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  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Okay folks, the economy weakens much more than predicted and as a result only three vehicles are being produced on planet earth-the Cayman S and the M3, as a coupe or sedan. Luckily you still have your well-paying job which seemingly involves posting on Edmunds all day.

    For a daily driver, which would you choose and why? :)
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Well, I won't be buying either one of them. While I acknowledge the greatness of the M3, and I'm sure the Audi is no slouch and will be terrific, a track car as a daily driver I do not need

    Neither will I, I just meant that given a choice between Munich and Ingolstadt in this specific case, I'll take the latter. I'm very interested in the M37 myself. The EX35 has finally shown that Infiniti is actually capable of a decent interior. If they can take some of those cues and improve upon them, it could be a real winner.

    I'd like to drive a base Cayman to at least experience what driving a Porsche feels like.

    I drove an early 997 Carrera S Cabrio back when I was looking for a replacement for my old XKR. Absolutely wonderful driving experience. As good as BMW steering can be, Porsche's is just better. The 911 made the old steel XKR feel like a convertible Buick.

    Most of the problems I had with it - the 3rd rate electronics and that awful automatic transmission have since been rectified. Unfortunately for Porsche, the Jag also got much better, and I still prefer the XK to the 911 overall. As good as the flat 6 sounds, it's got nothing on the Jag's old fashioned V8 burble.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    For a daily driver, which would you choose and why?

    Good question. In the past I would've said M3, hands down. Now that the Cayman has PDK and a proper limited slip diff, I would most likely take the Porsche, even though the M3 is probably still the faster car. I wouldn't have it as a daily driver though, for that I'd have an Audi S7. As intertwined as they are, if VWAG goes down, they are taking Porsche with them. There is no future that has Porsche in it and not VW.
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    ... i've seen this script before: a nice-looking challenger comes along with more HP and a better-looking interior and is put against a BMW M car on a race track. The challenger then gets demolished. ...

    The script has had some revisions. I'll put one in the mail for you right away for you to review. See the new chapter titled "M5 vs. CTS-V." ;) :P
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    ... I would most likely take the Porsche, even though the M3 is probably still the faster car. I wouldn't have it as a daily driver though...

    So what you're saying is you'd rather walk than have an M3?? Wow! Hpowders clearly asked "if there were only three cars in production on the planet..." You're not allowed to throw other cars in the mix in this scenario.
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Well, NOW I have to drive the Cayman. Better steering than the BMW. Okay we'll see. :shades:
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    I can't see VW ever going OOB. The Golf is the biggest seller in the Fatherland and is also wildly popular throughout Europe. VW is a freakin' empire, FGS!

    What folks MAY eventually see is a lot of re-naming such as:

    Volkswagen Cayman S :surprise:

    Looks like my wife's Rabbit may one day get elevated a notch! :)

    Only kidding. I'm sure even if VW completely absorbs Porsche, they would keep the Porsche name.

    What I would like to see is troopers being authorized to issue $100 tickets to anyone who refers to a vehicle as a "Porsch". ;)
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    :)
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    So they're blaming the latest stock market decline on rising oil prices?

    Uhh... doesn't the price of oil ALWAYS go up around this time every year in anticipation of the summer driving season and hence, increased demand?
  • m4d_cowm4d_cow Member Posts: 1,491
    So, if a long-lost relative asked you to take his no longer needed 2008 M3 Coupe off his hands, you would turn him down?

    Two words: No way!!! Unless it's bright red, then I'll take it, sell it and buy an S5. ;)

    As for daily driver. I want to say Cayman but I need a backseat, so a blue or black M3 will be my choice.... for one simple reason, so the gaping rear end will be less visible. ;)
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    ...a blue or black M3 will be my choice.... for one simple reason, so the gaping rear end will be less visible.

    Interesting. Your logic is sound. :) I feel the same way about the huge maw hanging off the rearend of the M5.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Well, NOW I have to drive the Cayman. Better steering than the BMW. Okay we'll see.

