Avid Top Gear fans will likely remember the showdown between the Z4 and the Fairlady Z. In a Season 13 episode, Jeremy Clarkson compared the Z4 E89 and the Z34 Fairlady Z, ultimately handing the victory to the Nissan, driven by The Stig. Additionally, in Top Gear: The Perfect Road Trip, Clarkson, driving the first-generation Z4, outperformed Hammond and the Z33 Fairlady Z with the help of a shortcut through a dirt stage that Clarkson doesn't particularly favor.
With the current generation of these longtime arch-rivals, which one will have the last laugh? But first, let's get to know them, starting with the Z4 G29.
The third-generation model is a return to the Z4's roots. It has a soft-top roof that can be folded up or down in ten seconds, even at cruising speeds. The range-topping M40i model has a 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine that produces 340PS of power and 500Nm of torque. When mated with the 8-speed AT, it does 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds and is electronically limited to 250kph.
Now, let's talk about the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34, the latest version of Nissan's legendary Z-car.
Despite its fresh appearance, the RZ34 remains fundamentally a Z34 at its core, making it a car from the Heisei era that has been updated for the Reiwa era. Given the extensive updates, it has been designated as the RZ34, with the "R" standing for Reiwa. Like the Z Proto, the RZ34 Nissan Fairlady Z incorporates design elements inspired by earlier generations.
Under the hood, the RZ34 is equipped with the same 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine found in the Skyline V37 400R. This engine delivers 405 PS of power and 475 Nm of torque and can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 9-speed automatic transmission.
In addition to the new monotube shocks and enhanced front geometry, increased rigidity, available sport brakes, a mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD), and rear suspension tuning, the RZ34 introduces, for the first time, features like launch control and electric power steering.
With a makeshift circuit near the fancy beach resort, it's time to find out which of these longtime rivals is the best. Remember the Top Gear days; the first-gen Z4 beat the Z33 in the dirt thanks to an unexpected shortcut Clarkson found. Rewind to the Top Gear track circa late 2009, the Z34 is faster than the E89 with The Stig behind the wheel. It's one win for each. Let a game like Forza Horizon 5 be the decider. Roll the tape.
And now the results...
Z4 G29 - 1m03.380s
Z (RZ34) - 1m03.664s
That was the closest result I've ever witnessed but in the end, this is how the West was won. The final-generation G29 Z4 defeated the RZ34 Fairlady Z by a narrow margin.
The BMW Z4 is the "ultimate driving machine," and it proved it in a duel against the Fairlady Z. In a close race, the Z4 won by a narrow margin. The Z4 was outshone by its Toyota GR Supra twin, but against the Fairlady Z, it proved its mettle just like its predecessors. If Jeremy Clarkson remained in Top Gear, this would be his bet compared to the RZ34.
Speaking of which, I've prepared a little something for the eternal rivals from the world of Top Gear.
The RZ34 Fairlady Z is donning the role of the PriPara main character, Laala Manaka. Let's admit it, she's unstoppable in her tracks just like the show itself. PriPara really is the GOAT of the Pretty Series.
As for the G29 Z4, look what I just did. On one side, you have Matsuri Hibino, while the other side has Myamu. Matsuri and Myamu, they're both main characters from Waccha PriMagi!
So, what we have here are two of my favorite rear-wheel-drive sports cars bearing significant Pretty Series milestones. One represents the greatest Pretty Series show of all time while the other represents the last of its kind before the switch. Yes, PriMagi is the last Pretty Series anime that had Tatsunoko involved in it before switching to OLM for AiPri. Long story short.
With two of my favorite Pretty Series milestones written all over the bodywork, the Z4 G29 and the Fairlady Z RZ34 are showcasing their high-performance prowess in two EventLab creations against a pack of rivals. Let's roll the tapes.
Meganee-san would be proud of their achievements today!
The letter "Z" is the last letter of the alphabet, and it represents the culmination of the alphabet. The BMW Z4 and the Nissan Fairlady Z are both at their peak. They know that their time is limited in this "new normal," but they're determined to put on a heck of a show as sports cars built for the "new normal." They have done it just like their predecessors and even when the endgame comes, they have proved their worth in this unstable world.
This is the zenith of sports car perfection, redefined.
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