2003 BMW Z4 versus 2012 370Z

[Troyz]

Just a quick comparison since I recently owned a BMW Z4:
2003 BMW Z4 2.5 i6 versus 2012 370z (Both cars had the sports package and manual)

Acceleration: While the Z4 was much slower it was much smoother even up the red line. The 370Z feels coarse and unbalanced. The power in 370Z always makes me smile. I wished I got the 3.0 BMW but I don’t think it would have been able to touch the 370Z.

Braking: Both braked well. 370Z steering wheel shakes when light braking.

Routine Handling 30-50MPH: The Z4 wins. I think being narrow and more balanced it feels like a lighter car when it isn't. 370Z does not respond as quick to driver input.

Emergency Lane Change: 370Z feels heavier the way the steering wheel is set up. The Z4 is more responsive and seemed quicker. The Z4 wins from a drivers experience it just seemed more precise.

Stability Control: The Z4 has 3 modes, the 370Z has 2 (on or off).

Blind Spots: 370Z is the worst I ever driven. Z4 Wins with the tops up or down.

Clutch: All the time spent with Z4's picky clutch has made me love 370z's clutch.

Tranny: Toss up. While the Z4 wins seems to shift faster, the Syncro Rev in the 370Z almost feels like you’re in automatic.

Bling: 370z Touring with Navigation almost feels like an Infinity. 370Z is the clear winner. I get more compliments from guys in the 370Z while the Z4 seem to be liked more by the ladies. I see many women driving Z4 (typically autos). I haven’t seen many women driving a 370Z. This is truly a manly man’s car.

Reliability: I will never get a used BMW w/o a warranty again! I spent $1000’s of dollars for crap I never knew existed on a car. The BMW forum has tons of threads about steering issues and class actions lawsuits.

[LostSol]

I test drove many cars before getting my Z, including an 2006 Z4-M Coupe, and while I agree with you about the coarseness of the VQ while stock, once you open up the exhaust it seems to be a different beast. But nothing is as smooth as an inline 6.

[kenchan]

steering shouldn't shake with light braking.

engine feels fine to me up to redline. i run post-maf tubes and kn drop-ins. those help keep the air flowing smoothly. im not a fan of loud intakes.

not sure about the rest.

Z is a huge bang for the buck imo and a joy to drive.

[kidkotic2001]

I test drove many cars before the Z and I really like the Z period.

I agree with you that the Steering does shake when breaking. I have taken it to two Nissan Dealers and they say its normal. This is my second Z and both of them did it.

[Drex]

ive found the steering wheel shaking while breaking is more tied to the wheels following the grooves/imperfections in the road than anything else

[kenchan]

Originally Posted by Drex

ive found the steering wheel shaking while breaking is more tied to the wheels following the grooves/imperfections in the road than anything else

thats tramlining, not shaking then. steering does not shake on my car.

[mults]

This should tell you something

Bling: 370z Touring with Navigation almost feels like an Infinity. 370Z is the clear winner. I get more compliments from guys in the 370Z while the Z4 seem to be liked more by the ladies. I see many women driving Z4 (typically autos). I haven’t seen many women driving a 370Z. This is truly a manly man’s car.

Personally, I do not like the looks of the Z4, but if you are happy, then I am happy for you .

[Mt Tam I am]

Nice write up.

I frequently deal with Z4's and have yet to see one between 30-50 MPH pull away, or challenge my Z yet. Then again many are driven by ladies with automatics.

No shake under braking unless I've warped my rotors again (at least 4 times).

I know the Z produces more, albeit rougher, power and some of the worst blind spots.

I am surprised by the (clunky) tranny being a toss up or that the Z's clutch wins.

Not at all surprised on reliability issue nor cost of repairs.

[Magic Bus]

Originally Posted by mults

This should tell you something

Bling: 370z Touring with Navigation almost feels like an Infinity. 370Z is the clear winner. I get more compliments from guys in the 370Z while the Z4 seem to be liked more by the ladies. I see many women driving Z4 (typically autos). I haven’t seen many women driving a 370Z. This is truly a manly man’s car.

Personally, I do not like the looks of the Z4, but if you are happy, then I am happy for you .

True that many Z4's are driven by women. Actually got two separate compliments about my Z from women driving Z4's in parking lots. It's nice to talk to females who enjoy cars.

[cooltoy]

Originally Posted by Magic Bus

True that many Z4's are driven by women. Actually got two separate compliments about my Z from women driving Z4's in parking lots. It's nice to talk to females.

Fixed it for you.

[jaedub]

This might sound a bit biased but 370z totally out performs z4 in almost every aspect. Put the 370z against the z4 M-series, then you got yourself a challenge. Just remember that 370z is a sports car and z4 is a luxury coupe.

And it's true that the z4's are driven mostly by women because they're soft and docile.

[cooltoy]

Women or Z4's?

[Ziggyman]

Originally Posted by cooltoy

Women or Z4's?

Both, had a 2006 Z4 Roadster, it was my wife's favorite car that Ive owned. It was nice but slow and tramlined like a MOFO.

Verts have more trunk space than a Z, but even the new 35is goes for $65K for the same performance as a Z.

Not a bad car, but $ for $ not comparable to a Z for performance. The interior options are way beyond a Nissan but you pay dearly...

[roy'sz]

I kept seeing this smoking hot blonde with a huge rack driving a z4 in my old hometown.in the worst way I wanted and never happened.

On another note ive had the m4 pull away from me when I only had my cbe. They are pretty quick!

[UNKNOWN_370]

That whole 30-50 review is shaky to me. I find the Z to be highly responsive in transistions in the Z. The Z transitions effortlessly and without compromise. I find the Z's weight may show in the corners but never in transitions. I'm not even going to say it's the Z's weight per say. It's the Z's weight distribution, ie, FR platform and heavy front engine... The Z4 steering is considerably numb giving less feedback than the 370z so i don't see how that's possible.

Shaky braking while light braking? Sounds like the pads need to be bedded or something. Check the equipment before making a full on statement about shaky braking. Z braking is way superior to the Z4. Even though the Z4 may brake well.

i give you the tranny.