I cant decide, I want a less refined car, I'm driving an m3 now, and I want to downsize to a car that's more fun, without breaking the speed limit by a factor of 2

I just cant decide if I want to go turbo or sc, it seems like the SC can make 230 hp with mods, which is plenty for a FWD car

it comes down to the more refined ride (worse?!?) and better mileage on the new 07 mcs, along with 10k more on thne price tag


thoughts?

 

Lots of threads on the '07 vs the '06 and prior (R56 vs R53). The "improvements" (de-provements to you, perhaps?) are incremental, both are go-kartish compared to your M3. Only way to tell is to drive 'em back to back, easiest way to do that is to drive an '07 tin-top then an '07 convertible, since the convertible is still made on the R53 chassis.

I drive my '06 (stock Checkmate MCS, but a strong one) and the '07 MCS on the track last winter back to back. Compared to my '06, the '07 has
- better seats
- marginally better ergonomics (they're both quirky)
- marginally better power, noticable especially between 2000 and 2700RPM
- no supercharger whine :(
- a more bulbous hood (I'm partial to the R53's looks)
- more refined ride (moderately noticable on the track, didn't drive it on rough pavement - but then again the '07 I drove was on stock 16" wheels and stock S suspension, while mine's the MCS "sport" suspension on 16" snows)

I actually really liked the '07 interior, it looks crappy, kind of GM-ish in pictures but in the metal it really works.

Hope that helps. If it were me I'd go for a lightly-loved '06, perhaps grab a few aftermarket options in the bargain. Normal used-car buying rules apply (mechanical insp., carfax, etc).