I would have to say a 330ci...luxury, performance, classic looks, back seat, fun to drive, reliable, etc...(flame away). but if you are looking for speed and a very sporty look, 350z is the way to go.

 

The 330 cant hang. Raced one on Saturday. All he wanted to do was look, so I gave him a nice one of my tail lights the whole way to 120 then he exited the interstate.

 

ARE YOU A BOY OR GIRL???

 

My old roommate has a 330ci, and I have a 350Z. Both are excellent cars, and like people have said, the Z will be the sportier of the two. Both engines are torquey and smooth, but the Z definitely has a louder exhaust when pushed (I really like the sound, but some mags weren't too thrilled).

As far as the interior goes, the 330 is nice because you can seat 4, but if you want a 2 seater, well...the Z is nicer. I personally like the clean, ergonomic look of the Z rather than the (IMO) cluttered look of the 330. I know many have called the Z interior cheap, but I think it actually looks very nice (although I can see how many would like the 330 interior better). It is definitely much more user friendly than the 330 (except the fan control has the auto and off positions switched from where I think they should have been). The Z does some very neat things, such as spool up the fan and radio when starting the car so you don't get that immediate BLAST of air or sound. The Z definitely is noisier, but it is not necessarily a bad noise. Rough roads cause tire noise, and the exhaust can be heard in the background, but it is still quiet compared to an S2000 with the top up.

The ride of the 330 is stiff, but not as stiff as the Z. The seats of the Z are much more restraining than those in the 330 as well, so in the corners the Z feels a bit easier to control. I really love both cars, but I liked the value, interior, exterior, sportiness, and feel of the Z better. I really wanted a sports car and not a sporty sedan (or sporty coupe), so my decision was pretty easy.

You really can't lose with either car.

-D'oh!

 

Maybe the BMW driver was simply looking at your 350Z? Not everyone wants to race in this world and doing 120 on a public roadway is simply foolish. The BMW driver more than likely exited to control his laughing from your immature and pointless display.

 

What is that supposed to mean?

 

Perhaps you are right. I just sold my 02 bmw 330ci and i must say it is one of the nicest cars i owned. I sold it cuz going back to school and I did not need so many cars. Had 02 bmw 330ci, 02 honda s2000 and 95 m3. I needed to consolidate.
anyway, i might get z next year and keep the s2000.

Regardless, to point out your story. I really can't compare cuz i have not driven the Z. But 330ci is a very worthy competetor. The 330ci pulls 5.8 0-60 and few mods can upgrade that.

2 different cars for 2 different lifestyle.
while the bmw will give your more respect
the z might give u more thrills.

at the end you should get the one that fits your need, not others.

LIL Raja

 

Really? 350Z feels faster to me. Aren't you feeling fast beause of convertible top? But 2 more seats on Bimmer

 

aren't there a tons of problems on the bmw? i thought that car is hard to maintence~

 

The BMWs in the 80s required a lot of tuning. The new ones are pretty much just like any honda or toyota..or nissan for that matter. I have owned 00 323ci, which my sister owns. The car is 3 years old and never had any issue. Knock on wood. We had 01 bmw 330ci, and 02 330ci with no issues. The newer BMWs after 1996 comes with free main for 3/36k miles including brake pads. For 2003 they upgraded that to 4 year/50k miles. So for 4 years you go no worries. If you get a M3 then there are some issues with some people's engine. But that's cuz it's such a highly tuned car and tryign to squeeze so much out of it. A 330i or 325i is pretty much trouble free....

LIL Raja

ps. i am speaking from experience...my 2 cents

 

My 3 BMWs in last 4 years never broke down. I took my Z8 to the track and it's 2 years old. NOTHING broke so far. FYI.

 

Heh, well if I ever pay over 100K for a car nothing BETTER break down that's for sure.

 

I used to have Z3. Z3 costs 6 digits??

 

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Originally posted by rodH
ARE YOU A BOY OR GIRL???
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What is that supposed to mean?

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Just trying to obtain the most info possible, after all, if performance were the biggest issue the Z or an M3 would be the obvious choice, but since some people care more about having a tent for a top and being able to look at the pretty stars at night or having their pretty hair blow through the wind, so be it (tic, sort of).

 

That's almost a push, although I think the Z compares more closely to the M3, rather than 330Ci, considering the 330 isn't a sports car.

For practicality, the 330Ci wins out, since you can seat 4 but convertibles aren't the most practical thing in the world. Build quality on both cars seems to be very good. The Bimmer's interior is superior. The 350Z definitely looks better and goes faster, but the Bimmer rides better and is slightly more economical. But here's the kicker: I priced a 330Ci convertible with basic options like heated seats and the sport package and arrived at an MSRP of $45,000. We all know a similarly equipped Z (even assuming a $6000 premium for the convertible) would run you about $37,000, maybe even less than that. For me, that's not a comparison anymore.

 

you got to be kidding me if you think the z compares with the m3. Please....
the times of the 330ci is pretty close to the 350z. I have owned 2 330ci(s) and 1 323ci. Everytime around the i would have picked the bmw. Except this time, I have had 3 bmw in the same shape and I want something little different. So the Z it is for my needs.

Anyway, good choice 330cic. Let me know how it goes. I am a professional car consultant and if you need some of my service let me know. This is what I can offer you - my service charge is 300$ flat. That gets you in a new bmw for 1200$ invoice. So it's ending up costing you $1500 over invoice. The car will be in DC area. ABout 3 hours from your house. If you are interested PM me or email me at dizzycrazy@yahoo.com

Also if you have any basic questions, i would be more than glad to answer them for you.

thanks!

LIL Raja

 

"you got to be kidding me if you think the z compares with the m3. Please...."

Please WHAT??? I raced my friends 97 M3 and BEAT IT, and the Z should def. eat it on the twisties, now the NEW M3, yes, it will be spanking time for the Z, but then we are talking Z06 territory and that is a different class of cars. I know you BMW owners LOVE your cars, and I can't even convience this kid that my Z is faster then is 330, which is stock and AUTO, but lets give a little credit here,

 

I know you BMW owners LOVE your cars, and I can't even convience this kid that my Z is faster then is 330, which is stock and AUTO, but lets give a little credit here,
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there is only 1 way to FIX that, RACE THE PRETTY BOY!!!! (btw, if he is so worried about performance, why would he get an AUTO??)