ZPOST
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   ZPOST > BMW Z4 Roadster and Coupe > General BMW Z4 Forum
  TireRack

SUPPORT ZPOST BY DOING YOUR TIRERACK SHOPPING FROM THIS BANNER, THANKS!
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-20-2007, 06:44 PM   #1
shiyan
has no social skills
shiyan's Avatar
18
Rep
157
Posts

Drives: 2003 Z4 3.0 Roadster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Antwerp, Belgium

iTrader: (0)

new Mini Cooper S or used Z4 2.5...

Hi everyone, great forum

I'm from Belgium, and am currently looking for a new car. I almost decided on a new Mini Cooper S, but then I found that for the same price I can get a 3~4 year old Z4 2.5 from BMW's "Premium Selection" - 2nd hand cars with 2 year guarantee from BMW.

The most important aspect of my purchase is having fun behind the wheel - hoping to visit Spa and Nurburgring in the near future.

So I'm wondering, does the 2003~2004 Z4 2.5 have sufficient power for its weight to have fun? (141kW)

Also, is there any modding potential to this engine?

and my apologies if I offend anyone by comparing a Z4 to a Mini
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2007, 06:45 PM   #2
ward
Major General
151
Rep
6,158
Posts

Drives: F
Join Date: May 2005
Location: T

iTrader: (0)

you know, unless you feel the need for the droptop, I might be tempted to say the mini S would be more fun.
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2007, 06:51 PM   #3
shiyan
has no social skills
shiyan's Avatar
18
Rep
157
Posts

Drives: 2003 Z4 3.0 Roadster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Antwerp, Belgium

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ward View Post
you know, unless you feel the need for the droptop, I might be tempted to say the mini S would be more fun.
thanks for the lightning fast reply!

I was not expecting this reply from a Z4 forum

indeed this country isn't really that sunny so I'm not really in it for the drop top... Had I been able to choose between a Coupe and a Roadster with the same engine I'd definitely pick the Coupe.

In your opinion, should I get the Mini now and wait a few years till when I can afford (and get insurance for) a 3.0 Coupe?
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2007, 07:15 PM   #4
sales@ESSTuning
sales@ESSTuning's Avatar
389
Rep
3,149
Posts

Drives: ESS M3 / M4
Join Date: May 2007
Location: AZ

iTrader: (6)

My GF has a Mini S and it is fun to drive. I say sell your furniture , television , computer etc and get them Z4M coupe ...
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2007, 07:16 PM   #5
ward
Major General
151
Rep
6,158
Posts

Drives: F
Join Date: May 2005
Location: T

iTrader: (0)

I actually like the style of the Z4 much better, and even with the 2.5 the Z4 should carry a power advantage

the mini has better steering and it's hard to say, but it's just a really "fun" car. It's one of the most entertaining cars I've driven at any price.

The huge speedometer and quirky styling on the mini are big drawbacks to me though

how about a 1 series, or the upcoming 1 coupe? that's sort of in the middle of the 2 cars
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2007, 07:21 PM   #6
ovrkll
Lieutenant
ovrkll's Avatar
8
Rep
412
Posts

Drives: Interlagos Blue Z4M
Join Date: May 2007
Location: McDonough, GA

iTrader: (0)

There are a few people on this forum that have owned/own MINI's, so do not be surprised. I think it will come down to what you want to do, from what you posted earlier about mods, the MINI is one of the best vehicles on the roads to do modifications to (many vendors available and not very expensive). There are not many Z4 modifications available, and the ones that are, tend to be more expensive than a regular vehicle.
For handling and driveability, take them both out for a test drive and decide for yourself what fits your desires.


Cheers!
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2007, 08:00 PM   #7
Dammmittt
My favorite sign.
Dammmittt's Avatar
South Korea
167
Rep
4,333
Posts

Drives: 2007 M Coupe
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Der Autobahnen

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rom3n View Post
My GF has a Mini S and it is fun to drive. I say sell your furniture , television , computer etc and get them Z4M coupe ...
Definately.
__________________


07 ///M Coupe (Premium Package) Black Saphire Ext. Imola Red Int.

