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Just drove ZHP back to back with M3/4, M3C |
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Written by JST
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Sunday, 13 April 2003 |
This will be a quick review, as I'm just in the house for a minute. I'll post some pics later.
SteveMD and his 500 mile-old ZHP met up with TD and I this morning so
that we could ooh and aah over the new car, and get some back to back
impressions against TD's M3/4.
Cutting to the chase: The ZHP is a DAMN impressive car. The problem
areas that plagued the first 330s are mostly gone (or at least
mitigated). Throttle delay is present, but not as severe as in the
first 330s (and maybe not as bad as the E46 M3 in non-sport mode).
Steering feel is excellent (though the furry wheel feels like something
that should be in Shaft's car), with a nice weighting. It doesn't
transmit the same road feel as the M3 (esp. mit Konis), but it feels
like a BMW should. No apologies necessary--and, believe it or not,
better than the current M3.
Handling is solid. The ride is less harsh than a Koni E36 M3, and while
there may be a touch more lean, you can also tell that the structure is
stiffer. No squeaking, no flex--just thumpthump over bumps. Very nice.
Acceleration? Well, the butt dyno says the M3/4 is still a bit faster,
but it's also a whole lot louder, so maybe the butt dyno is wrong.
Oddly, the exhaust in the ZHP is louder than that in the M3/4, but the
M3's other engine noises are much more pronounced. The ZHP is not slow.
Still, an even shorter differential would be appreciated.
Finally, the interior is pretty wicked (other than the wheel). I dig
the cloth/alcantara combo, and I even like the black cube trim.
I could own a car like this and be happy. Believe it or not, in
moderate driving (because of the steering feel) it's more fun than the
E46 M3. It's clearly the pick of the current litter.
Even if the top doesn't go down.
Originally posted on bimmerfest.com.
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JST's Cornered Test Drives 