The "chassis issue" you mentioned was easily fixed with adjustable Koni shocks, and new fresh "Sway bar bushings". The steering was fixed with a simple new "steering rack Guibo" (it's a hard rubber part), it's not fair to judge parts that are 'worn out' and you haven't taken the time to properly replace.
Great video. The simple answer, if you are James Bond fan go for the Z3 as it's the only decent affordable Bond car. For everyone else MX5, or as they say in America, the answer is always Miata! You will probably get a better example for the money with a mk2 aka NB. Your NA looks excellent, keep hold of it, the price is only going one way.
Those 6cyl engines are better standard but the 4cyl mazda is so easy to add FI to. That wonderful chassis just needs a bit more power to make it exciting.
I think your summary is spot on. If you could combine the looks of the z3 and the drive ability of an mx5 you would have an awesome car. They both feel a compromise. I have owned both and much preferred the mx5 as I just couldn’t stand the z3 tram lining and the feel of sitting on it rather than in it. Unfortunately, the mx5 was much worse for rust which was a massive negative.
@@XFile91 hi, yes the car tries to follow the camber (shape) of the road surface rather than going where you steer it. It needs constant corrections of the steering wheel to stay on course. It means the driver feels disconnected from the z3 - unlike an mx5. That said, some people have upgraded shocks etc and say they have made the z3 drive much better - however, the mx5 drives well without any mods.
@jond46687 Why does the z3 have this flaw and the miata doesn't? I'm trying to decide on which car to buy. I'm interested in a 1997 Miata or 1998 z3 with the 1.9. Both are manual transmission.
Thankyou for this informative video and I think that you have got it completely right kI have owned several of these cars . Z3from 1.9 to 2.8 and NA,NB and NC Mx5 s and although the Z3 looks an exciting and stylish proposition it is in some ways just a concept put into production which shares the DNA of its components and drives like a saloon car with 2seats and a soft top . The Mx5 was designed with one purpose in mind as a connected sports car you bond with it straight away and every time you turn the key there is an anticipation of the journey to come . The Z3 has the looks and if you have the flared arches then the view from the side mirror is very pleasing but it just doesn’t please in the same way. Sorry if I am getting a little wordy but it is quite hard to convey if you haven’t really experienced both long term. I’m also quite an MGF fan and would choose that before the Z3 but that’s really another subject . Kind Regards. Richard
It's 2024 and if you have a budget of £3000, avoid the MX5. The Mk1 cars are around 5k now, and if you get one for 3k it's a rot-box. If you get a Mk2 or a Mk2.5, it's a rot box. You may not see it at £3k, but it's 100% there as they started when they left the factory. The parts have shot up in price (in line with the rise in the Mk1 prices) and they are liabilities. Great cars to drive, no doubt, but they are just a money pit of rot. The Z3 however, you can get one for £1k. £3k will get you a very nice straight 6 version. They don't rot and their parts are cheaper due to sharing them with 2 generations of 3-Series (which were the best selling cars at the time). It does not drive as nice as the MX5, but it is close and is much more comfortable. Also they are about to skyrocket in price. Avoid MX5's. Unless you can weld and paint, they are no longer the "budget roadster" option. [Disclaimer, I have owned 1 x mk1 Eunos, 1 x Mk1 MX-5, 1 x Mk2 and 1 x MK2.5 as well as my current car, the Z3].
So I owned both a 2nd gen miata, and a 01 Z3 (late gen) and the Z3 was twice the car the NB was. When I hear you complain about the chassi, it makes me think your car needs new shocks and an alignment. My Z3 had about 80,000 mi on it, and even at that point it had really good ride and very planted handling. I put almost 50,000 miles on that car and I learned how to take that car to it's absolute limit and never encountered an issue with the handling. The seats were also m seats and more bolstered than the standard seats you have in yours. But yeah, try changing the struts and see if it improves for you. Cheers
Good video mate. I own exactly the same combo and have to agree with your conclusions. In the end I wouldn’t want to part with either of them as they each excel in their own way.
I love the look of the Z3, but upkeep is much more expensive. I drive a 2018 MX-5 GT, and I changed the front brakes for little more than $30 in my driveway. I also have leather interior, and aftermarket exhaust, which makes it sound and feel more upmarket. Four years after buying it used, the value of the car has barely dropped. Used BMWs lose value exponentially quicker, at least in the US.
