General difference in drive between 3 and 5 door?

[Daedalus]

Hi all, haven't posted in a while, but thats because I've been working and saving my money furiously to buy a Stilo, which I'm going to have to buy 6 months earlier than planned due to my Astra slowly falling apart on me

I was looking at the 1.2 16v but realised thats not going to be anywhere near nippy enough for me (given I'm used to a 1.4i 8v in a much lighter car), so I'm looking at the 1.6 16v (cant really afford the insurance on the 1.8 I dont think).

Thing is, they only ones my local Fiat dealership had to test drive when I went down there were two 1.2 5-doors, and the one I drove (because the other ones battery had gone flat, great start lol), made my right ankle/foot hurt after only a few minutes and the driving position seemed really high up. My Mum told me her old Stlio used to be like that the whole time she had it (she had a 5-door too, which funnily enough, even after having sold it about 3 years ago, happened to be there at the dealership being repaired that very day, what are the odds! lol).

However, I BRIEFLY got a change to sit in a (new) 3-door stlio in the showroom and instantly found it had a lower driving position which was more natural and comfortable to me (given I'm used to my Astra which definetely isn't that high in the seat).

So my question really is, when actually driving it, particularly on longer journeys (anything over 30 minutes really), does the 3-door drive that much different from the 5-door and does it cause the 'hurting of feet/ankles' problem that the 5-door does?

Or any other comments on the differences between the 3 and 5 doors? Anything will help me at this stage.

Thanks guys

 

[alpinepg]

One of the big suprises I got was how high you sit....and Ive got an Abarth (3 dr 02 plate). Doesnt make my ankles hurt as there is plenty of adjustment, but its not what you'd call a 'sporty' driving position! Its the nemesis of my other car where my bum is an inch off the ground!!!
Dont get a 5 door unless you need the doors....they dont look half as nice as the 3 doors (I know thats my opinion......but I suspect its a majority one too!)

 

[Daedalus]

Thing is I'm tallish (6ft 1) and quite big too (18 stone lol) so some cars are always going to be uncomfortable to me, and I did have a good play with the seat when I went on the test drive, but maybe not quite enough. I'm definetely going to test drive a 3-door before I buy one, its just a case of working out if its worth my while really.

I really don't want to get a 5-door for the same reason you just said, doesn't look anywhere near as nice! lol

I do really need the 5 doors but I'm giving up the need for practicality for how much better the 3-door looks lol

 

[Kurt]

i have a 5dr, and i have to say i find it extremly comfortable (even on the regular journey i do from Leicester to London), i've never found my right foot/ankle to be in any pain at all.

The seat is higher, but i think the whole car is higher than the 3dr anyway, although there is a handle to move the seat up and down a little to suit the driver.

 

[Stilo_ste]

I've got the 5 door, as I've got 2 kids and thought the 5 door far more practical for us.

I can't seem the find a comfortable position. I've tried all sorts, but after an hour of driving I'm almost crippled.

Anyway, it's mainly used as a town car. I've got another car for motorways / long journeys.

That probably doesn't help much though, and i've never been in a 3 door version.

 

[alpinepg]

My point was that I dont think there is a difference in seating position...mines an Abarth 2.4 3dr and the seating position is high. There is up and down adjustment on the seat, but it only moves the base not the back so its not very comfortable when you wind it down as a large gap appears betwwen the 2.

 

[750nig]

We have a 5 door, I have to say that after a while it is a right pain in the ankle/leg/foot. There is nowhere to rest/jam your foot while driving along.
Not sat in a 3 door so not sure of the difference, if any. In future I shall make sure there is somewhere to 'wedge' the throttle foot before parting with my money.
As we frequently drive to the middle of France this is a big issue for me so I shall be going down the Alfa cruise control fitment route before our next trip.
Other than this issue I do enjoy driving the Stilo.

 

[Stu DemonD]

I do really need the 5 doors but I'm giving up the need for practicality for how much better the 3-door looks lol

Why do you need them? Kids, with child seats possibly?

