Has anyone downgraded power, but to move into a supercar with less HP?

[ryanchua]

Hi all,

I know this might come off a little funny.

What happens if say, if we have a ESS SC'd Z4M with very nice KW2 setup running around 550hp, and then 2 years later, we go for the next gen Porsche GT3 which comes up to around 430+ hp(current mk2 gen is 415hp)?

Okay, BHP is not everything but with the differences in power and can i say, minimal (i might be most possibly wrong), differences in driving... would it feel weird to downgrade power but to have a slightly better driving experience?

Or would you just get used to it anyway.

If anyone has experience in this area (for example - coming from a high power supra/gtr into a Z4M), do share your thoughts.

The reason im having these thoughts is, that after my Z4M, i'm definitely getting a GT3, just that i think i might miss having the same amount of torque of a supercharged z4m.

Thanks!

[O-cha]

I have a nearly 1000hp m3, I still love driving my z4MC around. They are very different cars though, one doesn't handle so well, the other handles on rails, ones really loud, one not so loud...

[The__J__Factor]

My last car had more top end power and was lighter than the M, but the M has way more low down.

I think as long as you have enough power to have fun and be quick then it shouldnt be a problem. I wouldnt want any less power than a stock M though.

[The__J__Factor]

I also would think a GT3 should be pretty damn fun and fast.

[shitbrownMcoupe]

hmmm... I consider the GT3 an upgrade... it's a porsche.... the z4 M coupe is a great car... but in a lower class category.

Looks are diff, name is diff.....

I plan to get a Fer or a GT-2, GT-3... after as well.....

I think you'll get a diff sort of satisfaction from the GT3... not just that rush of speed like a supercharged m coupe.

[tifosi360]

The Cayman is beyond unbelievable as far as handling goes. Nothing beats the mid-engine set up. By the way, I still have my 2007 M Coupe and I absolutely cherish it. The Cayman is only 2800+ pounds. Not Lotus light, but beats the M. For me, anything around 250 HP is more than adequate as long as the car is light. The Cayman is still almost a 170 MPH top end car with only 265 HP.

I really wish that BMW would have developed the M Coupes more, like how Porsche develops and fine-tunes all of their model lines. The M Coupe could have been the BMW's GT3 for half the money. As far as the GT3 and RS go, there are just no better driver's cars out there.

[Erhan]

Well BHP is not everything as the OP says.

- Since the engine is in the back, you have more traction (also better for braking).
- I believe transmission loss from the engine to the tires is less since the engine is closer to the tires.
- GT3 is lighter than MC. SC'd MC will still have more hp/lb, but the difference is less then comparing 550hp/435hp.
- GT3 is more aerodynamic. Long hood is not the best way for high speed
- Gearing and torque curve are also important. It is how it delivers the power that is count. Although, S54 is a proper engine. Gives 80% of its torque starting from 2k rpm.

[onelove]

I've owned an 1,100whp MKIV Supra, 600awhp 996tt, and still love driving my M Coupe. On the street and track it's a blast, sure it doesn't give me that rush in a straight line on the highway, but it's nimble and quick enough to make up for it elsewhere. A well balanced chassis, with power curve equally balanced can be just as much fun to drive, especially if you get to drive the car on a track or anywere else you get to explore the limits.

[b0bab0i]

Lotus Elise/Exige

[ScottinSSMD]

I just swapped out my Whippled 600hp Cobra for my 06 Z4 3.0i. The 996tt has grounded me with wanting more in the suspension than the American Muscle could ever accomplish. Dropping the hp in half doesn't bother me one bit. The overall comfort just wins.

[leeman]

I got used to the difference and actually forgot what the Vettte was like. I think the GT3 with its grip on the road will get more power to the road. 550 HP on an M is way too much. Without extra wide tires i cannot see how you keep it on the road.

[shitbrownMcoupe]

The only thing I don't really like about the cayman is the rear. otherwise great car! I've seen some cayman's with nice wings, and that makes up for it nicely.

