How come people refer to the Z4 as a "girly car" or "chick car" ?

[onnex]

Originally Posted by epbrown

How does an E93 not "have the gusto"? It's the same car as what you drive!

Not to sound like an old-timer, but this whole sexual insecurity thing is pretty recent. No one thought of the Austin-Healey 3000, MGA roadster, or even the Sprite/Midget as "girly cars." If you kids would hit the gym and lay off the mousse or whatever, you wouldn't live in terror of being mistaken for girls all the time. At least you could do something about it when you are.

it's not a matter of sexual insecurity, it's just a cultural perception thing that has created it, and definitely more of a recent trend. And with regards specifically to the e93.. at the core it's the same as mine, but... well, for me knowing that you bought a sports car, and added about 200 lbs so you could take the roof off... that shows where your priorities are with the car (undeniable leaning towards the feminine side of the spectrum). Again, to each their own and I have no problem with people doing it, but thats the perception that comes along with it (and I know I'm not alone on this).

[kiwi29]

A z4 is a girls car?!?! Last I remember they spank pretty hard on the track and are pretty decently fast. Maybe its how the curves look on the car. Either way nice car!

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by onnex

well, for me knowing that you bought a sports car, and added about 200 lbs so you could take the roof off... that shows where your priorities are with the car (undeniable leaning towards the feminine side of the spectrum).

How is wanting a convertible for more exposure to the elements effeminate? The Porsche 550 and 356 speedster are feminine? The Bentley 8? The Dodge Viper? The 65 Lincoln Continental?

And one day, will someone explain to me why so many supposedly straight guys always know what cars are hot in the gay community? I live 8 blocks from Chicago's Boystown and if someone put a gun to my head and said to name the top 3 cars driven by gay men, I'd be one dead mofo.

[onnex]

Originally Posted by epbrown

How is wanting a convertible for more exposure to the elements effeminate? The Porsche 550 and 356 speedster are feminine? The Bentley 8? The Dodge Viper? The 65 Lincoln Continental?

And one day, will someone explain to me why so many supposedly straight guys always know what cars are hot in the gay community? I live 8 blocks from Chicago's Boystown and if someone put a gun to my head and said to name the top 3 cars driven by gay men, I'd be one dead mofo.

Who said anything about gay or knowing what certain people want?Cool your jets, you're getting ahead of yourself and reading into this too far. To each their own is my motto, but OP asked why some people think they're chick cars, so I told him. Being as you guys obviously like them, I'm sure it's not something you want to hear. Advice: don't ask questions you don't want answers to.

Enjoy your cars, whatever they may be and hopefully they make you happy, and who gives a damn what other people think

[antennahead]

Originally Posted by onnex

all two seat verts eh? never heard the 458 spider called a girls car. It takes a very manly car to make up for the fact it's a convertible (not just 2 seated)– hence z4s, miatas, e93s, etc don't have the gusto, and are very much chick cars in my eyes. I'd personally never get a 2 door vert unless i was 70 or a woman– to each their own tho,this is just IMO.

I wouldn't say my Z4 M lacks gusto, quite the opposite. To say you would never get a 2 door vert unless you were 70 or a woman shows your prejudice towards verts ............ certainly your entitled opinion, but as others have said, a recent phenominon in certain circles. I don't recall this being the norm in the 50's and 60's with the convertable sports cars of the day. Maybe we should make a list of which ones have enough power to qualify as a manly car

[arnsbrae]

Originally Posted by tommyinorlando

How come people refer to the Z4 as a "girly car" or "chic car". It annoys the hell out of me as most probably couldnt even handle the power the E89 delivers, not to mention my 2011 35i, its a rocket.

So where did this stereotype come from??

I think it came from someone who would really like to have one, but can't.

Anyone that knows cars, knows your 35i is a bloke.

[MrClean335i]

Originally Posted by tommyinorlando

How come people refer to the Z4 as a "girly car" or "chic car". It annoys the hell out of me as most probably couldnt even handle the power the E89 delivers, not to mention my 2011 35i, its a rocket.

So where did this stereotype come from??

1st of all the Z4 is not a fast car much less a rocket.

It was designed by a woman for women. The designer states it was designed with women in mind.



Even the GT3 Z4 is driven by a woman

[Sean@PSI]

Originally Posted by Fox128i

Screw what other people say or think. The only opinion that really matters is yours.

+1

[antennahead]

Originally Posted by MrClean335i

1st of all the Z4 is not a fast car much less a rocket.

It was designed by a woman for women. The designer states it was designed with women in mind.



Even the GT3 Z4 is driven by a woman

You refer to the current generation of Z4, not the Bangle design which ended in 2008................"not a fast car" comment is somewhat accurate, but that would not apply to the "M" versions of the car.

[Desert_Fox]

So wanting a convertible when you live in a beautiful area with awesome weather makes you feminine? I remember that next time im having a blast through the mountains with the top down here in back country San Diego.

I think the Z4 is a beautiful car, I DGAF that it was designed all by women. I'd gladly drive one. It's simply just too expensive for my tastes.

[itsmeek]

It's marketed towards women, most I see are driven by women. The car doesn't look masculine and has very soft lines. I'll take an s2k anyday.

[rfx45]

Originally Posted by itsmeek

The car doesn't look masculine and has very soft lines. I'll take an s2k anyday.

Yes because the S2000 is very masculine.

