Best Motoring - SLK AMG 350Z vs vs vs vs S2000 Boxter S vs Crossfire Z4
Sports car popularity comes and goes top-down seaters were hot in the 50 and 60; Today, America's fever for cars like the original Jaguar E-Type roadster Corvette and Shelby Cobra also burns warmly than ever by the mid-70s, however, everything went wrong, and handful were left in America had forgotten how to go topless.
Today roadsters are back with a vengeance Mazda started the trend when he Miata to America's shores in 90 Several new German roadster followed in the second half of the decade, as Mercedes- Benz SLK and BMW Z3 subjects of this comparison and the mid-engine Porsche Boxster.
After a long pause, BMW roadster is back to business when it introduced the Z3 in 96 This affordable, evoked memories of good to do four types roadster sports car cylinder zipping around in their early 40s BMW 328 roadsters and end - 50 507s next year, the same kind was presented at the last Stuttgart import the Boxster which followed the footsteps of his ancestors 550 Spyder and RS60 after the race While two German two-seaters of aujourd 'hui may have roots vestigial in the past should neither be considered purely retro, or somehow old technology.
RoadBoth on automobiles have recently received power of the Porsche injections last year, and 01 to BMW Boxster fans will appreciate the DOHC 2 7L 217 horizontally opposed six-cylinder horses boxer engine named for how its movement rod-piston like boxers punches coupled to a manual review Our five-speed test vehicle launched on 60 June 61 sec, covering the quarter mile in 14 66 to 95 mph on a shadow Although not as torquey as new DOHC 3 0L alloys I Z3 -6 currently developing near M Roadster similar to 225 hp, the Boxster linear powerband and exhaust notes banshee above 5000 rpm is more like a muscle machine that you think of.
Rowing toothed wheels in the Boxster is less happy, because of short time throws and blas shifter feel enter doors In typical fashion Porsche, the transsexual gear ratios are well spaced to maximize the torque curve of the power plant without an overabundance of low -end torque available even if we welcome the improvement of 11 lb-ft of 2 5L downshift additional Boxster origin is needed in rough terrain to keep the six-cylinder boxer in the best part of its powerband.
3 0L six new generation with double variable valve camshaft valves was the test torque titan, Development 214 lb-ft at 3500 rpm What improvement over the base 2 5 and 2 above 8 and delivery perfect power Z3, were two log comments powertrain Even with its extra power and torque, the new six Garners a vehicle certification very low ULEV emission.
BMW pulls hard, hitting 60 May 94 dry and blazing the quarter mile in 14 13 in a tick under 96 mph speed Change in the Z3 is a dream, too, with a specific shift mechanism, direct and Tink reassuring that you press each Z3 transmission gate is ideal for diets available, which makes climbing hills a breeze, just leave it in and leave third pair of pressure you wherever you want to go.
We really appreciate the Z3 real driving characteristics thanks to its well-calibrated rear suspension arm before independent power leg back c is a manager, to be sure, but with a forgiving ride that doesn shake it t occupants in crossing road expansion joints or the occasional pothole Even with the dynamic stability control DST disabled, the Z3 was very tolerant when driven hard, always leaving the driver know the limits of adhesion were close, and when back the driving rhythm Bimmer through the twisties can be summarized in an absolute sense kick in the pants, without punishing your seat.
With its inspired race cars, the mass concentration patterns of the car engine closer to the center handle and toughest, best yet well balanced Boxster glue The use of aluminum in the Porsche suspension also contributes to the componentry stiffness and unsprung weight departments, surely a key to its lightning-fast Equipped with the Sport Pack option reflexes that includes stiffer springs, shocks, anti-roll bar more, traction control, and 17 in the wheels and tires, the Porsche rides harder than the BMW, send all road irregularities occupants But it offers the limits of cornering and virtually unflappable control in the process.
In CockpitIf you like the idea of sitting on a freshly picked ostrich, you will love the new look of the leather interior Z3 Although ostrich appearance is actually simulated the seats Heated sports option offer excellent lumbar and lateral support.
Designed with the operator in mind, all controls fall easily to the fingertip, with the exception of the fog lamp switch buried deep on the dashboard behind the steering wheel and hood switch, located at the rear of the center console to the partition.
