Sedan Chat Thread
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If you are young and have money it can be fun. That fun wears off with repair bills to maintain performance and trafcic tickets. At one time I was routinely pushing 25 psi boost. Turbos cost money and you are always wanting to show off. You're always tinkering to get just a little more out of it...then replacing parts.
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Joined: Dec 2019
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From: Chicago, IL
Here's a question for you all: How many of you have ever had a vehicle with really high horsepower (500+) and what is your experience with it? How is it to feel like your car is fast enough to blow the doors off just about anything you see, even the typical Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, "fast trucks", etc. Do you get a magical feeling of being "king of the road, don't mess with me?" if that makes sense.
Especially when considering the driving dynamics may be worse when not just going in a straight line, such as handling, extra weight, possibly being an automatic vs MT, etc.
I've mentioned in another post I've been thinking of a replacement vehicle. In fact it's been on my mind for quite a while now. I'm always tossing around different ideas in my head to see what's going to eventually stick. The current one is to sell the G for a 2020 BMW X3M that's 473-503hp (underrated from factory), AWD, and handles close to a sedan. With a simple tune and downpipe it can easily achieve 600AWHP+.
The thing is, I don't really even take my G on very many twisties anymore nowadays, it's not like I'm going to be bothered to drive an SAV that handles 5-10% worse or whatever. And it wouldn't be bad to have some better ground clearance and extra storage space. I just don't know if I can make the transition. Most of the comments from people who have moved from coupe/sedans (even fast ones like F80's) to the X3M don't regret it because it's just so fast and fun to drive.
I realize this is all opinion-based but it's nice to stir up conversation. I also understand the fact there will always be a faster car out there, but it sure would be nice to spank 99% of everything on the road if they want to line up lol
Especially when considering the driving dynamics may be worse when not just going in a straight line, such as handling, extra weight, possibly being an automatic vs MT, etc.
I've mentioned in another post I've been thinking of a replacement vehicle. In fact it's been on my mind for quite a while now. I'm always tossing around different ideas in my head to see what's going to eventually stick. The current one is to sell the G for a 2020 BMW X3M that's 473-503hp (underrated from factory), AWD, and handles close to a sedan. With a simple tune and downpipe it can easily achieve 600AWHP+.
The thing is, I don't really even take my G on very many twisties anymore nowadays, it's not like I'm going to be bothered to drive an SAV that handles 5-10% worse or whatever. And it wouldn't be bad to have some better ground clearance and extra storage space. I just don't know if I can make the transition. Most of the comments from people who have moved from coupe/sedans (even fast ones like F80's) to the X3M don't regret it because it's just so fast and fun to drive.
I realize this is all opinion-based but it's nice to stir up conversation. I also understand the fact there will always be a faster car out there, but it sure would be nice to spank 99% of everything on the road if they want to line up lol
Whatever the power is you will get used to it quite quickly. I don't know your situation at home, what cars you own, how big your family is but in general I think performance SUVs are dumb. I have a balanced style of spirited driving (straight line or curvy roads) but an AWD SUV does not satisfy my performance or spirited driving needs. At the end of the day, I will take my 6spd G37 over any newer car that is much faster with AWD or an automatic transmission. But that's just me.
In my experience anything above about 400hp is too twitchy for daily driving. Traction nannies on newer cars might make that opinion moot.
Even with 315 to the wheels my sedan wants to step sideways anytime I don’t tiptoe around a corner. I won’t let my wife drive it for that and the tramlining.
otoh - we recently test drove an Audi Q5 phev and the combined hp is 362 and it scoots. Very fun. Too expensive for what it is but 🤷🏻
Even with 315 to the wheels my sedan wants to step sideways anytime I don’t tiptoe around a corner. I won’t let my wife drive it for that and the tramlining.
otoh - we recently test drove an Audi Q5 phev and the combined hp is 362 and it scoots. Very fun. Too expensive for what it is but 🤷🏻
Here's a question for you all: How many of you have ever had a vehicle with really high horsepower (500+) and what is your experience with it? How is it to feel like your car is fast enough to blow the doors off just about anything you see, even the typical Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, "fast trucks", etc. Do you get a magical feeling of being "king of the road, don't mess with me?" if that makes sense.
I'm no prince when it comes to this, only getting better at it with old age. And I recognize good advice is always easier to give than take. But it's worth saying anyway.
Last edited by Rochester; Sep 20, 2024 at 02:58 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2019
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From: Canada, On
If you want to be king of the road just buy a Model S Plaid. You can get one for around 50k and you won't have to spend any money on modifications. The 3 previous cars I owned were much faster than my G37 which I enjoyed a ton however I would say most people like the idea of having the power but don't use it or enjoy it in most of their use cases.
Whatever the power is you will get used to it quite quickly. I don't know your situation at home, what cars you own, how big your family is but in general I think performance SUVs are dumb. I have a balanced style of spirited driving (straight line or curvy roads) but an AWD SUV does not satisfy my performance or spirited driving needs. At the end of the day, I will take my 6spd G37 over any newer car that is much faster with AWD or an automatic transmission. But that's just me.
