I have a 02 M3 SMG now and obviously I know the M3 is faster. I'm selling the M3 as it's in HK and i'm in Canada (long story). Anyways with that in mind, i'm wondering if anyone here has driven the Z4 and the M3.

What are significant differences in handling and speed? Is it good for daily driving?

Still a lot of snow here in Canada so i'm hesitant about testing the Z4 now. Just curious at the moment and exploring possible candidates for a new car. :D

Other possibilities are the Audi TT or a used SLK? My budget is around 40-50k US. I'm 22 and i'd rather get a home first. :)

Where are you in Canada?

Yeah, get a home.

And Z4 vs M3... apples and oranges, anyone?

If the engines were the same (you know, 3.0 vs. 3.0), maybe you *could* try to compare the two, but that... :az:

Very hard to compare imo like Hugo said...

333 hp vs. 225 hp...bit of a difference
Coupe v Roadster....


Anyways, * at the moment* I'd get the Z4. I just love driving with the top down still(only had a roadster for ~7 months so...). Having a permanent roof might feel confining to me now lol.
Also, I do actually like the styling of the Z4, especially with the 3.0i sport pckage wheels...Interior wise the M3 is a little bit nicer/better posited but the Z4 isn't far behind.

And since you have had a M3, maybe a Z4 just for the sake of change?

Driving top down is very cool, although 'vert M3s exist...

Do you need 4 seats?

Originally posted by Hugo
Driving top down is very cool, although 'vert M3s exist...


Ok, well that really somehow slipped my mind, whoops lol.
2 v. 4 seats then :)

(But the vert M3 is uber $$$ IIRC)

Dollar for dollar if you don't need the rear seats of the M3, I believe the Z4 is a better value car, even performance wise. This is of course coming from the position of shopping for a 2-seater, as you would not be shopping for a 4-seater and looking at a Z4. The Z4 is significantly cheaper, only half a second off the M3's 0-62mph time and has near equivalent handling to boot. I've test driven a Z4 3.0 Manual and the thing is no pussy! It absolutely craps on its predecessor, the Z3 2.8, and with the spare change left over spent on mods it would send an M3 Coupe absolutely packing.

However, this is all null if you need a 4 seater.
A good buy if you don't need the rear seats.

Wouldn't the 3.0 Z4's predecessor be the 3.0 Z3?

Get a 01-02 ///M Roadster. You get the same motor as the new M3s. You won't have to mod to be as fast as the M3 and you can take the spare change and make a down payment on that house.

Ask Dave (SilverStreak) about those mods to the 3.0 engine to make it send the E46 M3 packing. Sure you can blow it, but don't be shocked if you blow it.

sorry, there's no comparison between the Z4's suspension & chassis and the Z3's. If you get a Z3 roadster be prepared to spend dough keeping it from twisting like a pretzel and even then it won't be as stiff as a Z4. The Z3 coupe is much improved for stiffness over the Z3 roadster (and a tad stiffer than the Z4), but you still have to deal with the quirkey handling traits.

Have setup and driven both the Z3 coupe and Z4 roadster for competition; the Z4 rocks in the handling department. :buttrock

Just pointing out the options. ;) Less than a G will rigid our cars up real nice. (forgive the creative English)

I'm guessing this guy is just looking at the newest cars anyway.

The SMG system on the Z4 is much more timid that the SMG II system on the M3. Much slower shifts, no launch programs and only a 4 modes compared to 11.

The Z4 has a better exhuast note and is funner to drive.

The Z4 feels more rigid and doesn't handle bumps as well as the M3 does.

The M3 is gorgeous and the Z4 looks like crap.

Look at Dallasboy staying on topic. :rolleyes:

On topic. My vote would be for the M3 just on curb appeal and power.

"The M3 is gorgeous and the Z4 looks like crap.":biglaughb I wouldn't be that mean to the Z4. The styling generally does not appeal to me.

yes the z4 is more rigid, and a side affect is rough bumps (what else do you expect).

i'm sorry, the z4 has a different look, but its still hot. it catches more eyes than the m3 (extensive study on many college campuses on the east coast ;) )

i would wait and buy a repo 3.0, put a huge downpament on that house and ride off into the sunset. besides, with the money you save, you can buy acs supercharger and get that 3.0 up to 295, cold air and exaust ... you'll be givin m3's hell.

Pick up one of these. . . SLK55 AMG

http://www.autoweek.nl/images/480/4391.jpg