Best Website EVER!
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2007, 08:24 PM   #8
155MPH
Major
155MPH's Avatar
United_States
61
Rep
1,379
Posts

Drives: E89 Z4 sDrive28i M Performance
Join Date: May 2007
Location: South Jersey Shore

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
uh....Z4 coupe or roadster, hands down.
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2007, 09:22 PM   #9
FloridaBoy
First Lieutenant
FloridaBoy's Avatar
19
Rep
376
Posts

Drives: 2005 Z4 3.oi
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Central Florida

iTrader: (0)

Good gosh, why are you even asking this question.
The Mini is to... well, mini.
Get the roadster.
__________________
2005 3.0i, Black Sapphire, SMG, Navigation, Heated leather, iPod w/Dice, Carver Subs, Sport, Foamless SG, 3M Clear Bra, Sirius, 18 inch 107's

Appreciate 0
      06-20-2007, 09:43 PM   #10
takedown8
Major
takedown8's Avatar
United_States
56
Rep
1,068
Posts

Drives: 2005 BMW Z4 3.0i
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Seattle, WA

iTrader: (0)

The Mini Cooper S would be a wonderful buy! It's small, cute, hip, and there's plenty of room in the back for your dresses and make-up kit!
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2007, 09:47 PM   #11
felixoz
New Member
felixoz's Avatar
United_States
2
Rep
11
Posts

Drives: 2006 Titanium M Roadster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Houston

iTrader: (0)

Have you test driven both? Both are German engineered, but only one has German styling...

Two very different cars, best chose them for both they both represent and what you want to do; (i) taking GF on alpine roadtrips or (ii) stealing gold from northern Italian banks?

The 2.5 is a bit underpowered IMHO. Might be a power/weight choice. Also I've heard Mini is a bit mini on interior and seat comfort.
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2007, 03:40 AM   #12
ovrkll
Lieutenant
ovrkll's Avatar
8
Rep
412
Posts

Drives: Interlagos Blue Z4M
Join Date: May 2007
Location: McDonough, GA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by takedown8 View Post
The Mini Cooper S would be a wonderful buy! It's small, cute, hip, and there's plenty of room in the back for your dresses and make-up kit!
I see it functioned well for you in your evening gig. What made you change to a Z4?
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2007, 03:51 AM   #13
ovrkll
Lieutenant
ovrkll's Avatar
8
Rep
412
Posts

Drives: Interlagos Blue Z4M
Join Date: May 2007
Location: McDonough, GA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by felixoz View Post
The 2.5 is a bit underpowered IMHO. Might be a power/weight choice. Also I've heard Mini is a bit mini on interior and seat comfort.
IIRC the S version is putting out 170HP while weighing in around 2600lbs., not a bad power/weight ratio. There are a couple of MINI's running around that are putting 300hp+ down, so for the uninitiated be careful which MINI you decided to sneer at out on the road, it might have you for lunch (that includes the esses/curves).
The MINI actually has a lot more interior room than the Z4 and the seats are a little more firm. The biggest drawback is the styling, but to each their own, it seems to be a love/hate type of thing when styling is so different from anything elso out there.

Cheers!
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2007, 07:30 AM   #14
ZEEFOUR
Private First Class
11
Rep
155
Posts

Drives: 03 Z4 3.0i, 03 MB E55 AMG
Join Date: May 2007
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by shiyan View Post
Hi everyone, great forum

I'm from Belgium, and am currently looking for a new car. I almost decided on a new Mini Cooper S, but then I found that for the same price I can get a 3~4 year old Z4 2.5 from BMW's "Premium Selection" - 2nd hand cars with 2 year guarantee from BMW.

The most important aspect of my purchase is having fun behind the wheel - hoping to visit Spa and Nurburgring in the near future.

So I'm wondering, does the 2003~2004 Z4 2.5 have sufficient power for its weight to have fun? (141kW)

Also, is there any modding potential to this engine?

and my apologies if I offend anyone by comparing a Z4 to a Mini

ignore the 170HP thats at peak RPMs which is not practical in the real world, compare the torque numbers and where it is in the power band, the lower the better. 2.5 175 ft lbs @3500 Mini 155 @4000, also if your driving it at the track, while the mini does handle great rear wheel drive is the way to go. I believe the 2.5 is 1 second faster 0-60
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2007, 10:34 AM   #15
Rick Hunter
Skull Squadron Leader
Rick Hunter's Avatar
304
Rep
2,031
Posts

Drives: '07 M Coupé & '16 435xi GCoupé
Join Date: May 2007
Location: The Emerald City

iTrader: (20)

