[JohnDonahue]

I can't decide which would be more fullfilling so I ask your opinions.....there is a third car though.....1973 Volvo P1800ES Sport wagon

[minicabrio]

Hi there.... you're in the wrong forum really!!

Move the thread to General Discussion

Oh - and to answer your question.... New MINI!! The Z3 is poo!

Would it be a mini convertiable or tin top ?

Whats your budget

[Smurfn]

Gee, I reckon you should get the MINI

[Bob's your uncle]

If you want a roadster, the Porsche Boxster is superior to the Z3. The look of the Z3 may be more appealing to you however. I like all three marques (or two if you group the Bimmers with the Mini) but only certain models within the marques in question. I'd get the Mini over the Z3 without question.

[JohnDonahue]

The Z3 Coupe is about the same price as what I can get for a 2006 MINI S

[JohnDonahue]

Bob's Your Uncle, why would you get the MINI without a question. Whats in the car thats sells you on it so quick over the Z3.

[JohnDonahue]

Fun is an issue........

[dukesantos]

I've driven both on the track and they are quite different. The BMW is rear wheel drive, has a larger engine, a cockpit that feels cramped for space to me and an a less than pleasing style (for me) with the top up. When driving, looking over the long hood, the car felt larger and heavier than it actually is. The gearbox is good but not great, the engine power is adequate but not spectacular. If you want a BMW roadster, the Z4 is quite an improvement, the Porsche Boxster much better than either.

The MINI Cooper S hatch (I've not driven the convertible) is front wheel drive, has excellent handling, a surprisingly large interior for its size and a very nice six speed gearbox. The MINI is quick and tossable, the only way I can describe its character, the BMW doesn't come across this way- you have to purposely drive it to get it to respond. I hope that makes sense.

I'm not knocking the Z3, it's a nice car, but really different from the MINI, so its a matter of personal likes and dislikes. I would buy the MINI.

[scatpack]

New MINI.

Ive driven both, and the Z3 is VERY dissapointing. Get the MINI. Trust me.

[JohnDonahue]

I have to admit it the looks of the Coupe(not the convertible or Roadster) that I like so much. I thought with tight suspension like Koni's it might be a good handling car as well. Your all saying it does'nt match up to the handling and the MINI is total fun. Thats a key issue for me.

[matt21]

generally people on here are obviously bias towards the mini but in this case the BMW doesnt have a leg to stand on!

[pocketrocketowner]

Flame proof goggles on.....check
flame proof suit on.......check

The Z 3 is a girlie car if I ever saw one.......

[Mike Clarke]

Quote: Originally Posted by pocketrocketowner

Flame proof goggles on.....check
flame proof suit on.......check

The Z 3 is a girlie car if I ever saw one.......

I'd have to disagree with that; not all Z3s are driven by girls.

Some are driven by hairdressers

[wildsMCSC]

What ever u do for gods sake dont buy a z3 go for a MCS or Z4 u nfeel the need for speed MCS is the way to go man

[Bob's your uncle]

Quote: Originally Posted by JohnDonahue

Bob's Your Uncle, why would you get the MINI without a question. Whats in the car thats sells you on it so quick over the Z3.

I'm a Porsche afficionado. I'm looking for either a 993, 996 or Boxster S (used), after I get the Mini. In a comparison (about two years back) of the Z4 against the non S Boxster, the Boxster could run circles around the former even though it was half a second slower 0-60. I'm also not a fan of the Z3's or Z4's look, although this is subjective of course. I fully understand the attraction to the Z3 as I do like the old 507 which was vaguely similar. Nothing wrong with either Z appearance-wise, just personal taste. The Z4 IIRC is supposedly a better handler than the Z3, and yet the basic Boxster out handles either. This is somewhat curious since the M series of the BMW sedans are very nearly the equal of the Porsche 911 and it's successors, and yet they're sedans! Go figure! Since I've always liked the original Mini, and the new one is far technologically advanced over the old one (still a great one) it's the natural choice for me. Handling is very important to me so it depends on what you're after. The new Mini S has performance (with a few tweeks), style, and economy at a reasonable price. But...It's your money and buying what would thrill you is what is most important. Hope this helps.

[hyperactivejoe]

just go with common sense... MINI ALL THE WAY!!!!

[Bob's your uncle]

Quote: Originally Posted by Max

Agree the Z3 is a great looker. With a better engine, some decent suspension, different steering geometry etc it could be a great car

The MZ3 was different though - better in all departments

We thought the Z4 would put right BMW's errors with the Z3 but we were wrong

I agree, excepting the appearance part which is merely personal taste. Bizarre they make the Z4 to compete with the top dog in class Boxster, and can't pull it off. The M series sedans (don't know much about the M roadsters) are so exceptional.
Mini content--all the hi-tech equipment at such a reasonable price, with go-kart handling to boot is just too good to pass up.

[wildsMCSC]

Ok
Look folks I have a MCSC , it went into the shop recently and I had a loan car of a Z4??????????????????????? Now being honest the onlt other car I wpould buy over the MCS is an S2000 does that sum it up. The Z4 is a nice car if you want to drive around in a BMW roadster. However if u want a car that gets u noticed get a MCSC. If you want a car that goes fast get a MCS JCW . Thats it more people let you out in a Mini and your not compensating for a small MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. The Boxster is for people who can't afford a 911( mmmmmmmmmmmmmm sounding to much like Clarkson there ) but I would still buy a S2000

[JohnDonahue]

Are you saying its a "girlie" car and is that the same as a "gay" car about the Z3 Coupe.
Is'nt that the problem with the MINI too.....