While the Z3 is not within the narrow, it is not exactly spacious either instead of riding in the car, taller occupants wear the Z It is comfortable, cozy, and secure the top doubled fabric offers quiet for a convertible environment for drizzly day, but driving in the fresh air is the mode you prefer just release the twin locks and press the top button for instant alfresco experience BMW doesn t include a device blocking the wind, although it is available as dealer installed option, then prepared to deal with a lot of wind buffeting with the top retracted, if you pass.
Foamed special Boxster in red leather, our tester gave off a high degree of expertise Every inch of the interior is perfectly mated and over, a huge improvement over the first Boxsters but us opt for the fiber aluminum optional or carbon that replaces the black plastic trim on the central dashboard and switching equipment surrounds the Porsche seats with high density padding spoil driver and passenger, but we find the lumbar missed for long journeys as well, these seats could use the additional lateral reinforcement to keep in place during hard cornering.
When the space of the cabin Z3 qualifies as business class, the Boxster is first class legroom all the way He Sá remarkable amount of space to stretch out and at no time one of our testers feel claustrophobic in the cockpit of the Porsche actually 6 -ft-4 -tall Photog David Newhardt easily slipped behind the wheel with legroom to spare Our only complaints legs rubbed against the steering column because it offers no inclination but not telescope, and plain black plastic equipment like it came out a car lot less.
But Porsche didn t forget the keys neat blocker wind transparent plastic, the ignition of the left panel in the traditional hand so you can make a run Le Mans start your own, and a ventilation system the trunk to keep your cooking supplies.
One of the biggest problems with engineering a two-seat roadster is carving enough usable storage space of the two examples we tested, the Porsche is the clear winner, with a trunk before able swallow two travel bags and more, a rear trunk for a small set of golf clubs, storage pockets and a storage bin in each door, storage locking the center console in place of the glove compartment, and two small rear slots behind the seats in the wall with the top up, convertible the shallow well can also be used for storage.
BMW engineers should note Even with a decent sized trunk for a roadster 5 0 cu compared to the Boxster s 9 1, a large gym bag or three small bags is all you can fit in the cabin, you will find a card pocket in each door, a center console size cell phone, and adequate glove box.
On the TrackWe were taken to Paris as to which car would be the winner in the streets of Willow Springs road racing We suspected the cornering force Porsche more 0 92 g compared to the BMW 0 85 and stronger braking would make fast cornering But Don t give a significant advantage of the Z3 accelerating, as this track is immediately deliciously long.
On the track, the Porsche was the favorite instant Its powerplant mounted in the middle, excellent balance and stronger adhesion has enabled us to drive deeper into the corners, while the Boxster rotates on its central axis BMW actually, however, have an advantage over the Porsche on its outstanding track torque at low rpm ensures rapid launch of a slow corner.
The Boxster also has a flatter cornering attitude, but hard you throw in a curve But unlike the BMW, which gives you a back end rotation Fair warning, the Porsche has literally no gray area when you push too away once spent his high limit, you can give all the bolt face that you like and the back keeps coming around.
We found the BMW steering isn t as accurate in turn as a Porsche's, but softer, more-roll center, the suspension takes a set-as long wonderfully predictable that you don t eat too much power to rear wheels and upset the balance unlike the Boxster, the Z3 responds well to steering throttle just mash the gas in a tower and tires break free fortunately, allowing Z3 drifting through corners our main on the track failure Z3 is in the service braking Bimmer workbooks suffer many melted and gleamed red after just five laps after the Boxster twice laps the brakes were without disappearing.
On the road, some drivers really know all the capabilities of a Boxster To take full advantage of its performance to the maximum, you have to get on a track that said, it bested BMW by less than a second tight during technical Willow road 1 June 04 June 1 98 against heads of translation handling charge but don t underestimate the low-end torque value.
The Z3 and the Boxster two wonderful roadsters we're hard to pick a favorite but if you're in the market for a sports car that handles well, awesome offer around the city grunt, provides good fuel mileage, and provides flexibility ride yet-yet-sporty, the Bimmer is the best choice and offers a more satisfying mix for the weekend and conduct during the week and it is not ignoring its almost 8000 price advantages that tested.
