03-02-2014, 10:29 AM
(02-02-2014, 11:19 PM)C.A.R. Wrote: The BMW rental we had was a manual, but it just didn't feel like it had any 'go' in it. It was quick, would reach motorway cruising speed well before your average length slip road and into 3 figures by the end of it (not that I'd know of course) I just got the feeling that being driven in anger wasn't being very sympathetic to the car!
Still, to the case in point, a petrol is going to be more of a laugh on the track. What's more, if you have a problem on a track day it's way easier to diagnose a straightforward n/a petrol than an upset diesel.
I used to have an '07 120d and thought the engine was brilliant for a DERV, only bettered by the BMW 3ltr diesel. Mine was the 177bhp lump, and more with the remap (in the 200bhp area). They tend to feel like they have no go, because the torque is well spread across the rev range. In reality, they're fairly quick. Mine with the remap would probably scare my 205Mi in a straight line.
Can't see how a DERV can be 'fun' on a track though but that's me. Maybe I'll give one a go some day and I'll be enlightened. I done a lap of the 'Ring in the 120d, although not quite pushing it as it was dense fog and rain (quick enough to overtake a caged Ring Racer car though), but that was nowhere near as fun as the 205 in the same conditions.