vs. Used BMW Z3 Coupe
 

t86 + Z3 similarities:
-small
-rwd
-seats two comfortably
-room for stuff (track equipment, dog, etc)
-autocross / trackable

86 + Z3 differences:
-new vs. used
-reliability?
-Z3 M coupe costs mega $$$ still
-86 has rear seats
-Z3 has factory roof rack points (see my roof rack thread :P)

It seems to me that the Z3 3.0 coupe would be the best to compare against, in terms of performance vs. dollar.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...Coup%C3%A9.jpg

I have an e36 M3, and until I heard about the BRZ, the S54 M Coupe was going to be my next car. Prices may seem high, but they really aren't bad when you consider how fun the car is to drive. The problem is that the rear subframes are a $3k repair waiting to happen if you don't pre-emptively reinforce them.

Still, I think it's a toss-up. If you're still interested in Z3 M Coupes, this is a great resource to keep track of what's on the market: http://listings.mcoupebuyersguide.com/

oh...thats fire

z3 coupe was one of my cars i wanted. im 6'4" 200lbs and i could never could get comfortable inside the car. the fixed upright position of the seats because its pretty much leaning against a back wall. so it wasnt great for taller people.

there is also the rear subframe issue. its a pretty major issue ongoing with current owners.

You forgot a key difference. Z3 is FUGLY.

Hey, some people like fugly. The only reason I didn't pick up an S52 M coupe was that I didn't want to make car payments... So I paid cash for a bugeye WRX instead. :)

How about comparing the BRZ to a Z4M coupe? Call me crazy, but I am seriously considering selling my 07 Z4M for this car.

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r...e/IMG_5799.jpg

If BRZ/FR-S runs for $25K+ I'm getting Z4 coupe. So hard to get them on manual but they rock at 3100lb and 265HP. And they have hatches, it's like a modern version of Datsun 240Z, just add weight and power to it.

I'll wait and see of course, since reducing weight from Z4 coupe is terribly difficult with all the aluminum bits it already has. Still like the 'lightest inline 6' engine with 265HP though.

BTW, pics are Z4 M Coupe. Very hard to find the lighter Z4 coupe with manual.

oh, my word... that bmw looks the part but, costs the part also.

I sold my Z4 M coupe a month ago. I loved the car (especially the motor) but the fact is (this is going to sound crazy) it was WAY too good to have fun driving everyday. When a cars performance limits are too high simple joys like giving it the beans on a free way on/off ramp becomes impossible and highly illegal.

With the Z3 you're getting less utility, an archaic rear suspension (prone to subframe failure), and the hassles of a used car. That being said the Bread van/Clown shoe design will NEVER go unnoticed (for better or worse)

Here's a picture of Maggie (sorry for the large file despite my age I suck at the computers haha)

Glad to find this... I'm also torn between getting a 2001 Z3 3.0i convertible with 60k miles for $11k and this FR-S/BRZ as a second car. I had a brand new 1999 Z3 2.5 back then and I loved that car. I test drove the FR-S and found it entertaining but lacking a bit power for me. I also had a 2004 Miata and that didn't satisfy because of power. I don't want to make the same mistake again with FR-S/BRZ but I know these cars are not created for power anyway.

Ugh, Z3 coupe is sooo ugly. Z3 M roadster on the other hand.... yumyumyum. I don't care for the base Z4 either, only the Z4 M coupe/roadster. I'm really all set with buying a 10-yr-old German car, though. As tempting as an E46 M3 or C5 RS6 would be, the maintenance and fuel economy would be murder for what I need it for. If it were just gonna be a weekend toy, things would be different.

I tell you what I would buy in a heartbeat though; an E30 318iS or 325iS. Find a clean one fully sorted for $5-6k and just drive it. Such timeless, solid, simple, fun cars that go forever! *runs off to scour Craigslist*
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wUycnEKIEx...aDelMarLF1.jpg