Stick or twist
Poll: Stick or twist
Total Members Polled: 121
Discussion
I've owned my 20vt for two years now and I've spent plenty of money (to me) to get in mechanically brilliant. It puts a grin on my face with it's out right pace and I love the noise it makes. I can safely say it's the first car that I've truly bonded with. I've mildly modified it with a stainless steel exhaust which sounds superb, a recirculating dump valve to replace the standard broken plastic item, strut braces and it's lower and stiffer over the standard car.
I'd quite happily keep it because I simply love the way it looks, goes and sounds but it leaves me slightly cold being front wheel drive. Keeping it will require making it perfect; a full respray, a decent suspension and braking set-up and a good Recaro interior. That'll be a lot of money but I'd have the Coupe I've always wanted.
The only trouble is, I've had this niggling thought that I should try something else. Something rear wheel drive that could satisfy my hunger for proper handling and rear wheel drive fun. That's lead me to my current options;
I looked long and hard for a decent 328 Sport before I bought the 20vt but I couldn't find a good one. It's a car that will have to be ticked off the list one day as I'm always going back to the classifieds every few months to see if a decent local car has popped up for sale. Now could be my chance to scratch that itch.
Then there's the MkI MX5 - a car that tempts me but nothing more. I've never craved one. If I had one it would have to be modified to butch it up a bit;
Hopefully Sway won’t mind me using the above photo.
I love the way they look with modifications like the above, but then there's the step down in pace from my current steed. Would I really miss it?
A little bit of background info;
I'm just about to start a new job which will require me to commute 45 minutes or so each way. I could do this by train or bus but knowing me, I'd get fed up with public transport and resort to using the car. Commuting in the 20vt is frustrating. It needs a hefty dose of the loud pedal which I simply cannot do when stuck in slow moving traffic.
I only have the one car and will continue to do so. It will live outside all year round and to justify changing, it will need to make me smile each and every day. In an ideal world I'd stick to a car with more than four cylinders - I just prefer the sound, but with the cost of every fill up, I've considered the MX5 more and more of late.
To summarise;
Fiat Coupe 20vt – My current car that is now mechanically top notch that if I were to keep, would require making perfect for me to be truly happy with. The car with all the grunt and expensive bills but lacking in finesse.
BMW E36 328 Sport – The rear wheel drive all rounder with a glorious 6 cylinder engine which would probably need a suspension overhaul to get the best out of it. The car with a good turn of pace but lacking the Coupe’s wow factor. Perhaps as costly to maintain as the 20vt?
MkI MX5 – The cheap alternative with low running costs that I could bring up to the mechanical and aesthetic standard I’d require for minimal outlay when compared to the two cars above. The car with the tactility that I crave, but somewhat lacking in pace.
Which one would you go for in my situation and why?
I'd quite happily keep it because I simply love the way it looks, goes and sounds but it leaves me slightly cold being front wheel drive. Keeping it will require making it perfect; a full respray, a decent suspension and braking set-up and a good Recaro interior. That'll be a lot of money but I'd have the Coupe I've always wanted.
The only trouble is, I've had this niggling thought that I should try something else. Something rear wheel drive that could satisfy my hunger for proper handling and rear wheel drive fun. That's lead me to my current options;
I looked long and hard for a decent 328 Sport before I bought the 20vt but I couldn't find a good one. It's a car that will have to be ticked off the list one day as I'm always going back to the classifieds every few months to see if a decent local car has popped up for sale. Now could be my chance to scratch that itch.
Then there's the MkI MX5 - a car that tempts me but nothing more. I've never craved one. If I had one it would have to be modified to butch it up a bit;
Hopefully Sway won’t mind me using the above photo.
I love the way they look with modifications like the above, but then there's the step down in pace from my current steed. Would I really miss it?
A little bit of background info;
I'm just about to start a new job which will require me to commute 45 minutes or so each way. I could do this by train or bus but knowing me, I'd get fed up with public transport and resort to using the car. Commuting in the 20vt is frustrating. It needs a hefty dose of the loud pedal which I simply cannot do when stuck in slow moving traffic.
I only have the one car and will continue to do so. It will live outside all year round and to justify changing, it will need to make me smile each and every day. In an ideal world I'd stick to a car with more than four cylinders - I just prefer the sound, but with the cost of every fill up, I've considered the MX5 more and more of late.
To summarise;
Fiat Coupe 20vt – My current car that is now mechanically top notch that if I were to keep, would require making perfect for me to be truly happy with. The car with all the grunt and expensive bills but lacking in finesse.
BMW E36 328 Sport – The rear wheel drive all rounder with a glorious 6 cylinder engine which would probably need a suspension overhaul to get the best out of it. The car with a good turn of pace but lacking the Coupe’s wow factor. Perhaps as costly to maintain as the 20vt?
MkI MX5 – The cheap alternative with low running costs that I could bring up to the mechanical and aesthetic standard I’d require for minimal outlay when compared to the two cars above. The car with the tactility that I crave, but somewhat lacking in pace.
Which one would you go for in my situation and why?
