What fun car for a road trip across Europe?
Discussion
740EVTORQUES said:
Having just done it in a 997, I’d bet any of my faster cars would actually be less fun.
You can go a lot slower than a 997 before the fun factor diminishes. I've done many thousands of happy European miles in my Clio 182, and would pick it over many of the suggestions so far 
Cruise, xenons, AC, small enough to drive anywhere, enough ride height for all terrains and no worries about scraping expensive underbody plastics, perfectly comfortable on a motorway yet <1,000 kgs means it's just superb on passes and small country lanes.
plenty said:
You can go a lot slower than a 997 before the fun factor diminishes. I've done many thousands of happy European miles in my Clio 182, and would pick it over many of the suggestions so far
Cruise, xenons, AC, small enough to drive anywhere, enough ride height for all terrains and no worries about scraping expensive underbody plastics, perfectly comfortable on a motorway yet <1,000 kgs means it's just superb on passes and small country lanes.
AC is an absolute MUST. Done 2000 miles last summer with rubbish AC and it did make some stretches of the trip quite a bit less enjoyable. Also ended up on some rough country lanes for the Airbnb's we stayed at and wasn't ideal for a 4 series! Ended up having to reverse and go another way a few times. So I'd say just plan your routes well Cruise, xenons, AC, small enough to drive anywhere, enough ride height for all terrains and no worries about scraping expensive underbody plastics, perfectly comfortable on a motorway yet <1,000 kgs means it's just superb on passes and small country lanes.
I've driven through Europe (well at least 5-6 countries on trips away) in a few different models of M3, I think they are a good sweet sport in terms of practically, performance and sporty feel vs comfort, but don't have the glamour of say a performance sports coupe like a 911 or DB11.
For the budget I'd be looking at either a 992 or a DB11 heart saying AM head pushing for the Porsche, I certainly wouldn't be looking to get a big saloon like an M5 etc...I've had one and you might as well be in a 530d as for 90% of the time that's what it feels like and certainly looks like.
fasimew said:
I concur. When the opening post mentions Porsche, 4c and F type, my first thought would be 'sports car'. What goes through your mind to suggest a 5 series or a s
tty little clio? That's a rhetorical question.
I completely get what you're saying in that a 4C perhaps feels a bit more special and sporty, fair enough, BUT I think its harsh saying an M5 Comp is an awful suggestion when it kind of beats the 4C on every aspect of your criteriatty little clio? That's a rhetorical question.- faster on road and track
- more practical/ more luggage
- more comfortable
- more reliable
MX5 is the obvious answer and book hotels that will do a bit of washing for you. I had a great trip to Spa in a MK1 mx5 taking it easy through the champagne region of France before popping over into Belgium. Great times. You certainly don’t have to spend anywhere close to 6 figures to have a decent road trip.
EBRANDON1 said:
I completely get what you're saying in that a 4C perhaps feels a bit more special and sporty, fair enough, BUT I think its harsh saying an M5 Comp is an awful suggestion when it kind of beats the 4C on every aspect of your criteria
- faster on road and track
- more practical/ more luggage
- more comfortable
- more reliable
I should just not bother replying, but I'll indulge you on this occasion:- faster on road and track
- more practical/ more luggage
- more comfortable
- more reliable
- it's still a boat of a 4 door and near 2 tonnes. No thanks.
- it's not about speed or lap times, only enjoyment.
- there's only 1 person - me.
- it's about average in terms of reliability.
Please no more barge or econobox suggestions. NA sports cars only.
fasimew said:
I concur. When the opening post mentions Porsche, 4c and F type, my first thought would be 'sports car'. What goes through your mind to suggest a 5 series or a stty little clio? That's a rhetorical question.
tty little clio? That's a rhetorical question.fasimew said:
Please no more barge or econobox suggestions. NA sports cars only.
Sorry, I made the mistake of assuming this was a thread for driving enthusiasts. I'll leave you poseurs to it.fasimew said:
Please no more barge or econobox suggestions. NA sports cars only.
NA wasn’t mentioned initially and the majority of F Type, 911, alpine, amg gt etc will all be forced induction.Genuinely the best road trip car I think I’ve used was the f type, or a Mustang gt 5.0 - devours continental roads and a proper hooligan on top (just needs the Ford option springs and a roush exhaust).
Edited by bennno on Wednesday 8th May 20:33
bennno said:
NA wasn’t mentioned initially and the majority of F Type, 911, alpine, amg gt etc will all be forced induction.
Genuinely the best road trip car I think I’ve used was the f type, or a Mustang gt 5.0 - devours continental roads and a proper hooligan on top (just needs the Ford option springs and a rough exhaust).
No it initially wasn't. But it is now. I think anything forced induction would be overpowered, or a tiny 4 pot. I don't fancy a 4 pot. So that takes the 4c off the list.Genuinely the best road trip car I think I’ve used was the f type, or a Mustang gt 5.0 - devours continental roads and a proper hooligan on top (just needs the Ford option springs and a rough exhaust).
Hmm Mustang.
Would going for a convertible be a decision I'd regret?
fasimew said:
No it initially wasn't. But it is now. I think anything forced induction would be overpowered, or a tiny 4 pot. I don't fancy a 4 pot. So that takes the 4c off the list.
Hmm Mustang.
Would going for a convertible be a decision I'd regret?
I doubt it. I’m planning on taking one over the Alps to Monaco this year and being able to have the roof down is great.Hmm Mustang.
Would going for a convertible be a decision I'd regret?
Not N/A sadly, but not a small engine either.
fasimew said:
Sorry I should have been clearer, I was referring to convertibles in general.
If it’s just you, and the plan is enjoyment, then a convertible’s a great idea.I understand the fun to be had in picking a nice car, but whatever you choose, a drive across Europe can be great. Whether in a 2CV or a DBS, it’s all about the journey itself.
In my opinion the only real issues with a car that can spoil it are reliability issues or taking something that you’re scared to leave parked overnight.
fasimew said:
Great suggestions. Would a convertible be a wise choice for this type of trip? I've never had one, but it sounds like the perfect reason to get one.
A convertible is a great choice - I've done coast to coast across France in many convertibles.My XKR was probably the easiest and the GTC the most comfortable. Last year's choice was a Morgan Aero +8 - not at all practical or comfortable... but great fun.
A convertible 911 would be a very practical car and would be my current choice.
I regularly do 2-3 week trips in my 2014 Boxster S. With two boots that don't lose capacity with the roof down, it can carry enough luggage for four people for weeks. Not that you could fit four people inside. Or get a Cayman if you want a hardtop. It's really a great car for touring and perfectly at home on the track too.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/15718367
Porsches are 🥱 what you want is a V10 to rip through tunnels and echo through valleys and off mountains. Hood up the car is well insulated but bonus of being able to drop the rear window to still listen to the engine. Rides well, good tech and reliable.
Porsches are 🥱 what you want is a V10 to rip through tunnels and echo through valleys and off mountains. Hood up the car is well insulated but bonus of being able to drop the rear window to still listen to the engine. Rides well, good tech and reliable.
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