Need a convertible or coupe for $70,000

Maria Petelina. Works as head of legal department. Drives a BMW Z4. Wants a coupe or convertible for $70,000

Need a convertible or coupe for $70,000
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 wheel

My current car is a BMW Z4, but my husband insists on replacing it. He suggests looking at the Audi TT and Nissan 350 Z, claiming they are preferable. Is he misleading me? Let's figure it out together!

What I expect from a car:

Need a convertible or coupe for $70,000
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 wheel

Image
I need a coupe, the specific model is not important, and a convertible is even more interesting.

Style
The design should be expressive and appeal to both me and those around me.

Driving qualities
I don't plan to drive off-road — there's no asphalt in the forest.

Economy
I'm not going to save on myself, I'll press the gas pedal to the floor.

Interior
The trim materials should provide pleasant tactile sensations.

Standard equipment
I dream of a glass steering wheel, but alas, they don't make such things.

BMW Z4. $60,000
I chose it because it's a real sports car.

Need a convertible or coupe for $70,000
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 wheel

I've had the chance to sit behind the wheel of various cars. I learned the basics of driving on an SUV — it's ideal for a beginner, nothing is scary in it. Last summer we bought a BMW Z4. This car captivated me with its stunning appearance. True, the idea was initially suggested by my husband, who has long and devotedly loved the Bavarian brand. And I always wanted a convertible, although acquaintances unanimously insisted on its impracticality. But I stood my ground.

At the dealership, they warned that we'd have to wait — there was a queue. But I was lucky: one Z4 was found in Moscow. True, the trim turned out to be not quite what I wanted… But I wasn't upset. The car came with options that I previously considered a luxury. However, you quickly get used to the good things. The navigation, which seemed unnecessary, turned out to be extremely useful. Why did I previously struggle with paper maps? Rain and light sensors also proved very convenient. I just don't understand why the Z4 doesn't have front parking sensors.

Need a convertible or coupe for $70,000
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 wheel

They are installed at the rear, but there they are not needed. The trunk of the coupe, unlike the long hood, is short. I still don't always feel its edge and play it safe when parking. But this is not the only thing that bothers me about the BMW. Take the trunk, for example. Of course, you don't expect spaciousness from such a car, but still. Once, when I was again stuffing a stroller in, a dent appeared on the trunk lid. I also think the Z4's interior doesn't quite match its exterior. It's more suited to the executive class — an abundance of wood, strict lines. And I want something more youthful and modern.

Despite the drawbacks, the car immediately became a favorite.

Thinking about competitors, I couldn't find alternatives. But that was a year ago, and now I'm interested in comparing the Z4 with other worthy rivals.

Need a convertible or coupe for $70,000
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 wheel

Style
By releasing the Z4, the Munich-based company once again proved they know a thing or two about classic roadsters.

Driving qualities
The car's handling is almost neutral. This was achieved largely thanks to the almost 50/50 weight distribution and the engine positioned in the wheelbase.

Interior
The Bavarians have never been known for spacious cabins and an abundance of frills.

Economy
Modern technologies implemented by BMW engineers allow you not to spend too much on fuel, even when operating such a car.

Standard equipment
The base trim is not rich, but my Z4 is equipped to the maximum, there are even "extra" options.

Likes: Interior trim, design. Most importantly, it's stylish and prestigious.
Dislikes: My little one actually has only one drawback – the price. Couldn't they sell it cheaper!

Audi TT. $73,500
Chosen because the open top also comes with all-wheel drive.

When you see all three cars side by side, the first thing you compare is the appearance. It's immediately noticeable that the Audi TT's design was refined literally along every line. The exterior is the newest and freshest among all. I like the front optics. The cunning squint of the headlights seems to hide something. The body looks the most harmonious. This is probably what a coupe should be. The TT can be called the benchmark of this class.

Need a convertible or coupe for $70,000
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 wheel

You'd notice the Nissan only because of its bright color. The appearance seems a bit outdated. Sharp edges and an abundance of straight lines make the body somewhat inexpressive. It's hard to imagine that such a car was the choice of the leader of the Tokyo drift gang in the movie "The Fast and the Furious." In short, in the "appearance" category, the Nissan takes last place.

Need a convertible or coupe for $70,000
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 wheel

You get used to the Audi TT's interior space quickly, just like in the BMW. But there are a couple of things that might cause difficulties. First, without a hint, it's hard to figure out the climate control settings. There are no familiar airflow direction symbols. Instead, some incomprehensible icons. Second, when trying to engage D mode, you often end up in S mode. They are located one after another. In the BMW, to switch to sport mode, you need to move the automatic gearbox lever to the side. I think that's more logical. There are also plenty of positive aspects. The TT's instrument panel has pleasant backlighting and is easy to read. The steering wheel has a comfortable grip and is also sportily flattened at the bottom. The Audi's handling is similar to the BMW's.

