I think I need an M3 (or more)

[MartinQ]

I previously owned an Elise (S1 and standard) and it felt fast enough until I got used to it and I longed for a Honda conversion. That wasn't going to happen, so I went sensible and bought a 318i and ran it for 12 months before I lost the will the to live.

Now, in the possession of a 330Ci (owned for a month) and thrilled by it initially, I'm left wanting more. But why? It's faster than most other cars. It's by no means slow, but when I plant my right foot I'm left wanting that little bit more. But, if I get that bit more will I keep wanting even more until I'm doing 0-100 in 1 second.

Where does it stop? Tell me it stops!

[V8Wagon]

lol. I feel your pain. I had a 340bhp V8 4.2 Audi last year and I felt that wasn't quick enough after a week or two. Sounded nice though!

Hence why now I am looking for an M5. If that doesn't do it for me then clearly the problem lies with me and not the car.

[redgriff500]

You are too insulated in modern cars.

An M5 feels slower at 130mph than a Caterham at 80mph.

So the cure is drive older / more stripped back cars where you get to feel the speed.

I found a happy compromise in my 210bhp MX5 having had very fast 4wd saloons that I'd pilot aroiund lanes at silly speeds yet still didn't excite.

Or get a bike.

[jjones]

you get used to 1000cc superbikes, they are by no means slow but sometimes you want that little bit more!

[thinfourth2]

redgriff500 said:

You are too insulated in modern cars.

An M5 feels slower at 130mph than a Caterham at 80mph.

So the cure is drive older / more stripped back cars where you get to feel the speed.

You have to drive a caterham at 80mph even on a motorway

[rb5er]

330i bmw's feel much slower than the figures suggest. M3 feels totally different.

[Big E 118]

It's just a matter of you getting used to a car you drive everyday. I'd say most petrol heads are the same.

Which m3 are you talking about? Personally I think my e46 m3 feels faster than an e92 m3 90% of the time. Its clearly not but is a bit louder/brasher and has much weightier steering. E92s are such an accomplished car they only feel quick at license loosing speeds!

As for 330 vs e46 m3, the in gear acceleration ie 40-60mph etc isn't that much different but in spirited driving the difference is much larger.

[gaz1234]

rb5er said:

330i bmw's feel much slower than the figures suggest. M3 feels totally different.

+1

[nottyash]

Big E 118 said:

As for 330 vs e46 m3, the in gear acceleration ie 40-60mph etc isn't that much different but in spirited driving the difference is much larger.

So in second gear in both the 330 and the M3 40-60 theres nothing in it? Damn I wish I would of just bought a 330 and saved some cash.

[krisdelta]

nottyash said:

Big E 118 said:

As for 330 vs e46 m3, the in gear acceleration ie 40-60mph etc isn't that much different but in spirited driving the difference is much larger.

So in second gear in both the 330 and the M3 40-60 theres nothing in it? Damn I wish I would of just bought a 330 and saved some cash.

Probably not for that small increment in speed (I've owned both) but anything above 5k rev and the M will make mincemeat of a 330, plus you've got the noise, looks and the meaty steering in the M3. Worth every penny.

[marcosgt]

Nitrous Oxide? Sounds like you just want instant power

M.

[CharlieHotel]

I need an M3.
Won't have one till i'm 50 however. Liverpool postcodes...