Why do I fear the Zed?

[t20lau]

You just need time to get used to driving a RWD car. When i had my first (a Z3 2,8) i took it steady for a few months learning the car, then slowly cranked it up, and eventually found the limit. I found it quite easy to control the rear end, and had fun giving it a bit every now and then. But i always showed it respect, and didnt go overboard.

Maybe so, but I just think that the car's not only backend happy, but its not awfully quick! and so not really fun...

I'm confused with your thoughts to be honest; I know that it may not feel as fast as some turbo charged cars - its the nature of a naturally aspirated engine. Sounds like you need to sell up!

No need to sell up, I still have a VXR...

As for not feeling as quick, that just not the case, it ACTUALLY isnt as quick!

My issue really is that I dont seem to feel confident planting the z round corners, like I said this might be cause I have the backend so far out on a roundabout i was going sideways...

 

[csmith319]

Weird - all figures from manufacturers / road tests would indicate something else!

 

[Breaker]

I actually ended up selling that R1 because it was so fast and such a focused sports bike it needed 110% attention at all times to control it!! That became a bit tiring. It was starting to become too intense to get any enjoyment out of it because basically it was too fast for the road and the missus wouldn't go on the back of it (can't blame her there mind!)! The bike I have now isn't as quick as the R1 but is much more fun to ride because of it (although the 0-60 time isn't much different). Power isn't always everything!

I know someone who tested a Z4M and found it just too twitchy to enjoy. He felt the engine was too much for the car. He ended up with a new shape Audi TT and he swears that is so much better on the road than the Z4M. Not as powerful, but more of a total package. (He tested a Z4 3.0si and didn't like either mind!).

By the way, hot hatches can feel quicker. I was convinced my JCW MINI would easily see off a Z4 when I first got mine. It wouldn't as I have a test up to a bridge out of a roundabout on a dual track and the Z4 was quicker by the bridge than the MINI was but it just didn't feel as quick.

 

[t20lau]

Weird - all figures from manufacturers / road tests would indicate something else!

Think we all now these guys usually tell us what we want to hear!!!

 

[t20lau]

I actually ended up selling that R1 because it was so fast and such a focused sports bike it needed 110% attention at all times to control it!! That became a bit tiring. It was starting to become too intense to get any enjoyment out of it because basically it was too fast for the road and the missus wouldn't go on the back of it (can't blame her there mind!)! The bike I have now isn't as quick as the R1 but is much more fun to ride because of it (although the 0-60 time isn't much different). Power isn't always everything!

I know someone who tested a Z4M and found it just too twitchy to enjoy. He felt the engine was too much for the car. He ended up with a new shape Audi TT and he swears that is so much better on the road than the Z4M. Not as powerful, but more of a total package. (He tested a Z4 3.0si and didn't like either mind!).

By the way, hot hatches can feel quicker. I was convinced my JCW MINI would easily see off a Z4 when I first got mine. It wouldn't as I have a test up to a bridge out of a roundabout on a dual track and the Z4 was quicker by the bridge than the MINI was but it just didn't feel as quick.

Yeah I think the R6 had this issue when compared to the CBR! But I liked it, think I just like how aggresive it was compared!

Yeah cars do at time feel quicker, but my VXR vs my 3.0si, the VXR wins on the road so its not about feeling quicker, it actually is...

 

[Breaker]

Weird - all figures from manufacturers / road tests would indicate something else!

VXR Astra:

0-62 = 6.2 secs
Power: 240 ps @ 5,600 rpm
Torque (Nm): 320 @ 2,400 rpm
Top Speed: 152 mph

3.0si Z4:

0-62: 5.7 sec
BHP: 265 @ 6600 RPM
Torque (Nm): 315/2750 RPM
Top Speed: 155 mph (limited)

VXR has slightly more torque.

 

[t20lau]

Weird - all figures from manufacturers / road tests would indicate something else!

VXR Astra:

0-62 = 6.2 secs
Power: 240 ps @ 5,600 rpm
Torque: 236ib.ft @ 2,400 rpm
Top Speed: 152 mph

Add about 60bhp and 65ft-lb and thats my vxr

as for top speed i dont know as mine went off the clock LOL!

 

[senwar]

Weird - all figures from manufacturers / road tests would indicate something else!

VXR Astra:

0-62 = 6.2 secs
Power: 240 ps @ 5,600 rpm
Torque: 236ib.ft @ 2,400 rpm
Top Speed: 152 mph

Add about 60bhp and 65ft-lb and thats my vxr

as for top speed i dont know as mine went off the clock LOL!

So was yours modified then?

 

[Breaker]

Begs the question. Why did you buy the Z4?

 

[t20lau]

So was yours modified then?

Yes it is

 

[sp3ctre]

Easy guys, although we may not all agree, the age of this thread and the amount of responses means that at least a handful of us think the Z4 handling isn't what it should be... maybe it's due to different roads, different driving styles, bad tyres, different specs (M and non-M) or different suspension, either way a lot of people seem to find it less than great.

Personally I am interested to hear all the feedback and to see what changes I could make to make it better... tyres....done... suspension, that's a possibility... I only hope it isn't associated entirely with the steering, as I'm stuck with that one.

Anyway... having setup the forum, I'm stuck with a Z4 either way

 

[t20lau]

Begs the question. Why did you buy the Z4?

Wanted a new toy...

Had a motor bike as my toy, but had it stolen, and as my GF and Mum wasnt fond of the thing they have now got a reason for me not to get another!

 

[csmith319]

Weird - all figures from manufacturers / road tests would indicate something else!

