Porsche Cayman S vs Corvette Z06 vs BMW Z4M // $30,000 Question

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There are very few options for new affordable sports cars on the market today, and first in the conversation is often the Subaru BRZ / GR86. But if you look to the used market, more options become available. This includes the sharp, S54 engined BMW Z4 M, the flat-six Porsche Cayman S 986.2, and the C6 Z06 Corvette with a whopping 7.0 L V8. But why should you choose one over the other? And just how much bravery is required if you decide to go the used route over something new and warrantied like the Subaru? Thomas and James are excited to spend some time with each car and see what they have to offer. We hope you enjoy the episode. Subscribe!
Huge thank you to our Throttle House subscribers for making their cars available to us!
To @nv3rlift for loaning us their Z4M
To @dtq.25 for loaning us their Cayman S
And to @brahmjot_26 for loaning us their C6 Z06
Videography: Karston Chong and Daniel Mason
Editing: Kartson Chong
Sound: Harrison Dickson, Karston Chong
Magical Genius Logistics Planners: James Engelsman and Joey Alford
Was present: Thomas Holland
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#BMW #Porsche #Corvette

[@Skully921]

I have owned a C6 Z06 since 2019. I have driven it for more than 50,000 miles. And I have had a grin on my face for every single one of them. What an amazing car. Thanks for the great video!

[@LiamReese-km3my]

its my dream car!!

[@jacobgardner3101]

Currently building my house and once it’s done the wife has already been notified that a c6 z06 will be in the garage

[@geominewalker6065]

@@jacobgardner3101 shoulda waited till after the 2024 eletion year, we are.... be smart.

[@jacobgardner3101]

@@geominewalker6065 my house isn’t going to be done for at least a year (building it myself) the corvette is a few years out lol.

[@geominewalker6065]

@@jacobgardner3101 smart ! 🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@ultimmytly]

james is always ready to include a mx-5 in the mix, you have to respect it

[@ZLT_90]

That's because every true car guy knows... whatever the question... Miata is always the answer.

[@gregamos8793]

I’m with him. I too have an Mx5!

[@FATmenDRIVEtrucks]

Hard beat a Miata I’ve owned over 100 cars still come back to it gravity is real

[@emoney1231]

Miata is a natural competitor to a 7 liter V8

[@aperson5062]

Personally, I choose an MX-5 RF. I agree.

[@anonymous..-]

The C6 Z06 set great track times when it was released and still competes today. Just look at the Top Gear lap board and what it beat. It ran 7:22’s at the Ring in its day. Put seats and r compounds on it like today’s cars and the game changes. The comments about lack of track ability are bizarre. The leaf spring comments discredited the entire review. It’s not a finesse car, but it wins races. The other cars are newbie driver friendly and make you feel fast. Feeling fast doesn’t win races.

[@JunkRacecars]

It's 2024 and people are still detracting Corvettes for having "leaf springs" in name only. If only they understood that a composite, transverse leaf is closer to a flexure joint on an F1 car than the suspension from a pickup truck.

[@ajaurgemma5341]

That post nut clarity line killed 😂

[@porleg]

Brilliant

[@mcmitonet8032]

can any man with kind heart explains this to a non native speaker what it means? thx

[@sebastianjacobo7894]

@@mcmitonet8032 post nut clarity is when you get a clear mind after you ummm nut

[@stupidas9466]

@@mcmitonet8032unfortunately, the answer to your question is "no".

[@LogansRun314]

@@mcmitonet8032 Hell, I am a native speaker... Can anyone tell me what this mean?

[@rodmunch69]

As a current BMW owner, and former Corvette owner, I can not overemphasize how important the tires are to the Corvette. I had a C5 Vette with stock runflats and about 20k miles on the odometer, and they were terrible, the car slipped and slided all over the place. For a time I believed all the people that trashed Corvettes for not being able to turn, and in the rain the thing was nearly undriveable. Then, one day, I decided to get some new tires, even though the stock ones still looked brand new. I got the best summer tires you could buy at the time - and it was a totally new car. The car suddenly had remarkable cornering ability, in the rain it just stuck to the road - it was truly an amazing difference. Having owned several BMW 4-series now, two optioned out with the M-sport package, etc - I can say the BMW handles better and is much more precise - but in terms of raw cornering ability, the Corvette would likely come out on top. It's really a different feeling, just depends on what you like - the BMW is much more surgical, in traffic I like in traffic how the car just does whatever you want and is exactly where you want it. The Corvette, meanwhile, was much more fun, but required more attention for sure. I will certainly agree that BMW has much better interiors, much better leather, etc. The Corvette meanwhile is competing at a much lower price for the amount of engine you're getting.

[@johnfurey3593]

The m3 and m4 is a different story. The e46 chassis is perfect.

