I too think the current “smaller” engine might be more fun, but changes the suspension, drive-train and transmission might make the gen 1 cars significantly different. So much so that we won’t know how they compare until it’s too late to order a non-CS car.

And then you get back in the E46 M3 and wonder why there is so much clamor over the M2, people certainly love a warranty.

I do not have any experience with the 4 series rack but I assume it is similar if not identical to the 2 series? It’s mainly a complaint on electronic steering in general, but the 228i / M2 cars I drove (repeatedly) had a very disconnected and vague feeling, too disconnected from the road.

A few cars still have it - Alfa 4C, Lotus. I suppose it’s for ease of low speed driving and driver “modes”.

Simple answer - it’s less modern and more fun to drive than the M2, hands down where my money would go given a similar price range.

It’s a great car, but the used market is still ripe with prime examples for a reasonable sum. Get back into one (for those who miss it so!)

We are definitely subject to the enthusiast/CA tax here in Norcal - but the majority of these cars are due for a solid $2-4K in work to refresh mounts, bushings, belts and suspension items. The good examples are still commanding ~$24K or more, excellent well over $32K.

Define decent.

Yes, I found exactly what you said to be true as well. The Boxster and Cayman are fantastic cars, but I yearn for more character/edge behind the wheel. I think the R/GTS/GT4/Spyder variants likely offer that at a steep premium.

Well stated. I own a Z4 coupe over its Z3 counterpart because it’s my wallet that has to pay the bills, and Z3s are considerably more of a pain to maintain. In due time I would love to add a Z3 coupe to the stable, even a non-M.

The only reason to get behind owning a Z3 is for looks and weekend drives. It’s a great car with that raw feel.

Wonder if the Ferris Bueller roll back odometer move could work on my 80K mile Z4M coupe :|

I felt like BMWs staunch departure from sportiness between the E85/E86 platform and E89 (modern variant) was enough to start this - manual aside.

Wait 15 years and there won’t be a cheap Z3M/Z4M example available - the Z3 market has moved considerably already. Z4M prices bottomed out in the past 3-4 years, holding steady with prime examples already trending upwards.

The Elise is night/day a more fun car to drive than a Cayman, I fully approve of this decision (have been browsing the classifieds myself as well)

It better be quirky and fast to merit that trade.

Never fear, the TRD parts catalog and bolt on aftermarket fenders will happily take your money.

Wonder if it will be saddled with some safety weight gain, or with a loss of torque down low? At this point it’s just rumors, I see no business case for a bump unless it becomes a Mazdaspeed version with other bits and a higher price

Having owned both cars, the Miata feels faster around town with a slightly better engine tune. The FRS/BRZ is more at home in stock form at the track and at the limits the two felt nearly identical.

No doubt I would buy this over the Ford Focus RS, Subaru WRX STI and VW Golf R.