sammyrusso

Always loved the the Z. Last few cars were e46 m3,rs4, c2s cab, now a e92 m3 w/ 600hp supercharged, brembo, kw v3, wheels, exhaust..Ect. I want something lighter. Debating on the z06, c2s, cayman s, lotus exige s. Although the lotus is a bitch as an everyday driver only cause its so small to get in and out of u have to crawl in. Typically I'm all about handling and being nimble not a huge power guy although amazingly fun, ideally I love the feedback of a lotus and Porsche. I love a car that tells u what's going on FEEDBACK!

So my question is how is the Z in this area? Anyone gone from an m3 to a Z?

And I know a test drive is the only real way to know...did a brief one a year ago..but was new and dealer wouldn't let me go past 3-4k rpm. I will do another soon.

Thanks for your words of wisdom

BSheppard

Both are reat cars. Depends if you need the extra seats in the BMW. If you don't, it would be an easy choice. The Vette is more fun, the BMW is a better daily driver with more room.

sammyrusso

Don't care about space...I'm only interested in feel and enjoyment.

beden1

I have an '09 ZO6 and recently bought an '08 BMW M3 convertible. My M3 weighs 1,000 lbs. more than my ZO6 and you can feel it. IMO, the ZO6 is a great fun car that you can toss around on the back twisties, and it has the power on demand to get through turns quickly.

The M3 is a completely different animal. I really like this car because it is solid and comfortable, and I wanted a convertible that had power. Mine has the M Drive that I'm starting to get used to. I think I probably should have gotten the stick but my wife and daughter want to drive it too, and they prefer automatics.

***** out fun factor: ZO6 95%, M3 80%

beden1

I'm not sure how anyone can fit in the back seats of the M3, I guess unless it was the 4 door?

whatcop?

I had an E46 and came to the Z and its apples and oranges. I loved my M3 and still miss it but at the same time I love the Z06. You can't compare the two because both are great cars and satisfy different needs.

C6Someday

Post some pics of your e92!

sammyrusso

car ran 8.8 60-130 on bald tires...should be in low 8s

sammyrusso

you would be surprised...decent room in the back of the coupe equal to the sedan i believe

LSs1Power

I have experience with Lotus 260 Cup, Z06 & Porsche's (2010 Cayman S & 997.2 Carrera S).

The Z06 is the fastest around a track and by a margin and that is all i can say about it.

In the feel department, the Z06 is on the bottom of the list against the cars i listed above. The main reason for this is the relatively soft suspension, vague steering & horrible run flats compared to the Lotus, Cayman and Carrera.

The Lotus is rated at the top of feel, but the transmission ruins the enjoyment part. It has the worst transmission out of all the cars i have even driven on the track. I broke three linkage cables & one transmission after 700 miles on the track. While my Z06 have seen more than 2000 miles on the track with no problems(knock on wood).

The best car that i have enjoyed around a track (Of course after the Radical) was the new 2010 Cayman S with the GT3 seats and sport package. It had a perfect transmission, steering, balance and overall fit and finish. It was more fun than its big brother the Carrera S.

So if i had to rate the 4 cars i listed above based on Feel it would be as follows, Lotus, Cayman S, Carrera S & Z06

Based on Enjoyment, Cayman S, Carrera S, Z06 & Lotus (****ty Transmission)

Based on pure speed and lap times, Z06, Lotus, tie between these two the Cayman S & Carrera S.

sammyrusso

^that was my fear. Thanks for the input.

Joe_Planet

I have to agree with lss1power, the shocks blow, the runflats blow, although the steering isnt that bad. You can fix the suspension and tire problem relatively cheap and enjoy the car more. Try taking out weight out of a heavy car and adding power, this is much more expensive.

elh0102

To the OP, I value the same features as you in the driving experience; had a couple of E46 M3s, a 997S, Cayman S, a couple of ZO6s (C5 and C6), and have driven several new M3s. Last summer I bought a used 996 GT3, and totally love it. I've only had one track weekend with it so far, but I have a lot of track experience with all the above. I can get around the track faster in a C6 ZO6 than any car I've owned, but the GT3 is the most fun (for me). You learn to trust the ZO6, although there is often very little informative communication.

sammyrusso

Gt3 is my #1 pic but want a 997 gt3. Congrats on yours! Just too much dough for me right now. Thanks for the input. Seems like I'm getting the general idea that the Z is fast as ***** and fun as hell but far from the lotus exile "feel" meaning not much feedback.

elh0102

I'm sure the 997 GT3 is superior in most regards, but the cost differential was just too much for me. Plus, I guess I'm enough of a traditionalist that the earlier motor, being a bit closer to the original GT1, has some appeal. As a daily driver, the 997 GT3 is the clear winner, sunroof, traction control, better seats, etc. But for pure driving, the 6 GT3 is a very satisfying car, it just requires some diligence to learn.

SBKfan

Great looking M3, Sammy! You're planning on keeping the M3 and adding a Z06?

1badtantrum

I went E9x M3 to Z06 just a couple months ago. It seems there is more of this than I expected... Going to the Z was the right choice for me. Here is a thread with some detail from me trying to explain the why...

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http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-z...2008-m3-2.html

sammyrusso

Thanks! And No, would be getting rid of the M. Can't afford both!

Geared

if handling, feel, and being "nimble" is your top priority...put yourself in a porsche. I drive an 08 z06 and love it, and frequently drive pops 997tt....while I like the torque of the z06, and while it may hang with a porsche (give up in turns, gain on straights)....it really doesnt compare to the porsches grip and feel for the road.

Geared

where are you located?