So I want to treat myself...

[SkodaMart]

How is it unfair comparison when the thread is about comparing options for the OP?

The boxster/cayman are mid engined sports cars.
Comparing those with a front engined RWD car is like comparing them with a hot hatch.
It’s not like for like.
Compare the Cayman with the A110

 

[GarethSouthgate]

The boxster/cayman are mid engined sports cars.
Comparing those with a front engined RWD car is like comparing them with a hot hatch.
It’s not like for like.
Compare the Cayman with the A110

I see this going nowhere so I'll nod and agree.

 

[SkodaMart]

I see this going nowhere so I'll nod and agree.

Yes it really isn’t difficult, just drive them and compare each on their own merit.

 

[Kenai]

The boxster/cayman are mid engined sports cars.
Comparing those with a front engined RWD car is like comparing them with a hot hatch.
It’s not like for like.
Compare the Cayman with the A110

It's as 'like for like' as it needs to be when the brief is as open ended as "what interesting weekend car can I buy for £30k?"

 

[GarethSouthgate]

It's as 'like for like' as it needs to be when the brief is as open ended as "what interesting weekend car can I buy for £30k?"

Not when you're a Z4 fanboi it isn't.

Totally unfair!!1!1

 

[GarethSouthgate]

For what it's worth, I'm an MX-5 fanboi, you'll struggle to beat it for value in terms of smiles per mile. Biggest let down has always been the engine for me but even then, the car is still worth buying as it's so much fun, at slow speeds also. Cheap as chips too! More fun than a Z4.

 

[[TW]Fox]

This is a totally unfair comparison and it has been from the first day, the boxster / cayman are mid engined sports cars, the Z4 is a more traditional large 6 cylinder front engine RWD, not unlike the classic British Triumphs in the day. (TR5 TR6)

The Boxster was the main competitor to the Z4. They are two different approaches at the same product - a rear wheel drive Roadster.

What you are saying is like trying to argue that the BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4 do not compete because one is front wheel drive.

The Z4 steering is nothing like as poor as it was made out, infact it weights up nicely when driven in a sporting manner, if the steering doesn’t speak to you the chassis screams at you so lack of feel is an utterly moot point.

I am not somebody who is particularly concerned with steering feel but even I noticed how poor it was. I don't feel it really communicated at all and the weight you get felt artificial. It was the first attempt BMW made at electric power steering and it showed. You could argue the steering feel in an E46 330i saloon was better - which isn't what you want from a Roadster, is it?

For many these cars were the last decent (drivers) car BMW made.
The Porsche is easier to drive (and more capable for most drivers) but I would argue the BMW is more of a challenge and more rewarding on the right road.

The BMW is more of a challenge only because of its shortcomings, not because it is a purer drivers car. I found the suspension was too harsh at times which made the handling a bit more difficult if the road surface wasn't perfect.

I like the Z4 - it's a good car despite its shortcomings - but other than this thread I have never heard it called a better drivers car than a Boxster or a pure drivers car. I notice you ignored the part where I pointed out how full of electronics it was...

 

[bigmike20vt]

I am totally biased but I had a lot of fun back in the day in my 350Z. (when i bought it I figured it was 90% of the fun of a boxter for 60% of the price)

It is getting on a bit now so not going to suggest that, however you could do a lot worse than look at a 370z and then have £15k left over to go on lots of nice holidays as well

 

[mrlizard]

I am totally biased but I had a lot of fun back in the day in my 350Z. (when i bought it I figured it was 90% of the fun of a boxter for 60% of the price)

It is getting on a bit now so not going to suggest that, however you could do a lot worse than look at a 370z and then have £15k left over to go on lots of nice holidays as well

I had a 350z and did a lot with it, amazing car, value for money was incredible, had a 370z after for 3 years and was easier to live with and great fun... good suggestion, with the right exhaust they sound great too, interior leaves a lot to be desired especially next to a ttrs and the like though

 

[Firegod]

Mustang GT 5.0 is/was my first choice on a 2019-ish plate but certainly the 2018 onwards facelift version. There is just something about that V8 that puts a grin on my face. I know the interior is a bit basic but I like the look of it externally and with the right exhaust I love the sound of a normally aspirated V8.

