S2000 or Z4M roadster
 

May not be a fair comparison, but both tick all the right boxes for me, and the contract hire quotes are less than £100 a month apart.

I had a new S2000 on loan for a week a couple of months ago, and loved it, although the v-tec thing took a lot of getting used to- and I suspect a week isn't anywhere long enough to get used to it properly.

I also drive the Impreza quite a bit, which is a 2.5STi and has loads of torque, and various 4x4 turbo diesels. I suspect that the totally different characteristics of the engines may kill the S2000 plan unfortunately :(

Whish brings me on to the Z4M roadster. Everything I want from a roadster plus loads of low down grunt.

Does anyone have any thoughts on it, and any experience would be gratefully received.

Thanks :)

If you can afford the extra cash it is a bit of a no brainer IMO. It is close though, if we were comparing a 3.0 and S2k i would go for the Honda.

The Engine in the Z4 M is quite a rev happy beast. its the same unit as in the E46 M3 which pushes 276lbs torque (or there abouts)

but compared to an S2000 its like having a Turbo Diesel.

If you can afford it - get the Z4.

Superior in every way to an S2000;)

Yep, I think so too, although I do prefer the image of the S2k. Not sure if the Z4's chassis will be as good as the S2000s though, which I found exceptionally entertaining.

why get the Z4M if you can get a cayman

roadster ;)

my bad :o

Because the Z4 is faster!!!!

(in a straight line at least):)

I was about to wade into this thread with a pile of abuse for every poster thus far but i stopped an noticed this Z4M :norty:

I have an S2000 and this is a no brainer!! Get the BMW!!!! If you get the S2000 I doubt you'll be dissapointed - it's by a mile the best all round car I've ever had and I love its rev happy nature. But, without having driven one I'd imagine that the Z4M would be extra special :)

You will not like the S2000 if you are used to buckets of torque.

Cayman or Z4M in that order :)

MB

how about the the 3.0i option
 

closer in price again to the s2000 and from reports of those who have driven both, they rate the 3.0i as an absolute belter.

You need to ask?

Having owned both cars, they're not really comparable but if you must then the new shape 3.0l would be fairer - without the RFTs which really do Beemers no favour, although the S2000 does handle well it is let down in my opinion by an engine that you have to thrash to get the most out of it.

Irrespective of whether we're comparing the Cayman/Boxster or the Coupe/Roadster it's simply a case of head ruling heart with this comparison. The Porsche handles far better than the Z4, brakes are about equal and the cabin and looks are down to subjective thinking. However, the Z4 has the most fantastic engine and the CSL brakes are real stoppers and yes I know they are supposed to let the side down on track days but this car will never see a track. I went for the Z4m because it had more personality. Turn the DSC off, the Sport button on and have some fun. Heart rules...

The Porsche had the most androgenous sounding engine and although it handled well, I didn't find it inspiring although I understand why people would buy it.

The best analogy is that it is how TVRs should be.

The Porsche Cayman isn't on the list; the 'fun' car has to be convertible, which would mean a boxster, and then I'd feel I'd got second best.

The reason I'm discussing S2000 and Z4M is the monthly contract hire quotes; £504 inc VAT for the S2000, ££540 inc VAT for the Z4M- and at that price I suspect it is, as mentioned above, a no brainer. Haven't ordered it yet but really ought to do so at that price (if its still there!)