E36 /M3 or Civic si.

Buschy · 03-01-2010, 08:33 AM

First I am not sure where to put this post, so please move it if need be.

I jsut want some opinions on what and why you would pic one over the other.

I am about to buy either a 95-97 ish e36 m3 sedan(70-100k miles) OR a new civic SI.

obviously the smart decision is to get a civic, but for me its not that easy to make.

The plan is for me to drive the car for a while and teach my son driving, he gets he license in severeal months and then he will drive the truck mostly. then in a year or so I will give him the car..

So with all that the civic is probably the most reasonable choice, but I dont listen to reason..

my son is very responsible and I dont think the added badassity will make the M3 a problem. He would have braggin rights, and hold racing to the track.
He would maintain the car, with my help.

now the civic, well its a civic and it will easily last him through college with little to no work.. ..... But I have to drive it for a while.. and that mean My e90 will probably get more milage then I want it to.

thoguths?

Alias · 03-01-2010, 09:56 AM

Why not go for an e46 m instead. There are some nice ones around with decent mileage. Prices should be comparable to a new si

Buschy · 03-01-2010, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alias

Why not go for an e46 m instead. There are some nice ones around with decent mileage. Prices should be comparable to a new si

doors.

cap_freez · 03-01-2010, 11:35 AM

You will have more fun driving the E36. But you'll have a new car if you get the civic... your call

cap_freez · 03-01-2010, 11:37 AM

oh sorry... i didn't read the post about it being for your son in the long term. Since your son will be a new driver the civic is the best choice. IMO A rear wheel drive sports car is not recommended for a new driver. The civic will be very forgivable, and will come with a warranty.

smmmurf · 03-01-2010, 11:40 AM

06+ Civic. Safer and more reliable than an E36 M3. You have a 10+ year gap between the two cars. Lots was done such as CAD crumple structures and ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering). The Civic has side airbags too. The E36 was a safe car for its time but is not that great by today's standards.

The Civic is actually a ton of fun to drive. Don't be so hasty in assuming you will drive your E90 more because you have it over an E36... I think the Civic is in some ways more exciting than an E90 M3. It is much less powerful and much less grippy, but it has a lighter feel and revs like crazy. The steering and gearbox are great.

The only problem with the current Civic is that it is not very good for tall people. My Civic Hybrid's parking brake digs into my right leg on long journeys when I rest it against the center console.

MrHarris · 03-01-2010, 12:31 PM

If it were the regular civic I'd say m3 no doubt but the si is no slouch when it comes to fun. With suspension mods it can handle very well for fwd car.

How about a 2003-2005 e46 330i ZHP?

H Bomb · 03-01-2010, 02:37 PM

agreed the new civic SI, it comes fully loaded and only option is nav or no nav, and for a first time driver very fun and very easy to learn on, honda manual are great to learn stick on. he can add some mods over the years if he wants. hell a turbo or sc kit on that car and it is fast. but just for safety and learning i think the civic si is a great first car

second choice would be a CPO E46 330 ZCP 6sp

calintexas · 03-01-2010, 05:12 PM

Trucks (Tundra pickup, right?) have very unforgiving handling. The zero weight rear end can get away very quickly, and they are awful in slippery conditions. My opinion (and it is just that) is that they are a poor choice for an inexperienced driver.

valbauer · 03-01-2010, 06:39 PM

E36

Buschy · 03-01-2010, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calintexas

Trucks (Tundra pickup, right?) have very unforgiving handling. The zero weight rear end can get away very quickly, and they are awful in slippery conditions. My opinion (and it is just that) is that they are a poor choice for an inexperienced driver.

Right

adc · 03-01-2010, 06:48 PM

I'll carry the BMW torch then and say, get him the M3.

FYI, the only years for the E36 M3 sedan were 97 and 98.
95 came with a different engine, revs a tad better but lacks low rev punch.

I used to have a 98 Coupe and it was one of the most balanced cars I've every driven, by which I mean no one aspect of the car overwhelmed the rest. The car has great character and is an absolute blast to drive - and a good car to learn performance driving in.

Your only problem will be finding a good example. Shoot for a one owner (or 2 owners tops) car, with all the maintenance records and you should be ok.

It's a classic, as sure to get your juices flowing now as it did 10 years ago, and can be made into a very nice track car with little effort.

