10k, which "hot" machine to get

[TW]Fox said:
The choice between ST220 and 530i for me was made easier than it perhaps ought to be by the fact I am an E39 fanboy.

Judging each car on its merits and both make compelling cases - so much so that whichever you get, you've done well.

Drive them both. I did, and as a quick summary:

The Mondeo:

a) Sounds better
b) Perhaps has more 'cred'
c) Is newer
d) Potentially more reliable

The BMW:

a) Is built better
b) Handles better
c) Is quicker
d) Has a better 'image'

Looks are entirely subjective..
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The BMW is quicker?
Has a bit more power but I thought the Mondeo would be quicker overall due to weight.
BMW engine is probably a lot more torquey though Im guessing?
 
Weight isn't that much of an issue once the car is moving.

Also you need to think about the way the two engines produce power. One may be more peaky than the other.

I'm not saying one is quicker than the other because I just dont know. But looking at weight, power to weight ratios and peak power don't always necessarily give you the answer.
 
ill chusk my 10 penneth worth in ( and get slated yet again) and say "hey why not look at an alfa 156 v6 " again its under budget, and again its good value for money, no there arnt any issues with relyability if its been regularly serviced etc
 
possibly suggestion would me a MK1 Octavia vRS. 180bhp as standard, should easily see 225bhp with remap (possibly some mods although I don't know).

Should get one well within budget.
 
OMG whats with the constant mondeo and 330 recommendations around here.

Go for something different otherwise if fox has his way our roads will be full of st220's and 330's :p

Go for something a bit more ballistic like a 2nd hand evo.
 
Alternative to the st220.

Jaguar X-Type 3.0V6 More power from the same engine plus VVC and AWD and a slightly more refined interior plus a wee bit more prestige.

Basically a posh ST220 as the chassis and engine are largely the same, but the jag is a bit more advanced.
 
merlin said:
Weight isn't that much of an issue once the car is moving.

Also you need to think about the way the two engines produce power. One may be more peaky than the other.

I'm not saying one is quicker than the other because I just dont know. But looking at weight, power to weight ratios and peak power don't always necessarily give you the answer.
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True, he should expand on what he means by "quicker"
 
Jez said:
You can take that as far as you wish though, yes its a newer car for the money but that is because simply put the car is not as desirable.

Guess it comes down to where the OP wishes to draw the line. I'd always favour an older but better vehicle.
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I personally would class an ST220 as desireable and if i had a choice of a 53 plate 320 or 53 plate St220. I would take the ST allday everyday.

I have just bought an S60 T5 for under 10k and it is the most awesome car i have owned. It is massively quick as well and i have just sold my 2.0l Clio sport
 
chesterstu said:
I personally would class an ST220 as desireable and if i had a choice of a 53 plate 320 or 53 plate St220. I would take the ST allday everyday.
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Thats a rather stupid comparison though as we are not discussing the merits of an ST220 v a 320. Nobody would chose the 320. The comparison is, say, an ST220 v an older 530 or 330.
 
[TW]Fox said:
Thats a rather stupid comparison though as we are not discussing the merits of an ST220 v a 320. Nobody would chose the 320. The comparison is, say, an ST220 v an older 530 or 330.
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Not really. You buy could a '53 plate 320 for that money and people are saying the badge is more dirseable. I don't think it is
 
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chesterstu said:
Not really. You buy could a '53 plate 320 for that money and people are saying the badge is more dirseable. I don't think it is
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I said that a 530i was a more desirable car than an ST220. It is, and this is reflected in the new price and residual values.
 
He does have a soft spot for Alfas, although whether he'd want 10k in one I don't know, but I wouldn't mind if he turned up in a GTA for us to play in :)
 
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