[mantronic]

I agree with alot of the stuff on this thread and have also always hated turbos with a passion. Each to their own, but not for me thanks.

I would always prefer my HP to be NA for the performance characteristics (look at an sti performance curve against an M or porsche)

I would also prefer predominantly factory HP so that the performance characteristics are properly considered and not just largely a suck and see result or long term trial and error (ie give me a 340v8 mobile over an aftermarket Fi anyday irrespective of cost and HP).

I will only end up with big HP when my budget will allow me to get the kind of performance and drivability that you buy from a good factory.

I hear from "experts" that it is easy to get big hp from an engine by sacrificing NVH (noise vibration harshness) and drivability. EG I read that setting up plenum tubes on the intake of an NA engine can give good max power numbers for HP whores, but it can be impossible to live with daily.

Enter BMW - The old M5 managed to re engineer a manifold or something to give apround 240kw from the old six and still keep it silky smooth with good low rev drivability.

As far as japanese cars go, im a nissan fan and had an n14 and n15 sss. Fast and powerful yes but the idle was rough as guts which I found embarrasing when I had passengers and tiring the rest of the time. And the ride and handling were below what you should have expected from a car in the 90s.

I regularly want to place an order for the new z (M3 acceleration for 320 price) as we need a second car but I know that the performance will come at a large sacrifice of smoothness and comfort if not balance.

It sounds trival, but over time it becomes a real bore in comparison to the glass of water on block engine smoothness of a BMW (M or not) or lexus or any other maker that goes for quality over quantity when it comes to HP.

I also couldnt do without the alloy supension,low unsprung weight,overdone chassis and suspension, obsessive weight distribution and ride vs performance balance of the BMWs.

My car has the same 105kw as my old nissans but the quality and delivery of that power, together with the handling and ride, is why IMHO real BMW enthusiasts buy BMWs over other cars.

*super rant mode off*