Is the engine the most important part of the car for you?

[cerb4.5lee]

I had a 520d and while I really liked the car the engine spoilt the overall package for me. Also had a 640d and I thought it was an excellent package but I think I would have enjoyed it more if it was a 640i/650i.

So do you prioritise the engine in a car or can you turn a blind eye to the engine and just enjoy the overall package. I really like the new 3 series but I wouldn't buy a 320d yet I'd be really happy in the 330i/M340i.

[cerb4.5lee]

aka_kerrly said:

cerb4.5lee said:

So do you prioritise the engine in a car or can you turn a blind eye to the engine and just enjoy the overall package. I really like the new 3 series but I wouldn't buy a 320d yet I'd be really happy in the 330i/M340i.

I generally identify the sort of cars that appeal to me and then wherever possible opt for the best engine available.

However there are exceptions, for me the Toyota GT86 is a car I very much want to own even with an engine that is said to be the weak link in an overall brilliant package.

Like yourself I can appreciate the new 3 series is a class act but have absolutely no interest in any diesel variant.

The GT86 is a very tricky one for me because like you I think it is a brilliant overall package, but I'm not sure if I could live with the engine(I need to drive one and see I think).

[cerb4.5lee]

Alex said:

Reark said:

No, the chassis is.

Agreed. Chassis and handling for me, then engine.

This is the sort of thing that is good to hear and I do wonder if I put too much priority towards the engine. The engine has always made a car for me though.

[cerb4.5lee]

aeropilot said:

Chewbacca North said:

Being an American car fan it's ALL about the engine.

Kids these days are a bit different. Young lad at work getting his first company car answered my question of "What's it got?", to which anyone my age would have answered with the engine, he replied, 4 USB ports.

But equally depressing at the same time....

That is disappointing for sure!

I guess that it sums up the world we live in now though regards cars to some degree. I'm struggling to embrace Electric because the noise of a nice Engine/Exhaust plays a big part of the ownership experience with a car for me.

[cerb4.5lee]

JakeT said:

Lee, give it up. We all know by now you weren't fond of your 520d... Let's not go into the M3 either

[cerb4.5lee]

cobra kid said:

I guess what I'm saying is, are you basing the engine choice on characteristics or long term reliability?

When I started the thread I was thinking about the engine characteristics (sound/revs/capacity/cylinders) and what is important/what that means to the individual. Also do you prioritise the engine over the steering/gearbox/chassis/handling etc.

Reliability is massive also(as a few have mentioned) and I'm testament to that having had a TVR so I know what it is like to have an engine/car that lets you down.

The responses from everyone have been really interesting and I've really enjoyed reading them.

[cerb4.5lee]

mwstewart said:

It's the heart of the machine. For me it's right up there - it's the difference between a good car and a great car.

This mirrors how i feel too and I do/have always placed a very strong priority on the engine for sure. If I haven't got on with the engine...then I haven't really got on with the car either.

[cerb4.5lee]

ffhard said:

Anyway picking up a Civic type R tomorrow which I really hope is the best of both worlds.

Enjoy collecting it!

[cerb4.5lee]

fatboy18 said:

Coor