If you had the choice of a Volvo C70 or BMW 330Ci.......

[sense4all]

Which would you pick and why?
As always I am very grateful to all who choose to answer.

[Donny Hodge]

id get the audi rs4 - but from those two you mention it would be the BMW - especially in black : )

[sense4all]

We do already have a diesel 3 series ( Greased poo off a shovel experience, actually) which six years on is a lovely drive - despite my Hubbie rearranging it almost as soon as we got it.
I am not "aggresive" but I do really enjoy driving.Okay I'll compromise on pro-active driving style! During the last marital discussions the resale value, and drive ability were raised as points of concern with regards to the Volvo. Although as the mother of teenagers I was more concerned with the leg room in the back. As we have one driver and one soon to drive - Mr Sense says have a whizz mobile for a change before he buys his mid life crisis sporty number next summer. Any other thoughts?

[sense4all]

I was pro Volvo to begin with ( there is a phrase I never thought I'd use lol ) ..... on the grounds that it has a lot more leg room for kids (and friends) as he will still have to be allowed for until he passes his test in a year or so ( plus all the sports crap that goes with him). The 320 diesel is our 'station' car. It is an estate, and will continue in that role when the mid life crisis car arrives. It is still great fun to chuck about and very responsive to boot.We got this car when my mum first became ill and I had to trog a good few miles back and forth every day (to keep fuel costs down), we love it so much did not have the heart, or need to replace it ,so when Mr. S needed a station car ( we swapped , my Mum had died in the mean time.) so we bought new mpv in '02. The Bm was less than 18 mths old.
I have put the kids needs first for the last few years and driven an mpv( since '97, save twelve months in the BM ) .... booooring! but practical.

Mr Sense has just pointed out that I have neglected to mention it is a convertible I am looking at ... oops sorry!

He says not to 'fixate' on legroom as son will only be a blip on the horizon of a longer range decision. Also the resale value and drivability of the BM Are greater than those of the Volvo. Just curious if Abers held the same views or had any other pertinent points to throw into the mix! I am well aware that as a dilemma it hardly rates with world poverty .... but this is the motoring section! Many thanks.

[RogerMellie]

Both great cars, I have owned the 330Ci Conv, sold then ownd a few other cars, now a 2005 M3 Convertible. I rue'd the day I sold my 330, it was such a great all round car, hence getting back in a BMW Conv a few weeks ago.

Two things strike me: the legroom for adults in the 3 series convertible is ok (not great, but not poor), but the headroom is a little cramped. My adult passengers are OK for short hops, say less than 40 miles, but more than that they have complained of feeling a bit claustrophobic. Its not a car you would want to use for taking passengers long distances.

Secondly, you have not stated whether you are going new or used? If new, the current (E46) shape 3 series convertible is soon to cease production, to be replaced by a new convertible, based on the new (not yet launched)3 series coupe, which will have a folding metal roof. My guess is that a new E46 will take a sizeable hit on residual value over the next 12 months, but if you can live with that, it is a fabulous car. I bought my M3 recently (low mileage used, with hefty discount), specifically because it has the canvas roof, the folding tin tops are just not for me looks-wise, I know I will take a hefty residual hit, but its something I can stomach (just about!)

I guess it really comes down to personal preference. It seems obvious,but you don't say whther you have driven both back to back. Take an (extended) test drive in both to see which you prefer, ideally on the same day - its the weather for it!

Nice dilemma to have, BTW!

[kramer81]

The BM.

Volvos are saaaad

[sense4all]

Thanks chaps, I am swaying more towards the BM.

Roger , I do like someone else to take the first big hit on the depreciation front - so will be trying to get a young second hand version . I have found a couple, a little bit older than ideal ones, but they have been 'high days and holiday' cars, so are in stunning condition! Happy motoring in the new car to you! Thanks for everyones input.