The Civic Si is only nice in a new-car-smell, anesthetized Coldplay kind of way, where the E36 M3 is raw and emotional like vintage U2.

thetoecutter · 03-01-2010, 07:29 PM

I had a '97 E36 M3 Sedan. 5-Speed. Black with Mocha or something interior. Absolutely regret selling that car. Was amazing fun. Very balanced. Power not overwelming at all...although I was a lot older and more experienced than your son will be. Sometime around that time, Car & Driver held a massive track-test comparo and voted the E36 M3 the best handling car for any money.

Obviously one major hurdle you are going to have is finding one in good, preferably stock, unbeaten condition. They are super-rare even out here car crazy CA.

Good luck.

valbauer · 03-01-2010, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thetoecutter

I had a '97 E36 M3 Sedan. 5-Speed. Black with Mocha or something interior. Absolutely regret selling that car. Was amazing fun. Very balanced. Power not overwelming at all...although I was a lot older and more experienced than your son will be. Sometime around that time, Car & Driver held a massive track-test comparo and voted the E36 M3 the best handling car for any money.

Obviously one major hurdle you are going to have is finding one in good, preferably stock, unbeaten condition. They are super-rare even out here car crazy CA.

Good luck.

Yeah it did win something for best handling car for the money, over even some porsches and ferraris.

I just picked up an E36 M3 sedan not too long ago that was in great condition, in California. The engine bay was spotless, it has 75k miles, and the interior is flawless as well. I actually got it for my sister who is a beginner driver also (Well, she's been driving for a little over a year) Great car is all I can say.

Buschy · 04-19-2010, 07:56 PM

I found a brand new civic si Mugen still at dealer. lol. Im leaning towards that.

busta7777 · 05-28-2010, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buschy

I found a brand new civic si Mugen still at dealer. lol. Im leaning towards that.

coming from someone that is 18 get him the si!

swamp2 · 05-28-2010, 03:06 AM

18 or even 19 is way too young even if quite responsible for an E36 M3. JMHO. Go with the Civic, much safer from a design/engineering perspective and because it just won't go as fast.

sig5x · 05-31-2010, 03:38 PM

I have an 08 Si and I think it would be a great car for an 18 year old. It's a fun car to drive.
The engine is smooth, stock handling feel and ride is actually pretty good. The steering is quick and light.
The car is somewhat quick and the strong points are good gas mileage, reliability, and day-to-day comfort. The stereo sounds a lot better than my e46 H/K system, and details such as the metal pedals and red stitching are also very nice.
Maintenance and parts are pretty cheap, too. Add-on parts are pretty affordable, too, as I bet he might want to do some hand-on upgrades. And it's still plenty of car for an 18 year old. I'm glad I had my barely-100 horsepower car to learn on!!

Or did you already buy a car for him? Did you get the Mugen?

graider · 06-01-2010, 08:00 AM

si hands down. i mean the m3 is old, get the new si.

Buschy · 06-01-2010, 09:45 AM

I have not got one yet. might end up with a base model civic, lol. maybe corrola. cobalt , not sure still.

JetBlackE46 · 06-01-2010, 10:05 AM

I happen to have a 95 M3 and an 07 Civic EX.

I think your son would be better off with the Civic because:

1) Newer car, so less worries about maintenance etc. Parts are cheaper in general for the Civic.

2) He'll probably like the ipod/aux adapter.

3) If he ever did decide to "mod" both cars have tons of parts available. But the SI is pretty good as is.

With that said, have you asked him which he wanted?

calintexas · 06-01-2010, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buschy

I have not got one yet. might end up with a base model civic, lol. maybe corrola. cobalt , not sure still.

The buff magazines just love them. I'm going to guess a Civic is still the best value (durability wise). One thing to remember is that the accident rate for young drivers is over 100%. So, statistically, he's going to crash it. Even if he's careful, he's just around too many drivers that aren't (think high school parking lots, on the way to and from school, dances, etc.).

Good luck to you and him Dennis, and you've got those two girls behind him in a few years.

