4. so this choice is hard however out of the two choices prices are relative at similar mile cars 55-70k between £7500 £8500.

Both cars have incredible value even if I were to continue with an average of 12k miles per year. the z4 offers the best miles per Gallon however saving in petrol will be made up in Vehicle tax, unsure about wear and tear on a 60,000 mile car

What would you choose and why?

[Xcore]

A v6 z4 would be a rare thing...

But I’d choose the bmw, prefer the 6 pot sound and torque.

But the s2000 might appreciate in a year or so

I had a similar conundrum but slightly higher budget (around 10) so chose a tvr!

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say go for the S2000, it's a more focused drive.

[russy01]

Don’t even bother with the z4 if you want to drive. Drives like crap compared to the S2000 and MX5.

Z4 is no faster than the S2000, has an anchor of an engine hanging over the front axle and feels disconnected to the road in comparison. It’s a much better cruiser but that’s all.

S2000 is great, but out of the box suspension and geo needs some work to feel as nimble as a MX5 - bur engine and gearbox are in another league.

Ps I’ve owned both the S2000 and Z4. I regret selling the S2000, but did 24,000 miles in it. I owned the Z4 for just 3 months and replaced it with a bicycle!!

[aka_kerrly]

In your position I'd definitely go for a S2000, it's an mx5 on steroids hehe.

Or, keep an eye out for a mk3 Mx5 with a BBR tubo kit!!

[CharlieAlphaMike]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd say go for the S2000, it's a more focused drive.

This

[Chris Type R]

I moved from a S2000 from a MX-5 1.8is and it was a good step up. I still regret selling my S2000 - most ex owners I've spoken to say the same. S2000 pricing is 'firm', so unexpected issues aside you're not likely to loose money on depreciation.