    Indeed. You should also take a 911 for a spin. No legroom problems there. The Cayman S is now probably better than the most basic Carrera, but when you step up to the S, the 911 pulls ahead.

    On looks though, I'd definitely have to give it to the Cayman. The 997 is a much better looking car than the 996, but it still looks like, as Clarkson says, "a hot VW Beetle". The Cayman looks much more modern and much more interesting.
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    I sat in a 911. It was quite comical the way the dealer kept talking up the 911 attempting to maneuver me away from the Cayman. He practically told me not to attempt to sit in the Cayman! The guy desperately wanted to sell me a 911.
    Smartly, I left my wallet at home that day. :blush:
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    I had a bright red M3 behind me just last week. He wasn't behind me for long! :surprise:

    If I got an M3, it would have to be a conservative color like silver. I would want the troopers to think ' there goes another BMW 3 Series.' Wouldn't want them to see "M3".

    it would be nice if BMW had "de-badging" as an option. The Cayman S can be ordered that way. I believe the Cayman S looks nicer from behind without the "Cayman S" emblazoned on the rear.
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    M3 sedan...just for those seats...
    ...and for the weekend, the other brand!

    image

    Regards,
    OW
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    Spain King's Cup, Final Result

    :) Barcelona FC 4 —  1 Athletic Club de Bilbao :cry::cry::cry::cry:

    Regards,
    Jose
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    You make some hard turns in those seats, you will be firmly bolstered!

    If only you can press a button somewhere on the seat that works in conjunction with the radio to give me something to say to "THE LAW" when I get pulled over for committing the grave crime of "enjoying myself and hurting absolutely nobody else". :mad:
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Love it! Unfortunately, my radio plays "I fought the law...." you know the rest.

    I look at it this way...you pick your places to have fun judiciously. ;)

    Regards,
    OW
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    I was on the interstate this morning and they had a whole big operation going between where I got on and the next exit-you should have seen 'em-2 police cars with lights flashing on the shoulder with 2 hapless victims followed by several unmarked vehicles cutting across the grass divider back and forth and then a few more police vehicles with lights flashing about to nab some more. If anybody wanted to commit rape, murder or robbery in that area, this morning would have been just fine. :sick:

    I may have to install a concealed detector. Desperate men call for desperate measures. :shades:
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Sounds like it will be the only way. Let us know which ones you are considering. :shades:

    BTW, I just found out our "freinds" look for cars that are using RD with radar detector detectors (RDD's)! Was that on the referendum last November or did BO put that into effect with the proposed oversight rules of the derivatives market? :surprise:

    Regards.
    OW
  • clemboclembo Member Posts: 253
    H - It may be hard to believe as I know first hand how well balanced and how good BMW's steer but the Cayman is in a class of its own. Although a 911 can go faster, the Cayman has a more direct steering feel, it drives as if it is on rails. The mid engine design and near perfect weight balance must be the tie breaker.

    As I've stated before, I would not choose the Cayman as a daily driver, I have 11,000 miles on mine in 3 years, it is best used as a toy. I also would not pick the M3 as it is a bit too boy racer for my liking, maybe I'm just getting too old. :sick:

    Here in Boston, an S6 is hard to beat as a high performance daily driver, quattro counts. If I lived full time in FL, then probably the new E63, the reviews of the new E seem pretty favorable.
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Isn't the Valentine One considered the best?
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Clembo-

    OMG!! Between you and LG, you guys are killing me! ;) I have to check the Cayman's steering. Better than BMW? I'm very curious to find out.

    Porsche has a "first mile program" advertisement that I saw in the WSJ today telling folks to come on in for a test drive. The vehicle photo in the ad is of the rear of a silver Cayman S.

    As much as I would like to take Porsche up on their minutely camouflaged cry of desperation advertisement, unfortunately, at this time the 328i is temporarily grounded. I drove down to Sarasota this morning and came back with the entire front end and windshield covered with squashed love bugs. Their season lasts around three weeks twice a year and it has now officially started. Had a heck of a time washing the car this afternoon cleaning off the disgusting mess. It's like their bodies are coated with crazy glue! I'd rather not go through that again. :sick:

    When the time is right, I will likely upgrade to a 135i coupe or Infiniti M37 if I decide to get something bigger.

