>Date: Sun, 26 Dec 1999 20:31:22 EST
>From: PbPied@aol.com
Subject: BMW Z3
>Anyone care to comment on the autocross competition
>capabilities/potential of a Z3 (4cyl) roadster?
Not too good 8-) They are good cars and are fun to drive, but they really do
not compare well to a 99-00 Miata. Reasons:
1) The Beemer has the same HP but weighs 300-400 lbs more depending on trim.
2) Almost no 4-cyl. Z3's except some very early cars have LSD's. All R
Package / Sport Package Miatas have Torsens. Miatas also have better gearing
than a Z3.
3) Miatas have double wishbone suspension vs. struts and trailing arms
derived from the old 3-series platform.
4) Z3's are roly-poly slushbuckets compared to a Sport Package Miata 8-)
This is IMHO of course, but if you drive them back to back, the Z3 has much
more body roll, isn't as responsive, and doesn't put power down very well
(no LSD).
About the only thing the Z3 has going for it is wheels that are 1" wider
than a Miata's. However, this doesn't make up for the other difficulties.
>How well do
>they work out of the box, and what is needed to fully develop
>for National Level Competition? (or can they get there at all?)
Might make a decent regional car if the Miata drivers in your area aren't
very good, but will probably never be nationally competitive unless it's
reclassed.
All IMHO of course.
Chris Walton <--- former 99 Sport Package owner
99 Mazda Protege ES 8-)
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