E92/E90 M3 vs E86 Z4 M Coupe

[bananabun]

Originally Posted by bese60

If you had to make that same choice today for a weekend car - what would it be?

I'm very biased towards the Z4M. It's the harder to find car, grossly under-appreciated by BMW fans, and to me it is more special. If it's just a weekend car, I would also prefer the raw sports car experience over a comfy grand tourer. BTW when I say 'raw' I just mean in terms of engagement and feel. It is still comfy enough that I could do 8 hour roadtrips with the wife.

[e46IX]

Originally Posted by bananabun

I'm very biased towards the Z4M. It's the harder to find car, grossly under-appreciated by BMW fans, and to me it is more special. If it's just a weekend car, I would also prefer the raw sports car experience over a comfy grand tourer. BTW when I say 'raw' I just mean in terms of engagement and feel. It is still comfy enough that I could do 8 hour roadtrips with the wife.

Own both as well and I agree with your thoughts here.

[drivetolive]

Originally Posted by e46IX

Own both as well and I agree with your thoughts here.

I'll also chime in after moving from my E90 M3 to my current Z4MC over the past year. bananabun couldn't have summed it up better.

[gkgsvensson]

Also an owner of both a Z4MC and E92 M3. E92 is the superior car in most respects (power, sound, build quality, usability) BUT a "dialed in" Z4MR/C will provide a driving experience like no other BMW ive ever been in. Assuming you fix some of its flaws (Monoball RTABs, better shocks/springs, increase front camber and stiffness) its becomes a brilliant driving machine on the same level as the best sports cars for the money. Also the S54 is a treat too. Best suited as a weekend car and a show car.

[G80indy]

I decided to split again… From the e92M…..
Went with a Z3 5 speed (of course MT)
And ordered a G80 6 speed

[PYE46M3]

You simply can not compare a Z4M to an E92 M3. They are two VERY different cars. Z4M is like a cricket that will hop across 4 lanes on the highway effortlessly. It is literally a go kart. The E92 on the other hand is a big refined cruiser that can get you in a lot of trouble really quickly. It might be faster in a straight line but it is no where near as tossable.

[Lucky1]

Originally Posted by PYE46M3

You simply can not compare a Z4M to an E92 M3. They are two VERY different cars. Z4M is like a cricket that will hop across 4 lanes on the highway effortlessly. It is literally a go kart. The E92 on the other hand is a big refined cruiser that can get you in a lot of trouble really quickly. It might be faster in a straight line but it is no where near as tossable.

This.

The appropriate thing to do is own both. E90 for the refinement and practicality and Z4M for when its time to go kart. Can even subtract the roof for open air inline 6 individual throttle body sonerousness.

At least thats what I did. But Z4M can't replace the E90 alone and vice versa.

[e46IX]

Yup. The solution is to have both.

[14_deltaM3]

Originally Posted by e46IX

Yup. The solution is to have both.

I’ve seen your m3 around town over the years. It’s the only blue m3 I’ve seen. Nice choices