Just how good are they - nowadays?
Discussion
Been snooping around for a while now in between posting on the HSV forum. Interested in just how well the E46 CSL actually handles compared to something like a GT3/Turbo 997? Thinking of getting one within the next 12 months as I got on really well with my old modded 330ci sport a few yrs ago, just a bit concerned that the performance is not so dramatic now with all the advances in engine performance (ie 335d and petrols). I will shortly have silly peformance back with the SC Monaro but like the idea of something that can really be pushed hard in the corners - ie Ring, Spa etc.
Sooooo.... if driven well can you stay with exotic stuff?
Sooooo.... if driven well can you stay with exotic stuff?
Standard they are awesome. With the geometry sorted and Michelin PS Cups they are even more so.
Plus the sound of the CSL is just so addictive - makes you feel like a hooligan when you press the sport button and give it beans
It is very closely matched to a GT3 and a world apart from any diesel - it's not all about straight line or in gear performance.
Plus the sound of the CSL is just so addictive - makes you feel like a hooligan when you press the sport button and give it beans
It is very closely matched to a GT3 and a world apart from any diesel - it's not all about straight line or in gear performance.
For places like the Ring and Spa, you will be hard pushed to better a well set-up CSL for the money - there may be faster cars in straight lines, but chances are you would be entering the straight at a higher speed in the CSL and generally maintaining a higher corner speed and lateral grip in the CSL compared to many other "faster" cars.
You know it makes sense
You know it makes sense
Edited by terryb on Saturday 2nd January 18:26
Agree with terryb ^^^
My car has no trouble keeping up with more exotic machinery on track...
A CSL is more accessible and easier to exploit around tracks than many other 'performance' cars. I have a friend who owns a 997 GT3 as well as a CSL and he prefers the CSL on track by a fair margin. CSLs are also cheaper than ever to buy and relatively cheap to run too.
My car has no trouble keeping up with more exotic machinery on track...
A CSL is more accessible and easier to exploit around tracks than many other 'performance' cars. I have a friend who owns a 997 GT3 as well as a CSL and he prefers the CSL on track by a fair margin. CSLs are also cheaper than ever to buy and relatively cheap to run too.
gareth h said:
Roger
I think the performance of a csl will be a bit disappointing after your Ro, obviously the handling will be in a different league, but my M3 felt a bit gutless after my standard Ro (although I wouldn't go back), thought about an M5?
Hi G, thats what worries me, speed is not everything but I do like it! Might see if I can get a cheap M3 for work and mod that instead since my new job means I will be home based most of the time. I think the performance of a csl will be a bit disappointing after your Ro, obviously the handling will be in a different league, but my M3 felt a bit gutless after my standard Ro (although I wouldn't go back), thought about an M5?
glendog74 said:
Agree with terryb ^^^
My car has no trouble keeping up with more exotic machinery on track...
A CSL is more accessible and easier to exploit around tracks than many other 'performance' cars. I have a friend who owns a 997 GT3 as well as a CSL and he prefers the CSL on track by a fair margin. CSLs are also cheaper than ever to buy and relatively cheap to run too.
..... and is a future classicMy car has no trouble keeping up with more exotic machinery on track...
A CSL is more accessible and easier to exploit around tracks than many other 'performance' cars. I have a friend who owns a 997 GT3 as well as a CSL and he prefers the CSL on track by a fair margin. CSLs are also cheaper than ever to buy and relatively cheap to run too.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/used_car_...
S800VXR said:
gareth h said:
Roger
I think the performance of a csl will be a bit disappointing after your Ro, obviously the handling will be in a different league, but my M3 felt a bit gutless after my standard Ro (although I wouldn't go back), thought about an M5?
Hi G, thats what worries me, speed is not everything but I do like it! Might see if I can get a cheap M3 for work and mod that instead since my new job means I will be home based most of the time. I think the performance of a csl will be a bit disappointing after your Ro, obviously the handling will be in a different league, but my M3 felt a bit gutless after my standard Ro (although I wouldn't go back), thought about an M5?
I have a more focused and hardcore car now (996 GT3 which has been very well modified) and still have very fond memories of the CSL - I would have another one in the future, in addition to the GT3
Plenty of info here:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Gear_test_track
gareth h said:
Roger
I think the performance of a csl will be a bit disappointing after your Ro, obviously the handling will be in a different league, but my M3 felt a bit gutless after my standard Ro (although I wouldn't go back), thought about an M5?
check this out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZL7T9BD_Q3k if you think this is disappointing i'll sell my csl and but a priusI think the performance of a csl will be a bit disappointing after your Ro, obviously the handling will be in a different league, but my M3 felt a bit gutless after my standard Ro (although I wouldn't go back), thought about an M5?
