Discussion
So, here I am with this almost-new Focus ST170 -- and it's just not special enough. It goes OK and handles well but...
If I were to chop it in, I've narrowed down the replacement field to two in more or less the same price bracket: a three to four year-old BMW 328 coupé or an eight-year-old Porsche 968.
The Beemer goes pretty well, has loads of toys, and it should be very reliable. However, it will depreciate and it has an image problem. The Porker on the other hand is a car with character, also handles very well and won't depreciate much any more. But it's a bit long in the tooth...
What does the team think?
If I were to chop it in, I've narrowed down the replacement field to two in more or less the same price bracket: a three to four year-old BMW 328 coupé or an eight-year-old Porsche 968.
The Beemer goes pretty well, has loads of toys, and it should be very reliable. However, it will depreciate and it has an image problem. The Porker on the other hand is a car with character, also handles very well and won't depreciate much any more. But it's a bit long in the tooth...
What does the team think?
- What are the servicing/insurance/running costs for the 968? Compared with the BMW?
- Are you planning to track the car at all? The Porsche would be better for that IMO.
- Do you want any safety aids? I guess the BMW wins that.
- Do you want letting out of side junctions? The BMW loses.
- Do you prefer the image of either?
- Which do you like driving most?
I'd get a 968, but I guess it depends on the exact car you have in mind.
T/.
- Are you planning to track the car at all? The Porsche would be better for that IMO.
- Do you want any safety aids? I guess the BMW wins that.
- Do you want letting out of side junctions? The BMW loses.
- Do you prefer the image of either?
- Which do you like driving most?
I'd get a 968, but I guess it depends on the exact car you have in mind.
T/.
968, absolutely and I happen to think the Beemer 328 is an awesomely competent quasi-GT.
But, I saw a 968 ripping past a numpty on Sunday afternoon and it just had, I dunno, class!
It's a car with oodles of track day potential but like the Elise, equally hoonworthy on the B-routes.
The best balanced 4 potted car ever? Certainly up there.
Of course, a nicely depreciated WRX STi should not be beyond the realms of consideration, either.
But for you, Manek - an hombre of previous Tivotic proclivity - I think the inate 'specialness' of the 968 would hold itself best in your favour.
Bon chance, DeR.
But, I saw a 968 ripping past a numpty on Sunday afternoon and it just had, I dunno, class!
It's a car with oodles of track day potential but like the Elise, equally hoonworthy on the B-routes.
The best balanced 4 potted car ever? Certainly up there.
Of course, a nicely depreciated WRX STi should not be beyond the realms of consideration, either.
But for you, Manek - an hombre of previous Tivotic proclivity - I think the inate 'specialness' of the 968 would hold itself best in your favour.
Bon chance, DeR.
I admit I'm biased (previous two cars, 911 and 944 and I've lost count of times when cut up by 3 series beemer..), but two things the Porker has going for it:
1) Loads of "independent" garages of a friendly & competent nature (930 Motorsport up in Warrington a particular favourite & well worth the trip for serious work)
2) If you take the two cars on track, the 968 feels much lighter & nicer to throw around.
The old, boxy LHD M3s were a bit special, in their day, but a 968 Sport would win of the two you mention, IMHO
1) Loads of "independent" garages of a friendly & competent nature (930 Motorsport up in Warrington a particular favourite & well worth the trip for serious work)
2) If you take the two cars on track, the 968 feels much lighter & nicer to throw around.
The old, boxy LHD M3s were a bit special, in their day, but a 968 Sport would win of the two you mention, IMHO
trefor said: - What are the servicing/insurance/running costs for the 968? Compared with the BMW?
- Are you planning to track the car at all? The Porsche would be better for that IMO.
- Do you want any safety aids? I guess the BMW wins that.
- Do you want letting out of side junctions? The BMW loses.
- Do you prefer the image of either?
- Which do you like driving most?
I'd get a 968, but I guess it depends on the exact car you have in mind.
T/.
Ah, the sensible approach
As if this were a sensible decision (since i'll lose quite a bit on the Focsu)...
Track days are a good idea and the 968 wins there, as it does with image which I do care about. Think it might be the one. Can anyone remember which issue of evo the buying guide was in (I'm sure they've done it)?
redgriff500 said: Had a VERY nice 944 Turbo - needed more practicality - bought a 328 - VERY Disappointed.
If you don't need the space the 968 wins hands down - only draw back is that everyone hates Porsche drivers.
Mark
It's amazing how much you can get in a 944/968. Only problem is that stuff is fairly visible from outside.
I currently own a 1996 328i coupe, and a 1993 968 Clubsport.
The BMW I've had for three years.
Pros - the 2.8 six cylinder engine is very sweet; the handling is very predictable and can be enjoyable pushing on; 100% reliability; servicing costs reasonable even at BMW main dealers; space for four to travel in comfort with luggage; nice interior with plenty of toys
Cons - doesn't have much character; common; weighs a lot; steering bit lifeless.
Porsche I've had for six months. I'm assuming you're not looking at a Clubsport but a standard coupe?
Pros - benchmark handling; great steering feel; more power and therefore performance; more special car to drive; rarity
Cons - older car therefore more potential repair costs; less practical day to day; engine sound not that sweet; running costs likely to be higher
Me - as an enthusiast driver, I'd take the Porsche every single time.
SFV.
The BMW I've had for three years.
Pros - the 2.8 six cylinder engine is very sweet; the handling is very predictable and can be enjoyable pushing on; 100% reliability; servicing costs reasonable even at BMW main dealers; space for four to travel in comfort with luggage; nice interior with plenty of toys
Cons - doesn't have much character; common; weighs a lot; steering bit lifeless.
Porsche I've had for six months. I'm assuming you're not looking at a Clubsport but a standard coupe?
Pros - benchmark handling; great steering feel; more power and therefore performance; more special car to drive; rarity
Cons - older car therefore more potential repair costs; less practical day to day; engine sound not that sweet; running costs likely to be higher
Me - as an enthusiast driver, I'd take the Porsche every single time.
SFV.
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