The cars and bikes thread!

[wschofield3]

Why are 435is cheaper than comparable 335is and around the same price as M235is? It’s the most expensive of the three from factory. I like the 4 series (of that generation, the whale mouth one is hideous), but I’d rather have the rear doors of a 3 series or the smaller side of the M235i (especially if I decide to sell the Z4 before having a replacement lined up). The 4 is very stylish, but despite the larger size and back seat, doesn’t seem all that practical. I mean, much more practical than my Z4, which is why it’s still on the list…and surprisingly becoming front runner.



I’d prefer AWD, but it’s so hard to find what you’re looking for these days when you refuse to buy an automatic. If the previous generation Golf R just came with a sunroof, I wouldn’t be in this dilemma. But a fixed roof car with a backseat and no sunroof? I’ve never owned a car without one and it feels so strange whenever I’m in one. I get claustrophobic.

I've only owned a few automatics - my two BMW 5 series and my current Jeta GLI, and as much as I love a manual tranny, the DSG is sublime, and, quicker than the manual. I'm loving it.

Why not the MK8 over a MK7? I've driven both extensively (2017R and 2021R owned by friends) and I feel the MK8 superior in every way, and so does my MK7 owner friend.

Heck, do what I did - get a Jetta GLI and toss $$$ at it to give it almost 400HP and Corvette handling on the skidpad. I love a good sleeper!

[Raza]

I've only owned a few automatics - my two BMW 5 series and my current Jeta GLI, and as much as I love a manual tranny, the DSG is sublime, and, quicker than the manual. I'm loving it.

For me, a DSG is the same thing as a torque converted automatic. Performs better, sure, but feels the same. Either way a computer is making all the decisions and divorcing me from the process. And if you had the DSG woes I’ve had, you’d also never, ever, ever, ever touch one again. A sensor failed in my S4 and because of the DSG box’s design, the entire transmission and engine needed to be removed to replace it. It was something like an $8,000 job. Totaled the car over a $700 sensor (which in itself is insane).

Why not the MK8 over a MK7? I've driven both extensively (2017R and 2021R owned by friends) and I feel the MK8 superior in every way, and so does my MK7 owner friend.

A few reasons, mostly down to price, but also because I prefer the MkVII design better. Although, if the MkVIII is in my price range, I’d go for it.

Heck, do what I did - get a Jetta GLI and toss $$$ at it to give it almost 400HP and Corvette handling on the skidpad. I love a good sleeper!

Unless it’s a little runabout, like a Mini or a Fiat 500, I’m not interested in FWD again, otherwise I’d just go for a GTI. I had a Jetta Wolfsburg 2.0T before I got my Z4 and I *loved* it, but it’s not what I’m looking for now. Plus, my driveway is below street level, so if I’m going to get a car that still can’t make it up the slope to get out in the snow, I’d rather have RWD in the dry.


I forgot to add the WRX STI to my list, circa ~2014.

[geoffbot]

I forgot to add the WRX STI to my list, circa ~2014.

Do you like doing engine rebuilds? Because that's how you get to do engine rebuilds.

[wschofield3]

Unless it’s a little runabout, like a Mini or a Fiat 500, I’m not interested in FWD again, otherwise I’d just go for a GTI. I had a Jetta Wolfsburg 2.0T before I got my Z4 and I *loved* it, but it’s not what I’m looking for now. Plus, my driveway is below street level, so if I’m going to get a car that still can’t make it up the slope to get out in the snow, I’d rather have RWD in the dry.

For snow, at least FWD is better than RWD, but all wheel is certainly the way to go in our climates and that's why the bride has the AWD SUV.

Regarding overall traction, I was concerned about FWD off the line and the usual "skitter" effect it has when punching it, but the limited slip FWD system on the Jetta does none of that, the wheels just spin as though it's a RWD car - none of that "chopping block" side to side motion. With the Michelin Primacy replacement of the stock tires, it does a great job of grabbing and going.

[mlcor]

For snow, at least FWD is better than RWD, but all wheel is certainly the way to go in our climates and that's why the bride has the AWD SUV.

Regarding overall traction, I was concerned about FWD off the line and the usual "skitter" effect it has when punching it, but the limited slip FWD system on the Jetta does none of that, the wheels just spin as though it's a RWD car - none of that "chopping block" side to side motion. With the Michelin Primacy replacement of the stock tires, it does a great job of grabbing and going.

Most good FWD cars have designed out the torque steer issue these days. But here in the hinterlands, I always have AWD for my daily driver.


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[Raza]

Do you like doing engine rebuilds? Because that's how you get to do engine rebuilds.

Really? I just assumed that it’s dead reliable, since it’s a Subaru. That’s a shame, because it ticks all the boxes, including price.

[geoffbot]

Really? I just assumed that it’s dead reliable, since it’s a Subaru. That’s a shame, because it ticks all the boxes, including price.

Donut media bought, and blew up, 5 engines in 1 series I think

[Raza]

For snow, at least FWD is better than RWD, but all wheel is certainly the way to go in our climates and that's why the bride has the AWD SUV.

Regarding overall traction, I was concerned about FWD off the line and the usual "skitter" effect it has when punching it, but the limited slip FWD system on the Jetta does none of that, the wheels just spin as though it's a RWD car - none of that "chopping block" side to side motion. With the Michelin Primacy replacement of the stock tires, it does a great job of grabbing and going.

I don’t know, I’ve done a lot of winters in RWD and a lot of winters in FWD and while FWD’s ability to keep going straight in snow is certainly less nerve-wracking than RWD’s tendency to spin, FWD has serious limitations when it comes to inclines. My first year with a FWD car, I lived in an apartment building with a parking lot similarly situated to my driveway and when there was snow on the ground and I had to leave, my only way out was to *listen* for oncoming traffic, barrel up the slope, and handbrake turn on to the road. Now, maybe part of that was because I was 18 and had little concept of how dangerous that actually was, but it was the only way I could make it up the sloped exit/entrance to my lot. Nowadays, I’d just stay home or take an Uber or snag my brother’s car. After driving AWD in snow as much as I have, the debate on FWD v. RWD in the snow is like debating whether Kirk or Pike is the better captain. Picard is so much better, it doesn’t even really matter. Picard is AWD in this scenario.

I like FWD when it’s darty and nimble and quick, but not necessarily fast. But for inclement weather, AWD trounces it and for dry driving, so does RWD.

Though, you do bring up a good point. Since I’m keeping the Z4, why not look at something like a Mini Cooper S? Good on gas, fun as a daily driver, reasonably comfortable, probably, and I’ve always wanted one.

[Raza]

Donut media bought, and blew up, 5 engines in 1 series I think

I’m not sure I fully understand this sentence, but I imagine Donut is some sort of YouTuber? 5 engines is a lot no matter how you cut it, though.

[geoffbot]

I’m not sure I fully understand this sentence, but I imagine Donut is some sort of YouTuber? 5 engines is a lot no matter how you cut it, though.

Correct. Do you consume youtube media?