Definitely go for the facelift version. You'll be getting the digital dash and the active exhaust. The airbox redesign over the pre-facelift offers extra performance as well.

Not really much to look out for, the 10 speed auto is great to drive (I had a manual and then the auto). You're going to get better MPG when crusing (I hit over 30MPG on the motorway cruising in 10th) and quicker changes than the 6 speed manual when nailing it. Only gotcha with the 10 speed 10R-80 is it can get a memory and if the car has been driven particularly hard, it makes the gear changes harsher. It can be easily reset to learn from scratch (just need a handheld to reset it quicker than doing the official Ford procedure). I'd therefore say, drive one, and see what the gear changes are like and very important - Test also going from Park > Neutral > Reverse and vice and versa. The 10R-80 can bang and jerk the car like being rear ended. This can be fixed by getting Ford to check the transmission is on the latest software release + a reset.

The seats are really comfy. You can just soak up the miles as they are nicely padded. I've never had the Recaro optional extras as I like the heated and cooled functions.

Wing mirros, one will not fold in as much as the other. Don't worry, this is normal. You'd have to take it up with the Americans. lol.

Handbrake - check it is tight as some I have driven ratchet too far up and still fail to hold the car on an incline (it is a heavy 'ol beast).

Sound wise the standard active exhaust is very nice. To make it that bit better an H-pipe or X-pipe is a must (repalces the central silencer and saves a bit of weight to boot). Doesn't impact MOT. Exhaust does need cutting as the replacement pipe is sleeved. Have a peek underneath the rear by the exhaust tips and just check the condition of the wires going into the unit that controls the flap, they are exposed so can deteriorate meaning the active exhaust system fails.

Handling wise the standard rear is twitchy. You want good rubber on all four corners, I recommend the Conti Sport Contact 7s. As well as good rubber you can do two things to instantly help. The first is the Full IRS subframe alignment kit with the extra rear end braces. It just locks it all together and is a great mod to do. The second is the rear vertical links. Replace the pressed steel with full on billet aluminium pieces with polybushes. Now when you press the happy pedal you get no wheel hop, no twisting, and no squirming.

Power wise, not much you can do extra to the N/A V8. Best route if you want more is to Supercharge (which is what I did).

Can't think of anything else but if something pops in my head I'll post back!

 

[Colonel_Klinck]

Definitely go for the facelift version. You'll be getting the digital dash and the active exhaust. The airbox redesign over the pre-facelift offers extra performance as well.

Not really much to look out for, the 10 speed auto is great to drive (I had a manual and then the auto). You're going to get better MPG when crusing (I hit over 30MPG on the motorway cruising in 10th) and quicker changes than the 6 speed manual when nailing it. Only gotcha with the 10 speed 10R-80 is it can get a memory and if the car has been driven particularly hard, it makes the gear changes harsher. It can be easily reset to learn from scratch (just need a handheld to reset it quicker than doing the official Ford procedure). I'd therefore say, drive one, and see what the gear changes are like and very important - Test also going from Park > Neutral > Reverse and vice and versa. The 10R-80 can bang and jerk the car like being rear ended. This can be fixed by getting Ford to check the transmission is on the latest software release + a reset.

The seats are really comfy. You can just soak up the miles as they are nicely padded. I've never had the Recaro optional extras as I like the heated and cooled functions.

Wing mirros, one will not fold in as much as the other. Don't worry, this is normal. You'd have to take it up with the Americans. lol.

Handbrake - check it is tight as some I have driven ratchet too far up and still fail to hold the car on an incline (it is a heavy 'ol beast).

