http://autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061106/FREE/61103005/1004

“On the short, tight Streets of Willow, the difference between the two was huge,” said another tester. “The M Coupe was much, much better. Suddenly the power difference showed itself as I entered the first turn, down to the apex, and easing on the gas, the thing just ran. This course requires good brakes, good power and good transitional handling. The turns on Highway 2 where the Cayman felt so good were far more wide open, and the cars weren’t pushed as hard. Here on the racetrack, the M Coupe ruled.”

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I would think that the numbers would equal out just by putting the same tires on the BMW. I am not impressed with the stock Continentals. The run flats on my Z4 held the road and autox course better.

I would think that the numbers would equal out just by putting the same tires on the BMW. I am not impressed with the stock Continentals. The run flats on my Z4 held the road and autox course better.


I couldn't agree more. BMW really shot themselves in the foot by choosing those tires for the Coupe.

About the tires... they are a generation old and the say M3 on the sidewall, too. They must be leftovers that BMW agreed to use for a good price. There are much better tires available, so $$$ must be BMW's reason????

This entire car is built from left-over BMW parts, why would the tire be any different? :D

the BMW seems to be a much better value, especially considering how expensive it is going to be to own the porsche. sure everybody wants one but practically the bmw is going to win. i think the results were too close to call the porsche a clear winner, but when you factor budget i think you have to pick the bmw. then with that extra money you can buy some tires. admittedly, people that can afford these cars may not care anyways - to them will probably pick the porsche.

the BMW seems to be a much better value, especially considering how expensive it is going to be to own the porsche. sure everybody wants one but practically the bmw is going to win. i think the results were too close to call the porsche a clear winner, but when you factor budget i think you have to pick the bmw. then with that extra money you can buy some tires. admittedly, people that can afford these cars may not care anyways - to them will probably pick the porsche.

Not completely true...I chose the M over the Cayman for 2 main reasons:
1. I like the looks of it better.
2. I don't want to spend that much money on a car that I'd see coming at me all the time. The Cayman just looks like another Porsche and they are everywhere. The Z4MC is very uncommon and not confused with anything else currently produced.

The performance differences weren't enough to sway me either way and the pricing wasn't enough apart to deter me to the less expensive one.

I bought mine because its so rare. Sure I could have gotten the P. The coupe has a lot more personality, and I LOVE the way it drives!

The ONLY down side is telling someone who doesnt know cars what you have.... "Its an MZ4 Coupe" whats that? "well... the M series is BMW's High performance series, and the Z4's are that little 2 seater convertable, but this has a fixed hard top"

I wish top gear or fifth gear would make an episode, I know they did one with the vert, but still.

Top Gear, unfortunately, is off the air until the BBC decides on its fate after the accident in which Richard Hamilton suffered a concussion in a 315 mph crash. He's OK nowbut the BBC still has issues witht the show. Go to the website and send them an email in support of the show. And while they tested the roadster and loved it, Clarkson did an independent test and hated the coupe... compared it to a tractor as I recall. The review can be read on Clarkson news site. Don't forget his personal car is a SL55!

I religiously watch top gear on youtube.com and I dont remember ever seeing an episode on the coupe. I did email them some months ago when that happened. And I still cant believe he traded his F355 for an SL55, but then again he probably fits a lot better in the SL.

I religiously watch top gear on youtube.com and I dont remember ever seeing an episode on the coupe. I did email them some months ago when that happened. And I still cant believe he traded his F355 for an SL55, but then again he probably fits a lot better in the SL.

Top Gear did NOT do an episode on the MCoupe. Clarkson drove it for his column in The Times. Click the link below for his unflattering review.
http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,12529-2338725,00.html
:redspot