General Gassing forum "Choices"
Discussion
Thought the Monaro owners might wish to add their thoughts on this topic under the title Choices in the General Gassing forum on P/Heads.
Yesterday (11:47)
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Right. I'm going to be changing car in January. Here's the list I have made up. Can anyone else think of something I have missed or give opinions? Please, no TVR's and no convertibles as the car has to be available everyday for sensible use...
Audi TT
Ford Mustang
Nissan 350Z
Mazda RX8
Monaro
Ford Focus Sti (can get 5k off list on this)
BMW Z3 M (yup I reckon these are a performance bargain)
Alfa GT coupe
Yesterday (11:47)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Right. I'm going to be changing car in January. Here's the list I have made up. Can anyone else think of something I have missed or give opinions? Please, no TVR's and no convertibles as the car has to be available everyday for sensible use...
Audi TT
Ford Mustang
Nissan 350Z
Mazda RX8
Monaro
Ford Focus Sti (can get 5k off list on this)
BMW Z3 M (yup I reckon these are a performance bargain)
Alfa GT coupe
The owner of the Z3M driving on the M4 last year, was I think rather surprised that his car was significantly slower than the 4dr HSV. He did try very hard though. LOL.
A friend has just sold a Z3M, unfortunately I never got to drive it, good fun I would imagine, but to small for me.
I'd rather have a Vauxhall than a BMW, although I was seriously impressed by the engine in the 535d I drove earlier this year.
A friend has just sold a Z3M, unfortunately I never got to drive it, good fun I would imagine, but to small for me.
I'd rather have a Vauxhall than a BMW, although I was seriously impressed by the engine in the 535d I drove earlier this year.
I worked for Wood BMW when the 530d first came out. Performance was near-on 528 stuff, no glow plugs, no noise, just urge. Very impressive.
Like anything, (particularly M products), the Z3s are at their best with driver aids turned firmly OFF and yep, heaps of fun to drive.
No question, I see your point about the big car, I love em. Cant help pointing out though that youre perhaps not always comparing apples with apples when you recall one of your "the day I spanked a BMW" anecdotes.
Kinda like Holyfield stepping in the ring with Eubank innit?
AMG and Brabus gear might make an excellent comparison with your machine yes? Especially on a "bang for your bucks" scale.
PB
Like anything, (particularly M products), the Z3s are at their best with driver aids turned firmly OFF and yep, heaps of fun to drive.
No question, I see your point about the big car, I love em. Cant help pointing out though that youre perhaps not always comparing apples with apples when you recall one of your "the day I spanked a BMW" anecdotes.
Kinda like Holyfield stepping in the ring with Eubank innit?
AMG and Brabus gear might make an excellent comparison with your machine yes? Especially on a "bang for your bucks" scale.
PB
Fair point, not at all a fair comparison, in a straight line anyway. Just love to see (if possible) the look of disbelief from owners of mainstream fast cars, when they get slaughtered.
Part of the attraction is that many of these drivers aren't really petrol heads & have no idea what the HSV is. Many people over here still think it's a Vauxhall Omega.
Last week I was asked "what is it?" at a petrol station, I wasn't really in the mood so I just said it's an HSV, Holden Special Vehicle. The bloke looked at me & said "oh, is it an Omega then ?".
So when an "Omega" sees off premium brand "fast" cars, it appeals to my immature sense of humour. Audi TT owners seem to be particilarly galled by the "Omega" experience!
Don't compare the 535d engine with other diesels though, not even the very impressive 530d, IMO it's in a league of it's own. Could easily have been a V8 the way it performed.
Part of the attraction is that many of these drivers aren't really petrol heads & have no idea what the HSV is. Many people over here still think it's a Vauxhall Omega.
Last week I was asked "what is it?" at a petrol station, I wasn't really in the mood so I just said it's an HSV, Holden Special Vehicle. The bloke looked at me & said "oh, is it an Omega then ?".
So when an "Omega" sees off premium brand "fast" cars, it appeals to my immature sense of humour. Audi TT owners seem to be particilarly galled by the "Omega" experience!
Don't compare the 535d engine with other diesels though, not even the very impressive 530d, IMO it's in a league of it's own. Could easily have been a V8 the way it performed.
Someone in the Motoring press descibed Audis as what you buy when you want to appear to be a "sporty" driver, but really arent. I think thats true of a few of their recent models (if thats what "Ahead with Technology" means, we're all in trouble), maybe up until this most recent S4 (that'll be me regurgitating magazine copy then 
). If I was going to wipe the smile of anyone's face I'd certainly start with a TT driver. They always look like they're deliberately trying to appear only half as cramped as they actually are - though I havent sat in one, at 6'1 I dont hold high hopes for comfort.
Its cool, I completely get the idea of cleaning up more expensive, technologically advanced machines with some cubes and blower. Its just that I also have a big soft-spot for expensive and technological! Is there anything more gratifying than being approached at a fuel station by someone who wants to talk about your machine - whatever it might be?
PB
>> Edited by 308mate on Tuesday 8th November 16:51
). If I was going to wipe the smile of anyone's face I'd certainly start with a TT driver. They always look like they're deliberately trying to appear only half as cramped as they actually are - though I havent sat in one, at 6'1 I dont hold high hopes for comfort. Its cool, I completely get the idea of cleaning up more expensive, technologically advanced machines with some cubes and blower. Its just that I also have a big soft-spot for expensive and technological! Is there anything more gratifying than being approached at a fuel station by someone who wants to talk about your machine - whatever it might be?
PB
>> Edited by 308mate on Tuesday 8th November 16:51
[quote]Is there anything more gratifying than being approached at a fuel station by someone who wants to talk about your machine - whatever it might be?
PB[/quote]
True, 9/10 times I'm up for a chat, even have a supply of photocopies from an Autocar feature on the car in the glovebox.
I rarely get to fill up or park in a public place without someone asking about or commenting on the car.
I squeezed my 6ft7" frame into a TT to do 15 laps at Brands, it was a very dull experience. The car was very capable, just no feel or feedback. Nice interior though as per all Audi's.
PB[/quote]
True, 9/10 times I'm up for a chat, even have a supply of photocopies from an Autocar feature on the car in the glovebox.
I rarely get to fill up or park in a public place without someone asking about or commenting on the car.
I squeezed my 6ft7" frame into a TT to do 15 laps at Brands, it was a very dull experience. The car was very capable, just no feel or feedback. Nice interior though as per all Audi's.
308mate said:
Are you surprised? Or disapproving?
I dont know really..
I like the PH forums for two reasons:
1) No silly signatures stating all the bolt-on junk you have fitted to your car along with a huge graphic attached
2)It is Generally populated by adults not kids.
Eliot
Bolt on this, Bolt on that, Zillion BHP, Dump valve size of a dustbin, Exhaust size of the space shuttle, blah blah
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