Fantastic video chaps. Interesting to compare these two directly. After driving both of these stunning examples, I couldn’t settle with just one. Z4M for driving in anger; and the Alpina for more or less everything else. Space for both in my garage...
I own BOTH and have done for the nearly 7 years. And, I’m sorry to say, that in my humble opinion (and with 7 years ownership and driving experience of the two), I don’t agree with your driving conclusions: 1) Contrary to other Alpinas that I have owned, or have a experience of, the Roadster S does not ride over normal public roads better than the Z4M. This is undoubtedly due to the 19” wheels that Alpina put these cars on. That extra loss of tyre wall compliance can make the car feel skittish at times, on normal UK roads, especially if one isn’t used to the car and confident enough to ignore this to a degree. In this respect, the Z4M despite its different suspension, is much more compliant and actually the more comfortable but also the more confidence inspiring to drive fast. 2) Although side-by-side comparisons in on road performance by two skilled drivers couldn’t really separate them, the Z4M (IMHO) instantly ‘feels’ the faster car…..and it’s not just that the extra 40 bhp is at higher revs. That modified S52 engine in the Alpina also has to be asked to do quite a bit of work to deliver its 300 bhp and it just doesn’t have that intoxicating delivery and sound of the S54. The differences between the two cars are, of course, not huge at all. However, far too many people who aren’t necessarily personally familiar with the models, make assumptions or have preconceived ideas, particularly about the way the ‘expect’ the Alpina to be compared with an M-Car and which is this case I don’t think are necessarily true. To my eye, the Alpina is possibly the better looking car…..the Z4M is possibly the better driving car. But, then ask me on another day…..🤣 Great video! 👍🏽👍🏽🙂
Both great cars! I have for years a E85 Z4 3.0 from 2003 now 95000km, completely original and 18 inch style 107. Its such a joy to drive and that design!! so beautiful.
The Dream Car Show never but a guy 10 miles away in Norfolk owns an alpine z8 an absolute beauty even though it’s my dream car I would still prefer the z4 spline 👍
Great clip. The Z4M for adrenaline rush, and the Alpina for smooth seamless performance and ride. Exactly how I compare my Z4 M Coupe and my 996.2 911 C2 manual. I'm lucky to have both in my garage, alongside my 20V ur quattro and JDM DC2 Type R.
@@FreeCarHunter I had an E46 M3 on my dream list, but then discovered the Z4M Coupe. The rarity, the styling (and I was NEVER a fan of Bangle's styling - weird I know!), and the same engine plus CSL brakes and steering rack, and edgy nature swung me to it. E46 M3 is a much more civilised beast, but the raw hard character of the Z4M has a unique appeal - despite its obvious flaws. But then many great cars have been flawed....
I suspect you haven’t actually driven the Alpjna then? But, perhaps gone with what your intuition has told you. I own BOTH the Z4M Roadster and the Alpina Roadster S…..and have done for nearly 7 years! The Alpina does NOT ride better than the Z4M. The Alpina’s ride is compromised, on normal road surfaces, by virtue of its 19” wheels and hence lower aspect ratio tyres. The Z4M, in my experience, rides better and is actually more confidence inspiring to drive fast on normal roads because it feels LESS skittish and nervous. In objective, side-by-side comparisons, skilled drivers found it very difficult to separate them racing against each other. However, in my mind there is no doubt which car immediately ‘feels’ the faster……and that’s the Z4M. And, again contrary to what instinct may lead us to assume that extra power does NOT feel like it’s all at the upper rev range. That extra 40 bhp feels like it’s there all the time. You have to ‘work’ the Alpina to get the performance out of it.
I test drove both and bought the Alpina because it drives much better, the gearbox is miles better, particularly in first and second and the interior and thin rimmed steering wheel are gorgeous!
