Would I be trading "down" with my 04 C2 cab for a 08 CPO Z4M ?

 

Yes

 

Not sure if its an issue for everyone, but I've always felt really cramped in the cabin of a Z4. I felt more comfortable space wise in my 1st gen Miata. That is once inside. (not ingress/egress).

Also, I vote yes that this is a trade "down." but I'm betting you get a different answer on the bimmer forums

 

Men buy Z4's??

/sorry.

 

I've driven a Z3, but I've never driven a Z4, so my opinion here is worthless, but in the spirit of the internet I'll throw it out there anyway. I love BMWs; I've owned many of them and wouldn't trade my E36 M3 for all the tea in China. But BMW makes sport SEDANS (well, they USED to make sport sedans; Lord only knows what in the hell they make these days ). Porsche makes sports CARS. I think your 996 will be superior to any Z-car, M or not.

 

Porsche dont make nuttin with Z lettas - whachu thinkin

 

I owned an e36 MRoadster (z3 with M3 engine and drivetrain in it). Other than the girl jokes, I do miss that car. it was very light and fast. I like the Porsche gearbox much more than the BMW though.

Go take it for a REALLY long drive. Feel the car out.

 

I have driven the Z4M, great performance.. kinda claustrophobic and lacking in what makes a 911... a 911. Other than that I cant knock it.

 

I've never driven one, but straight line it's probably faster than your current car. Probably not by much though. I don't know how they handle. It's a little heavy like all BMW's, but an 8k red line would be fun.

I personally think a better comparison is a late model Boxster S against your car.

 

Yes

 

Ja, they look like they go straight fast... err fast straight....

 

4 in german is pronounced fear. Z fear mein herr. anyway......Ich vunder how tall the passenger is with his head on the roof. Doesn't look comfortable.

 

The best sports cars in the world have engines in the rear. Im sure the Z has grunt but nothing can replace a Porsche. Why not upgrade your C2 to a 996 turbo or 997S?

 

Z8 is pretty classic
Z4 doesn't do much for me

 

I like the looks of the Z4 car. But I've never driven a Z4. The UK car mag reviews find it a bit of a disappointment. IIRC, it lost in a 4 or 5 car shootout to a Cayman S not too long ago.

But only you can decide. Take one for a longish test drive and see how you like it.

Sincerely,

Macster.