[@rodmunch69]

@@johnfurey3593 I'm aware, I've test drove one. I was talking about precision vs raw cornering ability. Also the C6 handled better than the C5. I was talking more in generalities - but I'm sure you've put tens of thousands of miles on each as well, right, so you speak from experience. Oh wait.

[@newbiemike]

As a C6 Z06 owner, I completely agree with you. Going from the stock Goodyear runflats to non-runflat PS4s was night and day. GM made terrible choice for OEM tires.

[@imkirbo3094]

I'd be surprised if a Corvette didn't handle better than a 4 Series, given that the 4 Series is based off a fairly flat sedan, they're not really set up for sporty driving these days.

[@shiikon2193]

Any car will benefit the same way from a good set of tires. Put the same tires on the bmw and you’ll experience the same charm

[@oggreek9643]

Z06 is by far the best looking car here. I really can't understand people thinking otherwise.

[@Ramsey_Pahl]

Thomas will never escape the Miata 😂😂

[@DuvJones]

They keep saying that it is the answer.

[@JacesOwnWorld]

Gay

[@JacesOwnWorld]

@@DuvJonesthe answer to being gay…

[@CaptainFordo21]

@@JacesOwnWorldGTI driver, you should know something about gayness 🫵😂😂😂

[@Ramsey_Pahl]

@@CaptainFordo21😂😂

[@Codeaholic1]

I recently picked up a 2007 BMW M Coupe with 38k miles. It's so much fun to drive. Very different than my e46 m3, despite sharing many parts. It is very much the spiritual predecessor to the current generation Supra. If you see one in good condition snatch it up. You won't be sorry.

[@carldawes4156]

As a Porsche fanboy, the Corvette ZO6 wins this. Its a lotta car for $30k.

[@TL-pb6sz]

Of course it's a lot of car for $30k because it really cost $40k

[@NegativoZ06]

Z06 cost 40-55k 😂 , $30k with 150,000 miles 😂

[@Kumoiwa]

It's a lot of engine, not a lot of car

[@PotatosPotatoes]

None for sale in the US for under $42k.

[@LafemmebearMusic]

But I like turns… 😢

[@ItsOkayToEatPlaydo]

Idk how you found a C6Z for $30k but it’s the best option, hands down. I wouldn’t want to maintain the other 2!

[@steadyclouds4614]

What im gathering is the Corvette held its value quite well and has a pushrod v8

[@NightfurySkrill_Joel]

The C6 ZR1 is my dream vette. Legitimately cool. The code name for the project was blue devil! It was the only car I could think of competing with super cars and OUT COMPETING THEM Inna straight linen

[@everythingengine]

@@NightfurySkrill_Joelyou wont be disappointed they are AMAZING cars

[@richardmorris7063]

I don't think my abilities would match the cars but I'd love to have a ZR1 from that era.

[@m1l3s27]

​@@richardmorris7063Just get a C6 face-lift base model. It'd still be over 400hp/tq and a great manual, plus they're mid 20k all day. Likely to be my next car.

[@juiceda6]

And get 25+ mpg

[@NWABIMMER_KEV]

Good luck finding a C6Z in any sort of shape under 35-40K in USA.

[@robertdebarge276]

Yup. 35-40k is a GS.

[@EverSoPossiblyPat]

Really? I feel like 40k is the price I see the majority of the lower mile Z06’s going for. Been seeing them 30k miles going for 40k.

[@everythingengine]

Its more c5 z06 territory around 30k

[@kidodakid8861]

Just got on marketplace in Texas and found about 3

[@gerardoflores6316]

Red Z06 99k miles 34k . Texas CarGurus

[@FranciszekPawal]

It’s hard to nail down specific predictions for the housing market is because it’s not yet clear how quickly or how much the Federal Reserve can bring down inflation and borrowing costs without tanking buyer demand for everything from homes to cars.

[@AanyaDarika_]

A lot of folks have been going on about the bull rally and said stocks that would be experiencing significant growth, any idea which stocks this may be? I just sold my home in the Boca Grande area and I’m looking to remunerate a lump sum into the stock market before stocks rebound, is this a good time to buy or no?

[@AadhilaEesha]

Such market uncertainties are the reason I don’t base my market judgements and decisions on rumours and here-says, got the best of me 2022 and had me holding worthless position in the market, I had to revamp my entire portfolio through the aid of a planner, before I started seeing any significant results happens in my portfolio, been using the same advisor and I’ve scaled up 750k within 2 years, whether a bullish or down market, both makes for good profit, it all depends on where you’re looking.

[@BenBak-wt7qi]

I will be happy getting a guide and glad to get the help of one, but just how can one spot a reputable one?

