BMW E46

[jamoor]

That's what I thought.

Half of me thinks a BMW 3 series at 19 would be awesome, the other half thinks a Cooper S would be awesome instead.

If I can get my hands on a CS, then that will be, but I will definitely pick the 3 series over a Cooper.

Ignore the OMG! RWD! lark, if you have the least bit of sense in you, you will be ok.
I had only been driving for 19 months when I started driving a 530d and I have been ok, numerous friends also have been driving RWDs from young ages and are all ok, as long as you don't drive like a maniac, you'll be ok.
If you want, you should take some skid control lessons.

 

[Tommy B]

I tend to drive very carefully but as soon as the NSL sign appears I get a bit carried away.

Imagine a scenario of someone doing 40mph in a 60mph. In the 1.4 Golf, if I go to overtake someone, I have to fall back and build up some speed before I go round them. This isn't the safest option, but it's the only way due to the pathetic engine.

Would I have to do this in the BMW, or will I just have to put my foot down to launch past someone?

I won't be doing anything at higher speeds as I'm not a nut case.

 

[NickXX]

I tend to drive very carefully but as soon as the NSL sign appears I get a bit carried away.

Imagine a scenario of someone doing 40mph in a 60mph. In the 1.4 Golf, if I go to overtake someone, I have to fall back and build up some speed before I go round them. This isn't the safest option, but it's the only way due to the pathetic engine.

Would I have to do this in the BMW, or will I just have to put my foot down to launch past someone?

I won't be doing anything at higher speeds as I'm not a nut case.

Overtaking will be a lot easier in the BMW.

The power delivery is so linear in these cars anyway. I went from a 105bhp Golf to a 330d with no issues.

 

[Tommy B]

Overtaking will be a lot easier in the BMW.

The power delivery is so linear in these cars anyway. I went from a 105bhp Golf to a 330d with no issues.

Oh, so just a slight increase in power then