 

[PNL]

I love my 5dr and wouldn't change her for the 3dr .. and they are more practical for a family person as well .. the seating position of the 3dr is 2" lower that its bigger brother but you can put the seating position lower on the 5dr as well and also adjust your steering wheel height to suit you .and why oh why do peeps always say the 5dr is ugly by comparison as far as I am concerned they need to go to speck savers look here's mine

Yes three times just so you have a good long look at what you will be loosing if you buy a 3 dr :slayer:

 

[Kurt]

and why oh why do peeps always say the 5dr is ugly by comparison as far as I am concerned they need to go to speck savers

Amen Brother :slayer:

 

[twincamms]

I've driven both and I can definitely say the 3 door drives better, I put it due to the body being stiffer, as for comfort they are equal, neither spectacular and both diabolical in the thigh support area, usual FIAT crap cheap seats and usual Italian short legs long arms seating position, no matter how much you adjust seat and steering wheel.

 

[Multiplewagon]

I love the driving postion of my Multiwagon, ive got the electric seats in this and the car before and dont know if that allows a bit more adjustment but I can get a spot on postion with the wheel adjustment and seat on the lowest setting.. yes its a highish position but I think it complements the cars over all feel of space and clear view.

 

[bozzy]

I have had both 3/5 door variants and the 5 door far more comfortable drive than my 3 door is. It's the sit up and beg position that makes it a nice drive for me. I think the seats in both of my Stilo's are comfier than any other car I've driven. I am a shortarse though.

 

[alpinepg]

Amen Brother :slayer:

Some add ons (a bit MaccyDs for my liking! ) and big wheels still dont make it look as good as a factory release 3 door (and the fact that the example of a 5 door brought up comes with a host of bolt on extras speaks volumes)! We should start a poll! On the practicality front, I guess if you have kids then a 5 door is a must....its why the previous owner sold my car (that and the MPG if you use your right foot!).

 

[Kurt]

Some add ons (a bit MaccyDs for my liking! ) and big wheels still dont make it look as good as a factory release 3 door (and the fact that the example of a 5 door brought up comes with a host of bolt on extras speaks volumes)! We should start a poll!

Am i right in thinking that you dont like the three doors that have "add on's" as well then?? fair enough if so, just wanted to ask

All a poll would prove is that there are more three door owners than there are 5dr owners (on here at least anyway).

It will always be a debatable subject, alot of poeple love their 3 drs, whilst others, inclduing myself love their 5drs (although i still think the 3dr is an attractive motor), i'm sure there's even a few that possibly like both versions just as much - just down to personal prefference.

 

[alpinepg]

Dont like any add ons that dont serve a purpose and lead down the unpleasant road to Maxpower reading and hanging out at McDonalds of a night if taken too far!!! (with the possible exception of a nice set of alloys......a small weakness I admit ).
At the end of the day 5 door is practical 3 door is meant to look 'sporty'. Its a matter of preference......but I will stick my neck out and say that a majority of unbiased onlookers will prefer a 3 dr on looks alone.

 

[PNL]

LOL how did you know I read maxpower dont think I will be hanging around at McDs at my age [see profile ] I might get mugged by all them chavs with those done up cars to me modernising the body/engine/ suspension of a car is just a statment by the owner concerned I like modernised cars and if I couldnt do it I wouldnt own one its all part of the enjoyment of ownership of my car for me

 

[twincamms]

PNL, I agree, it's all about stamping your personality on your car, mine's not chavved, just smartly dressed!

 

[PNL]

PNL, I agree, it's all about stamping your personality on your car, mine's not chavved, just smartly dressed!

YOU DO !!! :hug: and keeping my bum covered :devil:

 

[alpinepg]

LOL how did you know I read maxpower dont think I will be hanging around at McDs at my age [see profile ] I might get mugged by all them chavs with those done up cars to me modernising the body/engine/ suspension of a car is just a statment by the owner concerned I like modernised cars and if I couldnt do it I wouldnt own one its all part of the enjoyment of ownership of my car for me

I take it you dont really read Maxpower?!? From your post you are defintely over 18 which means you are way too old!