[@AadhilaEesha]

Jennifer Mackimm Wesley is the licensed fiduciary I use. Just research the name. You’d find necessary details to work with a correspondence to set up an appointment.

[@BenBak-wt7qi]

I'm intrigued to know more about the kind of advice Jennifer Mackimm provides?

[@andyreichert499]

I have both a 987.2 Cayman S and a Z4M, though that's a roadster. Very different experiences. They Cayman feels like it just plugs into my brain and the car disappears. The Z4M, on the other hand, makes me very aware that I am operating a wonderful machine.

[@jamesengelsman9369]

Hey man that’s awesome. Curious to know if you concur with our impressions

[@danielpope6498]

Ive had both as well, this is pretty accurate. The Z4 M has a lot more personality, but the Porsche should objectively be better. Im curious if just gearing the cayman lower would close the experience gap more.

[@jarod9793]

Watching this video hurts me. My 987.2 cayman s got totaled when a lady just merged into my lane and crunched the front right fender. Sadly at the time it was not worth what they are now. Damn I miss that car

[@beauwulf]

Having also owned both, the Z4 has far shorter gearing, which makes it way more fun for me. You never have to shift with the Cayman S.

[@AnmolSingh-2911]

I envy you, you get a new Skoda in India for 30k $ US, I don't care how expensive it is to maintain, I would buy a 718 or 911 if sold even close to 80k$ in the used market

[@TheCaffeinatedDrive]

“The other two are corollas compared to this” 😂

[@big-R]

The GR Rollas? Dang!!

[@dnegel9546]

I agree. Tbh i would not even considered putting those other 2 against a Z06. More like a solstice GXP instead 😅.

[@turbogti8]

Still driving my Z4M...don't think i'll ever sell it. Hard to come by cars like this anymore. The S54 requires a bit of maintenance to keep it running well but it's worth it. Add a 4.10 final and it wakes it up even more.

[@davidmorrow4195]

I had mine for 12 years, sold it last week, also never thought I would get rid of it but decided to move on.

[@mitchellclark1]

“Ditch the idea of ever owning a home” too real Thomas😅

[@Mealsandwheels]

It's a little sour coming from someone who does own their home, but yknow

[@R03333]

​@@Mealsandwheels3.5m subscribers, id hope you can buy a home from that

[@Mrwickid1979]

KZbin decided to put an ad right after James said "I'm not a pervert, but.......". Brilliant 🤣🤣🤣

[@RYTF5]

Yall got ads?

[@timfagan816]

​@RYTF5 to tight to buy KZbin premium but they will constantly moan about getting ads! 🤦

[@whilliamblamet187]

@@timfagan816 blocker go brr

[@CrusadeAgain]

FYI Creators choose ad placement

[@kuma_score7536]

@@CrusadeAgain they used to be KZbin for the past few years have been taking away that power or just putting ads in with or without the creators consent or input

[@whatcubedIlIlIl]

That Z4M is perfectly optioned, with the carbon dash and no-nav! I had an '07 Z4M Coupe and I regret selling it. One day I'll have another!

[@user-ie1hg5ov1m]

The LS7 is phenomenal

[@lebojay]

I was concerned about the valve problems so I did some research. The consensus is this: buy a pair of aftermarket cylinder heads for $2000 and forget about it. I couldn’t believe you could replace two cylinder heads for that money. So cheap! I paid $3000 for a single new cylinder head on my ancient 4-cylinder Alfa! Naturally, in addition to solving the valve problems, aftermarket heads will get you more power too, as if the LS7 needs it. 😀

[@ChefPresh]

⁠@@lebojayis this really all? I’m looking to buy one and was concerns about issues it might have down the line, but if that’s all to save the headache that’s amazing.

[@ISLAMICSTORIES13]

@@lebojay LS and pushrods in general are great when it comes to repairs. no other performance engines are as cheap. in the south you can find an old mechanic w a cigarette in mouth who can fix it up in an hour for cheap lol

[@Boosted97GTP]

@@lebojaysignificantly cheaper to have a shop put a set of guides in the stock heads. And while there are $2000 cylinder head options, they wont out perform the factory heads

[@jradish]

​@@Boosted97GTP^

[@xFizzle]

987.2 S PDK owner here. Car turns into an absolute track weapon with relatively little mods. Also don't be scared by the cost of maintenance, every item is very easy to do if you have ever wrenched on a car. Parts aren't too bad, porsche labor rates are. 😊

[@PotatoEsquire]

Do you know what year the one they have in the video is? Or yours if it is the same generation?

[@Bongz187]

I would take the Z06 all day everyday

[@richardmorris7063]

That car w/ 36,000 miles would be mid 40s in Florida.

