As MG owners', we are naturally thrilled to have a current model of the marque on sale in modern showrooms, not to mention one so deservedly popular as the MGF. It's acclaim is international, with waiting lists that still confirm it is as sought after now as it was on its debut two years ago. Second hand models retain high market values with some even topping new prices for those who just cannot wait. Although we know that the MGF (both 1.8I and VVC models) are very, very good indeed, it is nice to compare the car with other similar types of sportscar and we thamk Scotthalls BMW Garage of Cambridge for the opportunity of letting us put a Z3 through its paces. Taking a standard MGF 1.8I and BMW Z3 out onto the roads, we compared the two cars like-for-like and here record our impressions.
Specificati on	Z3		Specific ation	MGF 1.8i
Engine	BMW 1.9 4-cylinder		Engine:	K Series 1.8i 4-cylinder
Capacity:	1895 c		Capacity :	1796 cc
Stroke/bor e	83.5/85		Stroke/b ore:	89.3/80
Weight:	1260 kg (2778 lbs)		Weight:	1060 kg (2337lbs)
Max speed:	123 mph		Max speed:	120 mph
RPM:	6000		RPM:	6500
0 - 60 mph:	9.5 seconds		0 - 60 mph:	8.5 seconds

 

Our Views

Is it fair to compare the £20,500 Z3 with the £17,300 MGF? There is no doubt that you get a lot of car for your money with the BMW in standard form, although in true BMW tradition start bolting on a few extras and suddenly it becomes less affordable. The MGF on the other hand is quite well specified as standard but is not quite in the BMW league when it comes to refinement and level of standard equipment. The Z3 exudes quality throughout and from the styling point of view displays a rather aggressive front end, I much prefer the MGF for overall good looks. The MGF looks good with the hood up or down, this cannot be said for the Z3 as I fear it upsets the otherwise flowing lines of the car.

Out on the road, both cars are wonderfully reassuring and hug every contour of the chosen route, the BMW being considerably heavier feels just a bit more solid and less lively than the MGF. Certainly the MGF imparts more of a sporty feel, but this may be because it is a far crisper performer than the Z3. The 1.9 BMW engine is rather sedate for this application although with larger engines planned, I'm sure it will transform the car. Both cars are roughly the same size and surprisingly the MGF appears to have more cockpit room and it definitely has a larger boot, 1.1 cu.ft. bigger to be precise. Whilst the two cars in question are theoretically both BMWs (think about it!) for my money, the overall appeal, the driving exhilaration factor and the fact that it is an MG, make the F my first choice.

Richard Monk

The BMW certainly oozes style, but something can be stylish without necessarily being attractive, you only have to observe George Melly in his loud checked suits and wide brim floppy hats to appreciate this point - no offence intended George. In the final analysis it comes down to individual taste and whether you personally consider the Z3 good looking or not. There is no denying the Z3's stylish body line with its unusually curved bonnet hinting at the promise of something sporty beneath, but as far as performance, well, it is frankly disappointing, especially from a car that looks as if it's going fast even when standing still. The 1.9 litre engine is so quiet and smooth, with a very faint exhaust tone that would be more in tune with a family saloon that a sports car, with a note that becomes noticeable only under hard acceleration. The promised 2.6 litre version for the future will I am sure provide sufficient power that is up to the marque. The BMW Z3 is no doubt a great success, based I believe on its pedigree and unusual styling, but for a sports car to be a world-beater the successful recipe should include all three ingredients: performance, good looks and style.

BMW Z3, you get top marks from me in only one category for style, but nothing else, sorry.

Martin Bentley

First impressions are great. The Z3 is indeed a handsome beast with definitive sportscar lines, compact yet curvaceous and really looks as if it can deliver. The engine is housed in front of you under the comparatively long bonnet with the tail lines sloping away behind you, so very different in looks from our good friend the chunkier, but equally stylish, MGF. The louvers on its lateral sides also made it look special so it was disappointing to learn that they were there purely for effect. The Z3 kindly lent to us by Scotthall BMW Garage of Cambridge was a high spec car complete with luxurious leather seats which naturally felt and looked good, with flashes of walnut around the otherwise plastic fascia. It is easy to forget however, that this is meant to be a cheap BMW and not something to be confused with the much more luxurious executive type saloons finished with expensive furnishings that more commonly exit the German factory. Like the MGF, the Z3 was instantly driver-friendly, with no settling-in phase needed as it was well behaved from the outset, docilely responding smoothly through the gears without drama. The feeling of solidity did impress as there appeared to be a fair amount of car in front of you and the cockpit was snugly secure without being cramped. As we took to the open road, the one major flaw soon became apparent - it seemed down on power compared with the MGF. The road holding, steering and suspension were all admirable but the car definitely lacked the zest and zip of the latest MG. Push your foot flat down on the F and you rocket away with breathtaking ease (and this is the standard 1.8i version) whilst the Z3 is rather more belaboured, hardly surprising considering it carries a lot more extra weight. The new 2.8 litre version which ups the bhp by 52 will surely make a big difference to this main criticism of the Z3.

Promised for next year is something that certainly cannot be criticised for lack of horsepower. BMW are adding their 3.2 litre, 321 bhp, 6-cylindered M3 engine to the Z3, making it the quickest accelerating BMW on the road - ever! Like everything in life, you pay for what you get, in this case around £40K. We are all looking forward to a test drive in that!