PSBuckshot said:
I don't get the attraction with the MX-5. If I was in the market for something like that I'd have an S2000.
My budget for the new car would be around £2.5k. Unfortunately that rules out plently of more modern choices.That's the issue with the 20vt. I can get it up to scratch but it will take plenty of time (saving). That's why the MX5 tempts me.
ImDesigner said:
My budget for the new car would be around £2.5k. Unfortunately that rules out plently of more modern choices.
That's the issue with the 20vt. I can get it up to scratch but it will take plenty of time (saving). That's why the MX5 tempts me.
Makes sense in the budget I suppose. I'd go BMW all day though. That's the issue with the 20vt. I can get it up to scratch but it will take plenty of time (saving). That's why the MX5 tempts me.
You could get a very decent 328 for £2500, but my friend has recently purchased (for £3000) A MX5 Turbo, with coilovers, nicer alloys, buckets, rollover bar etc. and it's such a laugh to be in.
The go of your Coupe, the handling of a go kart, it's awesome!
Little kids ask if it's a Ferrari (it's red) and it just seems to get positive attention wherever it goes.
I'd say get an MX5, but look for one with mods already carried out, you can pick up some absolute bargains if you look around.
The go of your Coupe, the handling of a go kart, it's awesome!
Little kids ask if it's a Ferrari (it's red) and it just seems to get positive attention wherever it goes.
I'd say get an MX5, but look for one with mods already carried out, you can pick up some absolute bargains if you look around.
Tough call!
I would say yes to selling the Coupe to scratch the RWD itch, but its a rare, special and pretty car you have so its replacement has a hard act to follow.
The price of 328i Sports is very tempting at the moment and there do seem to be a few goodun's out there (I'm currently looking to go RWD too!). If you find one with a well maintained chassis, or you're willing to splash the cash on a refresh then I feel this would offer the depth to almost rival the Fiat in terms of ownership. Having previously owned an SE version I found it very comfy and gave very good economy for a large 6! Therefore it would be ideal if you're doing some mileage...
But if cash is tight, the mx5 is the car for you! I get the impression you like to get your hands dirty, so having a bit of change to fiddle with it would be fun. Although I'm yet to drive one (the 1.8is version is on my shortlist though!), I get the impression that it can offer an experience that exceeds the sum of its parts! Those modest grip levels offer a proper exploitable RWD experience; in this case: Speed Matters (not)
I'm yet to poll though...
I would say yes to selling the Coupe to scratch the RWD itch, but its a rare, special and pretty car you have so its replacement has a hard act to follow.
The price of 328i Sports is very tempting at the moment and there do seem to be a few goodun's out there (I'm currently looking to go RWD too!). If you find one with a well maintained chassis, or you're willing to splash the cash on a refresh then I feel this would offer the depth to almost rival the Fiat in terms of ownership. Having previously owned an SE version I found it very comfy and gave very good economy for a large 6! Therefore it would be ideal if you're doing some mileage...
But if cash is tight, the mx5 is the car for you! I get the impression you like to get your hands dirty, so having a bit of change to fiddle with it would be fun. Although I'm yet to drive one (the 1.8is version is on my shortlist though!), I get the impression that it can offer an experience that exceeds the sum of its parts! Those modest grip levels offer a proper exploitable RWD experience; in this case: Speed Matters (not)
I'm yet to poll though...
Personally I'd stick with what you have.
If you must then a MX-5 will probably give a greater overall ownership experience. Bit of a marmite car on PH and the only true criticism is that they ain't quick but on the flipside their is a cottage industry in tuning these little cars into something quite brisk/properly quick.
The BMW may be a little better out of the box but I think you will tire of it much quicker.
If you must then a MX-5 will probably give a greater overall ownership experience. Bit of a marmite car on PH and the only true criticism is that they ain't quick but on the flipside their is a cottage industry in tuning these little cars into something quite brisk/properly quick.
The BMW may be a little better out of the box but I think you will tire of it much quicker.
Richair said:
I would say yes to selling the Coupe to scratch the RWD itch, but its a rare, special and pretty car you have so its replacement has a hard act to follow.
You've hit the nail on the head.Richair said:
If you find one with a well maintained chassis, or you're willing to splash the cash on a refresh then I feel this would offer the depth to almost rival the Fiat in terms of ownership.
The one thing holding me back with the E36 is the apparent lack of passion in the car. If I owned one, perhaps it would dispel that impression but if it didn't I might end up gutted that I'd sold a solid 20vt.Richair said:
I get the impression you like to get your hands dirty, so having a bit of change to fiddle with it would be fun.
I do so it'd be nice to have a simple car to tinker with. The Coupe is a bit of a pain in all honesty. Everything is so compactly packaged.Richair said:
I get the impression that it can offer an experience that exceeds the sum of its parts! Those modest grip levels offer a proper exploitable RWD experience; in this case: Speed Matters (not)
That's what I'm hoping although I fear the addition of a new set of wheels will increase grip levels and water down the experiece.Richair said:
Tough call!
