Everyday Driver » EPISODES

BMW M3 Comparison: E46 vs E90

Todd — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:46:38 +0000

Love them or hate them, BMW is the king of the fast sedan. They pioneered the category and continue to astound journalists and owners alike with every “M” badge. Even the bizarre choices like the X5M and X6M are amazing to drive in spite of their absurd and pointless existence.

But M cars don’t come cheap, as they always require a hefty premium over the already expensive BMW lineup. Thankfully, the used market allows these cars to drop into the realm of the budget conscious. And now that a new 3 series has been released, a new M3 is forthcoming and bound to drive used prices down even further.

Both of these M3 generations (the E46 & E90) can be found for under $50,000. And great mountain roads can be found for free. This was a good day.

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Thanks for watching, and we welcome your comments below!

Fiat 500 vs. Mini Cooper & Honda CR-Z

Todd — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 01:14:55 +0000

Now that Fiat owns Chrysler, the Italian carmaker is returning to the US market for the first time since 1983. Leading the charge is the Fiat 500, hoping to cash in on the same “cute & fun” traits which made the Mini Cooper so popular.

So it seemed quite obvious that we should compare the Fiat to the Mini, but we wanted another car to go with them. After a bit of thinking we realized the Honda CRZ is similar in price (around $20,000), stats (around 110hp), and even in its goal to offer styling and performance.

The Mini rules this segment. Fiat is the upstart. The Honda is the oddball. And the roads of Southern California are the playground.

CR-Z vs. 500 vs. MINI

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CTS vs 335is vs S5

Todd — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:17:36 +0000

Cadillac wants to be taken seriously alongside the best German automakers. But the Germans invented the Sports sedan segment and aren’t looking to take on new members. GM refuses to be ignored, and with their latest generation CTS, they strive to provide every option possible.

So we got a new CTS coupe and decided to place it against its closest competitors in price, power, and options. The result is this three part match-up between the Cadillac CTS Coupe, BMW 335is, & Audi S5. These cars aim at the same target from three very different starting positions and we drove them in three completely different conditions.

Watch it in full screen HD, and enjoy!

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Which would you pick? And what do you require in a Sports Coupe or Sports Sedan? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

RX-8 vs G37S vs Genesis

Todd — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:01:38 +0000

Between the two seat sports car and the four seat sedan lives the 2+2 coupe. This designation is reserved for cars built with similar intentions as a traditional sports car (2 seats) but a nod to those who might need a little extra capacity (+2). In many cases the back seats are just props for your insurance company, but sometimes they actually add an extra bit of usability to a car. And even though many mid-sized sedans are offered as 2+2 coupes, their are very few purpose built 2+2 sports cars. An affordable rear-wheel-drive model is even more rare.

We gathered up three 2+2 competitors with different inceptions and similar goals: the unique and aging RX-8, the upstart Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and the luxurious Infiniti G37s.

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What’s your favorite? Is there a 2+2 which should be in our next comparison? Share your comments below.

Hot Hatches: ’10 Speed3 vs. GTI vs. C30

Todd — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:07:52 +0000

We love a good fast hatchback. These little cars set out to be all things to all people, with speed and genuine usable space. The VW GTI started the trend in the seventies, and nearly every brand has tried one since. For years Europe has loved them, and finally the U.S. market is starting to get some great options.

So, Paul and Todd gathered up three very different approaches to this all-in-one idea and went in search of a showdown. But they found out that while they may seem the same at first, these cars are very different and the guys couldn’t disagree more.

Here’s the full 2010 comparison of the MazdaSpeed 3, the VW GTI, and the Volvo C30.

And be sure to watch it full screen!

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Hatchbacks, love them or hate them? Do you own one and disagree with the guys? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Muscle Cars: ’10 Mustang GT vs. Camaro SS

Todd — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:32:36 +0000

Ever since we reviewed the resurgence of the Dodge Challenger, we’ve wanted to put the 2010 Mustang GT and 2010 Camaro SS head to head. Now we’ve finally grabbed both the icons, found an amazing road, and pretended it was 1969.

Except, in this era of MPG concerns, Hybrids, and alternative fuel, do these big V8 monsters still bring anything worthwhile? Plus, it isn’t 1969 anymore. And we really like twisty mountain roads. So this will either prove these cars can now corner, or end in a flaming crash.

Either way, strap in for a full side-by-side with the Coke & Pepsi of muscle.

Watch this review LARGER.

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Have a thought on these “Old is New Again” muscle cars? Share it in the comments.

370z vs. 350z vs. 300zx

Todd — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 05:30:17 +0000

Ever since Nissan’s 240z, the “Z-cars” have been lust-worthy. And with the introduction of the 370z, we knew it was worth gathering up the two prior generations and shooting an all-out comparison.

So with a 370z, a 350z, and a Twin Turbo 300zx we headed to some spectacular mountain roads to find which Z is first. Because great cars aren’t always the newest cars. And no matter how thin your wallet gets, there’s fun to be had.

Sit back, and watch this LARGER.

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If you own a Z and need it worked on, try the guys at Specialty Z. The best on the West Coast!

And include your thoughts about Nissan Z Cars in the comments below.

Mini Clubman & MazdaSpeed3

Todd — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:02:38 +0000

More fun in Hot Hatchbacks. We love that these little do-it-alls strive to be as good on a mountain road as the are in the parking lot. So, just like part one, we’re exploring the most extreme uses of these cars. Sitting in traffic vs. Slinging on track.

In this second part, we have the Mini Clubman and the MazdaSpeed3.

The Clubman is the bigger more usable Mini, but upgraded with the John Cooper Works Package for extra craziness. And the MazdaSpeed3 takes the great 3 wagon and puts a bomb under the hood.

We like this job.

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Love Hatchbacks or hate them? Comment in the forums…

Volvo C30 & Suzuki SX4t

Todd — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 04:36:50 +0000

We love Hot Hatchbacks. They are the perfect mix of reality and insanity. But they all have their own quirks and strengths. Last year we sat in them at the LA Autoshow and debated what they’d feel like in traffic. This year we tossed them around a track to see the other extreme.

In this first of two parts, we have the Suzuki SX4t and the Volvo C30.

The SX4t is an aftermarket test bed for Suzuki. The C30 is a bone stock dip into a new market for Volvo.

Either way, this is a great way to travel.

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Love Hatchbacks or hate them? Comment in the forums…

Everyday Dream Car…

Todd — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 04:35:44 +0000

We recently had the chance to push Everyday Driver cars to the limit at a Track. Over two days we compiled tons of footage to share over the next few months. But, like everyone else, we do dream about cars we can’t possibly afford.

Essentially, Paul and Todd are overgrown five year olds. So when given the rare opportunity to drive the Audi R8 Supercar, they jumped at the chance. And of course, we wanted to share it with you.

We will soon return to our regular programming. A long awaited Hot-Hatchback comparison starring the Volvo C30, Suzuki SX4T, Mini Clubman S, and the MazdaSpeed3.

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Do you want to see more exotic cars like this? Vote in the forums…