Z4 vs. SC430
- Thread starter salesweasel
- Start date
I drove an SC430 prior to buying my current 330Cic. Here are my thoughts from the drive.
1. The lexus is about ammenities
2. The BMW is about driving pleasure
Anything else just continues to enforce those two points.
So, if you're 50+ years old and just want a comfortable car for tooling around the country club, the Lexus is for you. If not, then the BMW.
I really wouldn't compare the Z4 and SC430 though - I would compare it more to the 330Cic. I'd compare the BMW to the Benz roadster or another two-seater cabrio in that price range.
I might get smacked around a little, but I can't stand the nose on the Z4.. It looks bulky..
1. The lexus is about ammenities
2. The BMW is about driving pleasure
Anything else just continues to enforce those two points.
So, if you're 50+ years old and just want a comfortable car for tooling around the country club, the Lexus is for you. If not, then the BMW.
I really wouldn't compare the Z4 and SC430 though - I would compare it more to the 330Cic. I'd compare the BMW to the Benz roadster or another two-seater cabrio in that price range.
I might get smacked around a little, but I can't stand the nose on the Z4.. It looks bulky..
My career is in the car business. I have driven the SC430, Z4 and 330CiC. Yes, the SC 430 and the 330 are closer comparisons (though I would say the Mercedes CLK is a closer comparison), but they are targeted at different markets and are designed for different purposes. The Z4 is a roadster/sports car, where the SC is a luxury convertible. If your friend is looking for a fun, noisy, throw the car into corners type car, then the obvious choice is a Z4. If your friend is looking for a quiet, plush, impress your neighbors car, then the SC is the obvious choice.
Keep in mind that the Z4 is made in South Carolina (yes, this does make a difference), the dealers throw away Z4's at the end of the model year (there are lots of leftovers - they are not very strong sellers), and the resale value is very weak - the car does not lease well due to the low residual. There is also quite a bit of dealer cash, which also weakens resale value.
If your friend is looking for a sporty roadster, a Porsche Boxster should be one to look at. I chose the Boxster over the Z4, Miata Speed and the 911. The only thing I sometimes question is: Should I have spent a little more and got the 911? Then reality hits and I realize an extra $600/month doesn't buy me that much more pleasure.
Keep in mind that the Z4 is made in South Carolina (yes, this does make a difference), the dealers throw away Z4's at the end of the model year (there are lots of leftovers - they are not very strong sellers), and the resale value is very weak - the car does not lease well due to the low residual. There is also quite a bit of dealer cash, which also weakens resale value.
If your friend is looking for a sporty roadster, a Porsche Boxster should be one to look at. I chose the Boxster over the Z4, Miata Speed and the 911. The only thing I sometimes question is: Should I have spent a little more and got the 911? Then reality hits and I realize an extra $600/month doesn't buy me that much more pleasure.
By the way, our Black 1994 Lexus has over 210,000 trouble free miles on it. Cindy likes the car a lot and we've kept it as a back up car. The car is deceptively quiet, smooth and handles well for a 3,400 lb car with 15 inch wheels. No, it will not win any races and it isn't the ultimate driving machine, but it is nearly perfect in executing what it was designed for.