jassi_hayre Posted December 12, 2008 Share Posted December 12, 2008 Evening all, Hopefully you will have seen my earlier posts on turning my NA into a track car which has been my daily drive for last seven years. I'm thinking of using an E46 M3 or Impreza P1 as my daily drive instead but not sure which to go for? If you had to go for one, which would it be and why? N.B. I'd like to test drive them before purchasing but cant find a place to hire either. A 10 min test drive in which the owner is present isnt likely to reveal anything. Thanks Jas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted December 12, 2008 Share Posted December 12, 2008 What will your daily drive be? Short trips or motorway stuff? Personally I think you'd do better to get something like a P1 for the track and the NA for the daily driver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aero-M Posted December 12, 2008 Share Posted December 12, 2008 Having been in both I would go for the bmw as a daily driver, Both are excellent cars but the bm is more refined for daily use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DannyB Posted December 12, 2008 Share Posted December 12, 2008 I use my 320bhp P1 for everyday use, can be a pita with the noise (mines stripped out) and harsh ride etc, the M3 will be alot better for this Completely different cars tbh, depends what you are after M3 is Quick a refined P1 is Quick and brutal, and in this weather its a hoot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jassi_hayre Posted December 12, 2008 Author Share Posted December 12, 2008 (edited) Daily use will consist of around 40 miles on motorway and 30 miles down country / B roads. This might sound strange but I always thought my NA was a bit relaxing. I want something a bit different and with an edge. I would have gone for a Tuscan or T350 if they had 4 seats with reasonable boot. However I'm a bit worried about stigma scoobies and Evo's are getting plus a few advertised P1's have had rebuilt engines which makes me think they will go bang a lot easier than M3's. Plus really long journeys (cropping up more often) in a P1 could become a pain and a M3 with SMG may make up for a bit of the lost fun factor. Anyone know a place that has either for hire? Jas Edited December 12, 2008 by jassi_hayre (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DannyB Posted December 12, 2008 Share Posted December 12, 2008 Just got for a test drive in two cars that you like The P1 has Edge by the bucket load. Rebuilds seem to be a bit random on all subarus, but a rebuilt engine would be a good bet as they are generally stronger if done properly. But if well looked after there is nos reaon why a no rebuilder wont last. A survey Done on P1woc.co.uk showed a large amount of owners on original engines still at 70k+ miles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Todd Posted December 12, 2008 Share Posted December 12, 2008 Having been in both I would go for the bmw as a daily driver, Both are excellent cars but the bm is more refined for daily use. Agree, love the P1 but the E46 would be my choice for the daily driver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted December 12, 2008 Share Posted December 12, 2008 In terms of refinement, comfort, noise level, reliabilty, build quality, power and much more the BM has the edge The P1 is a great car and good fun to drive but it lacks all the above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DannyB Posted December 12, 2008 Share Posted December 12, 2008 I must admit i do miss the above points from my old 5 series, and im sure if i got an M5 (or M3) id still have it But my routes are with the flat four and thats why i took my return! Plus ive the roads for it down here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dangerous brain Posted December 12, 2008 Share Posted December 12, 2008 Tuned mk2 aristo??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erol_h Posted December 13, 2008 Share Posted December 13, 2008 why dont you go to a bmw dealer and test drive the m3 ive driven my brothers m3 and its a great car and feels very planted on the road Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NatsupraTT Posted December 13, 2008 Share Posted December 13, 2008 I have Impreza and the Supra TT i use the supra for my best car on nice days and the Impreza is used if the weather is wet or icy. I test drove a BMW but i chose the Impreza dunno why i just liked it better imo. Both drink the petrol tho Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DannyB Posted December 13, 2008 Share Posted December 13, 2008 I have Impreza and the Supra TT i use the supra for my best car on nice days and the Impreza is used if the weather is wet or icy. I test drove a BMW but i chose the Impreza dunno why i just liked it better imo. Both drink the petrol tho Great fun thought arent they! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbloodyturbo Posted December 13, 2008 Share Posted December 13, 2008 I have Impreza and the Supra TT i use the supra for my best car on nice days and the Impreza is used if the weather is wet or icy. I test drove a BMW but i chose the Impreza dunno why i just liked it better imo. Both drink the petrol tho Was the beemer hard on the juice? Ours was really good on petrol, high compression ratio motors are always better on juice that low comp turbo motors, thats one of the things we miss about the m3 was the fuel economy when sitting on the dual carriageway all day, gave over 30mpg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mike_08 Posted December 13, 2008 Share Posted December 13, 2008 P1 classic Subaru the only one i really like tbh im an evo guy lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NatsupraTT Posted December 13, 2008 Share Posted December 13, 2008 Great fun thought arent they! Yes very Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NatsupraTT Posted December 13, 2008 Share Posted December 13, 2008 Was the beemer hard on the juice? Ours was really good on petrol, high compression ratio motors are always better on juice that low comp turbo motors, thats one of the things we miss about the m3 was the fuel economy when sitting on the dual carriageway all day, gave over 30mpg. Only took it for a quick test drive so i dont know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jassi_hayre Posted December 13, 2008 Author Share Posted December 13, 2008 This is the big problem. If I spend 15 mins in a m3 and then a week later I spend another 15 mins in a P1 then I cant really compare and make a decision on that. Ideally I'd like to have each car for a couple of days each. I cant believe nobody has these for hire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dangerous brain Posted December 14, 2008 Share Posted December 14, 2008 This is the big problem. If I spend 15 mins in a m3 and then a week later I spend another 15 mins in a P1 then I cant really compare and make a decision on that. Ideally I'd like to have each car for a couple of days each. I cant believe nobody has these for hire. They'd be wrapped around a lamp post before they were a month old if any tom dick or harry could rent them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesC Posted December 14, 2008 Share Posted December 14, 2008 You can rent an M3 HERE, not sure if you'd be able to rent an old Subaru from anywhere though? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazboy Posted December 14, 2008 Share Posted December 14, 2008 This is the big problem. If I spend 15 mins in a m3 and then a week later I spend another 15 mins in a P1 then I cant really compare and make a decision on that. Ideally I'd like to have each car for a couple of days each. I cant believe nobody has these for hire. You'll remember what they are like a week apart. You'll notice the P1 will feel gutsy even though it hasn't got that much more torque. Out of interest have you already discounted a facelift Supra TT? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jassi_hayre Posted December 17, 2008 Author Share Posted December 17, 2008 I've been deliberating about a facelift TT for best part of 6 months. Although main reason for change is to get some more power and you cant really comapre a NA to a TT; both are still Supra's at end of day. So made up mind for complete change. Besides I'll still have the NA (hopefully lighter and faster). Jas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazz1 Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 i love the p1 widebody Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc_p Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 i love the p1 widebody Do you mean the 22B? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terminator Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 (edited) I'm thinking of using an E46 M3 or Impreza P1 as my daily drive instead but not sure which to go for? If you had to go for one, which would it be and why? Thanks Jas E46 M3, as a daily drive, is refined and relaxed if you want it to be. Unless you have a lead foot you should see 24- 25 mpg more on longer runs at speed. The Getrag six speed box is strong. Early SMG boxes had problems so be careful with pre 2003's. Make sure the first oil change service is verified. I bough mine as I wanted something quick but quiet, and comfortable. You only really hear the exhaust when booting it, then it sounds sweet. The M3 comes with all the top end BMW toys. It is responsive with excellent feed back through the wheel. It is fun to drive and will see off most other cars on the road including MKIV TT's. Putting the straight six above 5000 rpm through to the end of the 8000 rpm rev limit it is all animal. On the Autobahns it will happily cruise at 100+ all day long and be quiet enough to take phone call or have a conversation. Reasons why I would not buy Subaru, pig ugly with 4 cylinders. Edited December 17, 2008 by Terminator (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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