Like many car enthusiasts, I’ve always been drawn to the allure of a sports car. The thrill of performance, the unique styling, and the sheer joy of driving something special – it’s a powerful combination. Recently, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what I truly need and want in a vehicle, even my “fun” car. This led me down a path of considering different models, and surprisingly, questioning if a dedicated sports car, like the 2023 Supra, is still the perfect fit for my lifestyle.
For context, I currently drive a 2023 Audi RS3, a fantastic machine in its own right, and previously owned an older generation RS3. The latest model is undeniably an improvement in every aspect and served as my only car for several months. The five-cylinder engine is truly something special, but lately, my thoughts have been drifting towards different driving experiences.
What sparked this shift? Surprisingly, it was getting a new Honda Civic Hatchback. This car has been a revelation. Honda has truly engineered a remarkable vehicle – incredibly well-thought-out and meticulously built. Living in an area with frequent stop-and-go traffic, I’ve found the RS3, particularly its DSG transmission, can be a bit tiresome for everyday driving. Perhaps years of driving Audi/VW DSGs have led to this, but their behavior in typical daily commutes, constantly prioritizing fuel economy and shifting to higher gears, creates a sense of sluggishness and delay. While the DSG is exceptional for performance driving, the reality is that 95% of my driving is not performance-oriented. The RS3’s glorious five-cylinder engine is a joy during spirited drives, but it’s not the smoothest powerplant for everyday use. Coupled with the RS3’s rarity, I find myself hesitant to drive it in certain situations or less desirable areas. In contrast, the Civic is a stress-free experience. It’s quiet, fuel-efficient, well-built, and I simply don’t worry about it.
This brings me back to the question of a “fun weekend car,” or a special vehicle like the RS3 or, indeed, a 2023 Supra. The obvious solution might seem to be keeping the Supra as a dedicated fun car. However, I’m realizing that my personality leans towards owning cars that are not only special but also genuinely enjoyable and practical in daily driving. This is where cars like the BMW M240i, or even an M340i, come into the picture. The combination of BMW’s B58 engine and ZF transmission is widely praised as being exceptional, offering a significant improvement in daily driving comfort without sacrificing too much in terms of outright speed and power. Furthermore, I personally prefer the overall feel of BMW’s infotainment system and interior quality compared to Audi.
Another option could be to keep my Mazda 3 for situations where I’d rather not take a “nice car” and complement it with an M240i. This would provide a substantial upgrade in daily driving enjoyment, although perhaps lacking some of the “specialness” of a 2023 Supra. As I get older, while my inner car enthusiast still craves a sports car, I’m increasingly valuing a car that feels like a complete and high-quality package overall. The 2023 Supra is undoubtedly a fantastic sports car, but the question remains: is it the right kind of fantastic for my current needs and driving preferences? Perhaps the versatility and daily drivability of something like an M240i might ultimately be a more satisfying choice.