Think we all now these guys usually tell us what we want to hear!!!

Hmmm - disagree personally; sounds like you simply prefer forced induction cars and the 'feeling' they give you. I had an Audi A6 1.8T a few years ago - always 'felt' faster than my Cooper S becasue of the way the power was delivered - but side by side there was obviously no contest.

Also - a lot of people don't really know how to drive naturally aspirated cars, they won't rev them and therefore don't get the best performance. You have to be prepared to rev towards 7000 to get the best performance.

 

[EdButler]

I've had a Seat Ibiza Cupra which used to be up there with the VXR's. On a slow corner or roundabout, the hot hatch will usually prevail; at those speeds, especially with a trick diff, the front wheels will drag you kicking and screaming round the corner.

On faster more technical corners however, the Z4 will win hands down provided one thing - its balanced right!! You must be smooth with both the steering and throttle to balance the weight correctly. The whole setup is a lot more demanding and a whole lot more rewarding. You cant just ease off/brake mid apex (and i honestly used to, resulting in absolutely nothing happening!!)

Also like you i thought i drove faster in my Ibiza. Fortunately i clocked a few 'grip limit' speeds around a medium corner at 55mph... Then clocked them with my VX220 and Z4 and they were 70 and 66mph respectively. Maybe worth doing a trackday with some instruction to help you get the best out of her!? If you do let me know and i'll join ya!

 

[Breaker]

Weird - all figures from manufacturers / road tests would indicate something else!

Also - a lot of people don't really know how to drive naturally aspirated cars, they won't rev them and therefore don't get the best performance. You have to be prepared to rev towards 7000 to get the best performance.

You have a good point there.

 

[t20lau]

Weird - all figures from manufacturers / road tests would indicate something else!

Think we all now these guys usually tell us what we want to hear!!!

Hmmm - disagree personally; sounds like you simply prefer forced induction cars and the 'feeling' they give you. I had an Audi A6 1.8T a few years ago - always 'felt' faster than my Cooper S becasue of the way the power was delivered - but side by side there was obviously no contest.

Also - a lot of people don't really know how to drive naturally aspirated cars, they won't rev them and therefore don't get the best performance. You have to be prepared to rev towards 7000 to get the best performance.

Dont understand why you keep bringing "feeling" into this! I had both the VXR and 3.0si on the same road at the same time, along side each other, with me and my friends testing...

The 3.0si was slower!

As for taking it to the limit, although I dont sit at 5000rpm in 2nd gear waiting for races, If i am wanting to give it the beans I dont leave max rev's...

 

[csmith319]

Easy guys, although we may not all agree, the age of this thread and the amount of responses means that at least a handful of us think the Z4 handling isn't what it should be... maybe it's due to different roads, different driving styles, bad tyres, different specs (M and non-M) or different suspension, either way a lot of people seem to find it less than great.

Personally I am interested to hear all the feedback and to see what changes I could make to make it better... tyres....done... suspension, that's a possibility... I only hope it isn't associated entirely with the steering, as I'm stuck with that one.

Anyway... having setup the forum, I'm stuck with a Z4 either way

There are two common threads on the forum in this area:

1. Tyres & tramlining
2. Recently this whole hot hatch thing

Nothing really to do with handling - I think the Z4 handles well, it's lively in greasy conditions, but you know whats doing, its adjustable on the throttle and in the dry at least has huge grip.

 

[t20lau]

Easy guys, although we may not all agree, the age of this thread and the amount of responses means that at least a handful of us think the Z4 handling isn't what it should be... maybe it's due to different roads, different driving styles, bad tyres, different specs (M and non-M) or different suspension, either way a lot of people seem to find it less than great.

Personally I am interested to hear all the feedback and to see what changes I could make to make it better... tyres....done... suspension, that's a possibility... I only hope it isn't associated entirely with the steering, as I'm stuck with that one.

Anyway... having setup the forum, I'm stuck with a Z4 either way

There are two common threads on the forum in this area:

1. Tyres & tramlining
2. Recently this whole hot hatch thing

Nothing really to do with handling - I think the Z4 handles well, it's lively in greasy conditions, but you know whats doing, its adjustable on the throttle and in the dry at least has huge grip.

Agree with the tramlining...

This is one reason why I'd like to move away from the RFT's! But with there still been some meat on the tryes I've put it on hold!

 

[mikedav]

300BHP through the front wheels? Hmmm!

It's a great looking hatch but it does nothing for me I'm afraid. FWD is fool proof because when you push too hard it just ploughs straight on. RWD is more challenging and infinitely more satisfying, and all proper sports cars are RWD - FWD is a packaging compromise. IMO, it's the way the car feels to drive. If all you want is BHP to tell your mates, powwwwwer and a car that's hard to screw up in, go buy a Scooby and tune the **** out of it.

The 3.0 Z4 is a perfectly quick car - there are quicker and there are slower. Personally I wouldn't care if it was slower than an Astra - the other car is an Astra. Just like I am sure an Aston Vanquish owner isn't losing sleep over the fact I was quite happily keeping up with him the other day....cars are about more than that

 

[csmith319]

Dont understand why you keep bringing "feeling" into this! I had both the VXR and 3.0si on the same road at the same time, along side each other, with me and my friends testing...

The 3.0si was slower!

As for taking it to the limit, although I dont sit at 5000rpm in 2nd gear waiting for races, If i am wanting to give it the beans I dont leave max rev's...

So you're saying - you don't drive the car as fast as it can go, and when you do that other cars are faster... brilliant!