loddrik Posted November 2, 2003 Report Share Posted November 2, 2003 OK, had the car less than a week now and the main thing I have noticed is the amount of attention it gets. Everyone, and I mean everyone, seems to stare. I was looking at a car supermarket with the GF and as I got 30ft from the car I turned round and there was about 15 mechanics gathered round. All kids stare and mouth expletives. At traffic lights you always catch windows being wound down to hear it and then wind up again as soon as you drive off. Seem to get a lot of respect from drivers of Porsche's, M3's etc, where as before they seemed to want to get past you becuase they could. Probebly justified really because it is fast as f*ck. Have driven new M3's and while they are probably evenly matched performance wise (P1 quicker to 60, equal to around 100, M3 probably edge ahead above that), the P1 FEELS much quicker due to the turbo kick above 3500rpm. As a couple of my mates who work for BMW pointed out, alL the power is useable, the P1 just puts down all the power with no fuss or drama. Handling is superb. Unlike in an Audi 4wd system which is about grip, you get the impression that the P1 uses 4wd for handling balance over grip. P1 has more grip than an S3-4 etc can muster, but feels so much more nimble, chuckable & confidence inspiring (have managed some tail out fun, very catchable). Brakes are amazing, have the 6pot Alcon upgrade with enourmous discs, need some warming up but once done, incredibly powerful and progressive. It is very thirsty, if you push it, you will pay for it, Optimax only. It is very, very noisy. The ride is very firm at lower speeds but becomes far more supple as the speed rises. Could not really use the car on thre motorway for any distance, noise from the exhaust makes your ears ring, this is no longer an issue as the GF has just bought a specced up MINI Cooper. ouple of times I have driven on the motorway hqave found myself sitting in the middle lane at 80-85, never done that in the BM'. I thought I was doing the wrong thing going to an older car, but I honestly couldn't care what year reg it has. I have ALWAYS wanted a P1. Through a combination of high insurance premiums (now insured at a relatives adress) and GF pressure (she absolutely hates it, but what women do like banzai Jap cars anyway) I never got round to it, although I came close on 2 previous occasions. I honestly believe that if I keep it 18 months, I will not lose much money on it. I got it for a good price and I think the depriciation has levelled of on P1's, there is no longer an issue of residuals being hit by the new model. Mitsubishi Makinen 6's have levelled right off and are now keeping excellent money, I am sure that a good P1 with a Subaru warranty (extendable) will do likewise. This is a car I have bought with my heart rather than my head but I am happy to compromise to own it. I get a much better 'feel-good' factor from my X plate P1 than my 02 330c Sport. Oh, did I mention that engine note Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted November 3, 2003 Report Share Posted November 3, 2003 Nice writeup Loddrik! I trust it'll bring you a lot of joy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gambba Posted November 21, 2003 Report Share Posted November 21, 2003 [ QUOTE ] Nice writeup Loddrik! I trust it'll bring you a lot of joy! [/ QUOTE ] Agreed. Enjoy Lodders. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loddrik Posted November 21, 2003 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2003 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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