2002 NSX or 2001 BMW Z8??

Joined
12 March 2002
Messages
50
Location
SF Bay Area
I'm looking to buy a 2002 NSX or a 2001 BMW Z8. I have driven both and love the looks and styling of the Z8, but am having a hard time justify the additional cost. What are your thoughts here?
 
Both are fine machines, though with different missions.

I see the Z8 more as an exclusive, athletic grand tourer while the NSX as more of a precise, pure sportscar.

Can't go wrong with either, but the Z8 does cost a lot more (I'd imagine even a used 2001 would still command a premium).

At the end of the day, you have to ask yourself which car lights your fire more... which car gives you that stupid grin every time you think of it
wink.gif
 
Please don't ask this type of question up here on this board, this is a question that you gonna have to answer yourself. Good luck.
 
Oh, and with the left over cash, you can get yourself a nice Forced Induction pkg. (Supercharger or Turbo) for your 2002 NSX
biggrin.gif


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2001 QuickSilver Corvette Coupe - Not Stock

2002 Black Acura 3.2 TL/S

www.RacingFlix.com
 
Originally posted by 8000RPM:
Both are fine machines, though with different missions.

I see the Z8 more as an exclusive, athletic grand tourer while the NSX as more of a precise, pure sportscar.

Can't go wrong with either, but the Z8 does cost a lot more (I'd imagine even a used 2001 would still command a premium).

At the end of the day, you have to ask yourself which car lights your fire more... which car gives you that stupid grin every time you think of it
wink.gif

I agree with 8000RPM. Very well stated.

It's also interesting that this is the first time anyone has brought up this particular comparison.

While the Z8 is, indeed, more of a "grand tourer" as far as personality goes, it is extremely capable when driven hard. Drive it like a precise, pure sportscar, and it will respond like one. Remember, the Z8 has the same engine as the M5, but it's 500 pounds lighter. The M5 is a heavy, powerful grand tourer. The Z8 has the guts to keep up with the NSX anywhere it wants. It also has some really exquisite design features.

I agree that you should go with the one that excites you more. These are both exciting cars.

However, if you feel that you would really enjoy either one, it's nice to know that you can pick up a 2002 NSX-T for $75K now. The only 2001 Z8 on autotrader has an asking price of $125K. Happens to be not too far from me, in fact...
 
When looking at a Z8, I would probably look at maybe an ASTON Martin DB7 v12 for roughly the same price. I just think they are beautiful.

Between the Z8 and NSX, well, I have never driven or sat in the Z8, so I can't offer much. I think the Z8 is a pretty nice car.. is it worth 125K+.. I don't think so. I personally don't like the interior or where the gauges are placed. Every article I have ever read has raved about the Z8, so I would say drive them both and see what you like the best. the biggest difference I would imagine will be the Torque. The Z8 has a TON.. and even in the latest motor trend, one complaint against a ferrari 360 was "wish it had the Z8's torque".

Good luck! Let us know what you choose. I personaly would buy a 2002 NSX and supercharge it and save 50 grand
smile.gif


[This message has been edited by NetViper (edited 05 September 2002).]
 
I agree that this is a question you have to answer yourself.

For that price range, I would also look at

Aston Martin DB7
Mercedes SL500/AMG SL55
Maserati GT

Used Ferrari F355 F1
Used Lamborghini Diablo
Lotus Esprit V8
Porsche 911 Turbo
 
I actually owned an Aston Martin DB7 Vantage and was very disappointed with the performance. It was fast but never gave the feeling of speed as the torque curve was too boring. A Great car to look at but not nearly as fun to drive.
 
Originally posted by Rococo:
I'm looking to buy a 2002 NSX or a 2001 BMW Z8. I have driven both and love the looks and styling of the Z8, but am having a hard time justify the additional cost. What are your thoughts here?
..............................................

If quality and reliability is important to
you, stay away from the BMW. I know mine
will be the last i'll ever buy, but my NSX
is just the beginning.
 
Originally posted by Rococo:
I actually owned an Aston Martin DB7 Vantage and was very disappointed with the performance. It was fast but never gave the feeling of speed as the torque curve was too boring. A Great car to look at but not nearly as fun to drive.

Was that the 420HP V12? or the old 6?
 
Originally posted by Rococo:
I had a 2001 420HP V12 Aston Martin.