    I do notice on quick right turns, one can really feel the weight of the BMW 3 Series. I feel like I am turning a bus! Why BMW decided to make this vehicle so large and heavy is puzzling-it seems like they sold out to the poseurs who just want to show off the badge. Frankly, I imagine that would most likely eliminate the 335i for me also-too large and heavy.
    I'm eager to drive a 135i coupe. It just may work for me.

    My researching the Cayman is in direct reaction to the 3 Series not really being a great driver's car any more. However as you and others indicate, it is best sampled as an occasional luxury, not as a daily driver.
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Thanks for mentioning the `Love Bug` deal...I`m going to fly to Miami next week--not drive ...You clinched it...I hope you have been enjoying the headlines for the last number of posts :) Next time I`l be sure to put Mr.H instead of Howard...Much more dignafied, and certainly appropriate for a Porsche owner Tony
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Hi Tony.

    So, you get the love bugs in the Miami area too? All up and down the interstate today, there was a mist consisting of water droplets from drivers using their wiper sprays to help clear away the orgasm-crazy beasts! Often, the water mist hit my own windshield and I got a free spray! :)

    I have to pick the wife up at the airport on Saturday-taking the VW. The car will be an absolute mess when we get back, so I will have to spend early Saturday evening washing it.

    You flatter me, Tony, but no matter what I drive, I would always be a down to earth casual guy... like you and the rest of the gang! :)
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Mr H

    As to your last paragraph `Thank God` ----and as I am up here in Charleston and plan on going to Miami next week,, where they also have the bugs, which I had forgotten about, I am now going to fly..Haven`t done that in a year or so....Man flying is a poor experience, but so is a long drive with millions of `Love Bugs` splattering themselves all over the car.. :) Tony
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Mr. T as in Tony-

    You will have very limited visibility through your front windshield on a long drive. It almost looks like blinding snow when they hit the windshield. I did an 80 mile trip this morning-good thing it wasn't straight to a used car dealer-I would have received $11,000 for my loaded filthy 328i- the "Love-bug Special." :)

    Now it sits in the garage-washed and polished to a fine Alpine White sheen, never to be driven again until the orgy is finally at an end, maybe three weeks from now. :(
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    ...

    BTW, I just found out our "freinds" look for cars that are using RD with radar detector detectors (RDD's)! Was that on the referendum last November or did BO put that into effect with the proposed oversight rules of the derivatives market?


    Where have you been for that past nearly 20 years?? Virginia has been using RDDs for nearly that long if not longer. I'm sure plenty of other states have been using it as well. Not a new phenomena...
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Where have you been for that past nearly 20 years??

    Sleeping, obviously. :blush:

    I know it's not new but why would you have a RD if the Police know when you are using it? I see some of the higher end units defeat the trace. I haven't used an RD for over 30 years.

    Funny, but the 3 years and 44K miles I drove the 330xi, I only was pullled over once and the Trooper let me off! :shades:

    Never got a ticket in the bimmer... :surprise:

    Regards,
    OW
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    I know it's not new but why would you have a RD if the Police know when you are using it? I see some of the higher end units defeat the trace. I haven't used an RD for over 30 years.

    I think the detector detectors are mostly used in states where RDs are illegal. As long as you aren't in one of those states, whether you have a RD and whether the cop knows you have one shouldn't matter. They can't add a "detector fee" to your speeding ticket. The only situation I can possibly see the RDD making a difference is if you go buy a trap at say, 13mph over the limit. That's pretty much (at least in my state) right on the line, and its completely up to the officer as to whether to stop you for that or not. If he senses a RD in your car, that probably won't help your chances.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Here in Boston, an S6 is hard to beat as a high performance daily driver, quattro counts.