For us, to take the Boxster, and suffer the higher payments once you hear six-cylinder boxer screaming behind you slip into Willow Turn 3 in a drift-wheel drive, it is still one that steals car sport the heart of purists.
Topless TechnicalitiesWhile hood operation has remained basically the same since the 20's, there are some subtle, some major differences between BMW and Porsche systems.
Second OpinionsThey both have their strengths and weaknesses Hugs Boxster a corner like a leech, while torquey six straight pulls like crazy Z3 Porsche makes my big body for a comfortable fit, but the BMW has a sweet shifter They both delicious sounds, just different key Boxster twin trunks and smooth top are ideal for the road trip of a week, while the softer Z suspension is softer on a long drive If I could combine the best of both, and just take a BMW is fun to drive, but the Porsche is a challenge it makes me want to be a better driver than I will take the product of the good doctor, please -David Newhardt.
Like the guy who made the hot timed laps of the way, I can tell you these two cars feel worlds apart in their Hop dynamics of small, thin and taut Boxster it's virtually impossible to get out form without meaning and the Z3, and it feels much more like a Rétromobile compared bigger, softer sprung, and breezier way that's not a bad thing, just different truth said, I like em both, but for completely different reasons -C Van Tune.
For a direct link to these websites manufacturers, go to.
MacPherson strut, coil arms, coil springs, shock, the anti-roll bar.
MacPherson struts, coil springs rear anti-roll bar spring, MacPherson strut anti-roll bar, coil springs, anti-roll bar.
WHAT S HOT couples, and more torque; package fresh tonnage; classic roadster style.
WHAT S HOT Superbly balanced on the road or race track; exhaust note; felt a novice as a hero.
WHAT NOT buffeting Too w top down; bad position from the top conv switch; free throws; cheap plastic feeling.
WHAT NOT shifter light feeling with long brakes not to racetrack testing.
Sports car popularity comes and goes up and down seaters were hot in the 50's and 60 Even today, America's fever for cars like the original T-Bird, Jaguar E-Type Roadster Corvette and Shelby Cobra also burns warmly than ever by the mid 70s, however, everything went wrong, and a handful were left America had forgotten how to go topless.
Today roadsters are back with a vengeance Mazda started the trend when he Miata to America's shores in 90 Several new German roadster followed in the second half of the decade, as Mercedes-Benz SLK and BMW Z3 subjects of this comparison and the mid-engine Porsche Boxster.
After a long pause, BMW roadster is back to business when it introduced the Z3 roadster in 96 This four-cylinder affordable conjured memories of good to do sports car guys zipping around in their early 40s BMW 328 roadster 50 and the late- 507s __gVirt_NP_NN_NNPS<__ année suivante, le même genre a été présenté à la dernière Stuttgart importer le Boxster qui a suivi les traces de ses 550 race course ancêtres Spyder et RS60 Alors que les deux biplaces allemands d'aujourd'hui peut avoir des racines vestigiaux dans le passé, ni devrait être considérée comme purement rétro, ou de quelque façon ancienne technologie.
Motortrend - Matt photographe Pierre photographe Joe McKimmy Wes Allison photographe David Hewhardt photographer 1 Mars 2001.
Prix de base Prix 25.799 26.398 tel que testé disposition Véhicule Frt eng, 4 roues motrices, 5 portes, 5-pass Engine 3 3L V-6, SACT, 2 cyl valve Hp rpm 170 rpm 200 4800 2800 Torque Transmission automatique à 4 vitesses 0-60 mph , 10 sec 9 EPA 15 mpg ville 19 hwy totale kilométrage 14593 Avg Test mpg 15 9 problématiques verrouillage du levier de vitesses Balky; faible.
Motortrend - photographes John Scott Mead Kiewicz écrivains du 1er janvier 2001.
Sports car popularity comes and goes top-down seaters were hot in the 50 and 60; Today, America's fever for cars like the original Jaguar E-Type roadster Corvette and Shelby Cobra also burns warmly than ever by the mid-70s, however, everything went wrong, and handful were left in America had forgotten how to go.
Porsche Boxster Z3 3, porsche boxster, fever American cars, warmly never burns.