E30 Zone

Following the demise of Top Gear on TV I have remained a subscriber to the magazine, but my most recent read could change that. Speaking of the Z3 they write;

"Fundamental to the cars lack of vim and vigour was a rear-axle design borrowed from the E30 3-Series, and only marginally more advanced than a horse and cart"

I feel that's a little harsh, and don't see the same humour as I would have when imagining Jeremy Clarkson saying it!

Also in the same magazine they mention the Z18 concept as being BMW's first 4x4 car. I think they've got it in for the good old E30

How would the rear axle design affect the car's "vim and vigour" anyway - I was under the impression it was the engine/gearbox that played the key part in that role.

And nothing wrong with good old cart springs - a tried and tested design that is effective and durable, still widely used on vans and trucks nowadays. Might not necessarily give the best ride and handling, but certainly dependable.