Base 2013 Nissan 370z or Base 2013 328I

AestheticCM1

If you can only have one car, but you need to drive it year round, without question choose the Bimmer (but lease it). If you can keep a winter-beater on hand, without question buy the Z.

My previous car was a 328i. It was great fun, though not nearly as sharp as the Z cornering, shifting, or steering, but it was close. The audio system in my Z is superior to HK in my 328, but that might not be the case if you bought a base model Z. I say lease the 328, because my 328 was a legit money pit once it hit 70k. With a lease you let BMW take the hit on repairs for 3 years then dump the thing for a new model.

kaylikestofly

Couple of things.

I drive automatic, so shifting doesn't matter to me

what is HK sound? is that just hte bimmer sound system?

I will be buying either a base z or one with sports package nothing more

AestheticCM1

Your first line answers your question: If you drive automatic, don't buy a Z or a BMW, because that's 1/2 the fun of these cars.

HK stands for Harmon Kardon, the default soundsystem manufacturer for BMW. I think you can option up to Bose though.

Base Z? Nope I wouldn't do that. No leather, no heated seats, no navigation, no Bose, no deal.

Lease the 328i for 3 years, you won't regret it. It'll keep you entertained in the corners, it has enough pep to make the highway fun, and its a reasonably spacious do-it-all, daily, 4 season driver. After 3 years, you'll know whether you want a faster, better handling car.

In my case, after owning a 328i for 8 years, I knew I was ready for a dedicated sportscar, not another sports sedan.

In case you didn't catch it before, LEASE the Bimmer, don't buy it. Hope this helps.