2001 BMW Z8: Road Test
Archived Review
2001 BMW Z8 ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $128,000
- Invoice: $115,200
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2001 BMW Z8 includes a full evaluation of the 2001 BMW Z8 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 BMW Z8, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 BMW Z8 help you decide if a 2001 BMW Z8 is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| Z8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 7.7 |
Test car felt strong enough at all speeds to support BMW's 4.5-sec. 0-60 mph claim. Crisp, precise shift action, no-sweat clutch.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Z8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.7 |
No opportunity to measure, but take EPA city/highway rating of mpg 13/21 to heart. Premium fuel mandatory.
RIDE QUALITY
| Z8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3.5 |
Firm always, thumpy on occasion, but comfortable overall for a high-powered roadster on big high-speed tires. Minor rough-pavement body shake.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Z8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 7.8 |
Predictable, poised, and balanced, with little body lean in hard cornering. Strong stopping power. As in most rivals, switching off antiskid system ups odds of a tail slide if you juice the engine in mid-corner.
QUIETNESS
| Z8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3.6 |
Enough top-up wind roar on our test car to drown out tire noise at highway speeds. Engine rises from a muted low-rpm burble to a lovely high-rpm whine.
CONTROLS
| Z8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.2 |
Striking retro-look dash has high, legible central gauges, but lights and ignition switches require awkward reach around steering wheel. Navigation system fiendishly complex to program. Odd control arrangement forces driver to use two switches to operate right-side window. And top's plastic rear window inexcusable at this price.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Z8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5 |
Six-footers have ample space in cozy-feeling cockpit. Deep bucket seats hug securely, but seem thin on padding. All drivers should be comfortable, though steering wheel telescopes but doesn't tilt. Top-up entry/exit easy enough.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Z8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 0 | .7 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Z8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2.1 |
Shallow trunk holds enough soft bags for two on a long weekend. Cockpit has a little space behind the seats, but few places for small stuff.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Z8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 4 |
Classic design and state-of-the-art engineering in a thoroughbred high-speed roadster for the fortunate few. But you need a fortune to buy one because rabid demand and low volume drive selling prices way above the lofty sticker.
Total Score
| Z8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 50 | 44.3 |
Total Score: 50
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
