i know i dont post very often, but i have been reading about the 350z vs the M3 and S2000. but these cars are totally different.
the M3 is a coupe that holds 4 people costs 50k+ and is basically on a different class. the s2000 is a sports car convertible. i know the 350z conv is an exception to this, but we cant really compare the coupe to the s2000.

now look at the Z3 coupe. basically the same packaging. here we have a hatchback, 6-cyl, 2 doors, 2 passengers, and stiff and comparable handling. why havent i seen these two being compared. the Z3 coupe can be bought for less than msrp b/c dealers have to move them for the new model.
so now what? i would think 350z track or performance model vs the Z3 coupe 3.0.
but i have to say that the 350z is ahead of the Z3 coupe in styling.
what do you guys think?
thanks for reading

 

Sounds like a good opportunity for YOU to enlighten us.

 

i think the 00 M Roadster is an excellent car to compare against the Z and the S2k. You can pick up a slightly used one for the same price as a new Z or new s2k.

The performance is dead even with the Z and the handling and styling is pretty sweeet too. It will definitly be more rare then the Z since very few are produced.

 

Hey Daytona,

Isn't the Z3/M coupe in its final year? I heard that it was.. due to sales or something. But yea... I too thought about how no one has compared the two. Very similar... only 2 seats... etc. I think the price difference will help make the 350z the winner though... and the performance too... unless you are talkin bout comparing the M coupe... which is EVEN more expensive like 45k msrp? I like the M coupe personally... but don't have that kind of cash. Sorry if I didn't answer your question

...oh yea Daytona... I see you are from HB. Where did you preorder your Z? I am in Fountain Valley, so I was curious.

 

most of the figures are from edmunds.com
Performance Data

Performance:

Base Number of Cylinders: 6
Base Engine Size: 3 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 6
Horsepower: 225hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque: 214ft-lbs. @ 3500 rpm
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 32.8 ft.
lateral grip: .89
thats the 3.0 Z3 coupe.
i would guess 0-60: 5.8 (est) but i dont really know since the 2.8 is 193hp and 0-60 in 6.1

350z Performance Data

Performance:

Base Number of Cylinders: 6
Base Engine Size: 3.5 liters
Base Engine Type: V6
Horsepower: 287hp
Torque: 274ft-lbs
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 35.3 ft.
0-60: 5.4 (c/d)
lateral grip: .88

so to me, they are very comparable. the 350z will edge out in acceleration they are virtually the same in cornering.
i know the Z3's weight is around 3100 or 3200lbs.
ummm... what else can i say?
i dont think we can compare the new, 315hp, M coupe since it is more $.

oh and SnoopyZ, i ordered from tustin Nissan


yea, i think its in its last year of production, and thats why dealers are willing to accept bargains, i know my dealer is, because they gotsta sell these things

 

if you want to compare the M coupe, 240 hp version, here are the specs:Performance Data

Performance:

Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.4 sec.
Braking Distance: 125 ft.
Road Holding Index: 0.88 g
Base Number of Cylinders: 6
Base Engine Size: 3.2 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 6
Horsepower: 240hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 236ft-lbs. @ 3800 rpm
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 34.1 ft

so about the same as the 350z's

 

what!? i thought Z3 coupe is a crossover~ no i'm not making the joke but i really think it's a cross over, now someone might need to clear my thought but i assume all hatchback like that is a crossover.(like the is300 crossover)

 

Daytona350Z:

Great comparison!

I think the Z looks better. Plus we don't have to spend all that money in Beemer maintenance!!!!

 

You're missing one thing. The Z3 cost much more than the Z (invoice/retail):

Base Z: $24,698.00 / $26,809.00
Loaded Z: $31,167.00 / $34,619.00

Base Z3: $35,110.00 / $38,345.00
Loaded Z3: $37,480.00 / $40,945.00

Big difference. So, I don't believe these cars are in the same class.

 

Of course they're in the same class.

 

I explained why I thought they weren't. Please explain why you disagree.

 

This is a good performance comparison. But, you have to use the M roadster version of the Z3 to get numbers close to the Z. That M adds a pretty penny too, though. The M roadster, I believe, is over 50,000 dollars. Plus, you get a design that basicly came out in 1993. (James bond, right??) Pictures of the Z4 are already floating around for either 2003 or 2004.
So to recap, you'd get similar, but slightly lower, performance stats, in a 9 year old body style that's getting changed next year, and you'd pay 20K more for it. I'll take the Z.

 

It might be possible to compare these cars when you look at only the specs on paper and avoid any photographs. But the Z3 Coupe has got to be one of the UGLIEST cars ever produced! I wouldn't go near one even if it did 0-60 in 4.5 and cost $20k. How could you drive such a ridiculous-looking vehicle? I think my old '76 AMC Pacer looked cooler.

 

Agreed.

 

that is one fugly ****

 

beauty is in the eye of the behoder. I happen to like the funky look, but a lot of people don't I think BMW only sold like 600 last year. They are going to discontinue it. My biggest complaint is the price, if someone is going to be spending $45K for a M version, the M3 is a much better deal.

From what I've read the M coup will be faster in the straight line than the 350Z, But the Z might have the advantage in handeling as well as price and features. If you are compairing the Z to the 3.0L Z coupe, the Z is faster and costs about the same.

I never see BMW offering huge discounts like other car manufacturers either.

 

Price isn't the salient characteristic of "class." My wife's Camry costs about $26K, but it isn't in the same "class" as a 350Z. One needs to compare size, weight, vehicle type, displacement, and horsepower, not price.

 

a co-worker of mine has a 270 hp z3 and wants a shot at the tittle when my z gets here...i will definitly inform you of how it turns out...his z3 cost him about 41k...i have ridden in it and it didnt seem super fast to me...they do handle pretty good though..really hold the road!!