Daily car...

[Kreso]

I am looking for perfect daily car to go with my forthcoming R8.
Candidates are:

Audi S3
BMW 335i(Coupe, manual)
BMW 335d(Coupe, automatic)
VW Golf R32

So, fellow R8 enthusiasts, let's hear your opinions...

[Paul]

I am looking for perfect daily car to go with my forthcoming R8.
Candidates are:

Audi S3
BMW 335i(Coupe, manual)
BMW 335d(Coupe, automatic)
VW Golf R32

So, fellow R8 enthusiasts, let's hear your opinions...

Audi S3 ... I was hoping that Audi was going to release an RS3 ... although I don't know how much quicker you'd want a small family hatchback ... if you really like your Audi's then the S3 is a real possibility ... although I think it's cousin from VW you mention ... the Golf R32 ... is a serious contender too. I owned a Golf V6 4Motion a couple of years back ... and it was a fabulous car ... I suspect the R32 would be similar, but would take things a little further down the performance route ... the V6 4Motion being, more or less, the ultimate reliable fast family hatchback with matching handling and comfort.

If you're considering a BMW 335 (petrol, or diesel) then surely the Audi A4 range might offer you a car of similar level ... in terms of size and comfort ... maybe the A4 3.0TDi quattro

If you're going to use your R8 at weekends only ... I can see the arguement for having a reasonably powerful car as your daily driver ... personally I'm hoping work goes well in 2007 and I can keep the RS4 and just take the R8 out on special occasions ... alternating its outings with the NSX ... however, the R8 may end up as my daily driver and the NSX as my special occasion car.

Out of the shortlist you've put forward ... I'd go for the VW Golf R32 ... but that's just my choice.

[Kreso]

Paul,
thanks for your honest opinion!

I tried new 335i Coupe manual and I must tell you that it is by far the best BMW in recent years(btw, I owned M3 e46 in 2003/2004). It has very powerfull engine and refined chassis, good brakes as well. Few days ago I had a test drive in new S3. Its engine is pretty much old school turbo(currently I drive VW Golf GTI 200hp), this was a big suprise for me. Chassis is very sporty and traction is excellent. Steering feel is little bit better then in GTI but, it is far from very good 335i steering. Also in sheer speed S3 is(sorry but, this is true!) no match for 335i... This BMW bi-turbo is probably most responsive turbo engine in the world.
So, S3 vs. 335i? Even I as Audi fan must admit that 335i is a better car(of course IMHO).
335d was just an idea... And current generation of BMW diesel engines are better IMHO then Audi's diesels...
Only car from current A4 range that is interesting for me is YOUR current car-RS4! But, RS4 as daily driver? Hmm... That is tempting idea indeed!
R32... As a GTI driver I found R32 chassis little bit compromised in few areas. Engine is far better IMHO(and I am true NA engines fan) and traction is excellent as is in S3 case.

BTW, let me tell you about cars that I owned last couple of years:
-BMW M3(e46) coupe 2003/2004
-Porsche Boxster S(987) 2005/2006
-Lamborghini Gallardo e-gear 2006(may-september)
I could not live with e-gear, specially in heavy traffic or uphill starts situation.
E-gear is excellent in all-attack mode driving but, it is pretty compromised in normal driving everyday situation...
After ordering R8 I have a feeling that it will be a better car for everyday use then Gallardo. Also R8 is newer and more technologically advanced in several key areas IMHO.

I currently hace VW Golf GTI(Mk5) as transition car and honestly it is pretty good hot hatch IMO.

[cooperr8]

personally id go for the 335d nearly as fast as an m3 0-60 less than 6 sec and the mpg is really good know where your coming from with the cars you have had

[cooperr8]

cars ive owned in last few years list goes from present car to old
present: gallardo e-gear/new rs4/a3 sportback dsg
old porsche gt2 996, turbo 996, c4s 996, subaru litchfield type 25, bentley gt, m3 e46 cab, and coupe,clio v6 255, tt cab 225, as you can see had quite a few but can say gallardo will be going for the r8 and rs will be my every day car

[Kreso]

Decision made-335i Coupe manual ordered.

I test drive 335i manual twice already and was very impressed with the car.

BTW, few info about new M3(e92):
426hp! This is definitive number confirmed by BMW. Intro in Geneva, sales late summer 2007... Manual and SMG... Weight 1600kg...

Not as fast as R8, BUT could be faster then RS4... There will be delimiting option, either 285km/h or 300km/h officially from BMW...

[L3MAN]

Kreso,

What about the new Audi A5, I believe that their is going to be a s version of this. Practical 4 seat coupe with all the Audi enginering & design you could ask for.

[Kreso]

A5? Too big and expensive. S5 will cost more then current RS4! A5 will be in size pretty close to BMW 6 series...
And I saw the final design-sorry to say this, but this is the first Audi that I do not like very much. I need to see the real car in Geneva, but on pics that I saw it looks strange IMHO.

[R8chris]

ah it will be in geneva.. well some of us incl me, will probably see eachother there... looking forward to see R8 again...

I'll use my R8 - for the daily driving pleasures...

[L3MAN]

ah it will be in geneva.. well some of us incl me, will probably see eachother there... looking forward to see R8 again...

I'll use my R8 - for the daily driving pleasures...

Plan to go to Geneva myself to look atb the A5 for the wife and see the R8 again hopefully in another colour other than Phantom Black. Everything in the Uk has been black so far.