1st Now I watched the video, I got to agree with Steve opinion about the cars. I think because the S54 needs to be revved out right to the 8000+ RPM redline to get it seriously moving. The S54 as is in my Z4M, is let down badly by it's pretty low torque output of around the 240's mark. The grunt of the Alpina is really noticeable . When Mark took me out in his Alpina after the filming had finished, you can tell the Alpina really is setup with real world driving in mine, where my Z4M is much more focused towards a track usage. The Z4M to me, feels heavily dominated by the S54 and it's steering. When you put the Z4M's sport mode on, the sharpened throttle response, really makes the car change it's personality. With it in normal mode, I find my Z4M is a really good motorway cruiser. It was about a 210 mile round journey for me that day and I was stuck in really heavy traffic for most of the way back, yet I wasn't punishing at all. The clutch is actually pretty light and the gearing allowed me to hit over 30-MPG and I didn't have any loud droning from the back boxes. As the days filming was moving along, I mentioned to Mark and Steve, that the strengths with one car, usually was a weakness with the other. Both the guys will tell you, that all day long I was just admiring the Alpina so much. I have previously owned an E30 Alpina and typically I would choose Alpina over M. The big reasons I went for the Z4M was the hydraulic steering, an LSD and the S54. If I was able to, I would actually own both cars, as they really do compliment each other so well.
@@FreeCarHunter I think I would have a Alpina Roadster and then the Z4M Coupe, which was what I wanted to get, but there were no Coupe's within my £16,000 budget last November. I love the C pillar and sloping rear end on the Coupe. I think the Alpina's styling suits the Roadster shape really well. But after seeing and then feeling how your Alpina wheels were, I really want to get a set for my Z4MR now.
But sure he said that :) Come to Germany and try it on unrestricted roads.. it is not funny, and not safe :D The Z4 M exhaust sounds nothing like the E46 M3 however, no idea why "the Shteve" says something like that. I know because.. I have both.
@@wolfguy2008 Depends if you drive safe on autobahn or not! Been on Autobahn a lot, sure it’s not as stable as my Fiat Coupe in 260km/h, but a front spoiler on the Z4M Coupe made a huge difference in front end stability over 240. Seems it has a lot of front lift as std.
@@pereldh5741 What is driving safe on the autobahn? You put your foot to the metal and DRIVE :D I recognise the lift factor you are referring to however, it feels like the car is "in the air" to be honest.. scary. The M3 doesn't do that
@@wolfguy2008 No I think it’s the large bonnet of the E85/86, adds lift. But as I wrote you can actually fix that with a front spoiler. I’m super happy doing 270 now!
One very important thing. If you look at the specs for these cars the Z4M weighs in a a very porky 1485kgs, whereas the Alpina is a very nimble 1320kgs, that is a difference of 165kgs or 2 of me! If Porsche stripped out this much weight and installed an enlarged and hand built engine in a Boxtster the world would be raving about it and the they would be selling at least double list price.
The Alpina engine doesn't look derived from the E36 M3. No ITB's, no dual vanos, both trademarks. Not trying to belittle the engine, that is great and prolly more robust, but please keep to the facts. That's more likely derived from the M52 engine found in the non M cars.
Fantastic video chaps. Interesting to compare these two directly. After driving both of these stunning examples, I couldn’t settle with just one. Z4M for driving in anger; and the Alpina for more or less everything else. Space for both in my garage...
Cheers Joel... and hope you didn't mind your cameo appearance as the 'Z4 fanatic'..🤓👍
"Driving in anger?? Are you Mad max or what"
I own BOTH and have done for the nearly 7 years.
And, I’m sorry to say, that in my humble opinion (and with 7 years ownership and driving experience of the two), I don’t agree with your driving conclusions:
1) Contrary to other Alpinas that I have owned, or have a experience of, the Roadster S does not ride over normal public roads better than the Z4M.
This is undoubtedly due to the 19” wheels that Alpina put these cars on. That extra loss of tyre wall compliance can make the car feel skittish at times, on normal UK roads, especially if one isn’t used to the car and confident enough to ignore this to a degree.
