EP3 Type R Vs FN2 Type R

EP3 Type R Vs FN2 Type R

Author
Discussion

thenortherner

Original Poster:

1,502 posts

170 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
quotequote all
Hi,

I currently have an EP3 Type R on an '04 plate. It's in decent nick with 40k miles. I've been offered a very decent PX against a 2 year old FN2 Type R.

So how exactly do they compare? The FN2 looks and feels very much more modern and has a decent amount of creature comforts etc, something very much lacking in the EP3. But as a driving experience, are they comparable?

Top Gear's head on test by Clarkson isn't something I've any real faith in.

Cheers.

pbirkett

18,553 posts

279 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
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AFAIK the suspension is double wishbone on the EP3 and a more primitive system on the FN2 so the handling is worse. Also, apparently the ride on the FN2 is rock hard to the point of almost having no suspension. Its also heavier, and tries to hide its mass by giving shorter gearing and a longer VTEC zone.

As a driving tool, I'd imagine the EP3 was the better car to drive, but then even that left me cold, and they aren't a patch on the old stuff IMO.

Martin_Hx

3,982 posts

205 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
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I'd probably want something different after an EP3 or alternative an integra

thenortherner

Original Poster:

1,502 posts

170 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
quotequote all
Would happily have an Integra, but they're almost uninsurable for me - at least £600 more than I'm paying for the EP3.

The other factor is running costs. The EP3 is an 04 plate, though not exactly old I'd imagine there's going to be some inevitable bills in the next 6 months, whereas the FN2 would still be under 3 years old.

Jayho

2,179 posts

177 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
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Integra's still uninsurable? I've had quotes for both EP3's and DC2, being 21 the DC2 was cheaper! biggrin

I know someone who had an EP3 from new, loved the car to bits. Ordered a FN2 when they were released and after about 2 weeks of driving it, took it back to the garage and swapped it back for his original EP3. Losing out on quite a chunk of money and the mods they took off the EP3. (aparently £800 worth in suspension, £600 for exhaust and £400 for short throw gear lever)

Isn't the engine in both cars exactly the same? But with the FN2 weighing far heavier? I've never been a fan of the FN2's.

Crafty_

13,482 posts

207 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
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I believe that most EP3 owners found the FN2 a disappointment. I think they just stopped making the Fn2 as well due to lack of demand?

Ry_B

2,256 posts

208 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
quotequote all
I drive an EP3 and test drove an FN2, it's completely against the true nature of the Type R. Some say the EP3 is this, but the FN2 is one step too far. It's probably a better day to day car for going the shops etc in but it's slower, handles worse, uses more fuel as it's heavier and has shorter gearing, looks worse IMO, and to get all that you pay more than the EP3. Basically, if you like your B road blasts, don't buy an FN2 after owning an EP3!

750turbo

6,164 posts

231 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
quotequote all
thenortherner said:
Hi,

I currently have an EP3 Type R on an '04 plate. It's in decent nick with 40k miles. I've been offered a very decent PX against a 2 year old FN2 Type R.

So how exactly do they compare? The FN2 looks and feels very much more modern and has a decent amount of creature comforts etc, something very much lacking in the EP3. But as a driving experience, are they comparable?

Top Gear's head on test by Clarkson isn't something I've any real faith in.

Cheers.
Do not believe the bo11ocks that is written comparing the two, I have had both, in fact I am now on my 2nd FN2.

Performance wise you would need to be The Stig to tell the difference, all I notice is that Vtec comes in a bit earlier, and is more controllable.

Handling, well the rear suspension is different, but you would need to be on a track for it to make any difference.

Looks, well the FN2 is a bit marmite. (As the EP3 being a bit "breadvan")

FN2 for me.

(Awaits a kicking smile)

Loads of forums out there as well, have a mooch around.

thenortherner

Original Poster:

1,502 posts

170 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
quotequote all
Cheers for the comments guys. Probably swaying me against a swap.

Re. the insurance, this was quoted on a DC5. Really silly money, even when compared to what I'm paying for an EP3 (£1200).

750turbo

6,164 posts

231 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
quotequote all
Ry_B said:
I drive an EP3 and test drove an FN2, it's completely against the true nature of the Type R. Some say the EP3 is this, but the FN2 is one step too far. It's probably a better day to day car for going the shops etc in but it's slower, handles worse, uses more fuel as it's heavier and has shorter gearing, looks worse IMO, and to get all that you pay more than the EP3. Basically, if you like your B road blasts, don't buy an FN2 after owning an EP3!
Sorry, totally disagree!

