Take your pick and tell me why (unless you had others in mind).

[SDTopless]

I've always considered all these cars as alternatives for the Z4. What I like about the 968 & M3 is that they both have moonroofs and are more iconic than the 350z. However, the 350z is more up-to-date and the most powerful stock. Plus I like Xenons.


Porsche 968



3.0L I-4
236 hp/225 ft-lbs
3240 lbs (50/50)
15 city/24 hwy

E36 M3 (OBD-II)



3.2L I-6
240 hp/236 ft-lbs
3219 lbs (50/50)
17 city/24 hwy

Nissan 350z



3.5L V6
300 hp/260 ft-lbs
3339 lbs (53/47)
20 city/26 hwy


Any or all input is welcome ie reliability, aftermarket capability, enjoyment, blending into public, hating etc.

[Starscream]

How about none and might I suggest an E46 M3?

[nmulax]

For what - a daily driver?... a weekend car?

Is there a general price bracket to stay in?
Are you seriously considering one of the three, or is this just a general "If you were given one for free, which would you want?"

[MVF4Rrider]

Originally Posted by Starscream

How about none and might I suggest an E46 M3?

Bingo...

[SDTopless]

these are used cars in the <15k bracket

[PKL]

E36 M3 or 350Z depends if you want German or Japanese

[jra]

350z, unless the m3 had been really taken care of

[jra]

m3, but only if the car had been really taken care of. Thought about a 3.0 Z3

[quickfast]

2800lbs
247bhp/153ftlbs/7500

Drivers car, this is preferred hands down, 9K redline and 50/50 weight. Less suited for the daily grind though...

[jlstyle]

Originally Posted by quickfast

2800lbs
247bhp/153ftlbs/7500

Drivers car, this is preferred hands down, 9K redline and 50/50 weight. Less suited for the daily grind though...

I agree.

[03BeastCharmer]

In the $15K arena, I'm not sure these are alternatives to the Z4. With the Z4 you're looking at a convertible, while the others are fixed roof cars, and would generally cater to different groups. Picking a car depends on what you want out of it (cuiser, DD, track monster, autox toy, convertible, room for 2 or 4, "status car", etc.).

[Brucewonder]

e36m, its an amazing car and looks great for a 10+ yr car

[Dammmittt]

S2000, but if you don't want a vert get the Z.

[Rick Hunter]

350Z, especially if it's the 35th anniversary one pictured. Just make sure it's stick, though.

As for the "why," well... reliability.

[SunnyD]

I picked up an e36 m3 and couldnt be happier. Might not be the fastest in a straight line but it's a lot of fun to throw around through corners!

[SDTopless]

hrmm maybe im just weird n i take a liking for the 968. u dont see too many of those

[Deda]

nissan z 350

[BlackSapphireZ]

350z isn't 15k...not for 2006

[ATX750i]

E36 M3, Lighter than the 350Z and is decent on the track. I personally like this one better.
Porche 968, Handling monster as well as rare.
350Z, Large, bulky but powerful. more of a drag car. they can corner but not as fast as the M3 or 968. Also, not to offend anyone, but I think its more of a trophy wife car. Thats all I ever see driving them, trophy wifes.
S2000, decent track car, fun to drive, but arent design'ed well, IMO.

It all depends on what your looking for, track car, drag car, rare exotic? Personal perference is the kicker here. Just my $.02

[quickfast]

Originally Posted by JHastings0826

E36 M3, Lighter than the 350Z and is decent on the track. I personally like this one better.
Porche 968, Handling monster as well as rare.
350Z, Large, bulky but powerful. more of a drag car. they can corner but not as fast as the M3 or 968. Also, not to offend anyone, but I think its more of a trophy wife car. Thats all I ever see driving them, trophy wifes.
S2000, decent track car, fun to drive, but arent design'ed well, IMO.

It all depends on what your looking for, track car, drag car, rare exotic? Personal perference is the kicker here. Just my $.02

Really? I see more kids who watched the Fast and the Furious too many times in the 350Z. The Z4 however.....if one of these cars was a trophy wife car, it would be this. Girliest car out of all of these, hands down.