A fairer comparison would probably be Z3 1.9 16v with the M44 vs the Mazda, by the same token if you're looking at 6pot Z3s then it's all about the 2.8 or the 3.0 - the smaller 6 pot engines are nice and smooth but they were all about offering a compromise on insurance and running costs in areas where larger engines got a 'sin tax' from the authorities.
Also, the alloys on the Z3 are larger than the car was offered with; being 18" taken from an E46 330ci Club Sport. 17" were the largest the Z3 was originally sold with.
@@ColonelForkEyes possibly, but I wanted to show what you got for very similar money and there’s lots of very tasty 6 cylinder options for the same money as the 4 pot MX5/Miata
Well, I own a Mk1 MX5 1.6. I've never, ever, thought of the Z3 as something I'd compare it to. If I was leaning to something other than a MX5, specifically something with 6 cylinders..., I'd be looking at the Z4. The Z3, to me, comes across as quite ordinary. The engine ? Well, I was raised on Triumph 6 cylinder engines.. Vitesses, GT6's, TR5, TR6 .., and can only say that if nearly all your driving has been in 4 cyclinder engines, then almost any 6 will sound good.
The Z4 is a much more modern car being from the 2000’s rather than the 90’s so can’t be compared with a car from the early 90’s. As for engines, I’ve owned (and featured on the channel) a wide range of engines from 4, 6 & 8 cylinders and will soon be including a 10 cylinder. I still believe the BMW I6 is a great engine.
@@FastandFun I bought a brand new E30 325i in 1986, and later, an '89 535i Sport. I loved the engine in the 325i, an absolute jewel. Almost masked the ordinariness of the rest of the car. The 535i.., I dunno..., a very, very capable car. But I never really learned to love it in the way I did 10 years previously with the very well used XJ6 4.2 Mk1, that I had then. I think, ultimately, BMW's just don't do it for me.
@@andrewpreston4127 I’ve never had the chance to drive an E30, with my first BMW being an E34 530i - I absolutely loved that car! It’s interesting how we favour different cars/marques through our own experiences and sometimes dislike a brand without any real rationale! It’s always been Volvo’s for me even though I’ve never owned one! 🤷♂️
Are you serious? If you're considering a Mk3 MR2 you might as well sit in a field and burn 100 pound notes or 100 dollar bills. The mk3 MR2 was a complete joke. They were proof that Toyota had completely given up on building sports cars properly.
Having owned most of the two seater roadsters from this era MX5, Boxster and SLK. I'd still say the MX5 is the best drivers car, still to try the Z3, MR2 and TF but I can't imagine either will be better.
The "chassis issue" you mentioned was easily fixed with adjustable Koni shocks, and new fresh "Sway bar bushings". The steering was fixed with a simple new "steering rack Guibo" (it's a hard rubber part), it's not fair to judge parts that are 'worn out' and you haven't taken the time to properly replace.
Simply the best comparison of UA-cam between these two models, fantastic and very useful, thank you so much, cheers from Spain!
Thanks for those very kind words 👍🏻
Great video. The simple answer, if you are James Bond fan go for the Z3 as it's the only decent affordable Bond car. For everyone else MX5, or as they say in America, the answer is always Miata! You will probably get a better example for the money with a mk2 aka NB. Your NA looks excellent, keep hold of it, the price is only going one way.
People think I'm crazy when I say that my mk1 mx5 is more fun to drive than my GR Yaris!
But you get it 👍
Those 6cyl engines are better standard but the 4cyl mazda is so easy to add FI to. That wonderful chassis just needs a bit more power to make it exciting.
I think your summary is spot on. If you could combine the looks of the z3 and the drive ability of an mx5 you would have an awesome car. They both feel a compromise. I have owned both and much preferred the mx5 as I just couldn’t stand the z3 tram lining and the feel of sitting on it rather than in it. Unfortunately, the mx5 was much worse for rust which was a massive negative.
Can you explain what tram lining means when driving the z3?
@@XFile91 hi, yes the car tries to follow the camber (shape) of the road surface rather than going where you steer it. It needs constant corrections of the steering wheel to stay on course. It means the driver feels disconnected from the z3 - unlike an mx5. That said, some people have upgraded shocks etc and say they have made the z3 drive much better - however, the mx5 drives well without any mods.