[@LafemmebearMusic]

As long as your Driving in a straight line. You’ll have lots of fun

[@dominic7114]

@@LafemmebearMusicthe corvette has more cornering grip than the bmw and porsche lol

[@glareicebutts1423]

@@LafemmebearMusic you’re way off base here

[@McSteveIrwin]

@@dominic7114 sandpaper grips better than all the cars but that's no fun to drive

[@andrewrhodes2985]

Love this video! I had a Z4M and when I bought it I was considering a Cayman S. I had amazing time with the Z4M, taking it to the Nurburgring and Stelvio pass. Never had any serious mechanical issues or crazy maintenance bills either. When I decided it was time to move on I was looking into a C6 Z06, I ended up in a C7 GS because there was one conveniently close by but would love to drive an LS7 one day! Thanks James and Thomas for making these videos with used cars that are a little older, it represents the majority of what I believe most car guys actually end up buying!

[@luisbalderrama8145]

I love that even when James is doing the intro, he includes the, "...and I'm" before saying his name, as if its absolutely engrained in his head that he always says his name after Thomas.

[@TheD4rkAurora]

2001, or 2002 BMW Z3M with the S54 Vs That Z4M with the S54, that would be a cool video. Always been a fan of this Era of BMW

[@bruce7260]

Awesome video as usual guys, love it! Ironically, I just got this information today, the same day this video was posted. In 2008, only 49 BMW Z4M Coupes were delivered to Canada.

[@reedsplitterrev]

any idea how many 06's?

[@dCaddyshk]

​@@reedsplitterrevOnly 377 were produced for NA in 2006. So likely < 50. IIRC only 197 were produced in total for Canada. I have a spreadsheet somewhere that has all the production data. My VIN is LL93158 and it was one of 8 cars on the first Canadian shipment.

[@peterhammer6915]

The Z4M Coupe is so timeless. It looks by far the best. Even if the S54 isn't for me the best BMW engine, its still great.

[@vinnoxgaming5358]

That edit/transition at 3:04 is sooooo clean!

[@bimmer_bros]

Z4 doesn’t get enough cred. Also yes 1-2 shifts are wonky in many BMWs

[@Thomamps]

It annoys me when they say the Corvette has left springs implying it's a cart when those left springs are just the spring part of A-arm and multi link suspension. It's like saying an F1 car only has torsional springs. Before you accuse me of being a Corvette fan boy I'm an E46 M3 owner.

[@MaxRPMs]

It’s double wishbone with transverse leaf springs not multi link

[@yomansam4689]

and yeeeet, they're still leaf springs. Huge reason why a lot of owners go aftermarket if they intend on really driving it how it should be

[@Shiftheads]

​@@yomansam4689 I mean the c6 zo6 has no problem being a proper track car winning nasa classes on basically stock suspension though. It's always been in line with other cars in the same model years for track times etc

[@yomansam4689]

@@Shiftheads well that’s because it’s an incredibly capable car. Not questioning that. But in situations like that, it comes down to the driver. You take Verstappen, slap him in a Z4 M and tell him to throw it around the Nurburgring and then turn around and do the same with the Z06, then yeah, you’ll have great results either way. You take a regular guy who is decently into cars and tell him to do the same thing, the predictability of the Z4M will likely present better results. Same reason regular people struggle and are even scared to drive vipers, but they have no issues driving, say, an R8 which is around the same power yet both cars are equally as capable

[@ChurchAutoTest]

@@yomansam4689 Average guy doing 7/10s in the Vette will still run faster laps than the same guy trying to push 9/10 in the other. The gap is massive and punters are going to go slow in corners no matter what, which means the Vette's power will have a bigger impact on lap times.

[@paromanin]

valve spring issues, not valve guide. Not a huge difference when one inevitably drops. But, if you take care of it ahead of time springs are cheaper/easier to do than a valve guide. For anyone looking to buy in the future.

[@gwolks1008]

I remember reading a review back in the day about the Cayman S of that generation, where they wrote something along the lines of "all the Porsche one really would ever need"

[@tomhilmer576]

First the Z4, now the Z4M, hell yeah

[@iforc]

I’m not a corvette guy, but for maintenance and potential. Out here is a smaller Texas town, I’d take the Corvette. Although I do love Porsche. If I had to leave them stock I’d go with the a Porsche though.

[@Anders_HeymSR30]

Z4M for me, last BMW with the S54 engine, last 2 seater Coupe from BMW, super limited production and prices rising now and more so in the future

[@L8REAXN]

Throttle House definitely has the recipe for making a great video. Content, video editing, the chemistry, acting and car knowledge...the list goes on. Heck even the sponsor video was worth watching and imo was the best one I have ever seen! I lost it when James poured that syrup in his face. Bravo gentlemen...your content is truly entertaining.

