Much difference between 2.5 and 3.0 (PRE-FACELIFT)?

K

K3P0

Member
I just wanted to know in real ownership terms if there is much performance/driving differences between the two? Obviously I would prefer a 3.0 over a 2.5, but I can widen my search immensely by looking for both engine types. Its just a shame the 2.5 does not have the 6 speed box :(

Do any 2.5 owners yearn for the 3.0? Has anyone owned both? I welcome some comments guys :) :thumbsup:


Many thanks
 
Only ever had the 3.0si (only choice in Coupe other than the M) but when I see this question most of the time the answer is that most of the running costs are the same for the 2.5 and the 3.0 so it almost always makes sense to go for the 3.0 litre if you can. Obviously this might change depending on your age for things such as insurance but I can't think there would be massive differences even there.
 
I've had both the 2.5Si and the 3.0Si, the difference in running costs is negligible.

From a driving perspective I doubt there is much real difference in performance but the 3.0 did feel quicker when I drove them back to back. Having said that I was perfectly happy with the 2.5 and had no plans to change it. The only reason I swapped being the chance to get hold of a well spec'd, late e85 with very low mileage.
 
Having recently bought my first Z4, I went for the 2.5si based on the cost of insurance for younger drivers. I also found the 6 speed Steptronic gearbox to be massively cheaper to insure than a Manual box.

I'm thoroughly happy with the performance of the 2.5si and from reading other forum members post these two engines are very similar albeit the 3.0si is faster and a bit nosier, but the 2.5si is still a good choice if insurance costs are high for some drivers. :thumbsup:
 
Many thanks guys. Not too worried about insurance as I plan to get a classic car policy on restriced mileage. Also, I am an old git at nearly 45 !! :D
 
when I was first looking in to getting a Z4 I was almost decided on a 2.5 but after test driving a few I tried a 3.0 and found it noticeably quicker - however in the grand scheme of things it's unlikely you will use this extra speed unless you're in to track days . Psychologically if feels good if you have something a bit more desirable ( which the 3 litre is over the lesser engine ) If , like me , you like the colour red ( best colour in my view for a sportscar ) then you would be hard pressed to find a red 3 litre - rare as hen's teeth :(
 
I had a 3.0 porsche 944 S2 years ago, and since then sadly it's been family bread vans (MPVs :( ). What the BHP of the 2.5 please?
 
which 2.5 though? The pre-facelift was significantly slower than the post facelift (2006).

I drove a 2.5 and a 3.0 in 2004 back to back for a weekend, and the 2.5 was driving like a bag of cement compared to the 3.0. The facelift versions are very different though.
 
the normal 2.5 is 193 bhp the si is 218bhp the normal 3.0 is 220 and the 3.0 si is 260 ish I think .I have a normal 2.5 and am more than happy with it tbh I didn't buy it as a fast car I bought it for top down motoring on the rare days the suns out and im not at work. :thumbsup:
 
paul s said:
the normal 2.5 is 193 bhp the si is 218bhp the normal 3.0 is 220 and the 3.0 si is 260 ish I think .I have a normal 2.5 and am more than happy with it tbh I didn't buy it as a fast car I bought it for top down motoring on the rare days the suns out and im not at work. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

I like your style Paul. :D
 
Sorry, I forgot to clarify my car will be a pre-faclift, probably 2003/2004 model. I did not realise the SE and SI have differnt horsepower. I thought that was just the interior spec. :slaphead:
 
Go for the 3.0i. Love my one, so much so that I don't want to part with it any time soon.

People say that the extra gear doesn't make much difference, but it does to me. Took mine to Scotland in 6th gear and it was a nice gentle cruise, Especially with the cruise control on.
 
In pre-facelift the choice is very simple. The 3.0 is the only one to go for and the price difference is nothing.

The 3.0 is more economical with the 6th gear on long distance, is significantly faster, has many more additional equipment items compared to the 2.5 as standard. Has the sports suspension as standard for example as well.
 
Consider it this way. Your out driving about the place would you be happy with a 2.5 Or would you think I wished I had the 3.0 now. Best bet is to go for a drive in both, you may be pleasantly surprised by them or just think I want that engine. Both have a great 6 cylinder engine note and both are smooth to drive. We can give all our info to you but it's best to try for yourself and then judge whatbyou want.
 
I pondered both but went for the 3.0I and am so glad I did. IMO go for the biggest you can afford or you may regret it later, I know I would have especially once you get used to it :driving:
 
K3P0 said:
Sorry, I forgot to clarify my car will be a pre-faclift, probably 2003/2004 model. I did not realise the SE and SI have differnt horsepower. I thought that was just the interior spec. :slaphead:
Click to expand...

Careful, the SI signifies a facelift car & is available in SE and sport trim spec
The earlier (pre 06) cars are also available in SE and sport trim-although it's possible for an SE car to be specced to the same level as a sport from new (as is my 3.0si se)
Regards
 
^ thx Smartbear. So, for a pre facelift/2006 Z4, what are the model designations? is it just plain Z4/SE/Sport and that's it? :?
 
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