Csl on track for the money is fantastic, and will in the right hands stay with gt3s not to take any thing away from the porkers as I love them had a 996 turbo for 2 years and loved every min of it.
The 996 turbo is much easier to drive quickly on the road (which is why they go quite well around the ring) but the csl is so much more exciting, the noise is just so addictive. you have to drive the csl more ,and what I think I am trying to say in a cak handed way , is isn’t that what we all love the actual pleasure of driving.
I still have my csl now after nearly 3 years which is a new record for me. Just get one with up rated brakes, and I would be very careful regarding suspension, unless you are Tec god stay with good quality 1 way adjustable, they are much simpler to mess with. Stiff for smooth and dry softer for bumpy (i.e. the ring) really soft when it’s wet? I have too many chums with 2 and 3 way that when on track days they never alter there stuff as it’s too much hassle. seems daft to me ( unless you love tinkering then I do get that )
as for the 335d they are fab fun I have one with a chip on it and its bloody fast , in a straight line ( quicker than csl )! steering is quite good but bit dead and when you throw it in to a corner you soon get a big surge of lard as it must be around 300kg more than the csl as a day to day car its fantastic.
Good look (if you are in the north email me and you can have a run in both if that helps)
The 996 turbo is much easier to drive quickly on the road (which is why they go quite well around the ring) but the csl is so much more exciting, the noise is just so addictive. you have to drive the csl more ,and what I think I am trying to say in a cak handed way , is isn’t that what we all love the actual pleasure of driving.
I still have my csl now after nearly 3 years which is a new record for me. Just get one with up rated brakes, and I would be very careful regarding suspension, unless you are Tec god stay with good quality 1 way adjustable, they are much simpler to mess with. Stiff for smooth and dry softer for bumpy (i.e. the ring) really soft when it’s wet? I have too many chums with 2 and 3 way that when on track days they never alter there stuff as it’s too much hassle. seems daft to me ( unless you love tinkering then I do get that )
as for the 335d they are fab fun I have one with a chip on it and its bloody fast , in a straight line ( quicker than csl )! steering is quite good but bit dead and when you throw it in to a corner you soon get a big surge of lard as it must be around 300kg more than the csl as a day to day car its fantastic.
Good look (if you are in the north email me and you can have a run in both if that helps)
simple simon said:
Csl on track for the money is fantastic, and will in the right hands stay with gt3s not to take any thing away from the porkers as I love them had a 996 turbo for 2 years and loved every min of it.
The 996 turbo is much easier to drive quickly on the road (which is why they go quite well around the ring) but the csl is so much more exciting, the noise is just so addictive. you have to drive the csl more ,and what I think I am trying to say in a cak handed way , is isn’t that what we all love the actual pleasure of driving.
I still have my csl now after nearly 3 years which is a new record for me. Just get one with up rated brakes, and I would be very careful regarding suspension, unless you are Tec god stay with good quality 1 way adjustable, they are much simpler to mess with. Stiff for smooth and dry softer for bumpy (i.e. the ring) really soft when it’s wet? I have too many chums with 2 and 3 way that when on track days they never alter there stuff as it’s too much hassle. seems daft to me ( unless you love tinkering then I do get that )
as for the 335d they are fab fun I have one with a chip on it and its bloody fast , in a straight line ( quicker than csl )! steering is quite good but bit dead and when you throw it in to a corner you soon get a big surge of lard as it must be around 300kg more than the csl as a day to day car its fantastic.
Good look (if you are in the north email me and you can have a run in both if that helps)
Impeccable taste you have in cars SS The 996 turbo is much easier to drive quickly on the road (which is why they go quite well around the ring) but the csl is so much more exciting, the noise is just so addictive. you have to drive the csl more ,and what I think I am trying to say in a cak handed way , is isn’t that what we all love the actual pleasure of driving.
I still have my csl now after nearly 3 years which is a new record for me. Just get one with up rated brakes, and I would be very careful regarding suspension, unless you are Tec god stay with good quality 1 way adjustable, they are much simpler to mess with. Stiff for smooth and dry softer for bumpy (i.e. the ring) really soft when it’s wet? I have too many chums with 2 and 3 way that when on track days they never alter there stuff as it’s too much hassle. seems daft to me ( unless you love tinkering then I do get that )
as for the 335d they are fab fun I have one with a chip on it and its bloody fast , in a straight line ( quicker than csl )! steering is quite good but bit dead and when you throw it in to a corner you soon get a big surge of lard as it must be around 300kg more than the csl as a day to day car its fantastic.
Good look (if you are in the north email me and you can have a run in both if that helps)
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