[1fastredsc]

Yeah i drove the rx-8. It's the only car i think that came close the razor sharp "point and shoot" handling of my old 911sc that i used to have. The 3 with it's weight up front isn't quite that point and shoot, but is more comparable to the directional change and feel of a 944 to me (although at the limits probably won't be as neutral). I'm looking at the 3 mainly because of the 5door with the cargo room for everyday driving and decent fuel economy otherwise i'd take a serious look at the rx8 for some track day's and auto crossing (maybe when i'm out of college i can revisit that idea).

I drove the 5 speed automatic sport shift (has the manual mode option). I think it's the best compromise for me since my wife cannot drive a standard, and i need some shifting fun because i've always driven manuals. So with the sport auto i can flip into manual mode and select gears, gives me the impression that i have gear change control even though i know better.

I got the same feel from the civic, matrix and such. Civic was a long shot anyhow since we don't get the hatchback version here and i'd like the cargo room since it would be my only vehicle, and the matrix i would have fallen asleep driving it.