Sound wise the standard active exhaust is very nice. To make it that bit better an H-pipe or X-pipe is a must (repalces the central silencer and saves a bit of weight to boot). Doesn't impact MOT. Exhaust does need cutting as the replacement pipe is sleeved. Have a peek underneath the rear by the exhaust tips and just check the condition of the wires going into the unit that controls the flap, they are exposed so can deteriorate meaning the active exhaust system fails.

Handling wise the standard rear is twitchy. You want good rubber on all four corners, I recommend the Conti Sport Contact 7s. As well as good rubber you can do two things to instantly help. The first is the Full IRS subframe alignment kit with the extra rear end braces. It just locks it all together and is a great mod to do. The second is the rear vertical links. Replace the pressed steel with full on billet aluminium pieces with polybushes. Now when you press the happy pedal you get no wheel hop, no twisting, and no squirming.

Power wise, not much you can do extra to the N/A V8. Best route if you want more is to Supercharge (which is what I did).

Can't think of anything else but if something pops in my head I'll post back!

That sir is a fantastic post! I'm leaning towards the manual as I enjoy gear changing, makes me feel a bit more at one with the car, maybe I should drive the auto and see how it makes me feel. I sat in a mates which is the facelift version and the exhaust on its loudest setting was just beautiful, like I said at the beginning I love the sound of a V8.

Does yours have the MagneRide Adaptive Damping? Heard it makes it a better ride.

I've never owned a car with 300bhp let alone 450, so a supercharger might be a step too far lol for now.

 

[da_mic_1530]

I have kids, I miss my F Type every day - every time one drives past I just get sad

I vote F Type

 

[Firegod]

That sir is a fantastic post! I'm leaning towards the manual as I enjoy gear changing, makes me feel a bit more at one with the car, maybe I should drive the auto and see how it makes me feel. I sat in a mates which is the facelift version and the exhaust on its loudest setting was just beautiful, like I said at the beginning I love the sound of a V8.

Does yours have the MagneRide Adaptive Damping? Heard it makes it a better ride.

I've never owned a car with 300bhp let alone 450, so a supercharger might be a step too far lol for now.

Haha you're welcome. Well the manual can be iffy. Sadly the Getrag MT82 isn't the best. The new mustang (S650) finally resolves that issue as it comes with the Tremac 6 speed which is apparently amazing. We didn't get it here in UK in current gen (S550). You can improve things though with the Getrag, if you go manual defo do three things. (Steeda stock all these parts)

Firstly, get the MT82 transmission mount bushing insert. It basically fills a big empty void. The second, get the clutch replacement spring (replaces the little spring underneath the pedal). Standard one has no feel and is vague as it is too hard and makes stalling a real problem. The new spring fixes this with the lower rate. Third, is the shifter base bushing and bracket kit. The standard bushing item is like swiss cheese it makes the shifter very sloppy and loose. The new bushing and billet bracket really tighten up the slop.

You'll enjoy the manual much more after those little tweaks.

Never had magneride sadly. Would have been something to try out but people say it is good.

 

[GarethSouthgate]

It is annoying having to modify a car to make it drive properly.

 

[Colonel_Klinck]

It is annoying having to modify a car to make it drive properly.

It is but I've modified every bike I've ever owned, though some weren't to fix things that should have been done at the factory, some were though.

 

[Colonel_Klinck]

Haha you're welcome. Well the manual can be iffy. Sadly the Getrag MT82 isn't the best. The new mustang (S650) finally resolves that issue as it comes with the Tremac 6 speed which is apparently amazing. We didn't get it here in UK in current gen (S550). You can improve things though with the Getrag, if you go manual defo do three things. (Steeda stock all these parts)

Firstly, get the MT82 transmission mount bushing insert. It basically fills a big empty void. The second, get the clutch replacement spring (replaces the little spring underneath the pedal). Standard one has no feel and is vague as it is too hard and makes stalling a real problem. The new spring fixes this with the lower rate. Third, is the shifter base bushing and bracket kit. The standard bushing item is like swiss cheese it makes the shifter very sloppy and loose. The new bushing and billet bracket really tighten up the slop.

