Coupe or Roadster?

[ga41]

I'm interested in buying a used Z4 M and i was wondering what you think is best. A coupe or a roadster?

I really ike the idea of the roadster as in Cyprus we have an ideal climate for an open top and just the thought of that engine note and the wind in my hair etc is just very appealing. On the other hand i have read that due to the coupe's extra rigidity they put different spring and damper settings and is the better handling car.

So i'd like your opinions. Idealy i would like the best drive of the two with the sights, sounds and occasionaly smells of the convertible. Mind you i'm still a long way away from buying but i'd like to learn as much as i can before i do. Also i would like to add that i think a test drive at the moment would be very difficult as i am young and not insured in any way in the UK.

Your thoughts?

Thank you!

 

[inTgr8r]

The only difference is that the coupe is slightly more rigidity due to the roof.
But don't think that the roady is NOT a rigid chassis.... it is still very good.

Otherwise the cars (components) are the same.
There is no difference in suspension.

 

[ga41]

You sure about that inTgr8r? I read in CAR magazine's website that the coupe has different settings and "...feels much sharper to drive."

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/Search-Results/First-drives/BMW-Z4-M-Coupe/?&R=EPI-4205 on page 3.

I know the roadster is plenty rigid and has no issues but what i read had me puzzled. Anyway I wanted to ask you guys here because you would obvisously have hands on experience with these cars.

If it is as you say then i'll just the cheapest (decent) one i can find.

 

[2 Zero]

The only way I would buy a coupe was if it came with a convertible top.

 

[WLH]

The only way I would buy a coupe was if it came with a convertible top.

Exactly...

 

[ga41]

Doesnt that kinda defeat the purpose of the coupe? :lol:

 

[enfield]

I used to have a Z4M Roaster but I now have a Z4M Coupe. BMW took my Roaster back due to roof problems. I got a Coupe mainly due to allergies. I have seasonal allergies from the end of March all the way into early July. As long as you do not have such issues I would suggest getting a Roaster

 

[ga41]

No allergies whatsoever so that wouldnt be a problem. As i said i was only wondering about the dynamic differences. Aesthetically i somewhat prefer the coupe but all things being equal i just couldnt deny myself a drop top especialy with 300 days per year sunshine!

Anyone else care to voice their opinion?

 

[epbrown]

The coupe isn't "slightly more rigid" than the roadster, it is TWICE as rigid (32,000Nm/degree) - most cars that rigid are over a hundred grand (the Pagani Zonda is 26,000Nm, for instance). But, as has been said, the roadster isn't exactly limp - the Z4 roadster chassis is more rigid than an E46 (the previous generation 3-series) coupe. Other than that, I think the suspensions are tuned the same, though the coupe has a different steering ratio compared to the roadster (15.4 v 14.5, iirc) which accounts for reports of "sharper handling." The only real reasons to pick a Z4M coupe over a roadster are aesthetics (you like the looks better, which is subjective) or you plan to take it to the track (where it is safer and the better chassis dynamics finally come into play).

On your situation, I'd get a roadster.

 

[senwar]

If you're in a country with regular weather for roof down driving, then in my opinion, there's no question which to go for. Roadster for sure.

Having had both, I prefer the looks of my coupe, and the drive is fantastic.

 

[chariszzzz]

Geia sou ga41

I am also from Cyprus and as u mentioned above we have the best conditions for top down driving. i have the roadster and i love it!

Keep in mind that the coupe is available only with the 3.0 ltr engine. it could get expensive to purchase in Cyprus. The 2.0 and 2.2 engine editions are very good and it could fit your budget!

Let us know ur decision.

 

[Jas667]

300 days of sunshine a year?? Wow, now I am jealous, I think we get about 3!
I would strongly suggest you go for the convertible with such great weather. Trust me it is plenty stiff and superb around a track:

http://www.shoutfile.com/v/1xftDapp/Top_Gear_BMW_Z4_M_Roadster_vs._Dodge_Viper

(watch this vid)

I think unless you are a professional race driver it would be very difficult to get the gains from the coupe although as epb brown says it will be safer on a track etc.

