Most Versatile Motorsport Car

[Osmoliver]

Thanks to responses to a post in here back in 2017, I've kept myself busy with lots of motorsport over the last six years. I've done grass autotests, autosolos, road rallying (including targas), sprinting and track days. Some point soon, I'd like to give circuit racing a go too.

Here's the impossible challenge, does a car exist that can perform well at ALL of the above?

Criteria:
Reliable - I enjoy competing more than spannering
4 cylinder engine (must be sub 1.5l if forced induction) - to comply with road rally rules
Preferably RWD - I find it more fun, but this could limit options
Road legal - to drive to events and comply with road rally rules
Capable of carrying tools and spares - minimum of two spare wheels (four is better)

Obviously, the car would need modifying/setting up for different events to maximise performance. I think that could be achieved with different suspension and wheels?

[Osmoliver]

Martin315 said:

What’s the budget?

Struggling to think of anything that would meet all those criteria. Would you considering trailering it to track?

The cheaper the better. In theory, the less spent on the car the more money there is for events.

Cars have to be driven to Autosolo events, so if it ticks that box it shouldn't need trailering to track? What did you have in mind?

[Osmoliver]

LimaDelta said:

MX-5

It's always the answer! I currently have 4 at home. Recently blew a head gasket on my supercharged NA. It's back together now, but now have smoke coming out of my oil breather.

I am tempted to go back to naturally aspirated power and just focus on suspension/set up.

[Osmoliver]

SAS Tom said:

BMW 116i?

Interesting. Could definitely tick all the tarmac boxes given there's the 750 Motor Club series. I can't say I've seen one rallying yet.

[Osmoliver]

LukeBrown66 said:

Spend a bit more GT86?

There are countless options for you fwd to be honest and I would go that way.

Otehr than you are limited to older stuff like BMW, really old Alfa's why not try an old Merc!

I did own a GT86 for a brief amount of time. It's a good suggestion.

Yes, there's a lot more options. I have a MG ZR rally car at the minute and that is okay on track and probably wouldn't take much to be good at all of the things listed.

What BMWs, Alfas & Mercs are you thinking of?

[Osmoliver]

MX-5 really is the answer isn't it...

Another mk1 MX-5 was added to the household on Monday night. It's meant to be for my girlfriend.

My supercharged mk1 had to be retired a couple of months ago (damaged piston rings and severe rust). Feels like the best option is to move all of the good bits from that to this new mk1.

There was still some handling potential left with my mk1, but am I going to miss the supercharged power and noise?

[Osmoliver]

SparrowHawk said:

MX-5 really is the only concrete answer to your question. Also, consider looking at a Mk3 NC MX-5 too, not just the Mk1's.

BUT, if you could forgo the RWD element, then I can confidently recommend a Mk6 Ford Fiesta ST150 2.0. Its the FWD car that does everything. It fulfils all the rest of your criteria.

- Super cheap to run, repair and maintain
- Great handling, nippy, and fun
- 4-pot engine 1998cc
- Performs very well in its own right as a tin-top circuit racer
- Also does a great job as a road rally car, an auto solo car, sprint car, and even now sneaks its way into some of the 'classic' racing circles, for instance you can join the Classic Touring Cars in their BOSS race series; I've even hacked mine around Goodwood.
- And I can vouch for one of my Mk6 Fiesta's completing a full race season, driving to and from each race meeting with tools, fuel cans, and a couple of spare wheels in the back!

The same could of course also be said about a Civic Type-R or some of the other obvious choices we all know and love. But I can say I've done it all in a Mk6 Fiesta and thoroughly recommend it to anyone who asks for a solid 'all rounder' like you are looking for.

I've been using a friend's mk3 for the past month or so. It just doesn't manifest the same excitement as a mk1 for me. Interesting to hear about your Fiesta and forgoing the RWD element. I have a MG ZR, which is rally prepared. Wouldn't take much to make it more versatile. And the mk1 MX-5 I'm now sharing with my girlfriend can provide the RWD thrills.

pablo said:

MX5 is too slow to be that competitive in anything other than an MX5 race with spec regs, you’ll not get more than 125/150 bhp from an NA/NB model and whilst they don’t weigh that much, you’ll be at the back of a mixed grid. They are fun, but outclassed by most cars.

Clio 182 gets up my vote, quick enough out of the box to hold its own in any sub 2000cc class, suitable for sprints, hillclimb, targa, 12 car, circuit racing…

Edited by pablo on Tuesday 8th August 18:43

Agree Clio 182s are quick. Sadly, they are the single car I have seen the most engine failures of. Puts me off owning one.