Too right!From my own experience change is good and its nice to own different cars to scratch to itches (I have a mental list of cars I'd like to own and I'm slowly ticking them off!).
Having thought about it, I'm thinking you need an mx5 in your life
Drive it for a bit, have fun and if you want more power and funds permit there are plenty of forced induction kits available for decent money.
But I would say go for some test drives of both the '36 and the '5 before taking the plunge and selling your Coupe.
Having thought about it, I'm thinking you need an mx5 in your life
Drive it for a bit, have fun and if you want more power and funds permit there are plenty of forced induction kits available for decent money. But I would say go for some test drives of both the '36 and the '5 before taking the plunge and selling your Coupe.
I went from a mk1 eunos RS Limited to an E36 328i Sport Coupe. The MX5 was certainly a good laugh, and pretty raw, and great to use on a sunny day, and with excellent handling. The 328i is just as fun to drive though, heavier, but still handles well, and has a much nicer engine - much nicer noise and a fair bit more power and performance, and I prefer the look of it. Its more refined and comfortable but can still play the hooligan.
Alternatively, you could get the best of both worlds and get a 328i convertible - sometimes wished I done that myself!
Alternatively, you could get the best of both worlds and get a 328i convertible - sometimes wished I done that myself!
ImDesigner said:
In what way? Is the handling not quite what it's cracked up to be?
Oh they handle just fine, well screwed together and a lovely motor up front. For me they are an M3 wannabe and I would always feel short changed that way. In short in 6 months time when you have explored the performance etc where do you go? Whereas an M3 will always have the ability to bit you in the ass...The MX-5 can always be what you want it to be, MG-esque rag top, track slag, drift machine etc etc. There is just so much scope beyond basic maintenance and throwing new wheels on.
Just my thoughts, Oh and I said keep the Coupe as it has future classic potential and in my mind still looks stunning.
v8will said:
Oh they handle just fine, well screwed together and a lovely motor up front. For me they are an M3 wannabe and I would always feel short changed that way. In short in 6 months time when you have explored the performance etc where do you go? Whereas an M3 will always have the ability to bit you in the ass...
The MX-5 can always be what you want it to be, MG-esque rag top, track slag, drift machine etc etc. There is just so much scope beyond basic maintenance and throwing new wheels on.
Thanks for your feedback. I'm not overly concerned about the M3 as it'll rape my wallet far harder than my Coupe ever could but I can see your point. There could be more depth in the MX5.The MX-5 can always be what you want it to be, MG-esque rag top, track slag, drift machine etc etc. There is just so much scope beyond basic maintenance and throwing new wheels on.
v8will said:
Just my thoughts, Oh and I said keep the Coupe as it has future classic potential
This is another point niggling away at me. I voted keep the Coupe, for these reasons:
The E36, to me, is a lot more sporty on paper than it is in the flesh, I expect it will not entertain as often as the Fiat does, though it may hit greater heights when you do have an opportunity to wring it out. It's a bit too exec and not enough sporting for my interpretation of a sporting executive saloon. In other words, I expect that, say 90% of the time the Fiat would be the more interesting, involving drive, and for the other 10% of the time the BMW will show the Fiat up as a dynamically limited FWD car with a big engine. A car that's only interesting 10% of the time (or less) isn't enough for me. I know others will disagree with that and I won't argue with them. The E36 has earned its dedicated following though, and has quality in depth. It can hit the spot, but it can miss completely, too.
The MX5 will definitely provide the involvement and won't get caught out when searching for that last 10% either, but you'll miss the power, I think, as the straight line grunt will be such a step down from the Fiat.
So, either stick with the Coupe, or search for a blown MX5. Or, flip a coin, buy whatever wins, sell it when you get bored of it and buy the other. Not sure on prices but I expect that the MX5 may have hit bottom now but the E36, not yet, so may be worth getting the MX5 first. On the other hand, it is the start of summer, might not be the best time to buy a convertible.
The E36, to me, is a lot more sporty on paper than it is in the flesh, I expect it will not entertain as often as the Fiat does, though it may hit greater heights when you do have an opportunity to wring it out. It's a bit too exec and not enough sporting for my interpretation of a sporting executive saloon. In other words, I expect that, say 90% of the time the Fiat would be the more interesting, involving drive, and for the other 10% of the time the BMW will show the Fiat up as a dynamically limited FWD car with a big engine. A car that's only interesting 10% of the time (or less) isn't enough for me. I know others will disagree with that and I won't argue with them. The E36 has earned its dedicated following though, and has quality in depth. It can hit the spot, but it can miss completely, too.
The MX5 will definitely provide the involvement and won't get caught out when searching for that last 10% either, but you'll miss the power, I think, as the straight line grunt will be such a step down from the Fiat.
So, either stick with the Coupe, or search for a blown MX5. Or, flip a coin, buy whatever wins, sell it when you get bored of it and buy the other. Not sure on prices but I expect that the MX5 may have hit bottom now but the E36, not yet, so may be worth getting the MX5 first. On the other hand, it is the start of summer, might not be the best time to buy a convertible.
Edited by Alfanatic on Tuesday 26th April 17:37
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