Cars with that special feel?

[Zadkiel]

I am the proud new owner of a M3 CSL and really enjoying it so far. I test drove a CS as well to see if it felt similar with a manual gearbox but it did not. I have been trying to put a finger on what makes the CSL feel like it does. Rather than going over the factors, lighter weight, carbon interior, airbox etc, I have been wondering what else has it? I have previously owned an Elise and that felt pretty special but at the expense of all practicality at all and build quality. I'm wondering what other cars are good roads cars, built well but still have that unexplainable feeling to drive. I've driven a few in the super car range but not many in the more reasonable priced areas. Original GT3 perhaps since it was the CSLs competition?

Suggestions please.

[kambites]

It's a funny thing. Most classics seem to have it despite the fact that they obviously didn't when they were new.

In terms of modern practical cars, the v8 Rover 75s and MG ZTs have much the same feeling about them.

Edited by kambites on Wednesday 25th February 08:06

[Matt UK]

I'll vote for the R53 mini cooper s.

Whenever I drive ours (on 15" winters) it always impresses me and I end up nabbing the keys for a few days in a row.

Edited by Matt UK on Sunday 8th March 15:41

[Zadkiel]

Yeah I understand some of the Renaultsport cars might have it too (we don't get many of them here in NZ) although I still think RWD is preferable.

[Swordman]

GT86, but I'm biased

[philmots]

Generally only need one thing to feel special. I'm probably be slightly biased bit I like hearing the V8 rumble when I start up my 5 series estate.

[Zadkiel]

Swordman said:

GT86, but I'm biased

Ah yes, forgot about the 86. It seems to me that it definitely has it mechanically however the low quality interior might take some of that feeling away?

[lord trumpton]

e46 M3

[GravelBen]

OP said:

The M3 CSL has it, but the M3 CS doesn't

...

lord trumpton said:

e46 M3

Might I suggest that sir endeavours to read the thread before posting?

Edited by GravelBen on Friday 27th February 04:50

[lord trumpton]

GravelBen said:

OP said:

The M3 CSL has it, but the M3 CS doesn't

...

lord trumpton said:

e46 M3

Might I suggest that sir endeavours to read the thread before posting?

Edited by GravelBen on Friday 27th February 04:50

[BRMMA]

I find the Maserati Gransport has it (which is one of the main reasons i bought one) the noise and carbon interior help but i think it's the combination of massive abilities it has in certain areas combined with some stupid flaws that give it character

I find the Alfa GTV, 147/156 GTA have it too, also the Integra Type R and the Porsche GT3

[007 VXR]

I think the Monaro has "It"

But not so much in standard form.

Edited by 007 VXR on Friday 27th February 08:25

[mon the fish]

R53 Cooper S has it IMO - a combination of handling/chuckability, punchy engine and that supercharger whine.

Also the fact that it was started/designed by Rover, finished by BMW so as a bit of a mongrel it shouldn't be as good as it is

[Zadkiel]

I'm surprised about the number of FWD cars people are mentioning!

[donaircooleone]

Zadkiel said:

I'm surprised about the number of FWD cars people are mentioning!

A car that could in theory power slide doesn't necessarily mean that its special.

I'm going to use a cliché and say that a good number of Alfa Romeos have it.

[DUMBO100]

Agreed my 51 plate Alfa GTV 2.0 t/s Lusso had a special feel and sound.Black with tan leather made it look the part too

[Mound Dawg]

donaircooleone said:

A car that could in theory power slide doesn't necessarily mean that its special.

I'm going to use a cliché and say that a good number of Alfa Romeos have it.

Yup. I'm in with that. Not the diesel ones though. An Alfa should be able to do at least 6000 rpm.

[red_slr]

One that sticks in my mind, 205 GTi.

[red_slr]

Oh and any GT3.

[Jasandjules]

My TVR Chimaera feels quite special to me.