They're both good choices, as you'll get a lot of fun out of either car. They're also both head-turners. Overall, I think you can get more "fun" out of a Mini because of mod potential. But it all comes down to your style and purpose for the car. With the Mini, you can haul ass AND haul a lot of stuff.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2007, 03:45 PM   #16
shiyan
has no social skills
shiyan's Avatar
18
Rep
157
Posts

Drives: 2003 Z4 3.0 Roadster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Antwerp, Belgium

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rom3n View Post
My GF has a Mini S and it is fun to drive. I say sell your furniture , television , computer etc and get them Z4M coupe ...
Even if I were able to afford one, I wouldn't be able to get insurance for it. I can't even get insurance for a Z4 2.5si

If I was 2 years older I can find a E46 M3 without guarantee for the same price as these 2 cars.

I'm 24 right now and Belgian insurance companies have a sort of "performance" limit on the cars you can get insurance for until you're 26 years old
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2007, 03:46 PM   #17
shiyan
has no social skills
shiyan's Avatar
18
Rep
157
Posts

Drives: 2003 Z4 3.0 Roadster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Antwerp, Belgium

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by takedown8 View Post
The Mini Cooper S would be a wonderful buy! It's small, cute, hip, and there's plenty of room in the back for your dresses and make-up kit!
oh buuuuuuuuuuuurned

I see your point though
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2007, 03:50 PM   #18
shiyan
has no social skills
shiyan's Avatar
18
Rep
157
Posts

Drives: 2003 Z4 3.0 Roadster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Antwerp, Belgium

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by felixoz View Post
Have you test driven both? Both are German engineered, but only one has German styling...

Two very different cars, best chose them for both they both represent and what you want to do; (i) taking GF on alpine roadtrips or (ii) stealing gold from northern Italian banks?

The 2.5 is a bit underpowered IMHO. Might be a power/weight choice. Also I've heard Mini is a bit mini on interior and seat comfort.
I've test driven the Mini Cooper S but not the Z4 (yet)

I was actually looking at hot hatches and ended up testing a bunch of them, but then realized with my budget I could actually get a used Z4
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2007, 03:53 PM   #19
shiyan
has no social skills
shiyan's Avatar
18
Rep
157
Posts

Drives: 2003 Z4 3.0 Roadster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Antwerp, Belgium

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick Hunter View Post
They're both good choices, as you'll get a lot of fun out of either car. They're also both head-turners. Overall, I think you can get more "fun" out of a Mini because of mod potential. But it all comes down to your style and purpose for the car. With the Mini, you can haul ass AND haul a lot of stuff.
yeah they are quite different cars

I wasn't considering convertibles as Belgium isn't exactly the sunniest country, but the Z4 just looks so good

thanks for all the replies everyone
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2007, 04:11 PM   #20
fire-n-ice
Lieutenant
20
Rep
506
Posts

Drives: 2003 Z4
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Ga

iTrader: (0)

shiyan: I have a 2003 Z4 2.5i, and the power is just fine. I also test-drove a 3.0 and just couldn't justify the 7 or 8 thousand dollar difference in performance. It's not really that noticeable, just slightly. If you want to spend that money, go for an M. I have not driven the mini because its styling does not appeal to me so I cannot vouch for personal experience there.

Don't let anyone dis-sway you from what you really want. It's all about what gives you a smile without having to sell your soul to the devil
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2007, 04:33 PM   #21
soeharyo
lettuce
United_States
18
Rep
201
Posts

Drives: 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ann Arbor, MI

iTrader: (0)

I'd go for the Z4 because its a BMW... though the MINI is also a subsidiary of BMW.

Also, don't forget to count in depreciation since you're comparing used with new... buying a reliable used car usually means saving money because you're buying it at a lower price and the price doesn't depreciate as much as a new car (in terms of percentage)

But i think you will have much fun with either car...
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2007, 05:44 PM   #22
takedown8
Major
takedown8's Avatar
United_States
56
Rep
1,068
Posts

Drives: 2005 BMW Z4 3.0i
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Seattle, WA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by shiyan View Post
oh buuuuuuuuuuuurned

I see your point though
I'm just joking around with you. I do like the Mini Cooper. It's a cool little car. If you can get yourself a convertible with some sporty stripes, then all the better. Definitely a more practical car than the Z4, but I still don't think you'll have as much fun.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:53 PM.




zpost
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST