I have both the Z4 and the S2k. Z4 is a luxury sportscar. S2k is a kick-ass sportscar. Truely, I like the S2k better, much better. No bells and whistles to get in the way of driving. Just pure fun.

 

Oh, but the insurance is much cheaper on the Z4.

 

North American SMG systems don't have the European cars' launch control. I don't know how high the Z4's SMG lets you drop the clutch from (or even if it lets you drop the clutch), but it's presumably some finite value, unlike on a pure manual where you can do whatever you want. That alone would explain the differences in acceleration times. It would be interesting to compare the in-gear acceleration times between manuals and SMGs; I would expect the SMGs to be faster.

Except for launching, I'd prefer an SMG over a manual in all circumstances.

Steve

 

I can appreciate the benefits of a SMG-type transmission, including freeing up the left leg for braking. It would still be a tough call for me. There's definitely a tactile satisfaction from rowing your own. Also, I would worry about reliability and cost of repair once the car falls out of warranty.

 

I own both ... an S2000 and a 3.0 Z4. Guess which one I drive , my wife drives the other .

I do like the Z4 but I love driving the S2000. You can't go wrong with either.

 

I was in the market for both, and ended up buying the S2000, even though I suspect the Z4 is cheaper in terms of total cost of ownership.

I could probably get used to the Z4's exterior, but the interior was just too clunky. The radio and climate controls are out of reach unless you lean over; the dashboard, at least with the "aluminum" finish, looks like something out of a 1950s show car, not something appropriate for the 21st century. And the Z4 must be the only car in the world which manages to have only mediocre visibility with the top down! There were also a myriad other little inconveniences.

It's sad that BMW got these basic design issues wrong, because it would have cost them no more to build a car that got them right. The drivetrain is about equal to the S2000 - not quite as nice a transmission, but a little more torque for starting off the line without wheelspin, and while the clutch is heavier, it would probably stand up better to starting off the line with wheelspin. The top creating its own cover when folded is very nice, and the other creature comforts would be nice additions if the basic driving experience were as good.

Regarding the SMG option - from a performance standpoint, there must be some reason why Formula 1 drivers prefer it, right? On the other hand, if my BMW salesperson was correct, the Z4 SMG would be lucky to work correctly 10 times out of 10, let alone 1000 times out of 1000.

 

[QUOTE=PedalFaster,Jan 14 2005, 05:50 PM] North American SMG systems don't have the European cars' launch control.

 

I agree what some have said. The z4 is many comforts and communicates BMW's message of luxury and performance while s2k is a straight forward approach to performance. Some reviews mention that the s2k is the most uncompromised sports car in the US. Engineering with a focus of pure performance. The display alone on the s2k, with its simple straight forward digital layout, illustrates that this is a roadster with no BS attached. No seat warmers or other luxurious amenities to enhance the s2k experience. Being behind the wheel of one should be enough. But thats just my opinion.

 

Not surprised that a BMW salesperson would be mis-informed. There were some problems with early '03 models (1st model year) and BMW did come out with an ECU fix. None of the '04, '05 Z4s have been reported to have SMG problems.

 

Huh? You just said I was wrong, then repeated what I said almost word for word.

[QUOTE=PedalFaster,Jan 14 2005, 05:50 PM]North American SMG systems don't have the European cars' launch control.