Road Test: 2004 Audi TT Roadster vs. 2004 BMW Z4 vs. 2004 Porsche Boxster S vs. 2004 Nissan 350Z
Inside, the Z4 puts an emphasis on form over function. Though material choices are first rate, the cabin's not as useful as it could be. Large swathes of rough-texture aluminum cover the dash and console, and many buttons and secondary switches are small and below the driver's line of sight. The dash-mounted cupholder doesn't hold the beverage securely and tilts it so that any drips will fall onto the driver's left leg. Controls for the optional navigation screen take more fiddling than they should. There's a distinct lack of small stowage areas, with a scandalously small glovebox in the dash and an equally tiny box behind the seats that's impossible to access while driving. The steering column is angled off-center to the right, creating an unnaturally crooked driving position. Quipped one editor, "It's a flamboyant cockpit that seems lifted right from the Batmobile."
At the end of the test, the Z4 rated raves for its outstanding drivetrain and tons of cornering grip, but those pluses were overwhelmed by overwrought design; numb, too-quick steering; and a harsh ride.
...
>>next page