Z4M vs Cayman/Boxster and M2- ride quality and ownership
- Thread starter beanie
- Start date
Just had a drive in the 718 GTS, what a dreary motor. Everything bar the steering felt somewhat disjionted and fake (because they are). Worst is the throttle response - drive by wire with some ”intelligent” mapping + turbolag isn’t nice in any drivemode. Different drivemodes ITSELF makes for a virtual fake feel. Engine note boring 4-cyl, like a tuned old beetle.
What’s worse: steering wheel rake rather limited and driver seat not tiltable - how weird!
And, to my eyes it does not win any beauty contest exterior nor interior.
Good points: nice steering and good turn-in, grip on par with my (lowered) Z4M.
In all, I’m even happier with my Z4MC!
What’s worse: steering wheel rake rather limited and driver seat not tiltable - how weird!
And, to my eyes it does not win any beauty contest exterior nor interior.
Good points: nice steering and good turn-in, grip on par with my (lowered) Z4M.
In all, I’m even happier with my Z4MC!
abar121
Active member
Argenta said:Just had a drive in the 718 GTS, what a dreary motor. Everything bar the steering felt somewhat disjionted and fake (because they are). Worst is the throttle response - drive by wire with some ”intelligent” mapping + turbolag isn’t nice in any drivemode. Different drivemodes ITSELF makes for a virtual fake feel. Engine note boring 4-cyl, like a tuned old beetle.
What’s worse: steering wheel rake rather limited and driver seat not tiltable - how weird!
And, to my eyes it does not win any beauty contest exterior nor interior.
Good points: nice steering and good turn-in, grip on par with my (lowered) Z4M.
In all, I’m even happier with my Z4MC!
..
Cool review cheers!
I'm a little surprised you liked the steering. I hated in on road and on track. Very little real feedback with the EPS, although the simulated feedback that Porsche actively introduce does help over the 981 / 991.1.
The added torque is really nice though and for once in a Boxster/Cayman, you can really load up the rear end and play with the sublime balance. The S / GTS models are damm quick too.
The motor sounds dull, agreed. As with many Porsches, the basic non-S 718 on standard wheels, manual, is a much sweeter drive. Less lag too and they turn in better! Still as quick as my Z4M too.
Some great feedback and reviews, thanks to all of you 
I suppose it's both a curse and a blessing that the Z4M compares so favourably to the modern alternatives. It also seems, from what's been said, that despite its quirks and shortcomings, the Z4 still offers a level of engagement and sense of occasion that is hard to match-something I believe is very important given its use.
Having just been out for a good run along some nice twisty roads, I was reminded just how exciting the car can be and just how on top of things you need to remain. Even after all these years I'm constantly challenged by it, constantly forced to remain alert and measured in every application of throttle or gearchange and I really don't think I want that experience dumbing down just yet. Sure, it can be tiring and there are times I wish I could just press a button and have a slick dct box do the leg work or a torque-laden engine make up for my laziness, but thats only on the boring, congested roads-as soon as they open up, I'm glad of what the car makes me do and how it makes me think about everything, even if it does annoy me at times!
Long story short, this week I'm happy with it
I suppose it's both a curse and a blessing that the Z4M compares so favourably to the modern alternatives. It also seems, from what's been said, that despite its quirks and shortcomings, the Z4 still offers a level of engagement and sense of occasion that is hard to match-something I believe is very important given its use.
Having just been out for a good run along some nice twisty roads, I was reminded just how exciting the car can be and just how on top of things you need to remain. Even after all these years I'm constantly challenged by it, constantly forced to remain alert and measured in every application of throttle or gearchange and I really don't think I want that experience dumbing down just yet. Sure, it can be tiring and there are times I wish I could just press a button and have a slick dct box do the leg work or a torque-laden engine make up for my laziness, but thats only on the boring, congested roads-as soon as they open up, I'm glad of what the car makes me do and how it makes me think about everything, even if it does annoy me at times!
Long story short, this week I'm happy with it
Beedub said:beanie said:It practically goes nowhere! How many miles on it now beedub?
12900
it really doesnt !!! And its soon going to be sat in my work unit being a demonstration for paint correction and detailing bits, cant see that figure rising at all this year.
Get out there and kick some caterham arse around that little circuit of yours. You know you want to. :wink:
beanie said:Well, you can't detail a detailed car so you'll need to get it good and dirty once in a while...all in the name of product testing of course
i hear ya guys i hear ya!! am trying and hoping this direction will give me the time i require to enjoy my life alittle more!!
Had a 981 Cayman for a few days and it's sublime, far from crashy or compliant - it's actually pretty comfortable for a sports car in comfort mode. Difference is, it can communicate, turn in and grip like a Z4M could never hope to.
I think a big part on moving on from a Z4M is almost forgetting about why you liked the Z4 because some of the 'flaws' are what adds to its overall appeal. You sort of have to redefine what's 'fun' in a way.
Like the cayman, despite the 4 pot, the sheer thrill comes from late braking, knowing that you can trust the feedback as it grips and grips and grips, then smashing the throttle on the way out on the sweet spot (really was ridiculously responsive).
insanely addictive, albeit a different kind of thrill from the Z4 - you almost end up appreciating speed in a different way.
I think the main thing that makes the difference is the type of roads that you will be running it on - The Z4 was a bit of a pain day to day - didn't like pootling around, made mountains out of the teeniest of pot holes and could dramatize the smallest of bends. Which was why I loved it. But now that I normally drive a camry on anything not fun - I find the Cayman gave me an even bigger grin when the roads got tough. The cayman will be a lot smoother day to day, but will be a lot less fun until you hit any serious stretches of road (then imo it takes over)
The weird thing is, I've had / got a few cars since it which out perform, out comfort, out tech, out gun it, but there's something I seriously love about the Z4M that I don't think anything this side of a viper has been able to fully replicate. Still have an ESS kit for one that I never had the balls to install, so I'll be deffo getting another one day
I think a big part on moving on from a Z4M is almost forgetting about why you liked the Z4 because some of the 'flaws' are what adds to its overall appeal. You sort of have to redefine what's 'fun' in a way.
Like the cayman, despite the 4 pot, the sheer thrill comes from late braking, knowing that you can trust the feedback as it grips and grips and grips, then smashing the throttle on the way out on the sweet spot (really was ridiculously responsive).
insanely addictive, albeit a different kind of thrill from the Z4 - you almost end up appreciating speed in a different way.
I think the main thing that makes the difference is the type of roads that you will be running it on - The Z4 was a bit of a pain day to day - didn't like pootling around, made mountains out of the teeniest of pot holes and could dramatize the smallest of bends. Which was why I loved it. But now that I normally drive a camry on anything not fun - I find the Cayman gave me an even bigger grin when the roads got tough. The cayman will be a lot smoother day to day, but will be a lot less fun until you hit any serious stretches of road (then imo it takes over)
The weird thing is, I've had / got a few cars since it which out perform, out comfort, out tech, out gun it, but there's something I seriously love about the Z4M that I don't think anything this side of a viper has been able to fully replicate. Still have an ESS kit for one that I never had the balls to install, so I'll be deffo getting another one day
Liverpool
Sorry, but what has the ride on an e89 with runflats got to do with the comparison with an e85/86 Z4M?Simon20VT said:
Although your comparison is more about the stupidity (of the manufacturer) of putting 19” rims, run flats and sports suspension on the cooking version of any car.