Quote:
Originally Posted by HERR FSTIR
Have you driven either the E46 or E92 M3? If so, can you comment on differences in feel between Z4M and the M3?
Any criticisms of the Z4M?
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Yes on all counts :-)
For criticisms of the Z4 MC, the only big one is the shifter. It's pretty bad for a sportscar of this calibre. It's stubborn about 2nd gear. If your touch isn't right, it'll grind very easily. It generally feels slightly imprecise, and a little bumpy. It's no Porsche in that regard. When you're really having fun, it doesn't detract from the experience too much, but at first that 1-->2 shift was very annoying.
The ride might be on the harsh side for some, but I have absolutely no issues. I've taken it on a couple LONG road trips, with no problems. It'll easily carry a week's worth of stuff for a couple.
I've driven the E46 M3 several times on both street and track. It's a great car. It isn't slow by any definition, but it feels significantly slower than the E92 M3, and the Z4 MC. Not only the Z lighter, but it also has a different ECU which tends to result in a noticeable amount more HP under the same circumstances. The E46 M3 feels significantly lighter and more toss-able than the E92 M3, and feels like a bit more of a "hooligan" if you know what I mean. There's a bit more body movement, but the car changes directions a lot faster, and grips just as well. I think it'll be more fun than the E90 under certain circumstances, but not all. I think generally the E90 will be more fun on more open roads/tracks with longer corners, and the E46 will feel more fun and lower speeds where there are more rapid direction changes. Not sure which would be more fun on a day-to-day basis. Steering feel is great in both cars. The engine in the E92 is obviously superior.
I think the Z4 MC is more fun to drive than either car. It feels significantly lighter and tighter than either. It has less body movement than the E46 M3 by a LARGE margin, but does not feel unnaturally flat, or disconnected. It is far more precise than either car, and changes direction much more readily than either. In terms of handling and driving fun it is generally superior. It is much, much more difficult to drive very fast than either car. It is almost perfectly neutral, and is thus likely oversteer if you mess up. I find it very predictable and controllable, but it certainly takes more effort than either M3.
In terms of overall performance, it is the best car I have owned. It would certainly be faster around a track than my modded 135i, modded '03 cobra, or Boxster S.
I really love the Z4 MC. I was going to do ED on another 135i or an E92 M3 until I drove the car.
I don't need the back seat, and the hatch is big enough to carry anything I'd want to.
IMHO, it's a back seat vs no back seat situation.