S2K vs. Z3 M
02-03-2009, 01:09 PM
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S2K vs. Z3 M
I'm trying to decide between the two and I'm really stuck. Both have their distinct advantages, but I'm not sure which I value more. Obviously, asking this question on this forum probably won't get me the most unbiased responses, but I'ma ask the same thing on a Bimmer forum or two and compare responses. Just to give a little info, I plan to spend 12-14k on either a 1999-2000ish Z3M with 50-70k miles or a 02-03 S2K with similar mileage.
Anyways, my analysis thus far has just made me more unsure of which to choose:
Z3 M:
240HP/236Torque
6.5k redline
3086lb curbweight
Semi-trailing arm suspension :/
S2K
240HP/153Torque :/
9k redline
2809lb curbweight
Double wishbone suspension
Both look beautiful to me, so looks aren't really an issue. The Z3 M has the torque I like, and it'd be much more accessible on a daily basis. Plus, I can do a S50B32 swap should I ever feel like it in the future. However, the S2K's suspension is superior AND it's lighter. Both engines sound beautiful, but a 9k redline is oh-so-tempting. This car would be a daily driver with the potential for a few autocrosses or track days in the future. The 0-60 and quarter mile times are nearly identical with the Z3 M having a tiny advantage if any. I really don't know what to do.
Anyways, my analysis thus far has just made me more unsure of which to choose:
Z3 M:
240HP/236Torque
6.5k redline
3086lb curbweight
Semi-trailing arm suspension :/
S2K
240HP/153Torque :/
9k redline
2809lb curbweight
Double wishbone suspension
Both look beautiful to me, so looks aren't really an issue. The Z3 M has the torque I like, and it'd be much more accessible on a daily basis. Plus, I can do a S50B32 swap should I ever feel like it in the future. However, the S2K's suspension is superior AND it's lighter. Both engines sound beautiful, but a 9k redline is oh-so-tempting. This car would be a daily driver with the potential for a few autocrosses or track days in the future. The 0-60 and quarter mile times are nearly identical with the Z3 M having a tiny advantage if any. I really don't know what to do.
02-03-2009, 01:42 PM
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Originally Posted by bjohnston,Feb 3 2009, 02:40 PM
Go Heels!
Lotsa help, aren't I?
Lotsa help, aren't I?
@WR2K: I'm coming from an E36 328i. I know it doesn't have E36 suspension, but is it really that much worse?
02-03-2009, 01:46 PM
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Originally Posted by tarheel91,Feb 3 2009, 10:42 PM
It was good for a bump. Heels ftw! If they don't win the championship this year, something is wrong with the world.
Good luck on the decision. I'd offer my thoughts, but I've never driven an M Roadster. Structure and rear suspension is supposed to be lousy. That's all I know.
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02-03-2009, 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by tarheel91,Feb 3 2009, 02:42 PM
It was good for a bump. Heels ftw! If they don't win the championship this year, something is wrong with the world.
@WR2K: I'm coming from an E36 328i. I know it doesn't have E36 suspension, but is it really that much worse?
@WR2K: I'm coming from an E36 328i. I know it doesn't have E36 suspension, but is it really that much worse?
02-03-2009, 02:23 PM
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I've owned a 2001 BMW M Coupe and a 2003 Honda S2000.
S2000 pros:
-shifter
-steering ''quickness''
-driving position
-handling
-no body roll
-build quality
-reliability
MZ3 pros:
-engine (only if it's the S54, which is not your case)
-steering feel
-braking hard doesn't set off ABS like it does in the S2000, feels more solid
-more compliant-softer ride
I really, really, really hated the shifter in my Z3M. It's such a turn off to shift every time as opposed to the joy it is to use the S2000 one.
If it were a 2001-2002 MZ3 it would be a tougher call, but the boat-like handling and feel of the 1999-2000 MZ3 are too annoying given that the engine is not the S54.
Go with the S2000 10000000000000000000000%.
You can buy an MZ4 for 25 000$ these days. If you had the money for that car, I'd say go for it because it really is a huge step up on the Z3M. But you don't so spend 14 000$ on a mint 2002 S2000 and wait 2 years for the prices for the MZ4 to fall below 20K.
S2000 pros:
-shifter
-steering ''quickness''
-driving position
-handling
-no body roll
-build quality
-reliability
MZ3 pros:
-engine (only if it's the S54, which is not your case)
-steering feel
-braking hard doesn't set off ABS like it does in the S2000, feels more solid
-more compliant-softer ride
I really, really, really hated the shifter in my Z3M. It's such a turn off to shift every time as opposed to the joy it is to use the S2000 one.
If it were a 2001-2002 MZ3 it would be a tougher call, but the boat-like handling and feel of the 1999-2000 MZ3 are too annoying given that the engine is not the S54.
Go with the S2000 10000000000000000000000%.
You can buy an MZ4 for 25 000$ these days. If you had the money for that car, I'd say go for it because it really is a huge step up on the Z3M. But you don't so spend 14 000$ on a mint 2002 S2000 and wait 2 years for the prices for the MZ4 to fall below 20K.
