Originally Posted by sstevojr

Despite me being upset for you bringing this back to life......best comment in the whole thread

Originally Posted by Uscbryan

Just out of curiosity, I wonder which car would be quicker around the track with a relatively NOOB to tacking their car? Do you think the Evo would have a chance because of all the assistance it gives you if the same NOOB would try both cars on the track?

Originally Posted by bLiTzKrG

In my opinion - cars are all about compromises these days, but some more than others. The Evo is usually more focused on sheer performance than most in its price range (e.g. trades smooth ride for handling, trades luxury for better performance, etc....) The more money you throw at something the less you have to compromise potentially (except you are comprising on total costs). I have had many different cars over the years and to me, a more performance focused over luxurious car is what I like. Here are my opinions of the cars you listed:

EVO = great handling, looks, seats, power, and mod-ability: compromises = gas mileage, luxury, trunk space.
335XI = good handling, looks, luxury, easy to power mod: compromises = handling as suspension is more for comfort, mod-ability besides power = costly, maintenance outside of warranty = $$
A5 = decent handling, awesome interiors, luxury, looks: compromises = handling as suspension is more for comfort, tend to understeer more than others listed, mod-ability = costly if not T model especially), maintenance outside of warranty = $$
M3 = great handling, looks, luxury, power: compromises = rear wheel drive only, costly maintenance, mod-ability = costly + harder to add more power (although very powerful to start)

For me, the EVO gives me everything that I want. Ability to carve up a road, add power for less $$ if desired, looks good, goes fast. I only drive 10 miles each way to work on back roads and it is a blast every day. I have the luxury of also having a pickup truck to haul shiz around + my wife's CX-9 to take on long trips when comfort is more of a concern. I have had Honda's-->VW's-->Audi's, and BMW's prior to my EVO and don't regret which compromises I "made" for the EVO. I only have a GSR since I have grown even less concerned with interior niceness / prestige and such (although I once did having driven German cars most my life).

In your case not really having had a performance car in the past, you will enjoy any of them but honestly if you are unsure, I bet the 335XI would be the most rounded of them all simply because it is a jack of all trades master of none type car. (read more balanced compromises while still fun / fast). It's really a personal thing that you have to decide for yourself what you like / prefer. You will only be disappointed that you didn't get the EVO if ultimate performance ends up being your most desired thing you want from a car without spending a mint.

Good Luck - wish I had your "dilemma" when I was younger.