Even at high revs, this engine doesn't seem strained. The 323Ci has excellent driving dynamics. The 323Ci is very easy to drive quickly because of its precise, well-weighted steering feel, balanced chassis, and excellent four wheel disc brakes. The 5-speed manual transmission in my test car felt as slick as a soup spoon immersed in olive oil, but when changing gears, the driveline wasn't as tight as I expected. With the top down and the side windows up, there is very little wind buffeting in the front seats at highway speeds.
Normal conversation is possible.
With the top up, the two rear passengers have plenty of headroom, and adequate legroom in part because of knee depressions in the back of the front seats. The thick 'C' pillar of the convertible top creates a blind spot for the driver when attempting to change lanes, but otherwise outward visibility is very good. As I mentioned, the 323Ci's power convertible top is fully automatic. The driver presses a switch on the centre console, and the top unlocks itself from the windshield and folds into a cavity under the hard rear boot cover which raises and lower automatically to accept the folding top. The fabric top looks extremely durable, and has a 3-layer fabric liner to keep heat in and noise out.