Well I'm new to this forum. I'm considering a purchase of a new vehicle in the next few weeks. I'm looking at the Evo and one of its <ahem> competitors. Also a BMW 330i with the Performance Package, I think that might be a better investment if not as fast etc. I don't need to hear reasons why the Evo is better than said <cough> competitor, just what the RPM and MPG is at about 75 mph in 5th gear.

I have to say the dealer mark up is seriously turning me off though.

Thanks guys.

 

RebelYell,

The Evo's Final Drive Ratio is 4.529, and each gear ratio is:
1st 2.928
2nd 1.950
3rd 1.407
4th 1.031
5th 0.720
Reverse 3.416

So the overall ratio in 5th gear is 4.529 * .720 = 3.261

The revs per mile for a 235/45WR17 93W Yokohama A046 tire is 822 (from Tire Rack).

822 revs/mile * 75 miles/hr * 1 hr/60 min * 3.261 = 3350 rpm

 

ru4real, Thanks man. You're the kinda guy I like to see on the forums I'm on.

 

hee hee look at all that math...

I drive 75 a lot... confirmed it's right around 3300RPM. Since that's at the beginnning of the power curve top gear passing is like none other.

My avg MPG is 21-22... I drive about 60% highway miles.

Test drive an Evo, remember to go over a few bumps then test drive a 330i (bah get the ix if you're going BMW's way) on those same bumps.

You'll know what car to buy from there.

 

I don't think that any of the cars you mentioned should be looked at in terms of MPG. Maybe if you were talking about a Mazda 626 or Accord that would be important. If you are worried about the money and economy remember the STI and the EVO need premium, so that is your expense, not the fuel economy. Just a though about BMW's the 3 series replacement will be out in 2 years I think, and also what's the deal with the same orange glow in the BMW cars? They haven't changed them in over 20 years, and some other less expensive cars have nicer gauge dosplays. Just my .02 STI

 

Well I suppose it depends on how you look at the MPG question. I drive a Tahoe with some toys on it and I get around 11 - 11.5 MPG and I use regular. If my gas costs go down even with the use of premium I'm all the happier. More money for me to put towards a set of track wheels and tires, right?

I would go test drive one but the ^&%(% dealerships around here won't let you test drive until RIGHT before you sign the final papers. Apparently "more than 5 or 6 miles on the odometer will cause it to lose its collector value" WTF is what I said. Did I mention the 5k mark up around here?

I konw the new 3 series is coming out in 2 years. By all accounts it will be as ugly as the 7 series and the new 5 series. I'm a car nut and I research the hell out of the cars I buys o don't worry I take all this into account.

 

If you are torn between a few different marques - and one of them includes the great Bavarian - I would tell you the same thing that has been said before in other posts: the Evo drives well when driven hard. I know this is a little more introspective than you had originally requested, but bear with me for a moment.

The EVO is an excellent car at it's limits, but there's a price to pay for it: spartan interior (even the Cobra gets leather!), import styling (mildly put), quirky engine (off turbo, it's a different beast completely). Before anybody gets their panties in a bunch, please keep in mind that I drive one and love it!

Quite honestly, the EVO is a real blast to drive, but if you are considering simply driving it daily around town and not really pushing it to the limits (of handling and power, and I'm not talking about mods), then I would recommend pursuing the Bimmer. The 330ci is a fun car to drive at any range, and wraps you in succulent luxury at the same time. Very few marques have been able to successfully replicate the driving experience that BMW delivers. The EVO comes close - it far exceeds it when being pushed - but the 330 delivers more consistently in more areas.

Of course, even with the dealer markup, you are going to have a hard time finding a well equipped 330ci with pricing comparable to the EVO.

The EVO is an incredible blast to drive, but it begs to be exercised like a true thoroughbred - neither you nor the vehicle will be happy if it is kept cooped up on traffic-laden surface streets.

As for >ahem< other, more directly competitive marques, well, time can only tell, but it appears they may prove to be a happy medium between the Evo and the 3 series (with a slight lean towards the EVO perhaps). If you like the ability to tote passengers around in relative comfort, don't forget to check out the RX-8 as it will also serve up a nice alternative compromise.

Whatever you get, enjoy it and motor on!

-Josh

 

Thanks that was a good post. I tend to drive pretty hard. I've been stopped a few times for the Scandinavian flicks (WRC style) I practice in my Tahoe on campus.

Yeah the 330I is about another 10 grande if you look at MSRP but I won't be paying anywhere near MSRP for the bimmer.

I figure I'm a aggresive to moderately aggressive driver. It would be easier for me to pay for the Evo or the <cough> competition than a Bimmer. But there's sort of the long term to think about as far as resale etc. For me a car is an investment, but also a passion so I'm torn between the two. Thanks for the help.

 

Hi and welcome to the forum!

TaiwanEvo ---------> go to your room.

In terms of MPG, I'm getting 21 to 23 in town with my EVO. You can easily cut that in half by driving the car faster. You might consider posting a thread that you are looking for an EVO owner in your area who would be willing to take you for a spin. Many owners are willing to show their cars to fellow enthusiast.

Also, the 5K M/U will disappear as soon as they know you are serious. Do like I did... tell 'em your 4 favorite letters are M S R & P. Worked for me.

nynguah wrote an excellent perspective and I would second the fact that the EVO is for those "Easy Rider" moments which only can be delivered by an "incontinent mongoose". (quote from a car mag relative to the EVO).

Have fun and good luck with your new car!

Speedlimit........

 

I would've advised you to get a 330 diesel, if it were only available in the states

My next car will be a 330d for sure. 300lb ft of torque and 35-40mpg, combined with the luxury and comforts of a BMW sounds very GOOD to me. Damn public perception of diesel :-/

Hey, I'm going to head over to a BMW meet at Papa's BBQ in N. Dallas May 10th, so perhaps I can take you out for a spin in my car when I'm up there. Just IM me on AIM and we'll go from there. I understand how the car buying process would be, since I was torn between a 330Ci coupe and a Evo, but in the end, I chose the latter for obvious reasons

 

Check out Don Herring North (plano parkway). I test drove the Evo there a couple of weeks ago and the salesman (Charles) was fine about it. He didn't check my credit like he said he would.

I asked him about pricing and he basically said they were no longer charging a markup. They have 8 in their inventory.