2002 BMW Z8: Road Test
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2002 BMW Z8 ▼
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- MSRP: $130,000
- Invoice: $118,460
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Our road test for the 2002 BMW Z8 includes a full evaluation of the 2002 BMW Z8 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 BMW Z8, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 BMW Z8 help you decide if a 2002 BMW Z8 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Z8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 7.8 |
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 | 4.6 |
No opportunity to measure, but 13 mpg city/21 highway EPA ratings look realistic. Premium fuel mandatory.
RIDE QUALITY
| Z8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4 |
Firm always, thumpy on occasion, but comfortable overall for a high-power roadster on big performance tires. Minor rough-pavement body shake.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Z8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 8.3 |
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 midcorner.
QUIETNESS
| Z8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 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 | 5.3 |
Retro-look dashboard 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 is inexcusable at this price.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Z8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.1 |
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 telescopic steering wheel doesn't tilt. Top-up entry/exit easy enough.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Z8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 0 | .6 |
(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 | 4.2 |
The Z8 combines classic styling with 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 |
|---|---|
| 48 | 45.6 |
Total Score: 48
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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