@jond46687 Why does the z3 have this flaw and the miata doesn't? I'm trying to decide on which car to buy. I'm interested in a 1997 Miata or 1998 z3 with the 1.9. Both are manual transmission.
@@XFile91i own both but i sold z3 n keep miata for last 28 year ... reason, simple maintain, cheap to run and a lot of FUN + Joy ...
Thankyou for this informative video and I think that you have got it completely right kI have owned several of these cars . Z3from 1.9 to 2.8 and NA,NB and NC Mx5 s and although the Z3 looks an exciting and stylish proposition it is in some ways just a concept put into production which shares the DNA of its components and drives like a saloon car with 2seats and a soft top .
The Mx5 was designed with one purpose in mind as a connected sports car you bond with it straight away and every time you turn the key there is an anticipation of the journey to come .
The Z3 has the looks and if you have the flared arches then the view from the side mirror is very pleasing but it just doesn’t please in the same way.
Sorry if I am getting a little wordy but it is quite hard to convey if you haven’t really experienced both long term.
I’m also quite an MGF fan and would choose that before the Z3 but that’s really another subject .
Kind Regards. Richard
Don’t worry about the words - great to read what others think/feel to better inform all of us. Thanks for the info.
The biggest problem with the MkI Miata is the face ache you get from smiling all the time as you drive it!
LoL 😂
Thanks mate for making my choice easier - good review.....
It's 2024 and if you have a budget of £3000, avoid the MX5. The Mk1 cars are around 5k now, and if you get one for 3k it's a rot-box. If you get a Mk2 or a Mk2.5, it's a rot box. You may not see it at £3k, but it's 100% there as they started when they left the factory. The parts have shot up in price (in line with the rise in the Mk1 prices) and they are liabilities. Great cars to drive, no doubt, but they are just a money pit of rot. The Z3 however, you can get one for £1k. £3k will get you a very nice straight 6 version. They don't rot and their parts are cheaper due to sharing them with 2 generations of 3-Series (which were the best selling cars at the time). It does not drive as nice as the MX5, but it is close and is much more comfortable. Also they are about to skyrocket in price.
Avoid MX5's. Unless you can weld and paint, they are no longer the "budget roadster" option. [Disclaimer, I have owned 1 x mk1 Eunos, 1 x Mk1 MX-5, 1 x Mk2 and 1 x MK2.5 as well as my current car, the Z3].
So I owned both a 2nd gen miata, and a 01 Z3 (late gen) and the Z3 was twice the car the NB was. When I hear you complain about the chassi, it makes me think your car needs new shocks and an alignment. My Z3 had about 80,000 mi on it, and even at that point it had really good ride and very planted handling. I put almost 50,000 miles on that car and I learned how to take that car to it's absolute limit and never encountered an issue with the handling. The seats were also m seats and more bolstered than the standard seats you have in yours. But yeah, try changing the struts and see if it improves for you. Cheers
Good video mate. I own exactly the same combo and have to agree with your conclusions. In the end I wouldn’t want to part with either of them as they each excel in their own way.
The best part of the Miata is the short gear level . The Z3 is much better in every way. I had both.
I love the look of the Z3, but upkeep is much more expensive. I drive a 2018 MX-5 GT, and I changed the front brakes for little more than $30 in my driveway.
I also have leather interior, and aftermarket exhaust, which makes it sound and feel more upmarket. Four years after buying it used, the value of the car has barely dropped. Used BMWs lose value exponentially quicker, at least in the US.
A fairer comparison would probably be Z3 1.9 16v with the M44 vs the Mazda, by the same token if you're looking at 6pot Z3s then it's all about the 2.8 or the 3.0 - the smaller 6 pot engines are nice and smooth but they were all about offering a compromise on insurance and running costs in areas where larger engines got a 'sin tax' from the authorities.
Also, the alloys on the Z3 are larger than the car was offered with; being 18" taken from an E46 330ci Club Sport. 17" were the largest the Z3 was originally sold with.
@@ColonelForkEyes possibly, but I wanted to show what you got for very similar money and there’s lots of very tasty 6 cylinder options for the same money as the 4 pot MX5/Miata
I love this video. I drive a miata and at my school someone else has a Z3.
good video, i am hoping to buy an Mk2 Mx-5 sometime this year
Drove both bought the MX5, had it for 13 yrs never sell.....BMW just dont do it for me.......