And chariszzzz, I dont know if Cyprus is different but the coupe comes as an M with the 3.2 ltr engine.

Hope this helps!

 

[ga41]

Thanks to all for the responses.

Gia sou k esena Chari!

I know the regular coupe is only available as a 3lt in Cy but to be frank im looking to get an M! Used Z4 M prices in the UK are a bit of bargain and the only thing that will cost is our stupid "Consumption tax" (foros katanalosis) which by the time i get to Cyprus will be around 1/3 to half the price of the car to begin with.

OK i think i'll go for a raodster then as i wont track the car (no tracks in Cyprus ) and at the moment is slightly cheaper. But prices could and probably will change by the time i buy this as it will be almost summer! Basicaly i dont think i'll be dissapointed whichever i chose.

Jas667 I allready saw the vid a long time ago and is one of the reasons i started liking the Z4 more and more! The whole dvd is pretty cool and i recommend it to anyone.

 

[enfield]

No allergies whatsoever so that wouldnt be a problem. As i said i was only wondering about the dynamic differences. Aesthetically i somewhat prefer the coupe but all things being equal i just couldnt deny myself a drop top especialy with 300 days per year sunshine!

Anyone else care to voice their opinion?

I have driven both M's. I had the Roaster for 5 months & 12,000km and I have had the Coupe for a year & 14,000 km. There are no major dynamic differences except for the increased rigidity (x2) of the Coupe as epbrown has mentioned. The Coupe is also slightly heavier.

Since you do not have allergies, live in Cyprus, and do not plan on tracking - get the Roaster.

By the way - are you allowed to take a Roaster on the 'ring??

 

[GP20]

You'd think the Z4M-roadster and the Z4M-coupe are similar cars. They're not. I have the M-roadster and after test-driving the M-coupe 2~3 times, there's no doubt the M-coupe is a more superior sports car. epbrown is absolutely correct. The M-coupe isn't just more rigid than the M-roadster - it's twice as rigid, and you definitely can feel it when you drive both cars back to back. The 2 cars feel very different when you drive them hard.

 

[Rick Hunter]

Yup... GP20 still has buyers remorse

Based on what you've written so far, ga41, I think the Roaster's right for you. You can't beat the feeling of having of an open top drive at the touch of a button. You're not looking for a track superstar. You can always buy a hard top for the winter months, and a strut tower brace for further rigidity. Win-win-win situation.

The great thing about the Roadster vs. Coupé debate is that there's (+) and (-) on both sides. There's technically no superior version, just what suits who best. For those of you who are thinking I was going to write "Coupé FTW" somewhere in this post, well here it is:

Coupé FTW!!! 8)

But that's only because it suits me best.

Cheers

 

[Color]

Get the coupe and one of these for when you want to drop the top:

Or spare yourself time and just get the roadster

 

[ga41]

You guys are sure making the decision hard. Thankfuly i dont have to have to make one yet so it's all good.

Based on your experiences though it seems a roadster might be better. If i were to track it maybe the coupe would be better but since i am not (although i do plan on getting to know the car fairly well if you know what i mean) i guess the roadster will have to do... :roll:

Also something else that just crossed my mind. Nice cars in Cyprus are susceptible to vandalism and i would think the coupe would be even more so because it is, dare i say a more impressive looking car and far far more rare than the roadster. It is a risk that you have to take with cars like these but i think the roadster would probably pass "under the radar" a bit better.. Until i open the taps and scare some children. :evil:

 

[Rama]

The Z4 and M were meant to be roadsters IMO.



Now I don't do any track days and although I drive the M hard, to say I use it's full limits on public roads? Well not really.

The roadster is rigid enough and a great handling car. For me the gains in having the coupe are minimal when compared to the joy of driving with the top down. I would not enjoy this car half as much if I could not drop the top - one drive with the top down in the moonlight and you'll see what I mean.

And this is from someone who stores the car over winter. With 300 sunny days in a year? no question the roadster would be my choice.

Good luck no matter what you decide - both are great cars.

Cheers

 

[ga41]

You all make excellent points and i thank you for your responses.

i have more questions but all in good time i guess.