AutoBild, recently did a comparison of the BMW Z4 and the Opel GT (Saturn Sky) in Europe to see if the cheaper by $14k Sky could hold its own against the Z4.
The Opel delivered 264 horsepower and had a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds, while the Z4 had 265 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 6.1 seconds. Those numbers are nearly identical. For the test they chose the BMW Z4 3.0si and the Opel GT 2.0 turbo. Although the Opel had similar horsepower and 0-60 times to the BMW, its overall bulkiness and extra weight held it back.
Comparing the U.S. versions of these roadsters also yields close performance results. The Z4 3.0si has 255 horsepower with a 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds, while the Sky Red Line has 260 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds. These numbers are interestingly faster than the 0-60 times in Europe. The Sky Red Line also weighs 62 lbs less than the Z4.
So what does all this mean? The Z4 costs $43k vs $29k for the Sky. Even though the Sky does have a price advantage, does it mean that it will steal sales away from the Z4? Most likely not. You have to remember that you are comparing a Saturn to a BMW and in most cases, most people would rather fork over the extra money for a BMW. Hopefully the lower priced Saturn will prompt BMW and it's German counterparts to look into building a lower priced Miata/Sky/Solstice competitor. There have already been rumors circulating that BMW is going to build a smaller roadster in 2010, possibly called the Z2.
Comments (20)
Why bother with the Z2? the Z3 had a good thing going for it before Chris Bangle contaminated BMW's design department with controversial, conflicting and contradicting styling lines everywhere you look (The same line goes in three different directions. Come on!). Looks alone could sell it better if the design was changed. The Sky is automatically cooler than the Solstice because it looks edgier and is similar to a Corvette in many respects. The only real sales argument is interior quality (oh, wait...) and brand image, of which Saturn's has steadily been improving as of late.
Posted by waffle911 | May 8, 2007 10:42 PM
Posted on May 8, 2007 22:42
xrtest
Posted by Infeno | June 14, 2007 3:45 PM
Posted on June 14, 2007 15:45
Infeno
Posted by Infeno | July 7, 2007 7:08 AM
Posted on July 7, 2007 07:08
Infeno
Posted by Infeno | July 7, 2007 8:08 AM
Posted on July 7, 2007 08:08
Show me round your snow peaked mountains way down sout. Josue Helka.
Posted by Josue Helka | August 17, 2007 9:13 AM
Posted on August 17, 2007 09:13
the z4 would own the stupid saturn in everything you dont just worry about hp its about qulity too
Posted by rob | October 4, 2007 5:47 PM
Posted on October 4, 2007 17:47
Yes like the "qulity" of good spelling =O As far as quality is concerned my friend just got his beamer back from the shop for the 3rd or 4th time... BMW's r not reliable at all! The sky redline has huge power and kicks ass at such an affordable price. Cant wait to get mine and smoke some bm's ;-)
Posted by dp | October 8, 2007 4:20 AM
Posted on October 8, 2007 04:20
Hi
Posted by Eric Brough | November 15, 2007 1:53 AM
Posted on November 15, 2007 01:53
Hi
Posted by Eric Brough | November 15, 2007 1:55 AM
Posted on November 15, 2007 01:55
Hi
Posted by Eric Brough | November 15, 2007 1:55 AM
Posted on November 15, 2007 01:55
Hi
Posted by Eric Brough | November 15, 2007 1:55 AM
Posted on November 15, 2007 01:55
Hi
Posted by Eric Brough | November 15, 2007 1:55 AM
Posted on November 15, 2007 01:55
dp:
Yes like the "qulity" of good spelling =O As far as quality is concerned my friend just got his beamer back from the shop for the 3rd or 4th time... BMW's r not reliable at all! The sky redline has huge power and kicks ass at such an affordable price. Cant wait to get mine and smoke some bm's ;-)
-END QUOTE
Your buddy has a BMW motorcycle? You realize a beamer is a motorcycle, and what your buddy probably has is a bimmer which is the BMW car right? And you crack on somebody else for his spelling.
Posted by Kris | December 27, 2007 8:56 AM
Posted on December 27, 2007 08:56
The BMW Z4 is a great car but the Saturn Sky is also a great car. Let me ask you a question. Are you buying a BMW because it's a BMW?. The Saturn Sky is really a Vauxhall Lightning concept car that was actually produced using the GM namebadge. The Sky is my #3 car, I only drive it about once a week. Most people who buy the BMW it's probably there only car or mabee there second. I guess what I'm trying to say is that the Saturn Sky is hands down the best looking sports car for anywhere near that price and if your a car nut like me, I buy because of passion and pure adrenaline; not because of mainstream buying practices. I have had people almost snap there necks looking at this car and the BMW is (to me) very boring but a quality vehicle. Buy with your feelings and you'll be very happy. p.s I was in the car buisness selling Honda,Toyota,Nissan for 9 years and I know what buying mainstream is all about (boooooorrrrriiinnnggggg).
Posted by Eric Brough | January 10, 2008 4:40 AM
Posted on January 10, 2008 04:40
I'd rather get a Mustang GT. 300+ Horsepower & looks cooler. Plus you might actually survive a non fender bender accident.
Posted by Jamil | March 21, 2008 2:47 PM
Posted on March 21, 2008 14:47
I got a Z4 last year because I think it's the most amazing looking car there is. It handles like a dream and the rock solid suspension has saved me from more than one CLOSE call. This is my first post ever, but I just had to comment. Cheers LOVE my Landshark.
Posted by wade | March 26, 2008 8:11 AM
Posted on March 26, 2008 08:11
I got a Z4 last year because I think it's the most amazing looking car there is. It handles like a dream and the rock solid suspension has saved me from more than one CLOSE call. This is my first post ever, but I just had to comment. Cheers LOVE my Landshark.
Posted by wade | March 26, 2008 8:12 AM
Posted on March 26, 2008 08:12
I drive an E46 M3 with all Dinan mods and a turbo making it much quicker than most cars on the road..especialls a Z4 Sky or Solstice, but i have driven all three cars and if i had to choose between the three it would be the Z4 by a longshot. not only does it handle better than the other two but it has history and soul. when you own a BMW you are part of something. when you own a Saturn you are just another driver of an american car that nobody will take a second look at.
Posted by Ian | March 30, 2008 11:54 PM
Posted on March 30, 2008 23:54
BMW Z series of cars are built to sell to people who have extra cash to spend for status, not to perform.
In most cases BMW = status
not necessarily quality.
if all you care about is quality go buy an even more boring vehicle like a Toyota Corrola or a Civic.
If all you care about is performance go buy a porsche
Posted by slade | April 5, 2008 2:51 AM
Posted on April 5, 2008 02:51
Sky vs BMW, if you ever own a BMW you know the difference in handling plus there is no room in the SKY. Never the less I like the SKY, but it's not the same as a BMW. For the money a mustang conv. would be the way to good for the $$.
Posted by Wendell | July 28, 2008 1:03 PM
Posted on July 28, 2008 13:03