What I value most in cars is obedience. The Audi provides full control. It goes where you want it to. The light steering doesn't deteriorate with speed. True, despite the rainy weather, it's hard to feel the advantage of all-wheel drive. The BMW with its stability system behaves no worse. The only thing I still don't understand is why, for the big money they ask for the TT, there are no such pleasant little things as rain and light sensors.

Style

Need a convertible or coupe for $70,000
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 wheel

Driving qualities
The car's handling is almost flawless. All-wheel drive has never hurt anyone, especially since it has virtually no effect on fuel consumption.

Interior
Of the three, it's the truly coolest and most luxurious. This is real premium class. The Japanese should learn from the German manufacturers.

Economy
It's not that it requires a lot of money for gasoline, but after each visit to the gas station, I instinctively start pressing the gas pedal more gently.

Standard equipment
Audi's base equipment is in perfect order. The car is not cheap, but the owner definitely won't regret the money spent. **Likes:** The Audi TT has everything to stand up to the Bavarian; both cars are equally good, yet they are radically different. **Dislikes:** It demands much more concentration from the driver than my beloved Z4. **Nissan 350Z. $56,000** The choice fell on it because of its impressive power and striking appearance. The toughest participant in the test was the Nissan 350Z. The situation was complicated by the manual transmission. I had only dealt with a stick shift in driving school. After listening to a brief briefing from the specialists, I decided to approach the car. I perfectly understood that before me was a real beast with 313 horsepower under the hood. This herd can hit the first hundred in less than six seconds. It gets a bit scary. The clutch turned out to be moderately stiff. Once inside, I began to change my opinion for the better. The interior is imbued with the spirit of a racing atmosphere. Everything is extremely strict and uncompromising. No matter how much you want to lounge in the seat, it won't work. The cabin seems to force you into a proper seating position, a correct grip on the wheel, and precise pedal work. The feeling is amazing. Surprisingly, I experienced no inconvenience from the manual transmission. The acceleration really impressed. You engage second, third... And the speedometer needle is already at 160. The gas pedal reacts instantly at any RPM. You get the feeling that you and the car become one. I also drove on the circular serpentine, where the Nissan showed itself to be maximally composed and predictable. After getting out of the 350Z, I realized I wanted to do two things. First, sign up for extreme driving courses, definitely on cars with manual transmissions. That's already in the near plans. Second, and most importantly, I desperately wanted to buy this "Japanese." It's clear that it's not suitable for sitting in traffic jams: the clutch is too stiff, and the suspension likewise. But for pure driving pleasure, it's just the thing. And you can easily do without navigation and a rain sensor. Although I still won't give up my Z4. I consider the Nissan exclusively as a car for special occasions. **Style** The exterior of the nimble "Japanese" is impeccable, but in the minds of most of our compatriots, Nissan is not yet associated with coupes. **Ride and Handling** Unfortunately, the car suffers from oversteer, and if the driver doesn't rein in their emotions, it could end badly. **Interior** Everything is done solidly, with quality, and so on. It's just that the cassette Bose stereo acts on passengers like laughing gas. **Economy** This is the most voracious car I've ever known! It's like an insatiable beast—constantly trying to veer into a gas station. Fuel costs are simply enormous. **Standard Equipment** The necessary options are present, but compared to premium competitors, the "Japanese" clearly falls short. **Likes:** A very lively, I'd even say reactive, car! **Dislikes:** I don't quite understand its essence—it's unclear where it comes from and what audience it's aimed at, and the cassette stereo is over the top! **My Choice** The Audi TT and BMW Z4 are similar in many ways. I make my choice based on design, and I prefer the "Bavarian's." The Nissan 350Z is a completely different story. It's impossible not to fall in love with it. I really hope that this "Japanese" will one day appear in our family garage. **Editor's Choice** Maria, in our opinion, accurately noted the characters of all three cars. The Audi TT and BMW Z4 are closest to each other. The key difference is in handling. The BMW gives more emotion thanks to its classic layout and almost perfect weight distribution. Audi's all-wheel drive ensures confident behavior on any surface. The Audi TT is a balance between sportiness and comfort. The Nissan 350Z stands out from the trio not only with its loud color but also with a completely different character. It's a born athlete, meaning its element is endless racing. In such a car, you simply don't want to drive slowly.