FN2 over EP3. Am I mad?

[Super Sonic]

Hi I'm looking at buying a CTRas a daily, and the consensus seems to be the EP3 is better than the FN2, but I'm thinking of getting a fn because;
It's newer, so should be in better condition and last longer,
The mk8 in general is a better car than the mk7, nicer interior, better equipped .
The fn has 6 gears, so will be better for motorways, and use less fuel
The ep has a reputation for being a bit hardcore, w hard springs and minimal sound deadening.
I had a mk 7 before, a 5 Dr, and it felt like I was driving a van. I wasn't that keen on having the gearstick on the dash.
This is a replacement for my dearly missed ch1 atr, will I be disappointed w the ride, performance and handling?
Budget 5k btw.

[Super Sonic]

Ok thanks Dave

[Super Sonic]

Thanks Jim, I won't be commuting but I will be taking the odd trip to Manchester and back (from the s. coast,=600miles) and I do volunteer driving, although nobody complained when I had the atr lowered on Meister R coilovers!

[Super Sonic]

Stuf 39 ok thanks that's great very informative :-)

[Super Sonic]

Thanks Rich fn2 I think I'll do the same get an fn as it well mean I can get a better one for the money. It does look much more modern inside and out, very spaceship-y.
Thanks everyone:-)

[Super Sonic]

havoc said:

This.

...but also get a diff-equipped one if you can of either sort (Jap import EP3s came with a diff), as it makes a big difference to what you can do with the car.

Had LSD on my atr, it's definitely worth having, but I think it'll be outta my budget.

[Super Sonic]

Hugo Stiglitz said:

They are both old cars now so regardless of what people say about the engine the rest of the car will have you on Google and at garages on your days off on your days off.

You're talking nonsense.

[Super Sonic]

otolith said:

JimSuperSix said:

Also I dont put much stock in the opinions of a certain lanky tv presenter.

Ouch, I'd forgotten how much he hated it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeGAmcLYGQ8

What JC knows about cars can be written on a grain of rice w a sledgehammer and still leave room for the lord's prayer.

[Super Sonic]

Was it in the Hastings area? I did look at one over there that was sopping.

[Super Sonic]

Had a ek and that let water in via the rear light gaskets too.