ach1lles

I am going to be buying a car in the next couple of weeks. I am wondering if you Z owner’s had it to over again would buy the 350Z or the BMW Z4. I am looking at purchasing a 2003 3.0 BMW Z4 or a 2004 350Z track. I can’t really find any fault with the Z4 but I at one time owned a 1974 260Z and am nostalgic. There seems to be more problems with the 350Z… so do I go with my heart or my head? The car would be a toy, and get around 3000 miles a year. I appreciate your honesty, and responses.

tekneq

problems? I have had 0 problems in 1.5 years..... and im at 17k of hard driving

RED HOT Z

iTrader: (4)

Honestly I love BMW's my number one choice. But damn the Z is in my opinion tons better do what you feel

cox

iTrader: (3)

Hi from italy...
I've a Z4 3.0.... today i sold it and i bought a 350z gt4....

RED HOT Z

iTrader: (4)

excellent choice you bought a 35th anniversary

BigBud

Defenitily go for the 350z. I have testdriven the BMW and the Z. Z is more comfortable and fun!!!

350zroadster

iTrader: (1)

- It’s faster
- looks better, half the people like the look of Z4, the other half hate it.
- It’s a newer vehicle than the Z3/Z4
- More aftermarket parts available
- Nissan reliability better than BMWs
- More affordable replacement parts, BMW parts are Expensive!
- It’s more affordable and easy to find dealer who will sell at invoice
- Z3/Z4 just seems too small, it gives off miata-syndrome (like how only girls or gay men drive it)

charlie_rdstr_Z

iTrader: (2)

You can't go wrong with a Z roadster.

Well except when it rains.

Low J.

I dunno...if I was looking at a sporty convertible the Z4 wouldn't stand a chance for me with the S2000 out there.

Sr. Panza

iTrader: (3)

The Z4 looks like someone's shoe.

tnsewalkin

iTrader: (1)

I went through the same thing when I bought my ZR. I traded my 3 series, which I loved, and went with the ZR. Reason? Damn BMWs cost an arm, a leg, and a couple teeth to keep on the road once they go off warranty. I put $3k into the car in maintenance items alone in 18 months. Bye-bye Bimmer!

I've had my ZR about a month, and couldn't be happier with my choice. The Z4 is nicer inside than my ZR, but the ZR blows it away otherwise. Oh, and no more $90 oil changes....

azjimbo

No question.Z.Z4 is not styled correctly.

marhot

You need to drive a Z, then you'll find the answer to your question.

No. Comparsion.


PS. I agree with azjimbo, something is wrong with the styling. It looks like 3 different styles were stuck together on one car, the dimensions of the car seem disproportionate..

axxizzer

I had a 2004 Z4 brand new dealer lot. Total lemon, electrical, everything leaked, it stalled often. Then BMW blamed me and made me pay for all the repairs.

n8236

Z is a great car all around, but how to compete against a Z4 lol The choice should be pretty obvious unless u're performance bound to the extreme. (if they're the same price)

Superhung

iTrader: (2)

=)

lane myers

exactly.

drive one and the decision will be made for you!

agreed on the disproportion... there's something uneasy about it... hard to believe the same people make m3's...

Jim 350Z Boston

Test drove both

No comparison

350ZR all the way. Looks, peformance etc.

Only advantage the Z4 has is the warrenty.

ZBoater

I owned a Z3 before, and I was test driving a Z4 when I pulled into the Nissan dealership to look at the 350Z.

The Z4 is a convertible, so I compared it against the ZR. I was looking for a convertible because I live in Tampa.

Z4 Pros:

- Its a BMW (if you care for that kind of thing - whatever you say, BMW is BMW)
- Much, much, much, much smoother ride.
- Much, much, much quieter cabin
- Fully automatic top operation (no manual latch at the end).

Z4 Cons:

- Controvesial styling
- Expensive ($48K vs $38K)
- Convertible top doesnt hide under fiberglass like the 350ZR

350Z Pros:

- Stock sound is more aggressive (it was a pro for me when I test drove it)
- Feels a lot more powerful
- Looks better
- A bit roomier inside (not much)
- Convertible top hides under fiberglass - much better protection

350Z Cons:

-
-
- (I'm thinking)

I fell for the perception of power that the 350Z gives - its no contest in the torque category. It just FEELS more powerful (and it is, but it goes beyond the hp difference). Its the sound, the aggressive handling, heck, even the road noise. I got the Z4 doing 100mph and didnt even notice it until my wife told me slow down. You cant "feel" it. That is good or bad depending on your taste.

The 350Z is also more mod friendly, with a big aftermarket out there to tinker with it. When I had the Z3 I didn't tinker with it at all.

Plus, there the issue of the $10K. Its a moot point, since I've already spent more that the $10K on mods for my ZR, but its not the same when you build it for YOU.

So, its a very personal choice. I think the Z4 is a pretty car. I do. I just think the 350Z looks better. The Z4 ride is AWESOMELY QUIET and SMOOTH. The 350Z with the NISMO package is rough by comparison. I like it rough. The Z4 cabin is quieter with the top up. I like it noisy. But when you step on it and hit that 2nd gear, NO CONTEST. 350Z wins hands down in my book.

danzzz

iTrader: (1)

I used to think about getting a Z4 before I bought my 350Z. But after several test-drives on Z4, I told myself...this car sucks!

the 1st and the most important thing is...Z4 (2.5L) is "really really really" slow! well, maybe its body is kinda heavy and makes you feel its an European car.

besides, if you are taller than 6", never ever consider the Z4 cuz the inside space is really tight.

and also, I dont like Z4's design too much. just like somebody said...it looks weird!

so, without the name of BMW, Z4 is nothing!
(with the name of BMW, you're gonna pay more 10K)