Pick a Roadster

[Vic]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Woops, you're right... I grabbed the wrong number.

I'm unable to edit my posts otherwise I would go back & fix it.

To summarize:

Miata = 2387
S2000 = 2809
350Z = 3428

So it outweighs the Miata by 44%.

Still a significant difference.

Viper GTS

True... but:

350Z has 287hp. 3428/287=11.944 lbs/hp

Miata has 142hp. 2387/142=16.809 lbs/hp

And the 350Z has a better suspension to handle its extra weight.

 

[BigSmooth]

It's too bad the Pontiac Solstice is still in limbo. Masculine styling (and very clean for a Pontiac) in an RWD Miata-sized roadster.
The concept even had a 240 horse supercharged engine, the 6-speed from the 'Vette, and steering from the WRX.
Best of all it's supposed to base around $20K... I hope they build it.

 

[Rogue]

Actually, I should have included the BMW options as we've discussed those also. I'll just have to test drive each of my options with the wife. Good thing is, that means no salesman!

 

[Siddhartha]

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Woops, you're right... I grabbed the wrong number.

I'm unable to edit my posts otherwise I would go back & fix it.

To summarize:

Miata = 2387
S2000 = 2809
350Z = 3428

So it outweighs the Miata by 44%.

Still a significant difference.

Viper GTS

True... but:

350Z has 287hp. 3428/287=11.944 lbs/hp

Miata has 142hp. 2387/142=16.809 lbs/hp

And the 350Z has a better suspension to handle its extra weight.

S2000: 2809/240 = 11.7 lbs/hp

 

[focusyn]

i would pick the s2000, but the last time i sat in the driver's seat it was really really cramped, even for me. i would go with the 350z

 

[freebee]

Test drive the ones you want, all too often buying a roadster becomes an emotional choice rather than a practical one....then you pay the price for it later on down the road.

The 350z is very overweight (due to its overbuilt nature)...and you pay for it in performance and handling. It simply doesn't drive the way a s2000 does. Therefore my rating would be this:

If this is your primary car get the 350z for the long-distance touring ability and distinctive stlye. But it is somewhat more costly.
If it is a secondary car get the s2000 which has the best driving dynamics of any roadster but it is only a so-so long distance car given its small interior, noisy/busy ride and little or no storage space.

 

[ElFenix]

the honda drives like a civic unless you really hammer it.

i'd take any lotus 🙂

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
I wouldn't put the Z in the same class as the Miata or the S2000.

I would wait until Mazda releases the Mazdaspeed Miata (I think that's what it will be called). That ought to be a damn fun little ride.

Still much too small & too much of a "chick car" for me, but it would be quick as hell.

Viper GTS

stop hating on goldenbear/goldenguppy/miata girl!

 

[freebee]

Some additonal thoughts:

New s2k is coming soon with more power and possibly new bodywork.

M3 isn't a roadster and it doesn't drive like one.

Don't buy M3s used unless you know their past history and service. New M3s aren't in your price range.

Z4s again demonstrate BMWs inability to build a quility roadster at affordable prices. Maybe thats just their marketing scheme.

Don't buy a miata. I've driven a homosexual car, my penis has shrunk because if it. I've started listening to nsync. Don't make the same mistake.

That 350 roadster is a gorgeous car isn't it? Its like a lexus sc....only better....and cheaper.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: freebee

That 350 roadster is a gorgeous car isn't it? Its like a lexus sc....only better....and cheaper.

the SC is one of the fugliest cars on the road. neither car looks particularly good with the top up due to the high ass, belt line, and lack of glass

 

[Siddhartha]

Originally posted by: freebee
Some additonal thoughts:

Don't buy a miata. I've driven a homosexual car, my penis has shrunk because if it. I've started listening to nsync. Don't make the same mistake.

That sounds like a personal problem to me....

 

[fonzinator]

Originally posted by: freebee
Some additonal thoughts:

New s2k is coming soon with more power and possibly new bodywork.

M3 isn't a roadster and it doesn't drive like one.

Don't buy M3s used unless you know their past history and service. New M3s aren't in your price range.

Z4s again demonstrate BMWs inability to build a quility roadster at affordable prices. Maybe thats just their marketing scheme.