In this respect, the Z4M despite its different suspension, is much more compliant and actually the more comfortable but also the more confidence inspiring to drive fast.
2) Although side-by-side comparisons in on road performance by two skilled drivers couldn’t really separate them, the Z4M (IMHO) instantly ‘feels’ the faster car…..and it’s not just that the extra 40 bhp is at higher revs. That modified S52 engine in the Alpina also has to be asked to do quite a bit of work to deliver its 300 bhp and it just doesn’t have that intoxicating delivery and sound of the S54.
The differences between the two cars are, of course, not huge at all.
However, far too many people who aren’t necessarily personally familiar with the models, make assumptions or have preconceived ideas, particularly about the way the ‘expect’ the Alpina to be compared with an M-Car and which is this case I don’t think are necessarily true.
To my eye, the Alpina is possibly the better looking car…..the Z4M is possibly the better driving car. But, then ask me on another day…..🤣
Great video! 👍🏽👍🏽🙂
You think Z4M doesn't pull that well, but you're using only 70% of the rev range. That car gives it most after 6k RPM.
I was going to say, you need to rev it, that's where the fun is!
Awesome and nice to see the 2 Zeds together..great video lads
Both great cars! I have for years a E85 Z4 3.0 from 2003 now 95000km, completely original and 18 inch style 107. Its such a joy to drive and that design!! so beautiful.
The Alpina's nice...but an 'M' is an 'M' and that's that...
I’m a mk1 z4 owner , even though my car is a 3.0 l and the same colour as the alpina i just can’t help stopping myself falling in love with that car .
Don't blame you. It truly is a stunning thing. Have you ever seen one on the road?
The Dream Car Show never but a guy 10 miles away in Norfolk owns an alpine z8 an absolute beauty even though it’s my dream car I would still prefer the z4 spline 👍
@@chewbaka6394 oooh z8.. glorious!
The Dream Car Show never
Great clip. The Z4M for adrenaline rush, and the Alpina for smooth seamless performance and ride. Exactly how I compare my Z4 M Coupe and my 996.2 911 C2 manual. I'm lucky to have both in my garage, alongside my 20V ur quattro and JDM DC2 Type R.
An awesome garage you have there! I've recently added an E46 M3 to mine!
@@FreeCarHunter I had an E46 M3 on my dream list, but then discovered the Z4M Coupe. The rarity, the styling (and I was NEVER a fan of Bangle's styling - weird I know!), and the same engine plus CSL brakes and steering rack, and edgy nature swung me to it. E46 M3 is a much more civilised beast, but the raw hard character of the Z4M has a unique appeal - despite its obvious flaws. But then many great cars have been flawed....
I suspect you haven’t actually driven the Alpjna then? But, perhaps gone with what your intuition has told you.
I own BOTH the Z4M Roadster and the Alpina Roadster S…..and have done for nearly 7 years!
The Alpina does NOT ride better than the Z4M. The Alpina’s ride is compromised, on normal road surfaces, by virtue of its 19” wheels and hence lower aspect ratio tyres. The Z4M, in my experience, rides better and is actually more confidence inspiring to drive fast on normal roads because it feels LESS skittish and nervous.
In objective, side-by-side comparisons, skilled drivers found it very difficult to separate them racing against each other. However, in my mind there is no doubt which car immediately ‘feels’ the faster……and that’s the Z4M. And, again contrary to what instinct may lead us to assume that extra power does NOT feel like it’s all at the upper rev range. That extra 40 bhp feels like it’s there all the time.
You have to ‘work’ the Alpina to get the performance out of it.
I test drove both and bought the Alpina because it drives much better, the gearbox is miles better, particularly in first and second and the interior and thin rimmed steering wheel are gorgeous!