03-01-2010, 08:33 AM	#1
Buschy Colonel 289 Rep 2,496 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas/Fort Worth iTrader: (7)	E36 /M3 or Civic si. First I am not sure where to put this post, so please move it if need be. I jsut want some opinions on what and why you would pic one over the other. I am about to buy either a 95-97 ish e36 m3 sedan(70-100k miles) OR a new civic SI. obviously the smart decision is to get a civic, but for me its not that easy to make. The plan is for me to drive the car for a while and teach my son driving, he gets he license in severeal months and then he will drive the truck mostly. then in a year or so I will give him the car.. So with all that the civic is probably the most reasonable choice, but I dont listen to reason.. my son is very responsible and I dont think the added badassity will make the M3 a problem. He would have braggin rights, and hold racing to the track. He would maintain the car, with my help. now the civic, well its a civic and it will easily last him through college with little to no work.. ..... But I have to drive it for a while.. and that mean My e90 will probably get more milage then I want it to. thoguths? __________________
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03-01-2010, 09:56 AM	#2
Alias dork 38 Rep 477 Posts Drives: //M Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: so cal iTrader: (3)	Why not go for an e46 m instead. There are some nice ones around with decent mileage. Prices should be comparable to a new si
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03-01-2010, 11:35 AM	#4
cap_freez Lead, follow, or get the hell out of my way 32 Rep 429 Posts Drives: 2010 X3, 2013 RS5 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Montréal, oh Canada iTrader: (0)	You will have more fun driving the E36. But you'll have a new car if you get the civic... your call __________________ 2010 X3 2013 RS5
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03-01-2010, 11:37 AM	#5
cap_freez Lead, follow, or get the hell out of my way 32 Rep 429 Posts Drives: 2010 X3, 2013 RS5 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Montréal, oh Canada iTrader: (0)	oh sorry... i didn't read the post about it being for your son in the long term. Since your son will be a new driver the civic is the best choice. IMO A rear wheel drive sports car is not recommended for a new driver. The civic will be very forgivable, and will come with a warranty. __________________ 2010 X3 2013 RS5
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03-01-2010, 11:40 AM	#6
smmmurf Colonel 310 Rep 2,189 Posts Drives: E92 M3 DCT 353k+ miles Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Half Moon Bay, CA iTrader: (7)	06+ Civic. Safer and more reliable than an E36 M3. You have a 10+ year gap between the two cars. Lots was done such as CAD crumple structures and ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering). The Civic has side airbags too. The E36 was a safe car for its time but is not that great by today's standards. The Civic is actually a ton of fun to drive. Don't be so hasty in assuming you will drive your E90 more because you have it over an E36... I think the Civic is in some ways more exciting than an E90 M3. It is much less powerful and much less grippy, but it has a lighter feel and revs like crazy. The steering and gearbox are great. The only problem with the current Civic is that it is not very good for tall people. My Civic Hybrid's parking brake digs into my right leg on long journeys when I rest it against the center console. Last edited by smmmurf; 03-01-2010 at 11:45 AM..
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03-01-2010, 12:31 PM	#7
MrHarris yodog 197 Rep 5,025 Posts Drives: '86 Corolla Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Diamond Bar, Ca iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 BMW [10.00]	If it were the regular civic I'd say m3 no doubt but the si is no slouch when it comes to fun. With suspension mods it can handle very well for fwd car. How about a 2003-2005 e46 330i ZHP? __________________ 2009 E92 M3 \| Alpine White \| Black Extended \| Advan RS \| Turner Test Pipes \| Dinan Axle-Back \| OETuning \| Eibach Springs \| UUC SSK \| VRS Front Lip \| VRS Type I Diffuser \| Matte Black \| RPi Scoops \| MS Filter \| Yokohama AD08 \| F1 Pinnacle Special Thanks: Gintani \| OETuning \| eAs
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03-01-2010, 02:37 PM	#8
H Bomb Lieutenant Colonel 65 Rep 1,676 Posts Drives: 08 M3 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: FL to NY iTrader: (4)	agreed the new civic SI, it comes fully loaded and only option is nav or no nav, and for a first time driver very fun and very easy to learn on, honda manual are great to learn stick on. he can add some mods over the years if he wants. hell a turbo or sc kit on that car and it is fast. but just for safety and learning i think the civic si is a great first car second choice would be a CPO E46 330 ZCP 6sp __________________ Street- 08 E92 M3- Sparkling Graphite/ Fox Red/6sp Track- 10 CRF 250-PR2 Race Motor/Ohlins TTX Susp Hauler- 06 Ford Skyjacker F250 4WD
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03-01-2010, 05:12 PM	#9
calintexas Lieutenant Colonel 151 Rep 1,599 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: North Texas iTrader: (1)	You Might Want to Think About the Truck Trucks (Tundra pickup, right?) have very unforgiving handling. The zero weight rear end can get away very quickly, and they are awful in slippery conditions. My opinion (and it is just that) is that they are a poor choice for an inexperienced driver. __________________
