26 replies to this topic

[MEAGY]

my best mate has a 03 33ci m-sport, never liked bmws until he bought it now i love it!!! get an auto its so much fun! & with a full car it still pulls just as hard. 350s aint that quick...r they??

[Jim_Cross]

* sigh * You guys are just confusing me now Wish I'd never asked Re-reading the Evo reviews of the R32 they certainly never complained about it being understeery. The only negative point really was that at the limit on track, there can be a fraction of a second delay as the Haldex sends the power rearwards. In fact, they said in the group test that it was probably the best hatch ever at that time. I needs to dig out the 330Ci Sport review again, but from what I recall of the original E46 330 Saloon test drive, the rhetorical question "motoring perfection?" was posed. And that was before the 6-speed box and improved steering rack. They also love the 350Z, but I just don't see that happening. Obviously none of these cars will thrill on the level of the VX, and I don't expect them to. However, they were all 5-star Evo cars. Biggest problem with a 330Ci is finding a manual one. And no, I absolutely won't buy a slush box one.

Edited by Jim_Cross, 25 August 2006 - 04:12 PM.

[Jim_Cross]

Just been having a surf around the 350Z site, Autotrader etc. It looks like the UK car linked above is the only one near my price range, and that says no offers, only has 1 set of keys etc. All the other UK cars are closer to £18-19k, which is a shame as this thread did arouse my interest in them somewhat

[theotherjonnymac]

The Golf because of rarity. The 330 though a fantastic car (My VXT struggles to keep up with it even on the corners) is as common as muck. Loads as company cars, estate agents, etc.

[jonnyboy]

I would rather have an R32 over a 330, I'm not really sure where the "chav" tag for them has come from I think they ooze class and refinment, far better image wise than the BMW although they are not particularly quick/ 350z is an intresting alternative but if your going to have a 2 seater you might as well keep the vx??

[Teatowel]

The R32 will certainly understeer as you approach the limit, but it has pretty high limits given the type of car it is. And Meagy, the Z is quick

[stuntman]

jim - regarding why I think the R32 would be the one to choose if you were tracking it, three main reasons: 1. It'll be great in the damp and wet - so you could do loads of autumn/winter days and have lots of safe-ish, fast fun and be one of the quickest things out there 2. The brakes will almost certainly hold up to repeated hard use better than those on the 330ci, despite the fact that the R32 is the heavier car 3. The R32 looks much more 'at home' in a circuit paddock. Looks, feels and sounds more special IMO. (4. The 330ci might feel muted and underwhelming, even if it's objectively quick(er) and more adjustable) Still, both good choices, as would be the 350Z. VFM-wise for a £16.5k budget though, I'd pick the 330ci every time. IMO the R32 and 350Z are a bit 'strong' at the price still, whereas relative ubiquity and the imminent new model means that you'd be able to get a very well-specced 330ci for that money. Have fun choosing