Cheap fun for the twistys?
Discussion
I live on the edge of the Peak District so I'm looking for something reasonably cheap ( I actually have a decent budget but I'm loathe to spend it on a nice car without a drive, garage or even parking anywhere near the house) for some weekend fun. Won't be used for any form of commuting or other rubbish, purely for when I fancy a drive.
Things I would like - roads are mainly short squirts between tight bends and hairpins, I was thinking of something blown for that surge of torque between corners, would also like something small as they're all narrow lanes. I was thinking Clio 182 but I've no idea what the engine is like, is it a typical peaky 16v motor or a bit more torquey? Good handling and brakes a must, I've cooked the brakes on various things going over the peaks, if not standard then an easy upgrade from a bigger model in the family for instance, I don't want to be forking out for aftermarket Brembos.
Budget is less than £3k ideally, as I said, it will sit outside away from the house in all weathers so anything nice is just a waste of money.
Things I would like - roads are mainly short squirts between tight bends and hairpins, I was thinking of something blown for that surge of torque between corners, would also like something small as they're all narrow lanes. I was thinking Clio 182 but I've no idea what the engine is like, is it a typical peaky 16v motor or a bit more torquey? Good handling and brakes a must, I've cooked the brakes on various things going over the peaks, if not standard then an easy upgrade from a bigger model in the family for instance, I don't want to be forking out for aftermarket Brembos.
Budget is less than £3k ideally, as I said, it will sit outside away from the house in all weathers so anything nice is just a waste of money.
The 1*2 engine is pretty flexible - you won't suffer from a lack of torque if you just want to mooch about. Peak torque comes at about 3.3k rpm and then at about 5k hilarity ensues as everything else picks up.
If most of your fun driving is likely to be twisty and sub 100mph a 1*2 would be a wonderful choice.
If most of your fun driving is likely to be twisty and sub 100mph a 1*2 would be a wonderful choice.
wow 10 replies already.
Yes I could stretch to a DC2, but they're all over priced snotters and I'd only make it worse by leaving it out in all weathers. Plus I'm not actually that keen on them, nor VTEC.
I did wonder about a MCS, there's a modified R53 for sale not too far from me with about 200bhp at around £2300, but it's a high miler. But then that sort of money buys quite a nice lower mile 172 cup or something.
Not interested in MX5s and RX8 is too big.
Yes I could stretch to a DC2, but they're all over priced snotters and I'd only make it worse by leaving it out in all weathers. Plus I'm not actually that keen on them, nor VTEC.
I did wonder about a MCS, there's a modified R53 for sale not too far from me with about 200bhp at around £2300, but it's a high miler. But then that sort of money buys quite a nice lower mile 172 cup or something.
Not interested in MX5s and RX8 is too big.
Poopipe said:
The 1*2 engine is pretty flexible - you won't suffer from a lack of torque if you just want to mooch about. Peak torque comes at about 3.3k rpm and then at about 5k hilarity ensues as everything else picks up.
If most of your fun driving is likely to be twisty and sub 100mph a 1*2 would be a wonderful choice.
For torque I was thinking of coming out of a lot of low speed bends and hairpins and wanting a nice amount of acceleration before the next one, TBH I've never had much luck with N/A motors, it always feels like your waiting for something to happen and it never does.If most of your fun driving is likely to be twisty and sub 100mph a 1*2 would be a wonderful choice.
Just a thought, but my 325ti Compact is pretty entertaining on twisty roads if you fancy some RWD fun.
I saw one on A/T the other week for £1,100 with 93K miles - what can you lose?
It seems the 325 Compact is more "pointy" than any other E46, with sharper steering that others got later and the stiffest ARB's (barring maybe the M3).
Not for everybody, but pretty unique for a smallish car (that can still do practical if required) with RWD, N/A petrol straight 6 and manual box - I love mine!
Hope you find something you like soon!
I saw one on A/T the other week for £1,100 with 93K miles - what can you lose?
It seems the 325 Compact is more "pointy" than any other E46, with sharper steering that others got later and the stiffest ARB's (barring maybe the M3).
Not for everybody, but pretty unique for a smallish car (that can still do practical if required) with RWD, N/A petrol straight 6 and manual box - I love mine!
Hope you find something you like soon!
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