The volkswagen auto certainly has a way of dysfunctionalizing a car.

No need to apologize, I figured that's what you did, since I would've done the same thing had I not already had an idea of what they both weigh. I'd say the Z3 is slower than it looks, largely because it looks like it should be in miata territory, so people keep comparing the two. Try not to think of it as slower than…

The most surefire way is to check the engine code. It's stamped in the metal on the left side of the engine near the head, I don't remember which codes mean what, though. I'm pretty sure the 5th letter of your VIN should also be an E if you have the 180hp, but I haven't found any for-sure confirmation of that. I like…

I drove an automatic 2.0L Beetle for two years, so I'm actually a bit of an expert on the subject of godawful slushboxes, but that wasn't really a good car even with a manual. My struggle is believing that BMW could fit the Z3 with an auto bad enough to turn what is a pretty decent car in most respects into something…

I was under the impression it was available through 2006, although they may have just dropped it from the GTI in 2002, whilst still making it available on other cars. But still, turbocharged 1.8 liter 4-cylinder rules, naturally aspirated 2.8L VR6 drools, amirite?

Where did you come up with 1500 pounds? The base model Z3 is about 500 pounds heavier, weighing in at just shy of 2600 lbs, which really isn't too bad. All optioned up with all the heaviest bits, it still comes out at only about ~1000 lbs heavier, but then you'd have the 6 cylinder automatic and all sorts of other…

That was my understanding of Jame's issue with the car, and I get that. However, after my experience in the standard-transmission version, I find it hard to believe that the automatic could suck enough out of it to warrant a "slowest sports car of all time" nomination.

From what I understand, they made two versions of the 1.8t in the GTI, one with 150hp and one with 180hp. The 180hp is great (I should know, I have a MkIV GTI with that engine :D ), but rumor has it that the 150hp was rather sluggish.

Unless you got the 150hp 1.8t, or an automatic. Then it was pretty meh. Not slow, per se, but meh.

Out of legitimate curiosity, have you ever actually driven one? While it's certainly not the fastest thing on four wheels, I enjoyed being behind the wheel.

I've always heard you need at least two, otherwise they can get lonely and chew up your curtains.

Have you ever driven a Z3? Granted, I've never experienced the automatic 4cyl, but with a manual mated to the same engine, it's pretty fun. Sure, it won't throw your head back into the seat, but that's really not the point of the car.

"Sports car -a low small usually 2-passenger automobile designed for quick response, easy maneuverability, and high-speed driving" [www.merriam-webster.com]%20car

I think it's unfortunate, since it's always better to have the real deal, but I can also understand that a tube directly to the engine compartment could be "too much" for your average M5 buyer, since it is just as much about luxury as absurd performance. I do wonder what the costs (incl. development) are on developing…

I don't know about the Aveo, but my friend's 2011 Cruze sure doesn't.

Did a little more looking around, and I'm starting to think it was the Z4, not the Z3. I'm guessing they're still using it on that, but they've obviously decided to not go that route on their newer vehicles.

And BMW did it about a decade before Ford in the Z3.

BMW did the sound tube thing about a decade before in the Z3, although I don't know exactly what year they added it.

If you did that to me, I'd be pissed. Not only do I spend money on those air fresheners, they're the only thing that keeps my car from smelling like crayons constantly.

In terms of miles per gallon, but the idea of electric/hybrid cars is to also reduce emissions. While one may argue that the battery creation/electricity production system nullifies this, it's still a step in the right direction, providing a system with much better potential for low emissions than the traditional…