Z3 or Z4?

[TraceyP]

I thought I'd finally decided that I would be going for a Z3 (after eliminating the M-5, Audi TT and Porsche Boxster)...
.....but then today I drove past a 2005 Z4 in black and it looked goooooood

Help! I'll be getting an auto - any major differences in the gear boxes? And is the Z4 bigger than the Z3 (difficult to tell as I drove past it quickly (on a 60mph road)?

any advice gratefully received!

 

[Grumps]

Completely different cars. The 3 is smaller than the 4. The 3 is more driver focused the 4 more a mileage cruiser. Depends what your wanting from the car Tracey.

 

[TraceyP]

Just been looking at the measurements and according to Wikipedia (so must be true) the Z4 is only 65mm longer than the Z3 and actually 80mm narrower....and same height.

As I will only be having an automatic I don't think the 'drivers car' applies to me (or so I keep being told when i say i can't drive a manual lol) So will come down to reliability, looks and price

 

[Sean d]

Just been looking at the measurements and according to Wikipedia (so must be true) the Z4 is only 65mm longer than the Z3 and actually 80mm narrower....and same height.

As I will only be having an automatic I don't think the 'drivers car' applies to me (or so I keep being told when i say i can't drive a manual lol) So will come down to reliability, looks and price

I have not tried an auto Z3 but I have been out in @t-tony 3.0l Z4 and the autobox was outstanding, both cars are very different but its all about personal choice, I much prefer the look of a Z3 and the drive is bloody amazing.

 

[Grumps]

I too have driven Tonys and loved it but I do love the drive of the Z3. It's personal choice. I suggest you try both.

 

[TraceyP]

Sounds like Tony could make a lot of money from car rental!

 

[billz]

I have not had the Auto but have had both Z3 and Z4. The Z4 is a lot more refined and i would say is easier to drive than the Z3 and you can do cool tweaks such as open/close the roof off the key. My wife prefers the Z4 over the Z3, they do not look as cool as the Z3. It will just be a case of which you prefer

 

[TraceyP]

I have not had the Auto but have had both Z3 and Z4. The Z4 is a lot more refined and i would say is easier to drive than the Z3 and you can do cool tweaks such as open/close the roof off the key. My wife prefers the Z4 over the Z3, they do not look as cool as the Z3. It will just be a case of which you prefer

Thanks billz, can I ask which has better visibility with the roof closed? And are wikipedia correct and the size (length) is similar but the Z4 is narrower than the Z3? Sorry for questions but I'm trying to make an informed decision and I'm not very good at it lol!

 

[Shelly]

If I had the choice I'd choose a Z3
I loved my Z3 but we thought we'd change to a Z4
I do love the 4 but the 3 is my personal choice

 

[billz]

They both have around the same visibility both hood up or down. The Z4 has a glass rear window so it does not get marked or stained like the Z3 can.
As for the width i would not know as never measured them. I would say overall the Z3 is smaller or it seemed that way

 

[TraceyP]

Thanks Billz and Shelly

 

[StephenM]

The Z4 is definitely more refined but theZ3 has more character, so I think it depends what you want. I use the Z4 as an everyday car and the Z3 as a weekend car but they are both great

 

[billz]

A pic of them both together

 

[DrWong]

The lengths and widths are very similar. But the Z4 looks beefy and filled-out whereas the Z3 is more shrink-wrapped and svelte. I preferred the latter vibe so got a Z3. For me, the face-lift Z3 is pretty damn perfect to look at but that's my personal view. Agree Z3s have more character and Z4s are more refined though.

Oh and welcome Tracey!

 

[t-tony]

Drive both and then you can make an informed decision Tracey.

Tony.

 

[Paul Rice]

Well i have both and to some up with the top up the Z4 is just another BMW that means a comfortable tourer or a great daily driver. With the top down a superb car to be out and about enjoying top down motoring. But and a big but, everytime i go out in the Z3 its a big sense of occasion, yes it does feel old and needs to be driven but it is special and that is what i don't get from the Z4. So in summary if its purely a weekend car for little trips out the Z3 takes some beating, but if you want to enjoy your car further a field then the Z4 will fit the bill better, the problem is they are both brilliant.

 

[Althulas]

I’ve got to admit I liked the extra leg room in the Z4 and thought the interior was better built than my ///M but I do love the retro look of my interior the wide rear arches and quad pipes but if I bought a Z4 I would be tempted with the Alpina, the coupe or maybe the best of both worlds the 35iS but as suggested take a drive in both and see how you feel all fine cars whichever you choose just personal choice now you have me googling.

 

[TraceyP]

Thankyou all so much for your replies! Not gonna pretend I'm not even more confused now but have learnt a lot and will keep looking....or I'll buy both and make my own cut and shut ;-)

 

[Ianmc]

You can analyse such issues to death. Go with the heart, just get a good one of the type that "speaks to you". If neither does, go elsewhere.

 

[TraceyP]

Great advice thankyou will do that