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03-01-2010, 06:39 PM	#10
valbauer Banned 2 Rep 50 Posts Drives: E46, GT3 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Monica, CA iTrader: (0)	E36
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03-01-2010, 06:48 PM	#12
adc Major General 2751 Rep 6,759 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 M3 ED Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: MD/DC iTrader: (12)	I'll carry the BMW torch then and say, get him the M3. FYI, the only years for the E36 M3 sedan were 97 and 98. 95 came with a different engine, revs a tad better but lacks low rev punch. I used to have a 98 Coupe and it was one of the most balanced cars I've every driven, by which I mean no one aspect of the car overwhelmed the rest. The car has great character and is an absolute blast to drive - and a good car to learn performance driving in. Your only problem will be finding a good example. Shoot for a one owner (or 2 owners tops) car, with all the maintenance records and you should be ok. It's a classic, as sure to get your juices flowing now as it did 10 years ago, and can be made into a very nice track car with little effort. The Civic Si is only nice in a new-car-smell, anesthetized Coldplay kind of way, where the E36 M3 is raw and emotional like vintage U2.
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03-01-2010, 07:29 PM	#13
thetoecutter New Member 3 Rep 24 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 M3 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	I had a '97 E36 M3 Sedan. 5-Speed. Black with Mocha or something interior. Absolutely regret selling that car. Was amazing fun. Very balanced. Power not overwelming at all...although I was a lot older and more experienced than your son will be. Sometime around that time, Car & Driver held a massive track-test comparo and voted the E36 M3 the best handling car for any money. Obviously one major hurdle you are going to have is finding one in good, preferably stock, unbeaten condition. They are super-rare even out here car crazy CA. Good luck. __________________ 2010 E90 M3 /SG/FR/6MT...finally here...
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04-19-2010, 07:56 PM	#15
Buschy Colonel 289 Rep 2,496 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas/Fort Worth iTrader: (7)	I found a brand new civic si Mugen still at dealer. lol. Im leaning towards that. __________________
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05-28-2010, 03:06 AM	#17
swamp2 Lieutenant General 611 Rep 10,407 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Diego, CA USA iTrader: (3)	18 or even 19 is way too young even if quite responsible for an E36 M3. JMHO. Go with the Civic, much safer from a design/engineering perspective and because it just won't go as fast. __________________ E92 M3 \| Space Gray on Fox Red \| M-DCT \| CF Roof \| RAC RG63 Wheels \| Brembo 380mm BBK \| \| Vorsteiner Ti Exhaust \| Matte Black Grilles/Side Gills/Rear Emblem/Mirrors \| \| Alekshop Back up Camera \| GP Thunders \| BMW Aluminum Pedals \| Elite Angels \| \| XPEL Full Front Wrap \| Hardwired V1 \| Interior Xenon Light Kit \|
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05-31-2010, 03:38 PM	#18
sig5x Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 212 Posts Drives: e92 ZCP Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I have an 08 Si and I think it would be a great car for an 18 year old. It's a fun car to drive. The engine is smooth, stock handling feel and ride is actually pretty good. The steering is quick and light. The car is somewhat quick and the strong points are good gas mileage, reliability, and day-to-day comfort. The stereo sounds a lot better than my e46 H/K system, and details such as the metal pedals and red stitching are also very nice. Maintenance and parts are pretty cheap, too. Add-on parts are pretty affordable, too, as I bet he might want to do some hand-on upgrades. And it's still plenty of car for an 18 year old. I'm glad I had my barely-100 horsepower car to learn on!! Or did you already buy a car for him? Did you get the Mugen?
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06-01-2010, 08:00 AM	#19
graider Colonel 35 Rep 2,406 Posts Drives: py/kiwi e46 m3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: toronto iTrader: (0)	si hands down. i mean the m3 is old, get the new si.
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06-01-2010, 09:45 AM	#20
Buschy Colonel 289 Rep 2,496 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas/Fort Worth iTrader: (7)	I have not got one yet. might end up with a base model civic, lol. maybe corrola. cobalt , not sure still. __________________
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06-01-2010, 10:05 AM	#21
JetBlackE46 Private First Class 20 Rep 106 Posts Drives: ///M Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	I happen to have a 95 M3 and an 07 Civic EX. I think your son would be better off with the Civic because: 1) Newer car, so less worries about maintenance etc. Parts are cheaper in general for the Civic. 2) He'll probably like the ipod/aux adapter. 3) If he ever did decide to "mod" both cars have tons of parts available. But the SI is pretty good as is. With that said, have you asked him which he wanted?
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