Ry_B

2,256 posts

208 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
quotequote all
750turbo said:
Ry_B said:
I drive an EP3 and test drove an FN2, it's completely against the true nature of the Type R. Some say the EP3 is this, but the FN2 is one step too far. It's probably a better day to day car for going the shops etc in but it's slower, handles worse, uses more fuel as it's heavier and has shorter gearing, looks worse IMO, and to get all that you pay more than the EP3. Basically, if you like your B road blasts, don't buy an FN2 after owning an EP3!
Sorry, totally disagree!
How can you disagree with the fact that it is slower, handles worse and uses more fuel? (Heavier car by a few hundred KG's)

750turbo

6,164 posts

231 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
quotequote all
Ry_B said:
750turbo said:
Ry_B said:
I drive an EP3 and test drove an FN2, it's completely against the true nature of the Type R. Some say the EP3 is this, but the FN2 is one step too far. It's probably a better day to day car for going the shops etc in but it's slower, handles worse, uses more fuel as it's heavier and has shorter gearing, looks worse IMO, and to get all that you pay more than the EP3. Basically, if you like your B road blasts, don't buy an FN2 after owning an EP3!
Sorry, totally disagree!
How can you disagree with the fact that it is slower, handles worse and uses more fuel? (Heavier car by a few hundred KG's)
bks once again, differences to the driver are minimal.


The fatboy

277 posts

169 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
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i think the interior is more cyber-feeling for the new one, but the heavier body and the poorer rear visibility is a compensation for the stylish external look.

I would like the EP3 more.

havoc

30,900 posts

242 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
quotequote all
If you want something newer consider one of the last of the old-shape MeganeSports for a great chassis (albeit a turbo'd engine), or maybe a Clio 200 (again, marmite looks) for a rev-happy engine.

If you're prepared to go older then get a DC2 'teg - aside from a dated dash and only the essential creature-comforts, it's got the EP3 licked in most ways that matter.

Jayho

2,179 posts

177 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
quotequote all
thenortherner said:
Cheers for the comments guys. Probably swaying me against a swap.

Re. the insurance, this was quoted on a DC5. Really silly money, even when compared to what I'm paying for an EP3 (£1200).
You about 21ish??? I'm 21 and quoted roughly £1200 for the EP3, but i got a quote for DC2 for £900!!! Not really interested in the DC5's for some strange reason :S.

You could save your money and wait for a nice FC2 to go for sale! smile I think they are awsome!

thenortherner

Original Poster:

1,502 posts

170 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
quotequote all
The Megane and Clio aren't for me I don't think. But thanks for the shout anyway.

No, I'm 26, 0 NCB, 4 years experience, 1 at fault crash 18 months ago, it's parked on the street in a reasonable post code - £1200. And that's pretty much as good as it gets, I've tried everywhere and ended up with Admiral.

750turbo

6,164 posts

231 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
quotequote all
thenortherner said:
The Megane and Clio aren't for me I don't think. But thanks for the shout anyway.

No, I'm 26, 0 NCB, 4 years experience, 1 at fault crash 18 months ago, it's parked on the street in a reasonable post code - £1200. And that's pretty much as good as it gets, I've tried everywhere and ended up with Admiral.
Bloody hell!!

I also use Admiral, multiquote, My FN2 (2010 Mugen 200 smile) and the Wifes FR-V (2009 1.8 Ex) SW Scotland, cars parked on street.

£520

I am obviously a wee tad older than you though.

insanojackson

5,859 posts

251 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
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i had a ep3 ctr (04) and then got a FN2 (07) i liked them both, ep3 was definetly a bit quicker, fn2 was a nicer place to sit and had more mechanical grip. I liked both of them lots however in the end i changed for a scirocco as fancied something with more compliant ride. Any questions just ask!

contrary to popular opinion i actually found the ride on the fn2 sofer as did my dad when he had a shot!

Edited by insanojackson on Saturday 6th November 18:22

hardcorehobbit

1,103 posts

202 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
quotequote all
Crafty_ said:
I believe that most EP3 owners found the FN2 a disappointment. I think they just stopped making the Fn2 as well due to lack of demand?
According to EVO and Autocar, they stopped making it because the engine didn't meet the new Euro emission regs. I've seen quite a few of the cars, so I don't think it's a demand thing.

However, IMO the EP3 is a nicer, more timeless car. The FN2 Civic I think has aged quite badly, just not as good looking as it was when it was new.

LuS1fer

41,761 posts

252 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
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I suppose the "proper" JDM Type R saloon is out of your range and doubtless harder to find?