But it's sad to read reviews saying that the cayman is better than the z4 m coupe...

[shitbrownMcoupe]

I love my M

great bang for the buck..

Honestly, how many of us can even drive our cars to it's full potential I can't...

as long as it's a 2 seater... even the miata's are amazing.

[pokeybritches]

Originally Posted by shift@red

Every single review of the two done, the cayman has won. They cayman/boxster are just that good, its almost unfair. That said the z4m is still quite a car, but not as dialed in as the cayman is.

The Z4M has won a few. Top Gear comes to mind. You can pretty much expect to have some handling issues when you put an iron block straight 6 in the front of the car vs. a mid-mounted flat 6. I'd take the extra power and LSD any day!

[RussRamz]

I used to have a heavily tuned 2008 M6. I actually bought the Z4M after the M6 and the very first day I thought to myself I really don't enjoy driving the M6 anymore. Yes it had lots of power and was a great autobahn burner comfortably cruising at 160+, but I got bored with it. My Z4M is by far a much more fun. It's my baby (even though I am very hard on it).

[RussRamz]

Originally Posted by ryanchua

The reason im having these thoughts is, that after my Z4M, i'm definitely getting a GT3, just that i think i might miss having the same amount of torque of a supercharged z4m.

Thanks!

Interesting you say that. I am ordering a GT3 RS Mk II next year. BMW has lost its focus for a true enthusiast's car save the M3 CSL, and current M3 GTS (unobtainable). I will continue to buy BMWs for my family vehicles, but Porsche is the only real alternative right now.

[ryanchua]

Feels like the most natural progression for Z4M owners. Because honestly, I can't find anything else close which improves the experience better, apart from breaking my bank over LP570s or F430s.

Originally Posted by RussRamz

Interesting you say that. I am ordering a GT3 RS Mk II next year. BMW has lost its focus for a true enthusiast's car save the M3 CSL, and current M3 GTS (unobtainable). I will continue to buy BMWs for my family vehicles, but Porsche is the only real alternative right now.

[ga41]

Interesting thread this and i also somewhat agree with tifosi360 in that the MC could have been BMW's GT3. In my humble opinion the Z4 M excites easily at first with its speed and lovely noise but is also a grower.

The peculiarities that some motoring journalists disapprove of are also sometimes the very same things that long term owners come to love. Of course one could also bring up the same argument about the Cayman/Boxster and their foolproof "safe" chassis.

I think they're all awesome cars and the more cars to choose from the better for everyone.

As to the original author's question of whether anyone would upgrade to something with less power, i guess if the right car came along then i would. It's all about how good it makes you feel not simply how fast you can go.

[tifosi360]

Originally Posted by shitbrownMcoupe

I love my M

as long as it's a 2 seater... even the miata's are amazing.

Great comment, I have a stock 1991 Mazda Miata and it is most fun you can have with all the speed limits in mind. The car is so entertaining under sixty... any street turn can become a pretend F1 turn with the Miata.

[Blind32]

Originally Posted by tifosi360

Great comment, I have a stock 1991 Mazda Miata and it is most fun you can have with all the speed limits in mind. The car is so entertaining under sixty... any street turn can become a pretend F1 turn with the Miata.

That is so true. I had a 91 Miata as well. It was my parents car, and it started as me borrowing it for a month or so until I could find another car since my car's transmission had completely died on me and I was only 16-17. After driving it for a week, I was hooked on the handling and buying it from them and keeping it for 3-4 years. After I sold it, never thought I'd be happy again since every other car I drove was a boat.

But when I test drove the Z4M.....I had that same feeling again. It kinda sucks that I got spoiled on the handling of a Miata at such a young age. There aren't many options to look to after you've had the taste of a car that handles as good as a Miata, Z4M, etc.. I guess, since I have to , my next step will be a GT3 as well