951 Vs Z3

[Andre]

i was wondering if there are any comparisons, i know the cars have a 17 year difference between them but have any magazines done any comparisions or anything like that. I know its not likely but my friends dad wants to get a Z3 and i am trying to convince him to get a 951 (i just found a great deal on one but cannot purchase it because of lack of space, time to work on it, and money)i also need a car i can drive in the winter, so i think i'll keep the 944, the paint is already kinda faded so i wont be too upset driving it in the salt

thanks andre

[Rollins]

The Z3 is a girls car. If he wants a convertible and has that kind of money tell him to buy a Saleen s208. They cost like 35 grand. As far as comparing the two, there is really not much of a comparison. The Z3 isn't really designed to be a fast sports car. It is a roadster. Meant more for just cruising. It's got an inline 4 in it as well I believe.

[Blackfoot]

i asked my instructor at sears point about the z3. he said it's commonly known among racers that the rear end is a weakpoint. i'm not really sure what he meant.

if he's not into driving it fast, i think they are good cars. i'd opt for a base boxster instead, though.

of course the best choice is the 951.

[Andre]

z3s aren't terrible i mean they have 51:49 weight distribution, which is good and like the 951. They all have 6 cylinder engines. One is 2.5 litre and puts out 185hp and 175 torque the other a 3.0 litre one that puts out 225 and 200 or something......

the boxter is more expensive, its around the prive of a 3 litre Z3 about 38,000. i dont know about the rear end....of the cars and am not sure what you mean.

He is not planning on racing the thing but i'm sure he'd wanna hit it sometimes(mid life crisis or something)

[Rollins]

Ok, you said it yourself. 38,000 for a 200-225 hp car. If he wants a car with decent power and a convertible, then buy an S2 cab for 8,000-12,000 or a 968 cab.

[Joeblow944]

Hey Blackfoot where in California are you again? Sears point is hella close to me =)

[Andre]

if anything i'd just get the honda S2000, 240hp and is a roadster. 32000

but i am trying to get him to buy a 951 that i HAVE ALREADY found. Its beautiful car and is selling VERY cheap because it has some front end damage, pasanger light and front valance thing, the thing between the lights. the hood is a little bent aswell but the car is gorgous, new paint, engine is perfect, all major service has been done, belts, pullies, turbo, water pump, clutch is ok. Also new rack and pinion. 12cd changer, new speakers, 17" cup wheels, rebuilt head, leak down test was done.

AC and sunroof and power locks dont work.....cat and radiator and control arms will have to be done.

[Blackfoot]

hi joe, i'm in san jose/cupertino area. you in vallejo?

[Nabeel]

I think when racers talk about the Z3's 'weak rear end', what they mean is that the rear suspension on the Z3 is adapted from the E30 generation 3-series cars (1984-1991). The Z3 feels twitchy at the limit and is harder to drive fast than other cars in its class because of its antiquated rear suspension.

[Blackfoot]

hmmm, that's weird, the e36 suspension that debuted in '92 was more advanced. wonder why they chose not to use it on the roadster...

[Bob's944]

Is this comparing a new Z3 to a 951? or a used one?

1997 Z3s can be had for 10 grand and up with good ones around $15k, they were just under $30k new. Many of them have 1.8L fours so they are not the fastest, but still in alot of peoples minds... it's a Bond car. New ones come with many engine options including the 319 HP M-roaster .... that car.... IMO.... will have an unreal resale value, unlike the weaker engines .... especially the 4 bangers like the 97's that have already lost over half their value. So what exactly are we comparing? A $30k+ new Z3 w/ a 2.8 or 3.0? or a 130hp (or so?) 4 cyl Z3 that's $12k w/ 95k miles, same price of a 951??

[Joeblow944]

Nah not Vallejo.. Burlingame, a little bit north of San Mateo. Not exactly that close to Sears Point but not too far either. And I'm still looking for a 944, lol.

[Rollins]

Where have you found a 1997 Z3 for 10 grand? The lowest I have seen anywhere is like 14.

[Z-man]

Originally posted by Blackfoot
hmmm, that's weird, the e36 suspension that debuted in '92 was more advanced. wonder why they chose not to use it on the roadster...

Blackfoot: I believe the reason they went with the E30 suspension is because it is more compact than the E36. If I remember correctly, that's what they did on the 318ti as well.
But I'm no BMW expert....

Regarding the Z3 vs. 951 deal: it is apples and oranges, my friend. Personally, I don't like the Z3: the styling is too busy. Too many of them on the road. While the 951 is a great car, your friend may be looking for something a little more modern, from what I sense. Boxster is a great car, but it is more $$. 968 is lovely: maybe try to convince him to get a 968 cab: open air driving, with more performance and handling....

Just my $0.42.
-Zoltan.
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