that impressed us most about the original Z3 was its ride quality. Like

all of BMW's recent offerings, it managed to blend sports car reflexes

with a supple ride that took the harshness out of small potholes and pavement

patches.

Our Z3 2.8 tester exhibited this same quality, but with a slightly harder

edge. The suspension components are tuned a click or so tighter, and the

whole setup feels a bit firmer underfoot.

But if the 2.8 doesn't smooth out the road quite as well as its milder-mannered

stablemate, it will perform feats on a skidpad, slalom course or winding

road that the 1.9 can't match. It sticks better in hard turns, with a shade

less body roll in quick transitions, and its brakes seem virtually immune

to fade, no matter how hard or how often they're applied. The stopping

power that went with the upgrade wheel/tire package on our test car was

nothing short of raceworthy, even when we found ourselves approaching corners

at an eye-widening pace.

There's no question that the 2.8-liter engine makes this a much more

entertaining sports car. In addition to its extra punch, it even sounds

more authoritative, thanks in part to its dual outlet exhaust system.