Z4 Performance continues to fall behind - New VW Roadster

[Chesty Bonds]

I can't believe that BMW actually think the Z4 is a fine-handling car. According to most of the auto magazines, the ride is incredibly harsh and the suspension control sub-standard while the steering offers little in the way of driver feedback. If it wasn't for the M54 engine up the front then this would truly be described as a "hairdressers car".

Obviously BMW never really intended to make this car at the forefront of driving dynamics (the Boxter is older but still has the superior handling qualities), rather as a money-making car designed to sell on the lure of its badge.

 

[Kirby]

My interpretation on the Z4 car reviews is a little different. My viewpoint is from a autocross/track perspective, which is what I want to do with the car.

http://motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0408_sportconv/index13.html

Fine handling? Yes, it does have fine handling - look at Motor Trend's skidpad, slalom and figure 8 results. Those are the measures of fine handling, not some reviewer's subjective comment "I couldn't feel the road." or "Perplexed by nervous steering." The Z4 was 2nd, and just barely 2nd, to the Boxster S. Coming in 2nd to only Porsche isn't anything to be ashamed of.

Yes, the ride is harsh, or stiff, and that's what contributes to the handling qualities. Smooth ride and handling are opposites. If someone is looking for a comfortable street cruiser, the Z4 probably is not the car. If you are looking for a top notch handling car, it's at the top of the list in the price range.

Also, BMW did put run flat tires on it as standard, which I do think is STUPID. That does make a stiffer ride. Several reviewers put performance tires on it and the ride got better. But rumor has it all BMWs will be shipping with run-flats in the future. It should be an option.

Motor Trend:
By now, you either love or hate the Z4's creased and crashed styling. I'm in the love-it boat, and this is due in part to the bond I've made with the car's character. The Z4's long nose alludes to the wondrous straight-six under the bonnet. This smooth, linear engine shines in all applications, but is most at home spinning a six-speed manual and mounted in this light and nimble roadster. The solid chassis and precise steering also contribute to the BMW's pure-bred feel. All this and the top-notch interior craftsmanship has convinced me the BMW deserves the gold medal at this track meet.
--Brian Vance

 

[poboyis]

^^^^^^Well said^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[bmw046series]

Incredible to hear Motor Trend say that, I believe they were the ones that had a picture of the new Caddy CTS-V on the cover and it said, BMW Slayer, (a sick statement in my opinion).

 

[Chesty Bonds]

My interpretation on the Z4 car reviews is a little different. My viewpoint is from a autocross/track perspective, which is what I want to do with the car.

Fine handling? Yes, it does have fine handling - look at Motor Trend's skidpad, slalom and figure 8 results. Those are the measures of fine handling, not some reviewer's subjective comment "I couldn't feel the road." or "Perplexed by nervous steering." The Z4 was 2nd, and just barely 2nd, to the Boxster S. Coming in 2nd to only Porsche isn't anything to be ashamed of.

Yeah Kirby i can see what it is you're saying but my opinion is that truly great handling cars are those that are at one with the driver. If somebody says "I couldn't feel the road" how on earth are they going to derive the full benefits from the car and get to the limits of its chassis? Personally, if i can't feel the attitude of the car through the steering-wheel and through the seat-of-my-pants then what chance do I have of exploiting the chassis' capability? I don't care how many lateral G's a car can supposedly pull on a skidpan unless it backs this up with communicative steering and a progressive, inspiring chassis.

In terms of the ride, well if a car has stiffly-sprung suspension then of course the ride will be firm but it doesn't necessarily have to be crashy. Stiff suspension systems can still have poise and suppleness. Who wants to pretend they have a great car when the ride is incredibly stiff and yet cannot deliver that total control at 10/10ths driving?

I find it incredibly annoying that BMW seem to be going down the "Mercedes-road" by developing cars that have handling where near enough is apparently good enough. Z4 and X3 are my case-in-point. These cars shamelessly rely on badge appeal to shift the numbers and I, for one, am not happy about it. The new cars being so plasticy and fake seems like an anathema to what cars should really be about.