Wow.. sweet car. Would you say the NSX gives you a better feeling of speed?

Mario Andretti said in the latest motor trend that he would buy the Aston Martin for the sound alone. He also said it was not near as sporty as the rest of the cars (360,Sl55,Z8).
 

If quality and reliability is important to
you, stay away from the BMW. I know mine
will be the last i'll ever buy, but my NSX
is just the beginning.


I have 2 BMWs, and they both have been MORE reliable than my nsx. And I only had the nsx for 5 months, while the bimmers since I learned to drive...

...just my 2 cents.


------------------
Auraraptor

1999 Honda Prelude (new daily driver)
1998 BMW 750iL
1997 NSX
1982 BMW 633CSi
 
Originally posted by myf16:
A new Z8 will hold its value better than a new NSX, IMHO. This may be an issue if you like to change cars every few years.

Are you sure about that? Based on current prices, if you buy a new NSX for $75K, in about three years it will be worth $60-65K. Not bad. What are resale values like on a new Z8?
 
Originally posted by Auraraptor:
I have 2 BMWs, and they both have been MORE reliable than my nsx. And I only had the nsx for 5 months, while the bimmers since I learned to drive...

...just my 2 cents.

A big factor is also how the previous owner treated the car. Since you have a '97 and owned it for 5 months, I'm assuming you got it used.



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2001 NSX-T
- Bilstein Shocks
- '02 OEM Wheels
 
The Z-8 will in the LOOONG run be a better investment than any car you can buy new now. IMHO. The rarity of the car, as well as its exquisite design features will keep it as a very collectible car. Currently, low mileage 2000 model Z-8's (US cars of course) a retailing in the $110-115 range, while newer ones are a bit higher. MSRP is about $134k

I feel that the newer NSX's will, or are dropping mUCH faster than that. especially if they do something good for 2004.

Reliability is really not an issue here. Both the NSX, and the Z-8 will be relatively trouble free.

Whats the deal with all the bad rapping on BMW's quality?? With the exception of a relatively few cars built in one month with a (now known) new part in them, they are all VERY reliable.

JMO, YMMV

Steve

------------------
Steve
91 NSX
01 MDX
02 M3 SMG

[This message has been edited by SJJ28 (edited 06 September 2002).]
 
SJJ28,
What's the deal with continuing this thread knowing that it's only gonna turn into an argument and going no where, let it goes, enjoy your cars.
 
Originally posted by SJJ28:
The Z-8 will in the LOOONG run be a better investment than any car you can buy new now. IMHO. The rarity of the car, as well as its exquisite design features will keep it as a very collectible car. Currently, low mileage 2000 model Z-8's (US cars of course) a retailing in the $110-115 range, while newer ones are a bit higher. MSRP is about $134k

I feel that the newer NSX's will, or are dropping mUCH faster than that. especially if they do something good for 2004.

Reliability is really not an issue here. Both the NSX, and the Z-8 will be relatively trouble free.

Whats the deal with all the bad rapping on BMW's quality?? With the exception of a relatively few cars built in one month with a (now known) new part in them, they are all VERY reliable.

JMO, YMMV

Steve


------------------------------------------
I have been a BMW owner since 95 and can
honestly say and produce repair invoices
that show how horrible the quality has been.
In my old work email, I had bookmarked a site
that showed all the BMW recall notices and
TSB's (technical service bulletins) for all
models. It was ugly!!! Comparing this with
Acura in general and NSX in particular, it's
worst than night and day.
 
Originally posted by SJJ28:
The Z-8 will in the LOOONG run be a better investment than any car you can buy new now. IMHO. The rarity of the car, as well as its exquisite design features will keep it as a very collectible car. Currently, low mileage 2000 model Z-8's (US cars of course) a retailing in the $110-115 range, while newer ones are a bit higher. MSRP is about $134k

I feel that the newer NSX's will, or are dropping mUCH faster than that. especially if they do something good for 2004.

Hmmm... I'm not sure I agree.

Two years ago you could buy a new 2000 NSX-T for $70-75K. Those cars are now worth around $63K, give or take a couple grand. They have depreciated roughly the same percentage as the Z8, certainly no more so.

Of course, the dollar amount of the percentage is substantially less, due to the lower purchase price.
 
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