Newer cars do a much better job putting the power down as the tire compounds and suspension designs have greatly improved over time. Either way, about 500whp is probably the upper end of street tire traction.
Whatever the power is you will get used to it quite quickly. I don't know your situation at home, what cars you own, how big your family is but in general I think performance SUVs are dumb. I have a balanced style of spirited driving (straight line or curvy roads) but an AWD SUV does not satisfy my performance or spirited driving needs. At the end of the day, I will take my 6spd G37 over any newer car that is much faster with AWD or an automatic transmission. But that's just me.
Newer cars do a much better job putting the power down as the tire compounds and suspension designs have greatly improved over time. Either way, about 500whp is probably the upper end of street tire traction.
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Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 761
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From: Chicago, IL
Here is one local to me, auction wholesale prices are in the 40s:
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing
1 owner, 31k miles, clean history for 53k. Not bad for a car that stickered for about 150k.
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing
1 owner, 31k miles, clean history for 53k. Not bad for a car that stickered for about 150k.
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Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 659
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If you want to be king of the road just buy a Model S Plaid. You can get one for around 50k and you won't have to spend any money on modifications. The 3 previous cars I owned were much faster than my G37 which I enjoyed a ton however I would say most people like the idea of having the power but don't use it or enjoy it in most of their use cases.
Whatever the power is you will get used to it quite quickly. I don't know your situation at home, what cars you own, how big your family is but in general I think performance SUVs are dumb. I have a balanced style of spirited driving (straight line or curvy roads) but an AWD SUV does not satisfy my performance or spirited driving needs. At the end of the day, I will take my 6spd G37 over any newer car that is much faster with AWD or an automatic transmission. But that's just me.
Whatever the power is you will get used to it quite quickly. I don't know your situation at home, what cars you own, how big your family is but in general I think performance SUVs are dumb. I have a balanced style of spirited driving (straight line or curvy roads) but an AWD SUV does not satisfy my performance or spirited driving needs. At the end of the day, I will take my 6spd G37 over any newer car that is much faster with AWD or an automatic transmission. But that's just me.
Currently my family is just the wife and I, with the possibility of 1-2 kids but we are already in our thirties so not going to have a bigger family than that. The reason we are thinking of an SUV/SAV is because there are times when we will have people in the backseat for a few hours at a time, and also I'm going to need a bit of ground clearance for some of the roads we'll be going on. So I'm trying to think of the best situation that's going to fit that bill and that's why the X3M seems to be my best fit. It's one of the best handling SAV's on the market and it's very fast, so I will enjoy it more than any other option out there.
As far as which car it will replace, I have my 6MT G37 and wife has a Chevy Cruze. There are arguments to keep either of those. People that own the X3M say that it's basically an M3 but lifted, and it still handles great, so I'm thinking of just making it my "fun car" coupled with the utility of an SAV. But never having owned a sporty SAV before, I was looking for opinions. It would be nice for my wife to keep her Cruze because, just to be honest, she's not the best driver and the Cruze is very economical and fits her well, so I'd almost rather keep it for her.
I'm not a big street racer and I don't hang with any of those types of groups, but I guess sometimes I just get tired of the random american muscle car or truck that rolls up on my G and I can barely keep up most of the time.
Last edited by backman_66; Sep 23, 2024 at 12:43 PM.
It's humbling when you experience a car that's faster than yours, particularly when you value your G more than the other one (Mustang 
LOL).
Honestly, the only thing you can do is give it time. Eventually you'll be digging your G again.
And then there are cars that are clearly better in every possible way. I'm looking at you, Jaguar F-Type. Those moment stay with you forever.
LOL).Honestly, the only thing you can do is give it time. Eventually you'll be digging your G again.
And then there are cars that are clearly better in every possible way. I'm looking at you, Jaguar F-Type. Those moment stay with you forever.
Last edited by Rochester; Sep 23, 2024 at 01:37 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2012
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From: San Diego, CA
Here is one local to me, auction wholesale prices are in the 40s:
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing
1 owner, 31k miles, clean history for 53k. Not bad for a car that stickered for about 150k.
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing
1 owner, 31k miles, clean history for 53k. Not bad for a car that stickered for about 150k.
Similar to @backman_66 , I have little interest in EVs and exploiting ohms law to dump as much current at possible into a traction motor; I do make 2x the amount of solar energy as I use, so it may make sense to buy one for my wife one day.
I agree that Tesla has commoditized speed, but there is still "performance" and having the ability to tweak hundreds of variables to create your own unique statement. If you look at it from the ROI of speed only, then you should have bought a motorcycle years ago.
Even when I was younger and owned a big block Chevelle SS that could have mauled 90% of the cars at the time (in a straight line only), I always liked looking ready to race, but cared very little about the race itself. Guess some of us are just wired that way.
