A Short Report on Honda FD2

The Honda FD2 Civic Type-R represents an 'ideal form'. This is an ideal form of my own impression and liking in the many years I start thinking about car seriously and in depth. FD2 is quite a gravitating car in a rather pure form. It is stiff, light, precise, racy, simple, practical, user friendly, reliable, comfortable and heavily engineered. For one, despite its generous size and roominess, it is not a luxury car. It is carefully and elegantly looking, with the right proportion and not heavy handed. It is a family sedan after all.

Fuel comsumption (10-mode) quoted is 11.4km/l, equivalent to 8.8l/100km. Not too bad if one compares with the similarly output 325i (E90) at 9.8l/100km. Weight-wise FD2 at 1260kg is significantly lower than the 1505kg of the 325i. Length-wise, my all-time single measurement of car dimension for everyday driving and parking, 4540mm vs 4531mm. FD2 is a longer car. Wheelbase-wise, 2700mm vs 2760mm. BMW has a longer wheelbase. In terms of power-to-weight ratio FD2's 5.6kg/bhp is more favorable to the 6.9 of the 325i, but close to 330i's 5.7 but loses to 335i's 5.3.

BMW 318i (E46 Year 2000) Black

I drove this black 4-door sedan with curiosity. It was made in South Africa but it was nicely and elegantly put together. Even after 9 years there was still some freshness left. The 1.9L engine was surprisingly refined and completely devoid of vibration typically associated with 4-cylinder engine. Its 4-speed transmission was smooth and seamless and behaved like a gear-less transmission. Despite its humble 1.9L capacity, it has certain degree of flexibility for everyday use and it is willing to rev so the car itself pick up the pace quickly. What it lacked is the power and the effortless fast acceleration required during overtaking. It has to be planned ahead and executed without deviation.

The chassis was solid but yet light weight, reminding me of a Golf or VW construction. There was a lot of refinement in the front seat while at the back the road noise ate away the comfort by a small notch. Handling-wise surprisingly it was not so engaging, perhaps because of the aging shock absorbers which did not damp the car motion well in half of the situation. However the ride was good enough in all situation but the road noise was sensitive to the road surface. As I remembered it wore the Continental Contact Sport 205/50R16 on original BMW 16" alloy rims.

After 500 kms and 10 days I sold the car to a new owner whose family perhaps found themselves to be the first time owning a car or a BMW. I could sense their excitement and happiness around the BMW. It reminded me that I have lost this kind of feeling for a long long time, only slightly reminded when I saw the faces of the new owners when they received the car keys from me.

Good Bye C36 (March 2006 to July 2009)

This would be the final blog entry for the C36. At least in theory unless I have something to write about. Because of the nature of business I am in, I would not be needing the C36 they way I needed to. After considerable thoughts, I was ready to find it a rightful owner. I had the confidence that none in the market would have any C36s (1995) would top off mine in mechanical condition. I would not low-ball the price. I simply asked for an owner who would continue to take care of it, and who would pay a reasonable price. I knew already that unless one is a big fan of C36, he or she would not pay this price for an almost 15-year old. But then again, who would want to pay the huge price tag in 1995 back then for a family sedan with a big 6-cylinder engine.

I have asked myself many times why I not keep the C36, with the hope of it becoming a future classic. Well, then, I think 40 months and 40,000 kms are enough time with one car if one is living in the moment while owning and driving it. My curiosity towards other cars have grown. It is time to move forward.

The C36 AMG has finally left. We advertised and completed the sale in one week. We found a nice couple who would take good care of the C36. All seem satisfied. And I was slightly proud of the fact that the C36 passed the detailed inspection at HP Auto with satisfactory result and condition. Just minor oil marks and very slow leaks were reported. Anyway it was finally gone and we would both miss it.

Replacing the 1995 C36 at this moment is a 2000 BMW 323Ci convertible. It is completely different car as it lacks the punch and power of the big straight six of C36. The power delivery can only be said as gradual, ultra smooth and creamy at best. I would say it is a kind of slow. However it comes back with a rare sense of luxury and elegance seldom found in most of the other luxury cars, even though many times the price of the 323Ci. It is a total relaxing drive all the time.

Fancy about the AMG C36 companion or replacement

Right now I really have zero complaints about the AMG C36. It has served its purpose faithfully and quietly for the past 4 - 6 weeks since the last time when the air conditioning was overhauled. As all of you know the fuel cost nowadays are quite frightening. And as a result some oldies are becoming available today. Of course it is always logical either to keep what I already have due to the higher switching cost, or going to some smaller econonbox. The added fuel expense can be offset by lowering daily running cost or fuel cost, or by taking public transportation. As a matter of fact I have been seeking ways to reduce the running costs, and treat it as a hobby.

Since I have sold my DC2 in July I have no more race car that I can do street or track racing. My motoring experience has been reduced to strictly common level communting among familiar places. I still can feel some sort of fire buring inside but not great enough to motivate me to do anything crazy. I consider this a benefit of getting old, and an opportunty to save money that I have already wasted too much in my long youthful years.

C36 - Towards its 14th Year and 4th Year of My Ownership

I have been semi-actively seeking a replacement since last Christmas, despite of the poor economy. I had the wish to find a good deal. The fact is that the price has dropped a lot, and there are a lot of cars for sale. But the one has not come up.

I must say the C36 has aged so nicely and well. I don't find much tear, wear and deterioration. Other than the scratches, dents and dimples that are often unavoidable, its paintwork has actually improved each time when it is waxed. I have thought serveral times to have a complete repaint, but have given up as it still carries its original paint. I did replace the two front lamps and side indicator lamps as they were not expensive. The old ones had grown very dim and some parts got very hot because of poor and oxidized electrical connections.

Toyota Surprise (Part 1)

I can never associate excitement and sweet surprise with a Toyota. But it is true that the 3.5L Camry will outrun C36 any time, any gear and any speed. This car will judder its front wheels scrapping for traction in first, and SECOND gear. Amazing power and smooth generous torque. I can here I confirm its 280ps is as real as the 268ps of the C36. The Camry is big and in tight spots it really feels like parking a big boat. Otherwise its quick, direct and responsive steering does the job. No disappointment here as its turning circle was another surprise. The long car length does not help but I think it is overall manageable.

This is a weekend rental from Toyota-rent-a-car. The 2007 Camry is the only 3.5L on the lot in metallic grey color. The car isn't light, but it isn't 'very' heavy. Again, I would say it is manageable if it isn't pushed. The front tires are under-spec'ed at 215/65R16.

I remember when the Camry first came out in 2006 Tiki and I were among the first to have the test drive. Subsequently I opted for the C36 at a fraction of the cost, and patiently waited for the second-hand Camry, ideally in two to three years time. Now the moment has come to evaluate the situation.

This is only the first half-day with the Camry. I will write more during and after the weekend.