[@cslittle1]

Twice featuring James’ MX-5 was subtly one of the best intros you’ve had! 😂

[@axledog7297]

Z4M Coupe is my choice.

[@ericmlcoch3434]

Phenomenal reviews and spot on! I've spent time in three vehicles very similar to these. Porsche gearing is loooonnggg, while reason I sold it. GM quality is questionable at best and the car is heavily squishy, the S54 is a real treat coupled with incredible driving dynamics it's the easy pick for a DRIVER! You guys are hilarious keep up the great work!

[@danieldagenais7945]

Porsche is Porsche but That LS7 is the definition of Torque.. Corvette Z06 for me!

[@R8_Jake]

I’ve had my Z4m for more than 6 years and I have to agree.. It’s not going anywhere anytime soon 👍

[@Alejandro_BoniIIa]

On autotempest, the cheapest Z06 is $38k, while most are in the 40ks

[@arrowhead455]

Remember, that’s starting asking. You should be negotiating.

[@Arithmophobia]

there’s one for 26k near me rn

[@Alejandro_BoniIIa]

@@Arithmophobiaoh sick

[@landondaracer]

cleaner better spec lower mileage ones go for higher.

[@adastraperaspera1716]

Was present :D This video is absolut gold, and i just mention it, because almost every video of yours is, and I dont want to take that for just granted. Its like being not sick, appreciate it, while it lasts :) Thanks for your effort, passion und authentizity, which is kept even with success. Keep goin!

[@FoolOfAToke]

Haven’t watched it yet, but I owned a Z4M Coupe, and I loved it so much. Such a good car, so much fun on track, and it felt special. Loved it loved it loved it. S54 is kinda scary though. Prices for parts have gone up!

[@michaelgongwer7652]

Pretty confident non of these are $30k unless with a few accidents and 4 owners

[@technom3598]

Very easily around 30k

[@user-unionwrestling]

Poor James was crushed his little Miata wasn't in the mix! 🤣😂😅 Love you guys!

[@mrhrobinson]

Transverse leaf springs were actually brilliant in there use.

[@greensocool]

The Corvette has plenty of trunk room to carry your regret

[@wes3317]

Post nut clarity was the best joke ever 😂😂😂😂😂

[@bertieschoice216]

I'm probably being incredibly thick, but I don't get it.

[@crowntug]

@@bertieschoice216same…

[@davidsong286]

"You are watching Throttle House. And I'm James." C'mon. You can just say "I'm James" just this once!

[@138AutomotiveAlliance]

I would choose any of these over current offerings from these brands. I own a 987.1 Boxster S and would have chosen the .2 Cayman or even Boxster if I had the additional funds for my fun car. 2 years and I am still loving the Boxster though! Thank you for producing amazing content as always!!

[@DeathtrapQ60]

Ay yo, where are all the 30k Z06s yall are talking about?

[@ttotsbarc]

Same goes for the 987.2 Cayman S at 30K.

[@WBizarre]

Yea, it's more probably a z4M vs non-z06 c6, and 987.1 Cayman non-s.

[@richardmorris7063]

I'm looking at low mileage Grand Sports for around 35$k, A Z06 is around 43-up w/ lower mileage in Florida.

[@DeathtrapQ60]

@@richardmorris7063 send that link

[@theloopholeisntaahol]

@@richardmorris7063look outside Florida. Midwest/Tennessee area ask for a lot more reasonable prices for cars without stupid mods.

[@valdaviper1]

This is going to sound mad but I recently went though this scenario and also included the 996/997 as you could find them in the $28-40k range. I ended up with a gen 2 99 Viper RT10. It’s a different beast but with clean title I paid low $30s, just needed some minor maintenance. Visceral, great handler on modern tires, great looks, rarer than most at every CC. Shockingly the roadster is $20-30k less than a same mile same year GTS coupe, so highly recommend. Hope @throttlehouse does a video on every 80/90’s kids dream car one day.

[@dnegel9546]

Nice. For me the lines of the GTS are just to sexy to pass up. 🥵

[@CRatcliffe]

I’m glad they mentioned the valve issue I was worried it would be brushed over

[@gavriushka]

Don’t if anyone cares or noticed, but I’m glad they put the words “This Episode is SUPPORTED…..”. Supported, not sponsored by a brand. A whole lot of other entities should learn this. Bravo. Oh and the video itself is glorious, as always.

[@13dma1rz]

I had this exact model Z06 and I couldn't disagree with you more about the handling. I had the car at Blackhawk pulling 1.12 G in the corners passing everything. It's among the best of the cars I've ever had.

[@zerodrift1]

Great video. About 10 years ago, I came to the same conclusions and picked up a Z4 M-Coupe and absolutely love the car. Very engaging and every time I think about jumping ship to another platform, nothing feels quite right, especially when considering value/performance. The M is just special and aged exceptionally well.

