Z3 or Miata?

[E30 Wagen]

I test drove a Miata my brother was looking at, which he ended up buying. I'd been driving a pretty clean e36 at the time, so the Miata just felt like a very budget-wise car and didn't excite me. My brother told me the rpms were very high at like 80mph and was overall kinda buzzy. If I wanted a quiet, stylish roadster that will comfortably cruise at 80 all day I'd look for a well maintained Z3.

[stonea]

The Z3 and Z1 is based off both the e30 and e36 chassis. The Z1 has a e30 front and e36 rear, while the z3 has e36 and e30 rear. The Z1 also had a m20 while most of the z3s were based off of a e46 engine.

[UlrichFennec]

M42 powered Z3 all the way. Such a great car for the money, and the E36 chassis doesn't disappoint.

I thought the Zed was based off of the E30 chassis? Or am I thinking of the Z1?

[rlich8]

M42 powered Z3 all the way. Such a great car for the money, and the E36 chassis doesn't disappoint.

[acolella76]

I vote miata as well, but I never really liked the Z3 so maybe I'm biased. Cheap parts and easy to work on. My coworker has a NA miata with a Honda Odyssey V6 in it, and the thing really scoots. The V6 is actually lighter than the 4 cylinder so it still handles like a go-kart. If you just want a fun weekend cruiser pick up a Z3, but if you care more about the driving experience get the miata.

I can not own/drive a miata because i am 6'3 and i am looking over the top of the windshield to drive.

I'm only 5' 10" and I am pretty much doing the same thing in a Z3

[kickinindian]

This is a wifey car guys not for him! keep it cheap so it does not take away from your car funds, so is say miata for cheapness in long term maint.

[QUKBMER]

I can not own/drive a miata because i am 6'3 and i am looking over the top of the windshield to drive.

[stonea]

stay the hell away from the m52tub......good lord what a mess of a motor.

What makes you say this? I had a M52tub25 Z3 and loved it. Also the M52tu is 93% the same as a M54. All it needs is a little intake manifold swap and its a great little motor.

Anyways I'm biased but I LOVE my little z3, that being said its a little to similar to the e30. A 5 lug swapped e30 with a s52 or M54 is just a practical Z3. I've always heard good things about Miatas and I remember going to the local races at summit point and half the fields would be those little roller skates.

I much prefer the Z3 interior over the Mazdas. Actually IMO the z3 has the best looking interior period. I also think the Zed's looks are 1,000,000,000,000 times better than the Miatas. But with this all being said I've heard the Mazdas are cheaper and easier to work on. So I vote Miata for a track car, and a Z3 for a nice little side car that you occasionally track.

[UlrichFennec]

Get an NB Miata and put some roundels and Z3 fenders on the side. Best of both worlds!

But honestly, get a Miata. As much as I love the Z3, the Miata is undoubtedly the more fun car. The dynamics and balance are almost unrivaled for a cheap 2 seater sports car.

[Exodus_2pt0]

I'll sell you my miata for 2k with the wheels and rust package. Its cheap enough that by the time it rusts completely out you will have made your decision on which car you want long term.



Jokes aside, I've had the car listed on craigslist for over a month now, and I haven't been able to sell it due to a combination of some people being deterred by the rust, and others who really want to buy it but I just flake out.

Its my red headed step child. I feed it enough to live and take it out for a beating every few weeks. Guess where my vote went.

[rturbo 930]

I almost bought a Miata before I got my E30. Would still love to have one. Z3 isn't really anything special IMO.

[digitalcox]

Bias aside, the Miata is a fun car to drive and would be a little lighter on the wallet too.

[flyboyx]

miata's are probably a cheaper car to buy and maintain. a z3 in good condition will hold its value a hell of a lot better than a regular e36. i disagree that z3's drive like other bmw's of its era. i think they drive more like a 2 seat e30 with a modern engine. this goes without saying, but avoid the automatics at all cost.

i, personally, am not a fan of the mazda. i think it looks like a girl car. when i see a guy driving one, i always find myself wondering about his orientation. just sayin'.

[helalo]

whichever cleaner and better priced one you find in your area. a Z3 is the better brother of a miata.

[golde30]

Miata have a shittier interior, so if you are accustomed to BMW interior, miata will look like crap. However miata is more fun to drive.