_Nathan

We just picked up my wife's new 2010 Z4 35i today. After driving it only about 30 miles so far, here are my initial impressions compared to my '08 C2S:

- The Z4 feels like it makes at least as much low RPM power as the C2S, maybe more. We'll see what the top end is like after break-in but I'm sure it won't compare to the C2S, which makes 55 more hp and weighs a few hundred lb less.

- The gearshift in my 997 is good but the Z4 shifter definitely feels better (both are 6 spd manual). I just ordered a B&M short shift kit from BumperPlugs for my car which should help.

- The clutch in the Z4 is very light, too light for my taste.

- The brake pedal feel in the Porsche is clearly better than the Z4. The Z4 will probably improve as the brakes wear in but Porsche makes the best brakes in the business.

- The forward visibility in the Z4 is not great, due to the high cowl, long hood, and short windshield. By comparison, the 997 has a taller windshield and the front end drops off steeply so that you can barely see the hood from the driver's seat.

- Both cars are about equally comfortable. Both have the optional sports seats but the Porsche sports seats have bigger side bolsters and hold you more firmly in place.

- I haven't had a chance to drive the Z4 hard enough to comment on the handling.

PHDX2

Nice collection!

So what does your wife think about her new car?

Congratulations!

_Nathan

She really likes it. She had originally planned to get a 135i convertible but changed her mind at the last minute when she sat in a Z4 in the showroom.

She ruled out a Boxster because she says it doesn't have enough interior storage space. The new Z4 has more interior room than a Boxster and has a little storage shelf behind the seats.

Edgy01

The handling part is all that counts. The rest of it is unimportant.

vexed

The BMW twin turbo engines have a lot of grunt down low. The torque curve is very flat, she'll have some fun.

UNC911

Very nice stablemates!

Coochas

That's a nice 1-2 punch! Congrats.

Giacomo

But the Boxster likely has more overall storage space with both trucks! I owned a first generation Z3 2.8, my first roadster, and although I really liked the car, the handling of those early cars had alot to be desired. The newer models are much improved I'm sure.

OldGuy

I bought my wife a 07 Z4 M and it was a hoot. I would love to still have it but she didnt like the impracticality of it. I loved it. It was next to the GT silver GT3 and was just beautiful collection in the garage!!

mstams

Looks big in that photo!!

yemenmocha

Surprised how well they did keeping the weight down with the hardtop roof. The M3 'vert weighs 133 pounds MORE than the M5.


Your Z doesn't weigh much more than a 997 and has far superior weight distribution, so please let us know how it handles!

_Nathan

Yes, the first thing you notice when you drive the twin turbo Z4 is that it makes plenty of torque way down low. It feels like a V8.

The front end of the Z4 is very long but the overall length is shorter than the 997.

The Z4 weighs about 300 lb more than a 997.

LagunaDallas

Is that the Deep Sea Blue Metallic? I'm ordering a 2011 5-Series and hope that color is available on the new 5. Do you happen to have an interior shot? It looks like you have the light beige color (forget what it's called...maybe Oyster?) that goes perfectly with the blue. Nice choice!!

_Nathan

Yes that is deep sea blue with beige extended leather interior. The same color combination is available in the 5 series. Here are some interior shots. The colors are not accurately rendered because the pictures were taken under fluorescent lighting so the beige looks more like white in these pictures. In real life the beige looks a little darker than this.

sharmat

NICE! The new Z4 is real sweet. Congrads!