I AGREE and DISAGREE also :-) (archive)

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In Reply to: I AGREE and DISAGREE posted by Adam-UK on October 20, 2000 at 08:31:12:

FIRST of all ........
come on guys, the car looks fabulous. You really can't complain. I can be overly critical but I have to admit, it's the sexiest front-end I've seen. And I've seen some sexy front-ends, if you know what I mean !

SECONDLY .........
the handling is a disappointment, and I'm no racing driver. I must be mistaken but I thought it was being marketed as a 'sportscar' but I suppose that the fact you get a 'sports' button kind -of says it all .....

Ive got to disagree with you there. I know youre probably disappointed with the cars "skipping" over expansion joints and other road conditions. This is a fact of life with a short wheelbase car. To me the handling is excellent- but I might have a different defintion of handling. For me, handling is about how the car inspires you to go faster, makes you feel more confident- even with the unglued sensation it has with expansion joints, I just dont drive it aggressively over those- which you shouldnt anyhow. On a twisty road, the Z8 just makes you feel wonderful! I agree with your comment about the sports button- I find it to be not really that necessary- however, when I have used it- wow! that throttle is very sensitive!

BMW have lost their way on this one. I'm going public -to me it's a disappointment to drive. I don't know how they've got the balls to put this out. The ride is too hard and the seats to uncomfortable to be a tourer BUT the handling is too unpleasurable, lacking in road-feel to be a sports car. Had I known this before I'd purchased, I would have cancelled.

I actually had the opportunity to test drive the car before I purchased it. For me, I knew this was exactly what I was looking for. The car is just loud enough, and is super user friendly in terms of its feel. I dont find the ride to be too harsh and the seats are the most comfortable Ive ever been in. I also think the steering is the best BMW has ever produced, at least in a car of theirs Ive had the chance to drive (330, older model M3, current M5, 740iL, now Z8)- and thats saying somehting because their cars have great steering.

I must say that even though it's an extremely competent auto, it lacks the soul or character of a real sports car. To me, it looks as if BWM did a Jag (the new model - cannot think of the name).

Yes, have you driven this car? I ask because I just cant fathom how youd say these things if you have. Im not looking to start a flame war with you or anything, Im just saying in my experience I find that the car has a truly unique character that has pleanty of soul. If you have and thats your feeling, then of course I respect that.

In my opinion, and in this market segment, the new Aston Martins are the way to go.
the thing about this is that Aston, Ferrari, Porshe, whatever, they are all very personal decisions so it really depends on what you want. If you find that Ferrari offers those things, then thats the way to go. I will say that the new Astons look really nice!

It's sort of difficult to explain, but the Z8 just doesn't have it. Too antiseptic? Not involving the driver enough? Relying on the electronic doo-dhads too much? Not enough imperfections? Not built by hand enough? Not loud enough? Too civilized?

I asked you if youve driven the car because I dont know how you could make these comments if you have. If you have perhaps we simply have different tolerances for these things. To me the car is pleanty loud and its a beautiful sound. I actually price its civility so that might be the reason for our differences.

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