    You're telling me :)

    The new E63 is definitely less cartoonish looking than other recent AMGs like the C or SL, but I still don't think it's a good looking car, inside or out. At least they got rid of the taxi cab column shifter.

    image
    image
  • clemboclembo Member Posts: 253
    You are right, I'll have to wait to see the new E live, the front end is a bit strange, maybe it will look better in person. And you don't have to convince me that Audi makes the best interiors, I have one as my main car. There are times that I still wonder if I should have gotten an S6 like yours instead of my car. Fact is I really wanted the S8 but my wife would have called the divorce lawyer.
  • m4d_cowm4d_cow Member Posts: 1,491
    I say there's absolutely nothing weird about the E's front end. Just remove the grille and slap a Lexus badge and you get a slightly more muscular version of lexus GS ;)

    BMW does have de-badging option, but not in US unless you order your car first.
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Looks like Cayman folks use the de-badging option more than BMW purchasers.
    I've seen quite a few Cayman S cars for sale that are de-badged.
    That must drive tailgaters crazy wondering WTF kind of car is THAT!!! ;)
  • m4d_cowm4d_cow Member Posts: 1,491
    Yeah, or they did taht hoping people will mistaken the car for a 911. It's all about image. :shades:

    though I actually think it's a stupid reason as I find the Cayman more attractive than a 911. ;)
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    I agree. The Cayman looks better than the 911.

    Sounds ridiculous-de-badging a Cayman to fool people into thinking it's a 911, but there are all kinds of folks out there.

    As for me, I would proudly choose to keep "Cayman S" on the rear of that twin-tail-piped bad boy! ;)
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    image
    image

    Then again, there's always THIS Porsche...

    image

    :D

    TM
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    Just for watching a belle entre les belles, here is a link I've found while browsing in another thread. I cannot resist to share with you, just because she will never be mine!! :blush: (Tony, look at her, it's the nicest Ferrari!!)

    Pics and history, both are worthwhile.

    250 GTL - Berlinetta Lusso

    In Black Dress

    Regards,
    Jose
  • skarieskarie Member Posts: 78
    LEXUSGUY THIS ONE IS FOR YOU

    2010 Audi RS5 to get 4.2L V8 from RS4

    The next generation Audi RS4 is rumored from reputable sources to get the same supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6 engine as the 2010 Audi S4 but tweaked to produce 400hp. The V8 engine in the current generation will go to the Audi RS5 and will be twin-turboed to produce 450hp with a peak torque of 332 lb-ft, this will allow a 0 to 62 time in the low 4.-something seconds. The Audi RS5 Cabriolet will also makes its debut sometime later. This news is a big disapointment. First disappointment is how the 2010 S4 isn’t having a bi-turbo which is great for modding. Then the RS4, will only produce 400hp, it needs to have more to compete with the BMW M3. Then the Audi RS5 which I and others though would have a V10 producing around 500hp but instead has 450hp for a car that is expected to be priced over $70k.

    link title
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    After much reflection, I don't think blue is the Cayman's best color. Silver or gray is fine.

    One thing all three of those Porsches have in common-the hard seats!

    Thanks for the photos! That middle one just takes my breath away. Simply beautiful! :)
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    One can still dream! :)
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Hi Jose`

    Almost all the Ferrari cars are appealing, and particularly so after watching them build the latest at their compound.I think it was Discovery or Speed or some such channel.....Everything from casting the engine components -one at a time- and the hand polishing and the ladies working the leather....It made me feel that they were fairly priced, in comparison to other exotics.....One thing about all these cars are, once you see them in the flesh, they are tiny......Now the Rolls Royce is a monster in person.....Tony
  • reality2reality2 Member Posts: 303
    I seriously doubt the source. The RS5 will be get a N/A V8 4.2L @ 450bhp. The S5 will switch to the 3.0T Supercharged in 2010. Why would Audi lower the bhp of the RS4 unless they are able to tweek it to be faster than the previous RS4. So, the story may not be complete. Of course, Audi has been doing some major changes technology wise that allow for lower horsepower, but with much greater output and more torque. So, I could imagine that if the RS4 has a lower horsepower output, it will receive the necessary massaging to actually be faster than the previous RS4 and the current M3. There are many ways to achieve this whether employing various engine technologies or body and chasis structural improvements. At least we will see improved fuel consumption. Give Audi kudos for trying to keep the performance mantra viable in the future without over utilizaton of resources. A V10 is not viable at this stage of the game with fuel prices rising, etc. But even so, my S6's V10, though not a fuel miser, still gets pretty decent milage for such a performance hog.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Give Audi kudos for trying to keep the performance mantra viable in the future without over utilizaton of resources.