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 582
From: San Diego, CA
It's humbling when you experience a car that's faster than yours, particularly when you value your G more than the other one (Mustang LOL).
Honestly, the only thing you can do is give it time. Eventually you'll be digging your G again.
And then there are cars that are clearly better in every possible way. I'm looking at you, Jaguar F-Type. Those moment stay with you forever.
LOL).Honestly, the only thing you can do is give it time. Eventually you'll be digging your G again.
And then there are cars that are clearly better in every possible way. I'm looking at you, Jaguar F-Type. Those moment stay with you forever.
The 2015 Mercedes W204 C63 AMG is on my bucket list.
Listen to this car. Mercedes and that Bavarian V-8 at their peak!
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 164
Likes: 67
My original shocks/springs are getting tired. Makes sense as they are 12 years old and have 88k miles on them. I've been looking into replacement options and finding that the OEM sport parts aren't available anymore. People seem to like the KYB Excel-G shocks, but the OEM sport springs are discontinued. I don't want to go with the NVA assembly or base OEM spring as I do not want to downgrade from the sport shocks and springs. So, I might go with an aftermarket coilover. Not interested in lowering beyond maybe half an inch. There are so many options, it's a hard choice to make.
Z1 S-Pro: I like Z1, rubber mounts like OEM, lots of adjustability, but 12k/10-12k progressive springs make me worry these are excessively stiff
Tein Flex Z: Decently reviewed, but the price seems a bit too good to be true. Like the S-Pros, 12k/10k springs may be too stiff
Revel Touring Sport: Claim the most comfortable coilover ride. 10k/8k springs are probably better for me. I haven't found their adjustment range, I may need to email Revel.
I can't seem to find the specs on the stock sport spring rate....that would be helpful to know if anyone knows it
Z1 S-Pro: I like Z1, rubber mounts like OEM, lots of adjustability, but 12k/10-12k progressive springs make me worry these are excessively stiff
Tein Flex Z: Decently reviewed, but the price seems a bit too good to be true. Like the S-Pros, 12k/10k springs may be too stiff
Revel Touring Sport: Claim the most comfortable coilover ride. 10k/8k springs are probably better for me. I haven't found their adjustment range, I may need to email Revel.
I can't seem to find the specs on the stock sport spring rate....that would be helpful to know if anyone knows it
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Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 761
Likes: 361
From: Chicago, IL
My original shocks/springs are getting tired. Makes sense as they are 12 years old and have 88k miles on them. I've been looking into replacement options and finding that the OEM sport parts aren't available anymore. People seem to like the KYB Excel-G shocks, but the OEM sport springs are discontinued. I don't want to go with the NVA assembly or base OEM spring as I do not want to downgrade from the sport shocks and springs. So, I might go with an aftermarket coilover. Not interested in lowering beyond maybe half an inch. There are so many options, it's a hard choice to make.
Z1 S-Pro: I like Z1, rubber mounts like OEM, lots of adjustability, but 12k/10-12k progressive springs make me worry these are excessively stiff
Tein Flex Z: Decently reviewed, but the price seems a bit too good to be true. Like the S-Pros, 12k/10k springs may be too stiff
Revel Touring Sport: Claim the most comfortable coilover ride. 10k/8k springs are probably better for me. I haven't found their adjustment range, I may need to email Revel.
I can't seem to find the specs on the stock sport spring rate....that would be helpful to know if anyone knows it
Z1 S-Pro: I like Z1, rubber mounts like OEM, lots of adjustability, but 12k/10-12k progressive springs make me worry these are excessively stiff
Tein Flex Z: Decently reviewed, but the price seems a bit too good to be true. Like the S-Pros, 12k/10k springs may be too stiff
Revel Touring Sport: Claim the most comfortable coilover ride. 10k/8k springs are probably better for me. I haven't found their adjustment range, I may need to email Revel.
I can't seem to find the specs on the stock sport spring rate....that would be helpful to know if anyone knows it
https://conceptzperformance.com/tana...kmSoLQGEbXOM7D
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Joined: Mar 2017
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Look through here, I believe I may have posted stock sport spring rates in that thread.
That's an interesting find. Aftermarket coilovers add more spring rate to the front than the rear. They also have a larger spread between front and rear than OEM. Not sure what to make of that. It also tells me that the 12f coilovers are 40% stiffer up front!
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 164
Likes: 67
I'll throw one more into the mix, Tanabe TSR130 Sustec Pro
https://conceptzperformance.com/tana...kmSoLQGEbXOM7D
https://conceptzperformance.com/tana...kmSoLQGEbXOM7D
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 130
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From: Philadelphia PA
I'll throw one more into the mix, Tanabe TSR130 Sustec Pro
https://conceptzperformance.com/tana...kmSoLQGEbXOM7D
https://conceptzperformance.com/tana...kmSoLQGEbXOM7D