Don't buy a miata. I've driven a homosexual car, my penis has shrunk because if it. I've started listening to nsync. Don't make the same mistake.

That 350 roadster is a gorgeous car isn't it? Its like a lexus sc....only better....and cheaper.

If you are referring to my recommendation of the M Roadster...The M Roadster is the M version of the Z3. It is a true roadster by every sense of the definition.

 

[NFS4]

I'd take a Miata myself. Not really in love with the looks of the S2000 or its crack addict engine.

The 350Z looks like sh!t as a convertible...especially with its top up.

 

[UNCjigga]

Originally posted by: fonzinator
Rogue...before you buy anything, go test drive a BMW M Roadster. I cannot put driving one of these into words, just do yourself the favor and try one out. Year 2001 and 2002 M Roadsters have a 315 hp / 251ft. lbs. torque engine that's an absolute screamer!! If you can find one, these are going for at least $30k. Year 2000 and below have 240hp/246 torque. Expect to find these in the mid $20s with very low miles. I think Y2k M Roadsters are one of the best bangs for the buck out there. You won't find better performance/quality for the money. Handling is on rails, fit and finish of the car is absolutely BMW. Mash the accelerator in any gear and a smile grows across my face. 🙂 Read up on these at Edmunds. You won't find one complaint and there's a reason why.

For a second there I thought you were referring to that sausage-shaped M Coupe hardtop...that thing is teh NASSSSTAAAAYYYYY!!! M Roadster (with the drop top) is very nice indeedy. Actually, if he's considering the S2k and Miata, I'm sure even the non-M Z3 is a viable option (don't know the used pricing on these but I assume it dipped a bit when the Z4 came out?)

 

[Ns1]

if it's for your wife the 350

if it's for you the s2k 😉

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: NeuroSynapsis
if it's for your wife the 350

if it's for you the s2k 😉

Bah! The S2000 looks too bland. I like the classic shape of the Miata.

 

[B00ne]

get an MB SLK it's slick and u get a fully winter capable coupe bundled with it

 

[boyRacer]

Boxster 😀

 

[Cyberian]

Miata:

Length = 155.3
Width = 66
Height = 48.4
Weight = 2387

S2000

Length = 162.2
Width = 68.9
Height = 50.6
Weight = 2809

350Z

Length = 169.4
Width = 71.5
Height = 52.3
Weight = 4133

In all fairness, that is the Gross weight on the Z, and curb weight on the other 2.
The curb weight on the Z is still pretty hefty at ~3462

Isn't the Miata also $10-15K cheaper than the others?

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: Cyberian

Miata:

Length = 155.3
Width = 66
Height = 48.4
Weight = 2387

S2000

Length = 162.2
Width = 68.9
Height = 50.6
Weight = 2809

350Z

Length = 169.4
Width = 71.5
Height = 52.3
Weight = 4133

In all fairness, that is the Gross weight on the Z, and curb weight on the other 2.
The curb weight on the Z is still pretty hefty at ~3462

Isn't the Miata also $10-15K cheaper than the others?

Yeah, I already noticed that. I'll go back & edit my post now that the forums are working properly again.

Viper GTS

 

[CraigRT]

350Z by a little... has more torque and will be better for driving around at normal speeds.. until you put your foot to the floor in the S2000 it won't be as quick as the 350.. only until the S2000 revs it doesn't get power much like the 350.

they are both nice though.

 

[Cyberian]

Yeah, I already noticed that. I'll go back & edit my post now that the forums are working properly again.

Viper GTS

I see that - I was a bit late to the party, as usual!
😱

 

[Shawn]

Originally posted by: TubStain
Well miata is not in the same category as the other 2, though it is a good car with amazing handling for the price. Heck you can slap a turbo on it and have some real fun but I dunno if you are a gear head or wanna go stock.

S200 and 350z...thats a toss up.

yep. It all depends on how much you wanna spend. the miata is an awesome car but with those choises I'd go w/ the S2000.

 

[ninothing]

Why is the Mazda even on this list?

 

[DougK62]

While you're out test driving take out a Corvette convertible. You can find really nice used ones these days for <$30k easily. I've driven both the S2000 and Miata and they are both very fun cars, but driving the Corvette put a big stupid grin on my face that I'm getting again just thinking about it 😀