All of these "doesn't handle well enough" comments need some perspective

Originally Posted by Jamesonsviggen

The v6 Mustang had the shoes and suspension of the GT. The v6 is no longer a dog and is a 13 second car.

The Cobalt SS had the FWD record for the Ring for awhile and made its crank hp at the wheels.

Both cars not to be underestimated.

this + 1

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

Yeah, well that's fine, we all get it. 3 Series can be driven on the track competently.

That box is checked off, we can move on now.

The issue isn't whether or not the F30 can be tracked; the issue is that it's being compared to older 3 Series that were more trackworthy when that's not the F30's primary purpose. Nothing negative should be said about the F30 and it's racing ability because it's not designed to be that anymore.

BJ

The 3 Series was never designed to be a race car with the possible exception of the very first (very limited production) iteration of the M3. The 3 Series was always intended to be a passenger car that combined performance, convenience and day to day usability which it still is.

CA

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

The issue isn't whether or not the F30 can be tracked; the issue is that it's being compared to older 3 Series that were more trackworthy when that's not the F30's primary purpose. Nothing negative should be said about the F30 and it's racing ability because it's not designed to be that anymore.

BJ

I think it is designed for the track as much as ever. I haven't seen anything that says the F30 is less of a track car than any previous 3 series. Maybe you have to be more careful which options you get, but other than that . . .

Originally Posted by captainaudio

How did they differ in terms of the way they drove?

CA

Not surprisingly I preferred the 6-speed manual with sport package...The Sport car had a bit more grip thanks to the tires, and there was less body roll with the M Adaptive. I had no trouble keeping up with the A+ students in their track prepped cars, except that I was being very cautious under braking being on the stock (aka piss poor) pads.

But the base car was impressive in its own right. Very neutral, minimal roll and it never felt like it was on the bump stops. Even the automatic was usually in the right gear and quick to down shift when necessary. The base seats have less lateral support but are still fine.

What impresses me with this chassis is how well the understeer is contained. This is the most neutral BMW chassis I have driven in a while. The rear placement of the motor allows for super crisp turn-in and none of that pesky plowing if you over-cook corner entry. The chassis is just so well balanced it is amazing.

What I really want to do is find a flood damaged car, strip it, put in a stand-alone ecu, a cage, suspension, brakes and make it into a club race car. In all sincerity I think the F30 328i platform would make an excellent club racer!

Originally Posted by Jamesonsviggen

The v6 Mustang had the shoes and suspension of the GT. The v6 is no longer a dog and is a 13 second car.

The Cobalt SS had the FWD record for the Ring for awhile and made its crank hp at the wheels.

Both cars not to be underestimated.

+1. Good vids of a Cobalt SS on the track http://www.youtube.com/user/wangspeed

I know i wont have to upgrade anything and itll perform well until i get to instructor driving level. With better tires than my current ventus it should be a tad better as well i dare say.

Can we say that the f30 handles like a 3 series should??

Great car regardless of how previous models did.