Comparing Z4MC to the 1 M Coupe

[gcochard]

Yeah, the Z4MR did 8:15 on contis.

[ZStig]

Who wants to fit the 1m aka m3 suspension on the z4m? heh

[BlackMoupe]

Then using the logic of the internetz. Z4MC with proper tires should be faster

[ZStig]

obviously


(edited because I use "heh" too much)

[gcochard]

Originally Posted by SSKE92

Then using the logic of the internetz. Z4MC with proper tires should be faster

[BlackMoupe]

We should get a ranting article on the homepage about how BMW's taking massivesteps backwards with all their new tech because obviously the Z4MC is superior.

[G80indy]

yep

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by pjusa10

Looked at a really nice Z4MC today, not exactly the color I want. But the car was in great shape and well taken care of, plus I really love the way the Z4MC drives. My dilemma is I really love the 1 M Coupe too. Since the 1M is "supposed" to be a one year run, I feel I must put an order in quickly if I am going to be able to get one before production ends.

My main concern is I have driven a 135 and it just felt somewhat numb and I did not like the feel of the clutch/gear shift, especially when compared to the Z4MC. I am not sure how much different the 1M will feel compared to a 135. I know 1M is a lot more money, but does anyone have any experience driving both? I know with the few amount 1M's out there and I probably will not get a chance to test drive one to make my own comparison. I don't think this Z4MC will last long before it sells, but I am scared to pull the trigger and have buyer’s remorse for not going with the 1M. Any feedback would be great. Sorry to ramble, but I am just confused. Tks.

What's your intended use for the car? Will you need to haul more that two people, have space for storage? Want a hell of a lot of V8 like low torque and "feel" of power? Don't expect to do HPDEs or do expect to do HPDEs?

If you plan to run in HPDEs ("track" the car) the Z4M is a better fit. The N54 overheats on the track (I've seen this first hand) and goes into limp mode. (No, not the original models w/o the oil cooler, even those with the cooler.) Even with additional cooling (if they added it to the 1M) I'd think this would continue to be somewhat of an issue. Especially with a stronger tune (= more heat).

If you don't plan on running HPDEs and need room for stuff and people on occasion, want better luxury and tech, don't want to put up with a somewhat harsher ride, then the 1M is a better fit.

It's all about what you need the car for, and that elusive thing called "feel".

If raw power is the goal, as others have said, with what you save vs. the 1M you could throw a S/C on it and blow the 1M into the weeds. Or save that money for a rainy day!

[tekmoe]

LOL all I see is a bunch of "mine is bigger than yours" comments. In the end, we all know which car is better...

Carry on, ladies.

[Swashplate]

Originally Posted by tekmoe

LOL all I see is a bunch of "mine is bigger than yours" comments. In the end, we all know which car is better...

Carry on, ladies.

For the record, mine is.

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by TheBroker

For the record, mine is.

[ZStig]

Originally Posted by TheBroker

For the record, mine is.

yeah but mine's "the shit"






















(sepang bronze)

[Rick Hunter]

...and mine's RED HAWT!


(sorry, Skelekitty, I called it first )

[SCHMOUPE]

Originally Posted by Rick Hunter

...and mine's RED HAWT!


(sorry, Skelekitty, I called it first )

I would seriously go to the doctor ASAP

[arggg45]

Originally Posted by shakib

I would seriously go to the doctor ASAP

[Mirko]

Can't really compare the two via the engine. If you were to based soley on HP then wouldn't it be the power output of the 1M engine at 255hp (net turbo) to the Z4m 330hp. Or if you want apples to apples then 1M 340hp to Z4M with lets say ESS super charger with 450hp.

1M is a nice car and I like it but it sort of looks like a riced up 135i. Or something a BMW fanatic would to their 135i. Slap on better suspension, LSD, body kit, quad exhaust and a slight tune and there ya go.

[Serious]

Originally Posted by Finnegan

What's your intended use for the car? Will you need to haul more that two people, have space for storage? Want a hell of a lot of V8 like low torque and "feel" of power? Don't expect to do HPDEs or do expect to do HPDEs?

If you plan to run in HPDEs ("track" the car) the Z4M is a better fit. The N54 overheats on the track (I've seen this first hand) and goes into limp mode. (No, not the original models w/o the oil cooler, even those with the cooler.) Even with additional cooling (if they added it to the 1M) I'd think this would continue to be somewhat of an issue. Especially with a stronger tune (= more heat).

If you don't plan on running HPDEs and need room for stuff and people on occasion, want better luxury and tech, don't want to put up with a somewhat harsher ride, then the 1M is a better fit.

