BMW Z3 2.3 vs. Mazda Miata...continued

Bimmers are noted for their on-road prowess, so itās no surprise that this roadster is a graceful performer. The 2.5 liter engine produces 170 HP and 181 ft-lbs of torque. (Thereās some confusion about the Z3 2.3ās nomenclature. BMW uses the "2.3" designation for this engine to avoid confusion with the 2.5 liter turbodiesel which powers the European-market 325 and 525.) Perfect balance is inherent in the inline six-cylinder layout, and the Z3ās smooth-as-silk motor feels just as happy at 2,000 RPM as it does at 5,000. Rev it hard and it sings out a soulful moan, possibly the sweetest song this side of a Ferrari. Acceleration is strong and smooth, though the 2.5ās no pavement burner - for that kind of action youāll want to check out itās big brother, the Z3 2.8, or the all-out M3 roadster - but for the cut-and-thrust of the daily commute, the 2.5 provides all the power youāll need. A light clutch and precise gearshift make easy work of stop-and-go traffic, but a four-speed automatic is on offer for those who prefer to avoid the three-pedal dance.

Wide 225/50 performance tires on 16 inch alloy wheels give the Z3 tons of grip in the curves, and getting the Z3 unsettled requires a serious effort. Run the Z3 to the ragged edge, and BMWās Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) goes to work, braking selective wheels to keep the car pointed in the intended direction, while the traction control system keeps this rear-drive coupe from spinning out should the driver apply too much power in the corners. This test included a run down LAās twisty Mulholland Drive, but with the caution required by the blind curves, I could barely evoke so much as a squeal from the Z3ās tires. Some drivers will appreciate the safety net of the Z3ās handling, but others may lament that itās limits are so often out of reach.

Thanks to itās smooth and sporty demeanor, top-up motoring in the Z3 doesnāt feel quite as pointless it does in the Miata. One option on the test car was a power top, though the driver (or the passenger) still needs to open two release latches and push the top up before engaging the electrics; likewise, when closing the roof, the job must be finished manually. Herein lies the Z3ās glaring fault: the test carās roof was difficult to line up with the top of the windshield, and I was constantly bashing my fingers with the Z3ās knuckle-busting top latches. The Miataās pain-free top latches employ a superior design. And the Z3ās plastic rear window can be counted on to discolor over the years; the glass window on the Miata wonāt have this problem.

Another source of debate was our test carās color - or, more specifically, itās name. I expected one of the fancy names the auto industry is famous for - "Copper Mica Metallic," perhaps, or "Deep Sandy Rose." Perhaps something whimsical, like "Midnight Desert Clearcoat." Turns out this eye-catching shade of metallic brown is called - you guessed it - "Metallic Brown." Memo to BMW: This does not translate well into English. Opinions on the color itself were mixed, but despite the Z3ās popularity here in Southern California, the Z3 I drove attracted a lot of stares.

Pros: Smooth and suave, with a decidedly upscale feel; reasonably priced as far as prestige two-seaters go

Cautions: Knuckle-busting top latches