Fiesta ST + E92 M3 = ?

[acme]

Currently driving a MK7 Fiesta ST3 daily and E92 M3 manual as a semi daily driver. Had both about two years.

Thinking about replacing both with one and can’t see past the FK8 Civic Type R. Test driven two and on the basis of those two drives a few years ago it’s everything I’ve read about.

Anything I’m missing? It does need to be a true daily, I’ve got other classics for true weekend fun. But I don't necessarily need back seats.

Things I like & dislike; the Fiesta is fantastic on a B road blast but a bit of a pain on the commute as the suspension is too hard & the seats and seating position are rubbish. The M3 is of course all about the engine, but does feel a bit ordinary at sub sonic speed and the combination of the small fuel tank and it of course being very thirsty does mean sometimes a re-fuel at 200 miles!

Appreciate the FK8 is a very divisive car for the obvious reasons, and whilst I’d hardly caller it a looker it is very Japanese and I think it’s time for something different.

Cheers in advance for any replies.

Edited by acme on Tuesday 14th September 13:57

[ZX10R NIN]

As long as you're happy with the day to day ride of the Civic then I'd say buy one, the other options are the 308 GTI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109097...

Or Megane RS300 Trophy

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106294...

[acme]

Thanks for the reply. Must admit I’d not thought to much about the CTR’s ride given it usually gets a good write up & the ST’s is so bad.

The Megane in the flesh is certainly the best looking in my eyes being a nice middle ground, but again the ride always gets noted. Using mainly A & B roads inevitably means I suffer from our appalling roads where tougher riding cars are concerned.

[horico]

I own an E92 M3 and test drove the FK8 twice before I got it. I looked at many others before deciding and it was almost a heart vs head decision. If the M3 didn't win, I'd have the FK8 in a heartbeat - the perfect daily in my book. I'd have one now if finances would allow. The M3 was daily'd for 2 years but it now lives a more pampered life.

[colin79666]

Thought about a mk8 Fiesta ST? They pretty much solved the high seating and rock hard suspension complaints of the mk7. Still a firm ride but not back breaking plus a more modern dash. Prices are stupid high though right now.

[acme]

horico said:

I own an E92 M3 and test drove the FK8 twice before I got it. I looked at many others before deciding and it was almost a heart vs head decision. If the M3 didn't win, I'd have the FK8 in a heartbeat - the perfect daily in my book. I'd have one now if finances would allow. The M3 was daily'd for 2 years but it now lives a more pampered life.

Thanks for that, appreciated. I do think the FK8 could be just about perfect as a daily, least I hope so!

Though the fuel tanks small too apparently so that might grate!

[acme]

colin79666 said:

Thought about a mk8 Fiesta ST? They pretty much solved the high seating and rock hard suspension complaints of the mk7. Still a firm ride but not back breaking plus a more modern dash. Prices are stupid high though right now.

Though I’m not too keen on the looks (subjective of course) the MK8 does seem to right a lot of the MK7’s wrongs. But aren’t the seats the same, or am I wrong? I seem to be the only person who has an issue with them. The bolsters are at 45 degrees so you lose at least a third of the seat, and I’m skinny! This as opposed to the FK8’s which are upright.

I think the shorter wheel base of the Fiesta doesn’t help either. Time to move on too, it’s why a M140 as a mid way point between the two seems a bit pointless as it’d be similar.

[ITP]

Alfa Giulia veloce.

Great handling/ride for a daily. Not much slower than the civic performance wise. Auto only though, which is a shame, although it’s a good box.

[acme]

ITP said:

Alfa Giulia veloce.

Great handling/ride for a daily. Not much slower than the civic performance wise. Auto only though, which is a shame, although it’s a good box.

Thanks for the suggestion, it’s a really good shout.

The only thing holding me back is that after the FK8 I’m considering a M2C or Giulia QV, & I want to try different things, hence why a M2C seems to make sense after the current two but I think right now it’d be too similar to the E92.

[Zero7]

acme said:

Thanks for the suggestion, it’s a really good shout.

The only thing holding me back is that after the FK8 I’m considering a M2C or Giulia QV, & I want to try different things, hence why a M2C seems to make sense after the current two but I think right now it’d be too similar to the E92.

The E92 is nothing like the M2C, I've owned both.

[acme]

Interior wise/experience as a place to sit was more my thoughts. Seems some road tests suggest the M2C’s akin to a hot rod.

[cerb4.5lee]

Zero7 said:

acme said:

Thanks for the suggestion, it’s a really good shout.

The only thing holding me back is that after the FK8 I’m considering a M2C or Giulia QV, & I want to try different things, hence why a M2C seems to make sense after the current two but I think right now it’d be too similar to the E92.

The E92 is nothing like the M2C, I've owned both.

Agree. I've had an E92 M3 and I've currently got an F82 M4, and they are like chalk and cheese to drive for me. The M3 is predictable and very well planted, and you can floor it in any gear without worry, but do the same in an M2C or M4 and you will be in a field in seconds!

[Zero7]

acme said:

Interior wise/experience as a place to sit was more my thoughts. Seems some road tests suggest the M2C’s akin to a hot rod.

That's where the similarities end for sure

[Koolkat969]

Based on your requirements, the GR Yaris will be my choice.

I think it ticks all the boxes!

[acme]

Interesting suggestion, thanks, my concern with the GR is whether it has similar faults to the ST; poor seating position (a known) & the ride. It would be interesting to hear from anyone who’s had both.

But ‘til I try one I won’t know!

[Koolkat969]

acme said:

Interesting suggestion, thanks, my concern with the GR is whether it has similar faults to the ST; poor seating position (a known) & the ride. It would be interesting to hear from anyone who’s had both.

But ‘til I try one I won’t know!

Haven't driven either but loads of reviews online and on the GR forum stating that the suspension is perfect for British roads and soaks up all the bumps and especially when tested on bumpy B roads.

As per the seating position, opinions differ but I'll go with the opinion of Harry Metcalfe of Harry's Garage who stated in his review of his, that he found the sitting position to be perfect.

He explains that the design of the car requires that you sit high up to be able to see over the bonnet when driving around B roads anyway and I tend to agree as this is what i found with my Clio 182 and the high sitting position.

People tend to forget that the GR was built to be a rally car and was designed accordingly.

Check out Harry's review here.....
https://youtu.be/kHPtRwwLVhQ