xNeo

I raced 2 different Z4s, I've taken them both by at least 2 lengths.

roast

iTrader: (2)

Because comparing two cars performance is not as cut and dry as some magazine racers like to claim.

The Z4 is a great handling car. It's lightweight and a lot of fun to drive, similar to an s2000 in a lot of ways. I don't have anything bad to say about it, but saying a blanket statement like "it performs better than a 350Z" is both moronic and laughable.

Drive both cars. You be the judge.

Built2shredZ

When I think of the Z4 I think of a old british guy driving it with a hat and scarf, don't know why just do

BigRez

iTrader: (7)

i say you get a pinto they have very much potential

hai2u

roast: I can see where you're coming from, magazines always heightening/glorifying a certain car for whatever reason.

built2shredZ: Haha, I have something similar to that. Whenever I see or hear a VW bug mentioned, I immediately imagine 'Roxy stickers', and a blonde white chick driving it.

350zz053

iTrader: (8)

I want to race my gf now! see what u made me do. now im going to have to go beat her...in a race fellas! lol. She has the roadster 3.0....i believe there less HP than the coupe. when i drive her car, my Z feels like it has more power. But than again, i have a few mods..

hai2u

350zz053: What mods does she/you have? Oh and what model make is your Z

davidv

iTrader: (2)

The question says I but the rest of your post talks about we.

If you have the money and are the decision maker, go for the 350Z. This is a 350Z forum.

If dad has the money, then he is the decision maker. He will buy what he pleases.

hai2u

Granted that this place is a 350z forum board davidv and alot of the opinions might be biased, I'd still like to know peoples opinions on both cars for some extra info; as for payments I am putting the down payment on the car actually and paying for half if not more of the monthly insurance costs, and on top of that also paying my father back for the cost that he spent on the other half after 1 year. So just trying to reach out and get some extra info

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Like everyone here, I had the opportunity to buy a new 350Z or a used Z4. Same price. I choose the 350Z.

Concerning performance, check the last Consumer Reports critique: they are less than enthusiastic with the Z4 handling.

Several members have mentioned the cost of upkeep. A 350Z will cost you more than, say, a Toyota Camry. The upkeep on the Z4 (or any BMW) is $$$ crazy.

hai2u

Hmm, you make a valid point there. Plus I would in the future like to add some nismo parts into a 350Z if i chose that. hmm..

L33TZOR

iTrader: (1)

just weigh it out yourself, without any outside opinion, its your money, and your choice. Ive gone and had nissan bmw and other makes/models both german and japanese. Right now I own 1 BMW. 1 Isuzu, and 2 Nissans. I see over time, the nissan saving me money, but maybe not, cuz the bmw starts off more. the ol' saying, you get what you pay for.
I personally like my '06 350z (stock 18s and stock potenzas) more than my '01 330ci (19s and nitto 555s) for handling and quarter mile times, but for comfort and family ride, the maxima, space the trooper, so why are you getting the car could be the right question?

Dont listen to people that say "Ive beat ... by ... car lengths", cuz theres some ugly *** cars that do squash the Zs, but of course stock vs stock may be a different story line.

Z4 vs 350Z
(and the Z4 is far nicer looking in my mind than the Z3)
both 2 seaters,
both nice cars,
judge the cost of ownership
judge which you like most

if you have not bought yet....
if the same dealership still has both cars, and u know you will buy one, tell him... $500 deposit BUT you get to try both cars for 48 hours at the same time,
and you will bring back one, and buy the other.

do the test.

if you know, bmw takes care of your maintenance, so check into this.

DevineOrn

if money is not an issue (yeah - right) then go with a z4...but for most of us, money is somewhat of an issue (hence why we all don't have lambos and junk). the best thing to do would be to do some research on both z and z4 forums. find out how much people are paying for servicing/maintaining both cars...clutches, brakes, parts cost, hourly rates, fuel/month, etc...if you can afford one without a stretch, go with the z4

mg350ZR

Prior to deciding on 350Z Roadster, I also test drove a Z4 (as well as S2000). My impressions were as follows.

BMW Z4 -
Pros:
- nice exhaust sound
- BMW brand?
Cons:
- questionable ergonomics
- uncomfortably low sitting position
- somewhat bumpy ride on imperfect payment
- strange styling takes a little getting used to
- uncertain long-term reliability and high maintenance costs

Nissan 350Z Roadster -
Pros:
- plenty of power in every gear
- best compromise between handling and comfortable ride
- great exhaust sound
- comfortable fit in a relatively roomy interior
- best overall styling (in my opinion) and available colors variety
- lots of standard features (best bang-for-the-buck quotient)
- nicely integrated automatic convertible top cover
- lots of available aftermarket accessories
Cons:
- armrest and cup holders positioned a little too far back
- blind spot with the top up, have to rely primarily on mirrors


Summary:
Overall, I did not like the BMW that much. Although it drove well, I just could not get into a comfortable driving position in it. I chose 350Z, and I am glad I did.

hai2u

MG350ZR: Unfortunately, I'm not getting a roadster , I think I'm leaning towards getting a 350z enthusiast coupe. My decision is almost made now.
All black.

thrill350z

iTrader: (1)

z4

Built2shredZ

Not that you probably care, but I think its a safe bet that when people see you driving a Z4 at your age there going to think your driving your parents car....

I think the Z would fit you better considering how old you are...

3FITTTY

iTrader: (3)

z4 = ugly..

schwank

iTrader: (2)

I say all this with one thing in mind. I REALLY REALLY REALLY tried to find a 2001 M (Z3) coupe that I liked when I bought my Z. I took the wifes 325xi in for service and they gave me a Z4 for the night. Ive had my 350z for about a year now so I had a good comparison. The 350 had a lot more performance than the 3.0l Z4 convertible. the z4 didnt feel as stable on the highway, or in the turns. they are not the same class of car. the 350 is a sports car, the Z4 is a sporty car. Id buy a Z4M in a second though and I believe my next car will be a Z4 Mcoupe

mavtais

iTrader: (12)

You can't change the oil yourself on the Z4. You need some kind of special tool and have to reset something in the ECU or whatever sends an email to remind you that oil is due. 350Z is easy, do-it-yourself maintenance. And with 3 mileage counters (two on the speedometer, one on the fun-to-play-with display), you can use them for reminders of when things are due.