What takes the bends better, an Elise or a classic Mini?

[pthelazyjourno]

k-ink said:

I've owned a new 111R when they came out. I have also driven one of the last new Minis produced. For pretty low speed twisty roads the mini is probably more fun. For higher speeds the Elise is far more planted. However in the wet the Elise can be bloody dangerous as it has the weight distribution of a hammer.

How about splitting the difference and getting something in between. I used to have a new 106 GTI back in the day. That had sensational cornering ability. One of the few cars I've owned which I want to buy again some day, if only for nostalgic Sunday fun. I also have thoughts about a 106 Rallye with a super bike engine. That would be incredible fun.

Any car can be bloody dangerous in the wet if you (general, not you) drive like a knob. I've spun several hatches over the years, never got close to spinning an Elise over tens of thousands of miles on road. Track's a different matter!

The MMC brakes can be fking lethal in the wet (in my opinion), but don't think you can blame the handling - it's down to the person steering it. As you say though, can be tricky to catch if you do provoke it.

Agreed on GTi, may be rose tinted specs but think I enjoyed my 106 just as much. Wouldn't bother with a bike engine unless you could lop 400kg off the weight, which I doubt is possible.

[tgx]

I say get one of each, two drivers. Have them each dice around a track for 5 laps, switch cars, do 5 more laps and analyze the results.