CONFUSED! z3 Questions
 

Ok..

I have been looking into buying a z3. After reading up on them im now completely confused as to what the differences between them are. is the 2.3 the 2.5 (since the 2.3 is apparently a 2.5 engine..)? How does the 3.0 compare to the M roadster? which car is supposed to perform the best ( I would assume the M, but in several track tests people picked the 2.3 over the M?)? This car will be used purely as a performance sports car to drive for fun in the mountains. Which z3 model offers the best performance?

Thanks

The M roadster is the most powerful, and IMHO the most fun to drive.

The other cars do not even come close to matching the power. If you are looking for fun, get the M. Trust me, once you drive the 3.0 and the M, you will be sold. The M Roadster is on the top of my list of cars to buy when I hit the lottery.

I completly agree with Jared on this. If fun is what you want and the pockets are deep go with the M, remeber that although some people will say save and buy the 3.0 because they're thie same. THEY ARE NOT. DAY AND NIGHT. not only in the engine area but also in suspension! completly diff set up and complete design differs in the suspension.

put it this way, the M feels like a high-performance sports car, the other models do not. They feel exactly like what they are, a roadster. The M also has probably one of the nicest interiors I have ever seen. Beautiful chrome instruments, wonderful seats, and an awesome 6-speed.

although the cup holder sucks....but who cares two hands on the wheel

The M roadster, in my opinion is a true modern open sports car. There are no frilly options, It doesnt even have a spare tire. If you are looking for pure fun, get the M, if you are lookign for a daily driver, any of the other models will do.

If you bought a 2001 3.0i and installed aftermarket suspension would it be the same as a 1999 M Roadster with 15 hp less? Does the M have sure grip and a quicker rear axle ratio, a lower ride height and different trans gearing?

Not the same...
 

You can put coilovers on any of them, but you will still not have the LSD, the gearing, tranny, brakes, calipers, exhaust, seats, instrumentation, gill, etc., etc. Drive them both and choose the one that appeals to you the most.