I owned a facelift one for 4 years or so prior to buying the DC5.
Both great cars in their own different way. But for me overall I prefer the DC5.
I won't go into too much detail as the linked thread above covers most of it.
The S felt faster i'd say although probably not by much. Felt tighter when accelerating and a tad more responsive. I think this might be to do with it being RWD and being pushed forward rather than being FWD and pulled forward. Although on paper it has more power anyway.
If anyone buys one you should ensure that the roof doesn't leak (you'll only have the pleasure of knowing when you pull away for the first time after a night of rain = in car shower), and that the geo bolts have been unseized. Think I paid £750ish for a new roof from Monsoon. Geo bolts can easily be £1k depending on how many are seized.
I found the S to be much worse on fuel, but I live in London so probably encounter more stop start traffic than most.
Cabin space.... Cozy is the word I shall use to describe it. The boot space Isn't actually that bad. Only time I found it lacking was when doing the xmas visits and being fully loaded with luggage and presents. Even had to use the passenger seat as space.
Modifying is more expensive and I don't think you get as much bang for buck as you do with the K20. Bolt on parts at least.
Fantastic noise from the S and when the roof is down on the warmer days, it's superb. I had an AEM V2 and decat so had a little extra noise
For me I just find I bonded more with the DC5. Instantly I just preferred sitting in the 5 to the S. It's more practical and cheaper to run. Or at least that's what I found when comparing running costs so far.
I find the 5 easier to drive when pushing on. I found the S a bit edgy and they need to be treated with respect. Someone with more experience of driving fast with RWD would probably enjoy it more. When I moved from the EP3 to the S, my insurance company wouldn't insure the S. Can't remember who I was with, one of the usual lot we all use, but that was down to it being a hedge finder apparently and them being bored with paying out all the time ha ha.
As I say, both great in different ways. For me I prefer the Teg and don't regret moving from the S to the Teg at all. Would I go back to an S.... Not sure. Although I do love a yellow facelift S!
I prefer the look of the facelift S to the pre-facelift. They both drive differently so worth having a go in both. Think the die hards prefer the more raw feeling of the PFL.
Each persons ownership will be different and therefore so will their opinion.
I've definitely had more compliments in my 6 months of ownership with the Teg than I did with 4+ years with the S though.
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