[@twentytwoprod]

How do these two managed to make me like, and even want, a Z4 is flabbergasting. I use to dislike the styling of this car very much and now I need one...

[@EverSoPossiblyPat]

Me with regular corvettes: 😒 Me with any Z06/ZR1: 🥜🥜🥜

[@stevec9704]

I’m a BMW guy so for me is the Z4 M all day, with the Cayman a close second. And with that, the Subaru is 3rd. The vette, never been impressed, but it does sound great.

[@joshuavinson7343]

That joke was one of the funniest things I have heard. I was listening to the video by myself, and I actually burst out laughing. Do you know hard that is to do? If you can make someone sitting by themselves laugh out loud then you have truly said something hilarious. Thank you very much, that was awesome.

[@matthewlemoine6280]

The post nut got me good hahaha same here!

[@mediocreman2]

Which joke? There was more than one.

[@JacesOwnWorld]

Post nut clarity joke FTW!!

[@gabemass8779]

I am a 2021 430i coupe driver. Trash steering but great everyday commuter for me. I have always loved the look of c6-c8 corvettes. Drove a c7 for a while. Trash interior but so much fun.

[@KobiBlevins]

So good to hear that you two and Superfast Matt are taking over The Grand Tour.

[@bagsheeratrading]

Z4 Coupe is great, even the 3.0SI

[@JoeBeaudette]

The C6 Z06 is my dream car. Hands down. The engine. It’s the best NA small block ever made other than maybe the 5.5 in the new Z06 but that engine is trying way too hard to be a Ferrari engine and it’s in the wrong part of the car to begin with. 427 cubic inches, front engine, rear wheel drive, 6 gears, 3 pedals, 500 horses - mic drop. I may be Canadian, but in this instance, I must say… Murica.

[@75cavetrolls20]

@26:31 A: wind noise. If you've ever carried a kayak on your roof you will find that twisting the straps will significantly lessen wind noise/whistle.

[@xlefty]

C6Z is essentially a big ass V8 Miata though, with the right suspension and tires. Jesus. They can corner pretty well considering though.

[@Better_Car_Control]

Exactly. A Corvette is essentially a big Miata with power. At the limit they both oversteer and break traction the exact same way due to Mazda essentially copying the C4 drivetrain layout. The C5 and c6 just took things a bit further with a torque tube for more chassis rigidity. They are both very predictable. I wheel to wheel race a Miata, and also have a C5 Z06 track day type car with Delrin bushings, big sway bars, Extreme Summer Performance 315's front and back, track alignment, and a proper diff brace. The car is extremely communicative and precise, and this is with the factory transverse mounted leaf springs, which actually reduces unsprung weight for better handling. It's essentially a big go kart, but doesn't have extreme levels of NVH either. I would still consider it touring levels of comfort. Steering feel is very crisp and communicative. Also, having close to 500whp never gets old! I've went much farther than most with my build, but for a Z06 all you need is modern tires to wake them up handling wise. The aftermarket for LS engines is plentiful, and parts for maintenance can be found at every local parts store on every corner in the US and for much less. The running costs of keeping a Chevy on the road is much lower than a P Car or BMW, and with the right mods and driver will usually be one of the fastest cars at your local track day for a fraction of the price.

[@chasemoneyy]

you will always have to deal with that suspension design though. id suspect on track it can do pretty good but on a rough and tight mountain road you would be wishing you had the double wishbone setup a miata has.

[@Better_Car_Control]

@@chasemoneyyc4 and up all have double wish bone from the factory

[@chasemoneyy]

@@Better_Car_Control yeah just not in the rear right? is the rear setup independent?

[@Better_Car_Control]

@@chasemoneyyC4 and up all have double wish bone front AND back. Look at the c4 suspension layout. The PPF, which miata uses too, was implemented in 1984 by GM

[@seanfski]

I would go with the BMW or Porsche until I lined up with the Corvette at some random stop light and got blown away. There's something to say about owning a car you like to drive but still trying to hold onto your ego when you realize the horsepower isn't what it used to be. Everyone of those cars are gems in their own way... hard decision.

[@N0neofyourbusiness.]

