Flashback Frenzy: The 2004 Roadster That Crushed Its Competition!

In August 2004, MotorTrend magazine embarked on an unforgettable comparison test, pitting four of the hottest roadsters against each other to determine which one truly dominated the competition. Dubbed 'Good Sports,' this showdown highlighted the essence of personal driving pleasure – the top-down spin in a two-seat roadster, offering an escape from the towering SUVs and an immersive panorama of sights, sounds, and smells. The philosophy embraced was that the joy of driving a sports car should be as fundamental as riding a bicycle, requiring "good grip, a firm suspension, a willing engine, and an agreeable gearbox." While prioritizing these basic elements, the tested quartet also offered a modicum of creature comforts and power goodies.

Leading in terms of seniority was the Porsche Boxster S. First introduced in 1997 with a 2.5-liter flat-six engine producing 201 horsepower, its latest iteration boasted a 3.2-liter engine punching out 258 horses. Standard was a six-speed manual gearbox, with an optional five-speed Tiptronic automatic. The Boxster S came with a base price of $52,365, rising to $59,020 with options like metallic paint, floormats, heated and lowered seats, 18-inch Carrera wheels, stability control, upgrade audio, a wind deflector, and cruise control. Uniquely in the group, the Boxster featured a mid-engine layout, with its engine mounted behind the seats, and did not share its platform or components with more pedestrian sedans or coupes. It also featured a fully automatic top that operated with a single button.

Audi's TT, available as a coupe since 2000 and a roadster since 2001, initially offered 180- or 225-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engines with front- or all-wheel drive. For 2004, the Bauhaus-flavored sportster introduced a new 3.2-liter VR6 engine, delivering 250 normally aspirated horsepower, eliminating the four-cylinder's peakiness and turbo lag. This engine was exclusively paired with Audi's innovative six-speed direct-shift preselector gearbox (DSG), combining manual and automatic transmission features. With standard quattro all-wheel drive, the Roadster DSG6 based at $43,590, and with options such as Bose audio, Baseball Optic leather seat trim, 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, and California emissions, the total came to $47,415. The Audi TT was built on the same platform as the VW New Beetle, Golf, and Jetta, leveraging these econocar roots with a V-6 engine and quattro all-wheel drive. Its power-operated top, however, required some manual latching and unlatching.

After a seven-year hiatus, Nissan resurrected its Z-car as the 350Z Coupe in 2003, followed a year later by the 350Z Roadster. Like the Audi TT, its platform was based on a sedan, specifically the Infiniti G35, resulting in a tall cowl and beltline. It offered a single engine: a 287-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6, paired with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed manumatic transmission. The engine was mounted behind the front-wheel centerline for optimal weight distribution. Nissan aimed the 350Z at buyers transitioning from Japanese to European prestige brands, offering a compelling bargain with the Roadster Enthusiast model's base price of just $33,850 ($34,180 with optional side airbags and floormats). Its power-operated top also required manual latching and unlatching.

BMW's Z4, which replaced the Z3 for the 2003 model year, presented a design that boldly went where roadsters had not previously ventured. Despite their different aesthetics, both the Z3 and Z4 originated from the same company. The Z4 incorporated new dynamic elements such as electric power steering, throttle by wire, and run-flat tires, while retaining a classic front mid-engine layout with a long hood and short deck. The base Z4 2.5i featured a 184-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline-six at $34,295, while the tested Z4 3.0i, with a 225-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline-six, started at $41,595. A comprehensive list of options, including metallic paint, extended leather interior trim, convenience package, premium package (with a power-operated top), sport package (with 18-inch alloys and lowered suspension), heated front seats, and hardtop preparation, brought the test car's tally to $47,795. The Z4 was noted as the best-selling open car in the test, featuring a fully automatic top that raised and lowered with a single button.

The testing grounds chosen for these "winsome roadsters" were the verdant foothills and serpentine backroads of Santa Barbara county, California, not far from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. This challenging environment, featuring a 20-mile stretch from near sea level to 3000-foot mountains through diverse landscapes, allowed the testers to thoroughly evaluate each car's suspension, steering, brakes, and engine. Beyond hardware, the subjective aspects of roadster touring were investigated, with warm sunny days and cool foggy nights providing opportunities to experience the cars with the top both up and down. After spirited discussions among the staff, a ranking was established, though no car was deemed unworthy.

Securing 4th Place in the comparison was the Nissan 350Z Roadster Enthusiast. Its most compelling attribute was its value, being easily the least expensive roadster in the group. With a base price approximately $10,000 less and an as-equipped price a whopping $13,000 shy of its European rivals, the 350Z effectively fulfilled its role as an "Euro interceptor." Despite the test car lacking stability control (which was not available on the Roadster), it included standard features such as Xenon headlamps, automatic temperature control, a hard tonneau cover, Homelink universal transceiver, and a rear wind deflector, which were often costly options on competitors.

Under the hood, the 350Z housed the biggest engine (3.5 liters), producing the most horsepower (287 hp) and torque (274 pound-feet). The V-6 was described as pulling "like a train" and being a "throaty, eager V-6 that makes an exciting howl." However, this powerful engine had to contend with the heaviest mass in the group – 3517 pounds, nearly a quarter-ton more than the Boxster or Z4. This significant weight dulled its power advantage, resulting in a quarter-mile time of 14.1 seconds, which was only the second fastest in the ensemble. The 350Z's six-speed manual gearbox generally received praise for its weighting, precise feel, and short throws, but some knocks were given for a crude vibration at high revs. Despite losing its steel roof, the 350Z Roadster exhibited minimal shaking over rough roads, thanks to added doublers, gussets, reinforcing struts, and a steel rear bulkhead. This robust construction allowed its largely aluminum suspension to perform effectively without compromise. One editor noted that the Z-car "feels bigger than the others and more sluggish in its responses, yet surefooted." This observation was confirmed at the track, where the senior road-test editor found the car well-balanced and responsive when pushed. Despite its capable suspension, the 350Z finished last in braking and slalom tests, likely hampered by its 50-series 17-inch tires, though optional 18-inchers were available at the cost of ride harshness. Inside, the deep, well-bolstered seats were commended for securely holding occupants, and the steering wheel/pedal relationship and instrument layout also garnered praise. However, the enthusiasm for the interior was dampened by less-than-premium materials and a notable lack of forward stowage space. Aesthetically, no editor was particularly enthused about the 350Z Roadster's appearance, with words like "clumsy" and "cluttered" recurring, and a distinct absence of "surprise and delight" features. This lack of passion stirred by its design, coupled with no serious transgressions, ultimately contributed to the Nissan 350Z's fourth-place finish.