Thanks for the post--a couple more questions (archive)

Gibbles:
In your post, you state that the Z8 is not a sports car. I haven't driven one, so I certainly can't respond. The only thing I don't understand is how, with the numbers reported by the car mags, it isn't a sports car. It seems to out-accelerate the 911s (other than the superb TT, of course) and its slalom and skid pad ratings would sham most cars (although a tick or two below the 911s). I guess what I'm wondering is "what is a sports car?" Does the Z8 not feel like a sports car b/c it is comfortable over bad roads? leans too much in corners? doesn't stop fast enough? breaks loose too easily in aggressive driving? Or, does it perform like a sports car and provide luxuries not normally associated with a sports car? I'm stumped. The big problem is, I don't know anyone with a Z8, so I can't drive one myself to find out. Any subjective feedback on this point would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. in advance.

-Roburt

I had a 996 C2 coupe, drove a family member's C2 Cab and Z8 extensively (hundreds of miles), and I got a 996TT yesterday. There were a couple of cars in-between the 2 Porsches I had.

A 911 is a firmer ride and the car feels much more nimble than a Z8. It's a real sports car. The Z8 is a fun cruising convertible. Nobody should be kidded into thinking the Z8 is a real sports car; sporty, definitely; a sports car, no way. Both have good gearboxes. The Porsche requires a little bit more effort with the clutch, but its shift action is more precise.
I loved my C2 and traded it in to try something else. The 996 was excellent, I just like cars.
The power was good, not great (you get used to it and simply want more, and the low-end power is not as good as the Z8), and I just went back to a 911 (the 996TT) because I love the Porsche feel and ride but also wanted more power than a regular 996. The Turbo is day and night power-wise from a regular 911, but both share that Porsche feel.

The Z8 is a lot of fun for open motoring, with a throaty exhaust note and lots of torque down low. The top is a bit of a pain because it requires removing the convertible top tonneau before putting up the top. Also, when putting the top down, you need to make sure you hook on what is basically a small protective blanket that goes over the rear window to prevent the plastic window from creasing when it's down. For the price, a fully automatic glass rear window should be included.

Z8 prices have come down a bit to the low 140s, if you are not able to get one from a wait list you're on from a dealer selling at MSRP. The plan is still 400 Z8s a year for 4 years.

The Porsche has a sporty feel and the BMW is more luxo-oriented. The Porsche Tiptronic saps power and the steering wheel mounted buttons are not always easy to use, especially when in a turn, b/c they are fixed on the steering wheel. Go with a 6-speed manual (my C2 was a manual, the Cab was a Tip). If you turn the wheel, the buttons move with the wheel. The Z8 only offers a 6-speed manual.

The 996 Cabs I've been in have lots of squeaks and rattles; the Z8 is almost rattle free (no convertible is rattle free, so the Z8 is the best of the bunch).

The Z8 gets tons of looks and attraction; I've had police officers drive up next to me around the city and ask me "What is that thing? It's great looking!" It's typical to have people staring at it when parked, so attention means good and bad things, too. The Porsche gets some looks, but it's just not a rare car like the Z8, nor as beautiful a design.

I prefer Porsches and will stick with them from now on. The Z8 is excellent; I just like Porsches even more.

I don't think the Z8 is worth the price, having driven it 600 or so miles. Granted, it's exclusive, but should come with a fully automatic top with glass window for that much money. Even so, if the Porsche is "worth it" at $85K, to give us a baseline, I'd say the Z8 would be "worth it" at around the $100K mark.

Hi all:

I am currently trying to figure out what to do. I really want to purchase a Z8, but given the inflated prices, I started looking at the 911 cabriolets. At about 85K, they are pretty cool, it seems. I am a die hard BMW fanatic, however, and would have to go through some serious therapy before making the Porsche purchase. That said, I'm wondering if any of you have ever owned a 996 porsche 911, and if so whether you traded it in on a Z8. Did any of you consider the 911 when you purchased the Z8? If any of the above applies to you, what are your impressions regarding both cars: the pros, cons, and honest assessments.

Any advice you can deliver would be greatly appreciated.

Also, does anyone know whether BMW has decided to extend the run of Z8s past the four years originally planned?
-Roburt

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