The z06 will blow the doors off the bmw and that Porsche on EVERY track. Look up fastestlaps and compare those cars

[@lancemannion4113]

Being the proud owner of a black 2006 Z4 3.0si coupe, I can confirm that even with 70 less horsepower these things are addictive and I love the fact that they're polarizing in their design. Love them or hate them they don't look like anything else, and even with 265 horsepower in the n52 version, they'll still leave you with a sh!t eating grin every time! Fantastic era for bmw

[@mikemustang5488]

Thank you for a very enjoyable video. It's always interesting hearing your takes on different cars. One thing I didn't understand was the critique of the Corvette's suspension and cornering. My experience with it was that it's compliant bordering on soft, but yet body motions are very well controlled. Yes, the plastic leaf springs have undeniable short comings, such as it is more difficult to swap different springs into the car if you want to stiffen up the ride. However, I have spent some time in a C5 Z and I thought the SLA front and rear was terrific. I realize the C6 has all different components from the C5, but I would be surprised if GM managed to ruin the suspension during a redesign cycle. Certainly SLA is better than most strut based suspensions when it comes to camber gain - which should make the Corvette at least similar in cornering ability to the other two cars, if not better. I do agree that the chassis of the Corvette is not very stiff. I always felt somewhat unsafe in that car on the street. I think it would fold up or disintegrate on impact. And the steering is frustratingly slow and cumbersome for a sporty vehicle.

[@C6Fever]

corvette won numerous le mans races with leaf springs. you don't even know WHY it has leaf springs (and not the half price camaro). ps. 7:22 Nurburgring ;)

[@LuciusAccelerated]

Love the comparison engine shots, where we just see the carpeted cover on the Cayman. I have a 2010 Cayman S and absolutely love it.

[@delusion2987]

talk about uh oh leaf springs meanwhile the suspension on the vette is double wishbone, its more "advanced" than both other cars which use simpler mcpherson struts. the leaf springs on the vette serve like regular coil springs on any independent suspension but they package better under the car so that it can maintain a low cog and hood height despite having a big engine. you'd be wrong to call the other two cars more modern or better engineered from an objective pov. the vette weighs the same as the other two cars yet it has a much bigger more powerful engine, a longer wheelbase, a wider track, wider tires, more advanced suspension, more interior space and even a lower drag coefficient. there is no comparison because the vette was built to literal supercar standards for its time. the laptimes it runs compared with murcielagos, 911s, gtrs and so on. its in a different league. there is no issue with saying that the vette feels way less precise and heavier than the other two cars. the issue is the assumptions about the engineering level of the car, making it sound like it is a tractor against spaceships. it may feel that way to you and that's ok, but don't lie about the engineering level of the car which is objectively more advanced than the other two.

[@WeirdNeville]

A Volvo V60 has a transverse leaf spring at the rear. It's actually really clever packaging, and I bet they use it to integrate the function of a sway bar into it too since you can do that depending on how you mount it... Neat tech.

[@Ronin-en6hm]

They've driven and reviewed thousands of cars...... I think they would know what they are talking about 😂

[@crazycjk]

I read the entire Mat Leave ad @8:43 and I have to say, it looks better than anything I've seen in the cinema for a long time 😂

[@harinandansrikanth451]

I think what a lot of people are missing with what Thomas is saying about the Z06 is that the confidence you feel taking a corner is low because of the suspension being archaic. He’s not talking about its capability to go around a corner period. It’s just that you have to be fearless to extract the car’s cornering abilities, which isn’t the case in the other two cars.

[@f1jones544]

I drove my Cayman home 25 miles through an unexpected blizzard once. Scariest 1 hour I've ever experienced. Try that in the Z06, lol.

[@slideways8022]

@@f1jones544to be honest RWD summer tyre terror is terror no matter what your in. The Z06 would be scarier, but there is only so much screaming your lungs can output

[@user-ie1hg5ov1m]

You guys are so damn bias. The Z06 can't corner? The f**k are you on?

[@nickwilliams7490]

Great review overall. I've owned a Z4M coupe for 16-years and also in that time a 987.2 Cayman S and I feel exactly the same - Cayman is superb all-rounder but the Z4M with the S54 is amazing. One of the all-time great engines and the chassis on both are sublime, but the Z4M is the keeper for me. Very rare as well. There are no oil issues with the S54 that I've come across. I've never had to put any oil in mine and have taken it on multiple track days and drives across Europe. Just have to make sure the engine oil is warmed up properly before high-revving as it's a 10W/60 oil . I think that some of the issues with crankshaft shells at higher mileage are possibly down to the way the engine has been warmed up during it's lifetime etc.. Never driven a Corvette but it looks interesting, but in UK fuel prices make a car like this very difficult to own...

[@panganaranga]

My Dad hat the Z4 3.0, my brother has the Cayman S. The Porsche is on another Planet when it comes to built quality. From a drivers perspective I loved the Z4 as well, just sitting on the rear axle and feeling the grip level is just awsome. The Porsche on the other hand felt much sharper, and due to the middle mount motor much more capable, but also needs time to get used to. On the fist ride I let off the throttle at 180 km/h (120 mp/h), the car car was getting that light on his feet, gave me the sensation it could go any direction now. Donˋt know about the M4 Motor, guess itˋs fine too, but the sound of the Porsche when you open the exhaust makes people change lanes for you when you really push it. Good old shool nat aspirated bangs and pops and absolute finest sound engeneering, pure joy.