You'll enjoy the manual much more after those little tweaks.

Never had magneride sadly. Would have been something to try out but people say it is good.

Bookmarked! Thanks for the info.

 

[GarethSouthgate]

It is but I've modified every bike I've ever owned, though some weren't to fix things that should have been done at the factory, some were though.

Ultimately it does end up with a better product but it means they released a below par product in the first place, I guess that's why they're relatively cheap though?

 

[Colonel_Klinck]

Ultimately it does end up with a better product but it means they released a below par product in the first place, I guess that's why they're relatively cheap though?

Maybe but Ducati ship there bikes with an OEM clutch slave that is absolute dog poop and you pay through the nose for a Ducati. KTM use the same slave and its one of the first things most owners swap because either the oil seals will fail at some point leaving you without a clutch on the side of the road or if you track your bike air will get in the system and in just a few laps of ragging it hard you'll come in and the clutch lever comes back to the bar but the clutch doesn't do a damned thing. I learnt that lesson the hard way when I bought my 1290 Superduke and took it Jerez just after running it in. Had to bleed the clutch after every session. They've been using the same slave since the 2005 950 Adventure.

 

[SkodaMart]

The Boxster was the main competitor to the Z4. They are two different approaches at the same product - a rear wheel drive Roadster.

What you are saying is like trying to argue that the BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4 do not compete because one is front wheel drive.

Yes that's exactly what I am saying, the fact that the BMW 3 series and Audi A4 are powered at different ends would be a major factor in my decision making process.
As you say different approaches to making the same product.

I am not somebody who is particularly concerned with steering feel but even I noticed how poor it was. I don't feel it really communicated at all and the weight you get felt artificial. It was the first attempt BMW made at electric power steering and it showed. You could argue the steering feel in an E46 330i saloon was better - which isn't what you want from a Roadster, is it?

Strange car the Z4 I grant you that. Some say BMW can't make sports cars.
Personally I don't think the steering is anything like as bad as it was made out - JayEmm reflected these opinions in his recent review of the 3.0si Coupe. I did however link the Z4M which uses a hydraulic system.
To understand a Z4 you have to grab it by the scruff of the neck and throw it up the road, at which point it really does come alive in a manner that totally shocked me. They are quite an intimidating car to drive especially for an inexperienced driver, again not unlike riding a motorcycle.
The Porsche on the other hand has far more finesse.

The BMW is more of a challenge only because of its shortcomings, not because it is a purer drivers car. I found the suspension was too harsh at times which made the handling a bit more difficult if the road surface wasn't perfect.

I like the Z4 - it's a good car despite its shortcomings - but other than this thread I have never heard it called a better drivers car than a Boxster or a pure drivers car. I notice you ignored the part where I pointed out how full of electronics it was...

Yes but a motorcyclist will understand this, many 'sports' classic sports cars are a handful.
The Z4 suspension can get tiresome I will agree with that.
I did also recommend a Cayman - 987.2 in particular (my brother-in-law) has just bought one. My next door neighbour drives an Alpine A110GT, I like both cars.
I guess it's easier to control the ITBs with electronics than it is a complicated throttle linkage system and I totally understand that. (the N52 powered car doesn't even use a throttle, it uses variable valve lift) I really cannot fault the engine or the throttle response.

It doesn't really matter which car OP chooses, but there are some glowing reviews out there for the Z4C and Z4MC (I would certainly choose one over the overrated IMO S2000). Even the S2000 forum suggests this is the case in many places.
Sometimes it is best to ignore the crowd (especially the internet) and choose what suits you.

Anyway good luck OP, whatever car you choose.

 

[ShivP]

I had the same quandary. Ended up with an M2