It's all about what you need the car for, and that elusive thing called "feel".

If raw power is the goal, as others have said, with what you save vs. the 1M you could throw a S/C on it and blow the 1M into the weeds. Or save that money for a rainy day!

So are you just making these assumptions about feel and ride quality compared to the z4m or have you actually driven the 1m?

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by Serious

So are you just making these assumptions about feel and ride quality compared to the z4m or have you actually driven the 1m?

Solid assumptions based on known facts and hands-on experience. (No, I have not driven the 1M, but I have what should make for a good set of transferrable observations.)

The 1M uses the same suspension parts as the E9x M3 (past car). I've driven the 135 extensively, and owned a 335 at one point. The 135 and 335 are similar in terms of ride quality. The 135 is a bit "choppier" and a bit lower in terms of comfort, but the 135 feels a bit easier to manuever given it's slightly smaller size.

The M3/335 "feel" should give a good sense of what the 1M "feels" like compared to the 135 given that the 135/M1 use the same chassis/body but with typical M reinforcements, and given that the M3/1M use the same upgraded suspension bits. In other words, the 1M should be somewhat similar to the M3 in terms of ride comfort/harshness, with the 135/335 differences as already noted above.

If I then compare my experience with the 135/335/M3 to the Z4M I come to my conclusion which amounts to nothing more than a the Z4M having a "somewhat harsher ride" in comparison to the 1M. Whew, that's a long-winded explanation for a small conclusion about "ride".

RE: "feel", the elusive thing about "feel" is how the car makes the driver feel. Does the car inspire the driver, thrill the driver, put a smile on the driver's face? That's the "feel" I was referring to, not how the car feels (ride, handling, etc.) Sure, those things might contribute to what the driver feels, but it's the interaction between the car/driver that creates a connection (or doesn't). Each of use have to make that call, as what floats one person's boat doesn't do it for another. Some of us love the way the Z4M make us feel. Others don't find the car doing much for them.

As for the engine dynamics, N54/N55 have great low end torque and do tend to overheat when pushed hard repeatedly. I've seen this at the track first hand and discussed it at length several guys who bring their 335s to the track. The 1M may have found a way around this, but I think it's a tough nut to crack with the I6 configuration, engine bay size/design, and cooling demands of a turbo engine that's run hard.

[johanness]

I need a cigarette

[pjusa10]

Sorry guys, I guess I did not explain myself very well or what I am looking for and why. I currently own an Elise, '00 M Roadster and a daily driver for work. I bought the Elise last year and it has great feel/feedback, handling, and I just have a blast driving it. Unfortunately, someone keyed it within 3 months of owning it and now I am just paranoid to take it anywhere. It is great for back roads, but not the greatest car to drive on long trips, etc.

Since owning the Elise, I just don't drive the M Roady that much anymore because I am always taking the Elise out. For anyone that has driven these cars know that they can ruin driving most cars. I am a huge BMW fan, but I am selling the M Roadster because I have owned for about 6 years and I am just ready for something new. I want to replace it with a 2dr coupe I can drive to work some days, visiting family, etc, but still really enjoy driving it and have it be reasonably comfortable. Being an Elise owner, anything is comfortable now!! I also like something that is a little different and not something you see all the time.

For the most part, the Z4 MC was the one that seemed to fit everything I was looking for. Now that the 1M has come out, on the surface and I thought it was another car I could consider. Like I said, I drove the 135i and just didn’t think it was the car for me. But having it as an “M” car, I thought maybe it would change my mind. I know these two cars are different and not easily comparable, but to me they are both limited production, quick two door coupes and pretty light weight in current day standards. Plus for most, you either love the looks or hate them. I personally love the Z4 MC and from pictures, I really like the looks of the 1M, obviously that could change once I see it in person, but most I have heard like it better in person. I know they are both going to be plenty fast for me, but wanted a car that made me enjoy every gear change and turn of the steering wheel. Not something that you drive just to drive. By the way, I will not be tracking the next car I get. I am really leaning to the ZM for exactly the same reasons some of you have given. Also, I have enjoyed everyone’s feedback and opinions. Tks

[mikeinsf]

All other things aside... I've tried to like the 1, but I think it's not a very attractive looking car.

[The_Ring_Monster]

Hi PJUSA10, I am actually on the same boat as you. I'm also in the market to buy a Z4 MC but the 1M has been catching my eyes lately. I talked to the sales reps at a local dealership and they informed me about the 1 year production run and limited quantity (wait list). In the end, I still prefer the M Coupe for its distinctive "feel" and the emotions it evokes...there is just nothing else like it.

Good luck with your decision!