Great video.
Those were really 3k pounds 2y ago? They'd be closer to 10k now it seems!
@@jamesm5192 neither are near 10k yet!
@@FastandFun but those interiors are in such good condition! got a special hookup from a friend? Perhaps I just need to shop around more!
Z3 nicest bmw ever bro. Nicer than the 200k boat even, that is the z8 lol
Well, I own a Mk1 MX5 1.6. I've never, ever, thought of the Z3 as something I'd compare it to. If I was leaning to something other than a MX5, specifically something with 6 cylinders..., I'd be looking at the Z4. The Z3, to me, comes across as quite ordinary. The engine ? Well, I was raised on Triumph 6 cylinder engines.. Vitesses, GT6's, TR5, TR6 .., and can only say that if nearly all your driving has been in 4 cyclinder engines, then almost any 6 will sound good.
The Z4 is a much more modern car being from the 2000’s rather than the 90’s so can’t be compared with a car from the early 90’s. As for engines, I’ve owned (and featured on the channel) a wide range of engines from 4, 6 & 8 cylinders and will soon be including a 10 cylinder. I still believe the BMW I6 is a great engine.
@@FastandFun I bought a brand new E30 325i in 1986, and later, an '89 535i Sport. I loved the engine in the 325i, an absolute jewel. Almost masked the ordinariness of the rest of the car. The 535i.., I dunno..., a very, very capable car. But I never really learned to love it in the way I did 10 years previously with the very well used XJ6 4.2 Mk1, that I had then. I think, ultimately, BMW's just don't do it for me.
@@andrewpreston4127 I’ve never had the chance to drive an E30, with my first BMW being an E34 530i - I absolutely loved that car! It’s interesting how we favour different cars/marques through our own experiences and sometimes dislike a brand without any real rationale! It’s always been Volvo’s for me even though I’ve never owned one! 🤷♂️
S200 is the real comparison.
Got to mention chassis rails if you want to make it look like you know anything about the mx5..
You need to check out my buyers guide video …
@@FastandFun I did.And I apologise.
The BMW needs to be the 6 cyl version.Thats part of the BMW experience
BMWZ3 is built in USA
MX-5 Boring and a dime a dozen. Z-3 made for limited production years will no doubt be more value and bigger bang for your buck.
I’m not sure about limited production years: in the UK the mk1 MX5 was in production from ‘89 - ‘97 and Z3 from ‘96 - ‘02 so similar time periods.
MX-5 isn't boring at all lol, it's tossable, unlike the Z3
See you on the 6th mate ,,😊
Can’t wait Steve 👍🏻
Please can we have some merch
Will consider merchandise but will need to see if there’s demand yet being such a young channel
Have you decided not to sell the Z3?
It’s for sale, but I’m having second thoughts. It’s just so much car for the money!
@@FastandFun is it listed somewhere?
@@robgb71 on FB Marketplace
Would you take £3k for your Z3?
Sold buddy. For less than £3k!
This comparison ended before it started. A better comparison would be SLK230 v Z3
Forgot these pair - Mk3 Toyota MR2 is better than them both 👌
Nope, it's too rare. The only competitors are MG F and fiat barchetta.
@@roelandzw1846 they are both rubbish! Rare is a good thing - MR2 MK3 at 3k is the best by an absolute mile!
Rare is indeed good, but in NL a proper MR2 mk3 does not come at €3000. €5000 comes first.
@@roelandzw1846 must be cheaper here in thr UK - seen them down at £1500 / EUR 2500. For £3000 Its easy to get one here
Are you serious? If you're considering a Mk3 MR2 you might as well sit in a field and burn 100 pound notes or 100 dollar bills. The mk3 MR2 was a complete joke. They were proof that Toyota had completely given up on building sports cars properly.
Having owned most of the two seater roadsters from this era MX5, Boxster and SLK.
I'd still say the MX5 is the best drivers car, still to try the Z3, MR2 and TF but I can't imagine either will be better.
I never liked the Z3, the Z4 was much better
🤣
could.you.possibly.talk.a.bit.slower.please
Slow the video down, its a setting
That is actually an Eunos Roadster - Japanese import. That's why it has air con etc.