Keep in mind that this 3.0si version is just out, so it will take a loooooooong time before affordable 2nd hand cars will become available. Previously they sold an non-si 3.0 which was less than stellar.

 

The kangaroo issue is not a problem on any 06 cars, so if you are getting a new or nearly new S2000, that's not a concern.

The 32mpg for the Z4 is not real world. Yes BMW engines are brilliantly economical considering their capacity, but I believe you will get the same MPG from the S2000 as you would from the Z4. Our 330i Cab Auto returns an average 22 mpg, but it's much heavier and an Auto. I get around 24 mpg in my S2000, but I have a very heavy left foot

The 3.0Si engine is the star of the car IMO, and a much better engine overall than the S2000's.

However, the major failing with the Z4 is electronic steering and the truely awful run flat tyres. I ran a Z4 3.0 for 3 days and drove all the same country roads as I do my S, and hated it. It is great on super smooth A roads, but take it on a bumpy B road and it pulls on every bump and camber on the road. There is a road which I can comfortably do 100 in the S, I couldn't get past 80 in the Z4.

I did find the seating position better in the Z4, in the S it just doesn't got low enough. I think it needs to go down another inch or 2 to give that 'connected' to the road feeling. The pedals are offset in the Z4 which I also found very uncomfortable.

If I was looking at the Z4, I think I would now only consider the M version, but even then I would be put off by the stupidly high servicing and maintenance costs

IMO the Z4 is a different car to the S. It is less raw and more of a cruiser. The S2000 has always been the car that I feel fills the void between roadsters such as the TT, Z4, Crossfire, 350Z, SLK and the Elise and VX220. It's a niche car and fits in there perfectly.

 

I don't see how your lead foot clutch action could effect economy

 

Doh! Don't even know my right from left... that's what a cold does to you!

 

Also full of cold - had to check my right and left before making the remark

 

Why? Because it flatters you with torque? I've noticed you can be bought and sold with the perception of speed Moff. I don't deny the 3.0 alloy straight 6 from the BMW engine is a fantastic engine but I strongly suspect the reason you think its better than the F20c is because it has 2 cylinders and 1.0l more and appeals to you at a personal level.

I really, really struggle to fault the f20c. It pulls clean and well from low rpm to 9000rpm and sounds/feels solid, reliable and highly engineered from the very first to the very last rpm.

It can't match the grunt of the engine in my Scooby but nevertheless its the best powerplant I've every had in any car. My 3.0 V6 Pug was smoother and had more torque and was much better on motorways but it wasn't a better engine simply because of that. For a 3.0 V6 it's average. For a 2.0 4-pot the f20c is outstanding!

 

Don't forget that you can get new S2ks for c

 

Tested the original Z4 as well as a Poxter in Spring 05 when i was looking to buy the S.

Poxter was boring as sin, with a dodgy image all round.

The Z4 was fuglly inside & while i could get used to its looks outside it just didn't feel right when driving it. Didn't make me smile at all & didn't impress me. I tested an S several days later & everything fell into place with the requirements i had.

 

Do you want a drivers car or a hairdressers posemobile?

 

And for an hour before I leave
And every time I look out the window and see it
And........

pretty much all the time to be honest!!!