[itsmeek]

Too bad the pic doesn't work for me. Either way, the s2k is not marketed to women, it responds extremely well to a turbo, isn't grossly overpriced, I don't think I've ever seen a woman driving one, and revs to 9k or 10k if tuned properly. Not to mention holds it's own at track meets against z06's and gt-r's.

Personal opinion along with a few facts.

[antennahead]

Originally Posted by itsmeek

It's marketed towards women, most I see are driven by women. The car doesn't look masculine and has very soft lines. I'll take an s2k anyday.

The previous gen Z4 draws many styling cues from the classic roadsters of the 50's and 60's, albeit updated. Look at the curves on a Cobra. Ferrari is known for its sensuous curves, with many aficionados drawing comparisons to a woman's body................does that make it a "girley" car? This is an argument that is mainly put forth by the younger drivers who adopted the S2000 early on, so therefore is is not branded a girls car. Most could not afford a Z4, so it didn't enjoy that status. The current generation Z4 has taken a different direction, become more of a boulevard cruiser. I don't personally think it should be reviewed in the exact same light as the original............and the M is an entirely different story. To each his own, but living on the coast and minutes from the beach, as well as being able to enjoy open air driving all year round, I'll continue to enjoy my M in top down mode and care less what others think. There are very few stock autos on the road anyway that could keep up with me

[rfx45]

Originally Posted by itsmeek

Too bad the pic doesn't work for me. Either way, the s2k is not marketed to women, it responds extremely well to a turbo, isn't grossly overpriced, I don't think I've ever seen a woman driving one, and revs to 9k or 10k if tuned properly. Not to mention holds it's own at track meets against z06's and gt-r's.

Personal opinion along with a few facts.

There, better?



You prior post had no mention of performance though, all you mentioned were how soft it looks and how feminine but the S2000 looks more feminine with it's small frame just like the Miata. Put it next to the Z4 (current or past) and ask which car is more feminine and I bet you 9 out of 10 will pick the S2000/Miata.


And not overpriced? The car cost $34k iirc for a specialty car. The BRZ/FRS cost $25k today and it'll give it a run for it's money. I'd honestly take a 370Z over it any day for that price.

I don't even know why tuning is mentioned, is it really so much more masculine because the car is tunable?

And to be honest, I swear that this is no lie, the last 2 S2000 I've seen driven are by women. The Z4 E89, I rarely see it, I've seen maybe 2-3 in the past year and only one was driven by a woman. Now these experiences are no way a valid way to say what percentage of women drives these cars though.

[itsmeek]

I believe you, I wasn't poking fun, was just an observation. I've owned the 350z's and they are great cars, I've also owned 2 sk2's. I'd choose the 2.0 s2k over the 350z any day, I like the performance, high revving engine, and the reliability.

[rfx45]

Isn't the 350Z just as reliable? I rarely hear problems with Nissan/Infiniti, I got a few friends with G35 and G37s they seem really happy with it being worry free.

[itsmeek]

Both of my 350z's had gear grinding, constant sensor, and alignment issues.

Never had issues with the s2k's and I would put them thru HELL, constant track days, one was even turbo'd and never gave me issues save for clutch wear.

Note that I purchased all used. All had less than 40k when purchased.

[rfx45]

Originally Posted by CAPSGOD

Anyway I like the attitude suggested earlier. Just accept that people will call it a feminine car. If you don't think it is, then why worry about it? Life is too short.

Yeah at the end of the day, I just ignore these monikers because it really doesn't make sense. The only car I deem girly is the last gen Beatle and that is because it came with a flower vase and had optional flower wheels iirc.


I've honestly only gotten compliments on my E89, I've had several encounters where people wave at me to put my windows down just to give out compliments. I enjoy driving it everyday and I love the classic roadster look and that is all that matters to me.

[E36ic4Me]

Who the heck cares?!? How do you even define a cars as a 'chic car'? Is it pink? Does it wear heels, lipstick, big hoop earrings? None of the above. If you like the car and are a guy, then its a guy's car and Visa-Versa for women.

if we wanna talk Manly cars vs. Chic cars lets be real here........when I see trucks, large SUVs, camaros, mustangs and corvettes they are typically women driving them. But wait, I thought those were Big, hairy Chested Manly cars? Hmmm......guess not but you will never heard to them being referred to as 'chic cars'. Rather a double standard don't ya' think?

As far as Miatas go.........if you say they are cute little chic cars, you've never driven one. Yes, the first gen is rounded and has an albeit somewhat cute look to it. That being said, it has a great exhaust note, handles better then most in its class and offers more bang for the buck then anything else like it. No, its not a power house and most cars can zip right past it. However, throw them all on a twisty road and see what happens!

[rfx45]

Originally Posted by E36ic4Me

As far as Miatas go.........if you say they are cute little chic cars, you've never driven one. Yes, the first gen is rounded and has an albeit somewhat cute look to it. That being said, it has a great exhaust note, handles better then most in its class and offers more bang for the buck then anything else like it. No, its not a power house and most cars can zip right past it. However, throw them all on a twisty road and see what happens!

I'm not saying the Miata is a girl car but come on, driving dynamics has nothing to do with the moniker being discusse. How is a girl car suppose to drive anyways? Being able to whip it on the track or having the capability for a spirited canyon runs isn't a definition of masculinity. I know a handful of women who can spank an average man on the track so that whole statements doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

[HotIce]

Someones insecure.