I have a 06 regular BMW Z4. A guy at a service station asked me if it has a turbo. My answer was it didn't need one! Lol
1st
Now I watched the video, I got to agree with Steve opinion about the cars. I think because the S54 needs to be revved out right to the 8000+ RPM redline to get it seriously moving. The S54 as is in my Z4M, is let down badly by it's pretty low torque output of around the 240's mark. The grunt of the Alpina is really noticeable . When Mark took me out in his Alpina after the filming had finished, you can tell the Alpina really is setup with real world driving in mine, where my Z4M is much more focused towards a track usage.
The Z4M to me, feels heavily dominated by the S54 and it's steering. When you put the Z4M's sport mode on, the sharpened throttle response, really makes the car change it's personality. With it in normal mode, I find my Z4M is a really good motorway cruiser. It was about a 210 mile round journey for me that day and I was stuck in really heavy traffic for most of the way back, yet I wasn't punishing at all. The clutch is actually pretty light and the gearing allowed me to hit over 30-MPG and I didn't have any loud droning from the back boxes.
As the days filming was moving along, I mentioned to Mark and Steve, that the strengths with one car, usually was a weakness with the other. Both the guys will tell you, that all day long I was just admiring the Alpina so much. I have previously owned an E30 Alpina and typically I would choose Alpina over M. The big reasons I went for the Z4M was the hydraulic steering, an LSD and the S54. If I was able to, I would actually own both cars, as they really do compliment each other so well.
Very well said Dan. Personally, I think my perfect garage would be the Alpina Roadster S and an E46 M3 coupe for the practicality! 🤓👍
@@FreeCarHunter I think I would have a Alpina Roadster and then the Z4M Coupe, which was what I wanted to get, but there were no Coupe's within my £16,000 budget last November. I love the C pillar and sloping rear end on the Coupe. I think the Alpina's styling suits the Roadster shape really well.
But after seeing and then feeling how your Alpina wheels were, I really want to get a set for my Z4MR now.
why are you not revving the M out? missing the point.
Mmm yeah you did not rev the Z4M so you never felt the power of it.
But sure he said that :) Come to Germany and try it on unrestricted roads.. it is not funny, and not safe :D The Z4 M exhaust sounds nothing like the E46 M3 however, no idea why "the Shteve" says something like that. I know because.. I have both.
@@wolfguy2008 Depends if you drive safe on autobahn or not! Been on Autobahn a lot, sure it’s not as stable as my Fiat Coupe in 260km/h, but a front spoiler on the Z4M Coupe made a huge difference in front end stability over 240. Seems it has a lot of front lift as std.
@@pereldh5741 What is driving safe on the autobahn? You put your foot to the metal and DRIVE :D I recognise the lift factor you are referring to however, it feels like the car is "in the air" to be honest.. scary. The M3 doesn't do that
@@wolfguy2008 No I think it’s the large bonnet of the E85/86, adds lift. But as I wrote you can actually fix that with a front spoiler. I’m super happy doing 270 now!
@@pereldh5741 Front spoiler, like ACS spilitters?
I still LOVE my Z4!!!!!! I’ve never driven an Alpina, so I can’t say much about it but it’s equally as beautiful! 🥰😍🤷🏽♀️👍🏽
2 very nice cars....
One very important thing. If you look at the specs for these cars the Z4M weighs in a a very porky 1485kgs, whereas the Alpina is a very nimble 1320kgs, that is a difference of 165kgs or 2 of me! If Porsche stripped out this much weight and installed an enlarged and hand built engine in a Boxtster the world would be raving about it and the they would be selling at least double list price.
That is a most excellent observation. Many thanks for pointing it out... and so true about Porsche!!
The 1485KG stat for the Z4M includes a driver of 75KG. Not sure about the Alpina - probably doesn't
The Alpina engine doesn't look derived from the E36 M3. No ITB's, no dual vanos, both trademarks. Not trying to belittle the engine, that is great and prolly more robust, but please keep to the facts. That's more likely derived from the M52 engine found in the non M cars.
It's derived from the US market E36 M3 engine.
Either lovely jubilee
Let me drive the z4mcoupe for u then u speak