hi,
to start off, i do not own s2k or z4. in fact i drive an 05 rsx-s, pretty much on stock.
i am planning to move onto s2k or z4 within this year, and i know it has been discussed before, i just wanted more of a specific question regarding 08 z4 3.0i vs 08 s2k .

i have always been a fan of s2k to start off, and i've always loved the way it handles or looks.
i too, like some people, thought z4 is simply an over priced roadster.
anyways, i had a chance to test drive on of it recently, and it felt surprisingly good.

from the power delivery to the handling, it felt very solid.
too bad the dealer did not have a manual transmission, but i assume it would be not bad at all, (prob need a short shifter though ).

the part that most surprised me was the amount of room it provided.
i get stuck on i5 regularly =0= , this was a big plus.

moneywise, since bmw provides so much incentives or financing prog for z4, monthly payment would not figure to be too different.

when the purchase time comes,
i would prob. lean towards s2k at the moment,

id just like to listen to what some other people has to say about it.

thanks for any opinions in advance.

 

have you driven an s? i cant say ive driven a z4 but im about 5'9 160ish and when i first got into my s, i was like whoa its so snug, but you get used to it. ive had my s for a little over a month and im wondering where all this extra room came from lol. anyways good luck with your purchase.

 

I'd look at the Boxster too, if you're looking at the Z4, much better for a sports/luxury vert, IMO.

 

i have in fact driven s, but it was only a test drive,
so i have not ridden for a longer period; not driven to its limits.

what i thought was that it had ample room for legs and head, (for me at least) lateral room was very limited.
having that extra room was a big plus for z,
i'll prob still get s in time for my purchase, (prob at least a few months away but i daydream a lot ), just wanted to express a pleasant feeling about a z4 too

btw, if i were to get a boxter, i would go for cayman =0=
little bit off the budget tho

in my mind: gpw + oem hardtop and factory spoilers front and back

 

the Z4 si is probably more similar to the s in terms of performance, but depending on what you want out of it, the i might do the trick. I've been in the Z4 and the non-M models were pretty disappointing in terms of fit and finish - that was my major takeaway. The top goes up and down just as quick as the s, which is a big plus.

I think if image is important to you, go w/ the bimmer. If you want bang for the buck and reliability, go w/ the s. They are both fine cars.

 

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Exp...en/Default.aspx

Clickie on the registration tab at the top right of the screen. You will be able to test drive a wide selection of BMWs.

I signed up for the 335i and Z4 3.0si coupe!! Once your there, you can drive whatever you want. Oh yeah, and its for a good cause.

 

The Z4's a fine car. It does some things better than the S2000 (more torque, more room, bit more luxurious) and some things worse (less direct / pointy handling, worse fuel economy), but which is better is a matter of personal preference.

This is weird reasoning. In other words:

"1. I'd rather have a Boxster than a Z4.
2. I'd rather have a Cayman than a Boxster.
3. I can't afford a Cayman."

Why does (3) invalidate (1)? You can get a used Boxster for $30k less than a used Cayman; used Boxsters are accessible to a huge swath of buyers who can't afford new Caymans.

 

Difference between 3.0i and 3.0Si is slim.
I have driven all types of Z, and no way regular Z comes near similar feeling of S2k.
They feel pretty bulky compare to S, not because of lack of performance but because of all the luxury amenities included and way it's built.

Throttle response is slower than S and handling feels less direct then S, but it sure does feel much more comfy and luxurious.

However in the other hand, Z4M is pretty damn good overall with instant smooth power delivery which is totally different from S2k's abrupt power delivery.
At the end, it's all about which character you like better, I like the S2k's character much better but still I want to drive Z4M because of it's look and amenities that S cannot offer. I guess it's give or take.

Anyways, bottom line is that Z4 3.0i isn't something that is worth buying if you want sporty nimble roadster.