Well, there was the Z3 M which had a 321bhp six cylinder growler....not sure the chassis could take more bhp than that and remain balanced.
Practical Classic review
- Thread starter Brian4
- Start date
I would think that the chassis would have evolved inline with other design developments over the last 15 years.
I
It is the May issue. I have had it on subscription so may not be in the shops yet.
When even the M cars dont have big V8's, the Z3 in 2017 would only come with a 4 pot turbo
Z3 with bigger engine, surely we would be looking at the Z8. Anyway as somebody has already said, in real life motoring as opposed to track or fantasy or just plain crazy, you can enjoy some fun motoring with 'small' engines. The MX5 s are great fun, but rust like mad. The 140 bhp 1.9 Z3 is a very enjoyable car to drive.
Part of the attraction of the Z3 is that it hasn't evolved and still retains it's slightly retro feel. With BMW as with most manufacturers progress means bigger which is what spoils many cars. The E85 Z4 is bigger and the E89 is bigger still.
I love the look of the E89 but it's size and folding tin top put me off.
Yes. The present 3ser is bigger than my e39 (fantastic car)
I have read the magazine and it's a good article.
Makes me realise there are alternatives to the Z3.
I've always liked the Alfa GTV and Spider. But l owned three Alfa 145's from new and reliability was terrible. Great cars when they run OK though.
The Boxster is l think a true Z3 alternative, it comes down to which one you prefer the look of. Watch those Porsche spares prices......I owned a 928 S4 that nearly bankrupted me.
The SLK to me is just not attractive, and the older ones are automatic only. Great folding hard top, better than a canvas roof.
I had an MK2 MX5 1.8iS back in 2003. My friend currently owns a MK2. It's competent but forgettable, and not that fast. Kind of a smaller Z3, cheaper to own as well.
lf only they'd put a turbo on the engine.
The Audi TT is nice, l have always liked the shape and l bet the V6 is lovely.
Not "classic" enough for me though.
Fiat Barchetta? Couldn't live with LHD. MR2 MK3? Not a car you'd look back at after getting out (only my opinion of course)
Ford StreetKa? Well, l guess. Funky shape but not well made, most are falling apart.
Makes me realise there are alternatives to the Z3.
I've always liked the Alfa GTV and Spider. But l owned three Alfa 145's from new and reliability was terrible. Great cars when they run OK though.
The Boxster is l think a true Z3 alternative, it comes down to which one you prefer the look of. Watch those Porsche spares prices......I owned a 928 S4 that nearly bankrupted me.
The SLK to me is just not attractive, and the older ones are automatic only. Great folding hard top, better than a canvas roof.
I had an MK2 MX5 1.8iS back in 2003. My friend currently owns a MK2. It's competent but forgettable, and not that fast. Kind of a smaller Z3, cheaper to own as well.
lf only they'd put a turbo on the engine.
The Audi TT is nice, l have always liked the shape and l bet the V6 is lovely.
Not "classic" enough for me though.
Fiat Barchetta? Couldn't live with LHD. MR2 MK3? Not a car you'd look back at after getting out (only my opinion of course)
Ford StreetKa? Well, l guess. Funky shape but not well made, most are falling apart.