[@TasteTheRambo]

7:00 I love the way he slips "it's arousing" into the list of attributes on the Cayman. Again, he's not a pervert... There are dozens of us, DOZENS!

[@Motorsportsgeek]

The corvette is so out of place, its a step above all the other cars yet costs the same, amazing bargain.

[@harinandansrikanth451]

I should say that the C6 Z06’s handling and steering feel did improve from 2009 onward with changes to the steering rack and Magnetic Ride Control.

[@vladgluhov2399]

7:27 why can i see spinning swastikas? 😂

[@brandtseyfert6811]

Came here to say just that. I'm glad I'm not the only one that sees it 😂

[@jakeotto9203]

Coincidence or…. Germans being German?

[@mong0038]

That weathertech ad was top notch. I didn't fast forward any of it. You had me hooked!

[@michaelrockwell9691]

If you guys ever want to do a video down in Florida, you're welcome to borrow my 3LT C8 Corvette for an episode. Mine has a really nice Lemans exhaust on it. Sounds like a beast, lol.

[@tylerhough9124]

987.2S gang! Incredible cars. Also, you can retrofit PSE if you want 😉 it’s one of the easier options to add after purchase

[@poff9345]

Man you're right on my patch with this video. I've owned the Z4MC, The Cayman S (X2) and both the MX5 ND2 and the GR86 (yes I have a problem). I don't know what your personal situation is, or what you'd like to do with it, but the Cayman S is the right answer. The MX5 is always the answer unless the Cayman S is an option.

[@scottnewellguitar]

I’m w James on the Z4. It’s a bit Dark Helmet. Like a lot.

[@jonathans2281]

Z4 M is having a moment. Used to be that no one liked them. I always thought they were neat.

[@HankOnWheels]

As a previous C6 Z06 owner, they handle pretty good and you can make them better for not much money. A different front swaybar, some decent shocks, and that thing is good. The engine is definitely special. I miss that. You can't get one for $30k though.

[@itsvictorrivera]

Z06 for me. That car is truly timeless

[@0346GT]

James petting the Mx5 😅

[@jimc793]

Best WeatherTech commercial I've ever seen.

[@funnynation1251]

12:20 this guy is a pure BMW guy. Here he is praising the BMW but in another video, he was complaining about the Mercedes weight. Although the car was fast and it weight didn't affect it's performance

[@shiikon2193]

Weight affects how a car feels, which is far more important than lap times to the average driver

[@suhaylmaverick]

I think he's referring to the driving feel

[@massimocuguttu9187]

You need to have together conjointly not only good weight, but also proper distribution of it, and good suspension for that stiffness. He praises what bmw was at his best doing! And he is right! Bmws used to be wonderful to drive, and a pain in the ass with engines basically drinking oil, as the series 1 I had with a petrol engine. It literally needs oil like a 2 stroke almost! Mercedes was never ever known for his stiffness in the cars but smooth ride.

[@marcopolo7779]

Too early damn

[@zontetaji506]

Never too early for throttle house

[@adamsantella5508]

These used car comparos give me serious retro top gear vibes. Love the content as always. get a third host and do more road trips next please!!!!

[@peytonponder8488]

Too bias to admit the corvette is the best driving experience for this amount of money

[@user-ie1hg5ov1m]

Fools they are

[@itried3168]

peyton, better ponder some more if this is what you are thinking

[@ericmarentette]

When all you care about is going fast in a straight line, sure

[@rmatty31]

​@ericmarentette 🤣😂🤣 around the Nurburgring the 2008 c6 zo6 did a 7:33...2012 m2 comp was 7:50.... and the brand new 2024 m2 did it in 7:38. Stop paroting what ever these bias "auto journalist" say and do a bit of research.

[@ericmarentette]

@@rmatty31 you're talking about a modified corvette with a brand new engine with an extra 100hp, upgraded suspension and tires and god knows what else. Stop playing games.

[@machplane]

Love it. It's like Thomas and James made this video especially for me. These are the exact three cars I have been thinking about!

[@RareEarth70]

And thank you, WeatherTech! Great company; all my cars have WeatherTech mats. I support them because they support car-focused activities like this!

[@jaytimtoday8271]

The corvette has semi independent double wishbone suspension with optional magnetorheological dampers. Not leaf spring suspension. The leaf that is in there connects the left and right side of the suspension. The leaf spring transfers load from one side to the other

[@jonathanbirst3306]

I bought a Brz and a couple of weeks later my dad came home with a Cayman S. So you could say that we already picked up what you are putting down.