I tend to think the same way. Keeping in mind that we also had a 2003 M3 at one point. PLUS, if my dad were to get a GP, we could motor together when he comes out. That makes it worth it, right? The bonding experience?

I really wish gusmiami would chime in. He's not responding to the PM I sent awhile back. Oh well.

 

To me they'd be two COMPLETELY different animals. The M has nearly twice the horsepower of the GP and it's rear wheel drive. Your darierre is essentialy on the rear axle to boot. But really I CAN'T say anything about the "feel" comparison because I have NOT had the privilage of driving either cars. So basically what I say is completely analytical based on the stats on paper. Sorry.

 

The dollars that buy them are the same, just different amounts. But I guess that's why it's a hard question. You CAN buy anything, but what, out of all the different cars out there, do you spend your $ on? Look at SpiderX, he got a Vette! That sure is different, and I'm sure it's a blast as well.

Matt

 

I've driven the Z4M I would personally pick the GP over it. On the other hand, Those two don't really fall into the same category. When I was in the market to buy a car like the Z4M, I was comparing it to the Boxster/Cayman and personally, I would take ANY non-S Boxster or Cayman than a Z4m. The drive, to say the least, is WICKED FAST but so uninspiring for a BMW. Keep in mind that I have had a cayenne turbo s, all models of bmw's, 911 c2s vert, mk5 gti, sl65, 986 non-s, e46, range rover all models etc.. within our family so trust me when I say uninspiring. The cars shifter like any other ///M was rubbery and mustang like while the engine was strong but the grunt of it sounded nasty and high pitched. The visibility was terrible and the steering wheel was much too thick. The price is a bargain though but the Porsche a much better sports car. And yes, the Boxster and Cayman are real Porsches. They even get more awards and recognition than their 911 big brothers. (except the gt3/turbo).

 

VERY helpful!!

 

If I had this TC Kline all CF bodied Z4M....I would be in heaven... Screw the GP...lol . Oh...and I have driven both. The Mini is the most fun car Ive owned but its no BMW.

 

hahaha.. you contradict yourself.. the mini is developed by bmw

 

I figured I'd quote this message so people can see these nasty (good nasty) pictures again. Just awesome.

So it seems like the Z4M Coupe is a bit of a bore? That's a shame because I've driven a Cayman S and was absolutely enthralled by it. Never driven a GP, but I'd imagine it'd be a tight competition in terms of fun-factor between those two.

 

I don't have much seat time in the MZ4, but the little seat time I had was with the car sideways. The formula is that same as my MZ3, but more refined. Someone mentioned the seating position over the rear of the car. That seating position lets you feel the rotation in the seat of your pants, and gives it a very raw feeling when you start to get into some decent slip angles. If the MZ4 feels rubbery, save some money and get a MZ3 with the same S54 motor. I garuntee you those don't feel rubbery.

The feeling of the mini is that you have a front row seat over the front wheels for corners. Visually its exciting, but with the FWD it just doesn't have as much fun factor at the limit.

Then again, I am a big fan of rwd fun.

 

I had our X5 in the shop at the beginning of the week, and they gave me a Z4 3.0si coupe loaner car (beats the stripped MC I get from the MINI dealer hehe)...All I can say is that BMW did an AWESOME job with this car. Everything fits, from the engine to the transmission to the seating position. You feel like the car is purpose built for performance, and this is only the si...I imagine that the M coupe is on a whole new level.

I guess it helped that I had some pretty low expectations going into it, as I have NEVER been a fan of the Z4. I was really impressed though...It's been a while since a car has made my MCS feel like an SUV!!

 

"Also it was on sale for 45k, brand new which is a good discount"-

Dude, that car probably already sold, that was 10-28-2007 you posted. Do you know if they still got it? Cause if they do I would walk in that dealership and say "LOOK dude you had this car for several months now, I'll give you $39,000 cash Right! Now. Thats my offer. And stay silent not a breath until the dealer responds. If he say anything other that yes. Tell him When are You gonna be ready to sell, Cause I am READY to buy, heres my offer $39,000. Period. And wiat until he responds. Ask him what is holding you back?? Ask him What do I need to do to get this car outta the dealership?? Al else fails Offer $40,000. Preferably go on a weekday, after a few rainy days or just terrible climate. And just before they close like an hour and a half before close. Also, have someone else call in to find out when '08s come in and go then.

 

Ok, sorry for the delay. Having both cars, I can honestly say that if ONE had to go, it would be the BMW M-Coupe. The cars drive COMPLETELY different as some here have mentioned. The M coupe isn't as fast as the RS4, but it moves. And although the GP is the slowest of the 3 cars (FJ cruiser doesn't count here), the GP is funnest to drive and just has a lot more character. Don't get me wrong, my M-Coupe gets a lot of looks, especially after I added the wheels and suspension. But even then, after you drive them both, the GP is just a special car. Let me know if you have any more specific questions.

 

I haven't driven the z4M, but I put a lot of track days on a z3M, and I've put a lot of track days on a GP.

the z3M was a lot faster. the GP is easier to drive. I can feel like a much better driver in the GP, feel like a hero when I pass people, and I can put 4 racing tires in the back. On the other hand, my Z3M was supercharged at the end and people would really point me by when I caught up to them on the straights with 30mph closing speed. When I catch fast cars in the GP it's always in the corners, and all too often they drive away in the straights and I have to put through the corner behind them and they drive away in the straights and so on. This isn't supposed to happen, but that's part of the reality of driving a mini in HPDE.

Caymans are a lot faster on the track. If you don't get extras and you look they aren't that expensive (relatively speaking). It's when you start getting that leather shift cover and the cooler wheels that the price rockets to the sky.


My GP was a pig on the track until I got camber plates and a rear sway bar. Now it turns in like you wouldn't believe. I can't get out of the corner like a rwd car and I tear up tires, but it is a lot of fun.

When I bought my GP, it was beat on performance by a number of cars I could have had instead, but the reviewers ALL said the GP was the most fun to drive on the track. I don't know about everyone else, but I'm trying to have fun.

"It's fun to have fun, but you have to know how"
Dr. Seuss

-john

 

Having owned and driven many M cars over the years (including E36 M3s, Z3MCoupe, Z4MCoupe, Z3MRoadster, E60 M5) my current GP is by far the most fun car I have owned. The E60 M5 is by the fastest car I've owned with 500hp on tap with the screaming V10. Is the M5 as fun as the GP on a daily basis? NOPE. Is the M5 more fun to rocket down the fwy at triple digits in comfort and luxury? YEP!