    That is correct.

    And... IMO, Audi has demonstrated leadership in that regard... although over time it will become the norm.

    You might enjoy the article on pages 88-92 in Automobile Magazine, June issue... three vehicles taken on a hypermiling trip, one of which is an M3. The M3 achieved 25 mpg!, best of the three... but no one in their right mind would ever drive an M3 like that in the real world. The M3's ride is waaaaay to seductive to resist stepping on the throttle and having some fun.

    TM
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    You might enjoy the article on pages 88-92 in Automobile Magazine, June issue... three vehicles taken on a hypermiling trip, one of which is an M3. The M3 achieved 25 mpg!, best of the three...

    That reminds me of when Top Gear had a Prius race around their test track at top speed, and had an M3 follow behind and simply keep up. The M3 was more fuel efficient.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Just for watching a belle entre les belles, here is a link I've found while browsing in another thread. I cannot resist to share with you, just because she will never be mine!! (Tony, look at her, it's the nicest Ferrari!!)

    Very nice sir. Those Italian designs from the mid '50s to the mid '60s are some of my absolute favorites.

    image
    image
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Then the RS4, will only produce 400hp, it needs to have more to compete with the BMW M3. Then the Audi RS5 which I and others though would have a V10 producing around 500hp but instead has 450hp for a car that is expected to be priced over $70k.

    I wouldn't take any horsepower quote to seriously at this point. Nobody knew how much power the A6 3.0T had, even after it was released. It actually depends on the market, US versions I believe are the strongest at 310hp. Surprising considering our low octane gasoline compared to what Europe uses.

    I don't think anyone has been expecting a V10 for the RS5 for awhile. That's one of the reasons I went with the S6, the engine is on its way out and I wanted to experience it before it goes. The R8 V10 is likely to be the only ten cylinder Audi in the future.
  • rockshocka1rockshocka1 Member Posts: 310
    I thought I remember reading the RS5 wasn't coming to our shores. Has that changed?

    Nevermind, after a quick check it's the RS6 not coming over.
  • skarieskarie Member Posts: 78
    Why would Audi lower the bhp of the RS4 unless they are able to tweek it to be faster than the previous RS4

    Oh i can explain, you see the new RS4 will have less torque and horsepower but those losses are offset by superior weight distribution and performance. The car also has a new 7 speed dual-clutch transmission which will give it better performance numbers and fuel economy.

    And lets not forget audi new modified Quattro all-wheel-drive system, that distributes 40 percent of the torque to the front and 60 percent to the rear This system is similar to one from Acura. The torque vectoring works permanently and can shift up to 100 percent of the rear torque to one wheel.

    And lets not forget the new Acura TL spanked the G35, S4 335 and the 335xi in edmunds 1st drive comparison a few months ago..
    heres the link.
    link title
  • skarieskarie Member Posts: 78
    Oh, I'm sure they will still crown the BMW winner. Don't forget that the M3 already won in C&D against a 911 Turbo and a GT-R. They'll come up with any excuse to put the BMW on top

    The new RS5 will most definitely be a game changer, Audi is only doing to BMW what BMW did to infiniti, by putting twin turbos in the new car it will have alot more torque and lets not forget the new all wheel drive system. They probably will still let the M3 win the comparison test, the only thing going against the RS5 at this time is going to be the price, it is rumored to start at $70....
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