Going from an EP2 to and EP3

[Ep2dan]

Hey guys, this is my first post, so go easy.
I've been driving mg trusty '55 plate Civic EP2 for the last 3 and a half years, and it' s been nothing less than perfect throughout, and it's going to be heartbreaking to see her go, but at 120k it's time for an upgrade.
I'm considering (strongly) an EP3, as I've wanted one for years. However there are just a few things that are bugging me.
The main niggle being whether going from an EP2 to an EP3 will be a big-enough 'leap' to stop me getting bored of it after a week. Having never had a true hot hatch (only ever had a Corsa and an EP2) I'm thinking it will be great fun, but is the difference really that noticeable? It's a stupid question - on paper they're completely different beasts. But I just need some reassurance, and considering everyone I know with an EP3 has never been kind enough to take me for a spin in it. The closest I've been is a DC2.
How do they fair-up against other hot hatches of the same price range? Such as Leon Cupra R, Corsa/Astra VXR, Golf GTI etc.
Any help greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Dan

PS. I will test drive when it comes to buying one, but just for pre-test drive advice.

[Dgr90]

Whereabouts are you located?

[Ep2dan]

Dgr90 said:

Whereabouts are you located?

Staffordshire, in the Midlands. I'm willing to travel though if you know of a decent one for sale!

[aka_kerrly]

Even if you have a type S at present a type r is a big jump in performance

[traffman]

The difference will be noticeable to say the least. They have a different power delivery to the likes of the Vxr . The fun starts above 5k on the rev counter.

Ive had my vtec lowered to 5.2k , usually they start at 5.8k i think.

They love being hooned around the twisties. React well to being used.

Good luck.

[Dgr90]

Ep2dan said:

Staffordshire, in the Midlands. I'm willing to travel though if you know of a decent one for sale!

Ah ok, if you were close I would of taken you out in mine. Im near Reading, so if you find yourself this way sometime soon give me a shout.

In regards to ep2 to ep3 - A world of difference.

[MRobbins1987]

I'm in Stoke and will happily take you out for a run, it's far from standard but it should give you an idea of what they are about.

[Butter Face]

Dgr90 said:

In regards to ep2 to ep3 - A world of difference.

Absolutely.

You won't be disappointed I'm sure.

The EP3 is a great base for modifications also, they are a superb car IMO.

[Ep2dan]

Dgr90 said:

Ah ok, if you were close I would of taken you out in mine. Im near Reading, so if you find yourself this way sometime soon give me a shout.

In regards to ep2 to ep3 - A world of difference.

Thank you for the offer! It's maybe a bit far for me to go with trying to stretch the last out of my tyres (almost bald but 4 weeks-ish left). Thanks again though, much appreciated!

[Ep2dan]

MRobbins1987 said:

I'm in Stoke and will happily take you out for a run, it's far from standard but it should give you an idea of what they are about.

Thank you! I'm actually in 'castle/Stoke from 25/09, if you're free any time then. Again, greatly appreciated.

[MRobbins1987]

I will be available after about 7pm that week, I'm working 12 hour day shifts. Just let me know closer to if you still want to do it, you won't be disappointed swapping over.

[Paul578]

Butter Face said:

Absolutely.

You won't be disappointed I'm sure.

The EP3 is a great base for modifications also, they are a superb car IMO.

This. There is night and day between the two, although finish and soundproofing on all Civic's were not great at the time, the EP2 has an asthmatic SOHC D-series engine that was designed for economy below 2.5k revs. The 5 door EU8 (Type-S) and EP3 (Type-R) had the bang-for-your-buck DOHC K-series engines but even the former was again an economy biased engine, so probably not what you're looking for.

There were many subtle mods made across the range for MY2004, so try to go as late as possible, make sure to check wheel geo's and that it's running on stiff sidewalled rubber, the facelift version was designed to run on Japanese sourced Bridgestone Potenza RE030's.

If you can find a straight-up one then enjoy!