F80 M3. Can it corner like an Evo?

[Chuck328]

Or change direction like an Evo...say an Evo 6 with aftermarket suspension?

Power/speed irrelevant. That's not what I'm after....For now.

I'd like to hear thoughts on such.

Thanks.

(and please, no bun fights. I'd just like to hear experiences if any, between them. Oh and feel free to throw in W204 and 5 C63)

Edited by Chuck328 on Saturday 20th July 02:19

[lord trumpton]

Nope it can't

Hell of a lot heavier and based on the one I briefly owned they like to get out of shape at the rear unless its arid conditions.

It's like comparing an angry wasp to a bumble bee.

Having owned most M variants over the years the F80 M3, for me was the most disappointing on so many levels.

I'd say the only area the F80 can match the EVO (I had an EVO 9 FQ320) is the rattly interior trim.

[mgst170]

Afraid the answer is no.

If you pitched a F80’s front end into a corner like an EVO - it’s ar$e will be at the front before you know it - especially in the wet.

Steering is also less direct (in terms of turns to lock).

Definitely more of a slow in / fast out, with some moderate mid corner throttle.

Coming from a 8 FQ300 owner for 10 years and now F80 for 4.

HTH

[forest172]

I have an F80 CP and EVO V rs, and the Evo is head and shoulders the better more confident inspiring handling car. My mum could drive the Evo fast

I`m doing Donnington trackday next month and taking my Evo Vrs and my A35 with me. F80 staying at home. I`m off to meadowhall later and will be taking the f80. Big fat arse`d aggresive looking think with straight line speed that`s like a punch in the stomach, I do love it

Edited by forest172 on Saturday 20th July 11:37

[Chuck328]

3 very good responses so far. Thank you all.

Proper 1st world problems.

TLDR from here but...

The Mrs just does not like the Evo (and she's a petrolhead to!). As a compromise I'm potentially looking for a replacement. Two birds one stone. Audi S3/Evo out. M3 in.

However, as I'm lucky to be near some very good Scottish Highland roads that my friends and I frequent, I do like a car that can turn.

Short of a Lotus etc, I'm struggling in the family requirement dept.

Maybe just keep both.....This Evo is and probably will be the best car I ever own.

[PorkFan]

Chuck328 said:

3 The Mrs just does not like the Evo (and she's a petrolhead to!)

she might say she is, she might think she is.......she isn't

[hman]

Relatively short wheel base, lots of power and 4wd is always going to be more agile in less than perfect conditions.

If that’s what she likes then what about a Focus RS - or a Golf R?

[Jazzer]

If I had to drive one car to save my life, it would be an Evo, all day long. The way you can attack a good road in them, in all weathers, is incredible.
The M3 is common, sounds awful, but quick in a straight line.
The super-direct Evo steering, razor sharp handling and traction would blow the M3 into the weeds.
A Golf R would be a good shout here, as suggested.
Steady as you are Sir!👍

[Babw]

Just to chip in that I'm also looking for something similar below an F80 costs but possibly an EVO. A family friendly car that could take a trackday/B road blast when the mood takes.

Keep the thread updated to how you're getting along.

I've offered up the FD2 Civic and an Evo but the missus is not keen on the appearance. Left field choice was an E39 M5 that she liked the look of today.

[Chuck328]

PorkFan said:

she might say she is, she might think she is.......she isn't

Oh she is. She just doesn't like getting wolf whistles from teenagers when she drives by in the Evo.

I get the short wheel base/AWD etc, I'm just a little surprised (given the M3 fabled balance and handling) that it's not right up there when it comes to the twisties. Such a good looking car to.

Focus RS, yeh seems to tick the boxes just not sure, don't know why. Golf R? No, have an 8V S3. Poorer in the handling over the Golf, but too samey (mate has one, sharper for sure, but still no...)

Now (cough - sorry) the new A45s AMG looks interesting......

But then (to come) is the next gen M3. X drive? Maybe M5 ish, 2wd/4wd when it suits?

Interesting times....

[VerySideways]

There are some ridiculous deals to be had on pre-registered M3 CS and M4 CS at the moment - and they're fantastic cars on the twisties.
Likely to depreciate less than a normal M3 or M4 competition too.

[The JM]

With 90,000 miles in a couple of F80 M3's over the last 5 years, I have never found the front end grip lacking on the public roads. Just saying! I suggest trying one before you discount it.

[anonymous-user]

It has an amazing front end. But, it's 400+bhp and rwd. It's not going to behave like and shouldn't be driven like an Evo.