Fiat Coupe vs 330ci (or possibly estate)

[Beany1]

I currently run a Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo (220bhp as stock, chiped to approx 250bhp) and have been thinking about buying a 330ci for a while now.

The running costs of the Fiat have been kind of ok, although I have shelled out quite a bit on maintaining it over the 4yrs I've had it (clutch cambelts etc). Its my daily driver and I really do love the car. Its running sweet and for 104k the engine still feels fresh and sings all the way to 7,000rpm, its also pretty damn quick and will keep up with almost anything with nearly 100bhp more (there's not much in it between a z3 M coupe and mine)

I've been looking at 330ci lately (circa 03) as they look smart and seem to offer resonable running costs (mate says he gets about 29mpg mixed driving) and service intervals seem to be pretty good as well as ok performance.

However I am concerned about the performance after driving the Coop, I've always gone up in performance when buying a new car and am concerned that the 330 may feel a bit slow after the coop.

Dows anyone have any experience of these compared to the Fiat?

I know the Beemer will feel nicer to drive etc, but the sound of the 5 cylinder and getting my arms ripped off by the coop will be missed, especially if I am 3k out of pocket!

Any thoughts?

[///Mike]

You won't regret it is all I can say. The 330 will feel like a completely different animal. There is a lot more refinement to be had. The main difference you will feel is the delivery of power and the accelleration. It will be a lot less frantic and a lot smoother but should have all the same pace on paper.

Do it!

[philmots]

I went from a mapped Megane F1.. 260hp 300lb/ft to my 330i so pretty similar situation to you.

The 330i isn't as quick, lacks the torque etc ad certainly isn't as lazy to drive. But the 330 still is a fairly quick car so you never feel short changed.Anything it loses in straight line go it more than makes up for it in build quality, handling etc etc etc.

[oktapod]

I have a 330Ci and I'll concur that it's no flying machine, but it has poise, looks, solid build quality and is a head-turner that no Fiat Coupe would manage.

Also, it'll hold its value better than a modded Fiat...

Downsides? Thirsty, ought to feel quicker than it does, residuals seem quite buoyant so you'll have to hunt around for a bargain (a 53 plate 330Ci with 80k and good spec will be around eight grand give or take; I'd sell my 51 plate, immaculate with all the toys and 105k for six (not that it's for sale), and that's not buttons for what are getting on to be older cars)...

[todd69]

Like you owned a Fiat Coupe which was chipped to 250 and I've been running a 330ci for the past few weeks and can say hand on heart you will not be disappointed

330 is IMO a better handling car and I get better mpg with it as well.

Go for it, you won't regret it

[phelix]

In 99 I went from a 16v coupe turbo to an E46 328i. The biggest difference was that the BMW felt like an integrated set of parts all intended to work together whereas the Fiat was just a collection of parts. A nice collection with some flair and style/character but just not integrated, only assembled. Cracking engine but confused chassis - harsh at times and easily overworked on a bumpy road whereas the BMW's ride was both better and it seemed to never lose its composure.