Am I wrong to consider a z4 because z3 is too small for me?

[tfalsetta]

Am I wrong to consider a Z4 instead of a Z3 because I am 6.1ft?

I had my heart set on a Z3 however sat in one for the first time today (2001 2.5i) When the top is up it’s very hard to get in and out of. Once I am in I have about 1 inch headroom which doesn’t bother me that much. However with the top down I have the feeling the top windshield is obstructing my view because I’m sitting so high?

went over to sit in Z4 2003 and all of these issues appear to go away.

I would love some feedback am I overthinking this.? Is this a legitimate reason to not buy a car?

when I walked out of the car and told one of the salesman their response was” you’re not going to get any younger“….. actually appreciated that comment and praised him for it. I’m 60

 

[Sajk]

How tall are you? I am around 6 foot 1 but used to be 6ft2 but have shrunk a bit in the last 20 years. I am 61. You do get used to that feeling about the windshield. I assume you lowered the seat as far as it will go. The z4 is a completely different driving experience to the 3. I have both and was in the 3 this morning. Still love that car. So it depends what you want. A sunny day weekend car or a dally. I seldom use mine with the roof up as we have great weather and they are dailys unless I feel like using them.

I say buy the one you enjoy the most from every aspect. There will always be some compromise.

For example I find the 3 more comfortable to drive than the 4, more spacious nicer interior and a better ride.

I also find the 3 has more alive steering after a bushing refresh. But the 4 is an M with everything that goes with it including the magical s54 and crappy ride quality.

 

[tfalsetta]

How tall are you? I am around 6 foot 1 but used to be 6ft2 but have shrunk a bit in the last 20 years. I am 61. You do get used to that feeling about the windshield. I assume you lowered the seat as far as it will go. The z4 is a completely different driving experience to the 3. I have both and was in the 3 this morning. Still love that car. So it depends what you want. A sunny day weekend car or a dally. I seldom use mine with the roof up as we have great weather and they are dailys unless I feel like using them.

I say buy the one you enjoy the most from every aspect. There will always be some compromise.

For example I find the 3 more comfortable to drive than the 4, more spacious nicer interior and a better ride.

I also find the 3 has more alive steering after a bushing refresh. But the 4 is an M with everything that goes with it including the magical s54 and crappy ride quality.

"you mean it shrinks"?.... okay thanks for responding.... Yes i am 6.1 59 years old and we might have finally found one advantage of growing old... We shrank...ha ha..... Yes I'm going to continue my journey/hunting related to Z3 & Z4's.... With the mindset of trying to get me to like/fit/overcome the issues related to Z3...... I live in NY where we do not have great weather..... But my intentions is to drive it with the top down....... thanks again

 

[Sajk]

I can only repeat buy what makes you happy.we are not teenagers.

 

[D R Oldfield]

Hi i am 6ft 1 and have no problems i my mind the z3 is a more of a fun retro car than the Z4 but thats only my opinion

 

[SYMZ3]

Having owned both models, IMO, it is difficult to try and compare them against each other, they are completely different cars. The Z4 (again IMO) is a great point to point car across country for fast roadwork with the 2.0 engine, very balanced and easy to drive fast. Living very close to the Peak District, I can vouch for the fun these cars can deliver. I found that you sit ‘in’ a Z4 and are low to the ground, good for taller drivers.
My Z3 is a world apart, I would describe the Z3 as ‘analogue’ in feel and delivery and you sit more ‘on it’ than in it (If that makes any sense?).

If I had to choose one to own, it would be the Z3, I think it’s an ownership car, high days and holidays. I do a lot of driving around the country for work and use my F10 for that, but in recent years, driving in this country has become dreary and boring. When I jump into the Z3, I look forward to driving a car again.