Classic Cars with Good Handling
Discussion
I like cars.
(Usually) My main criteria for owning a car is good handling.
I also like classic cars. Not really old ones, the kind you can drive more than twice a year without having to do a bare shell rebuild.
I've driven a couple and been quite underwhelmed by the handling, especially compared to more modern cars. I'm not 100% convinced by some of the older suspension setups! Can anyone suggest any which would make a good regular driver, and have comparable handling (not comfort!) to newer cars. And obtainable for under say £10k.
(Usually) My main criteria for owning a car is good handling.
I also like classic cars. Not really old ones, the kind you can drive more than twice a year without having to do a bare shell rebuild.
I've driven a couple and been quite underwhelmed by the handling, especially compared to more modern cars. I'm not 100% convinced by some of the older suspension setups! Can anyone suggest any which would make a good regular driver, and have comparable handling (not comfort!) to newer cars. And obtainable for under say £10k.
interloper said:
How old are we talking? And how do you define "good handling".
I would suggest a Lotus excel and elans (both classic and fwd M100 models) as having good all round handling.
Maybe a well put together classic mini, although the handling is flawed in so much as great front end grip but maybe too easily unsettled by big bumps for some tastes?
Having typed all that, I take the veiw that a lot of modern stuff doesn't handle properly at all, so again with out specifics it's hard to give ideas.
I meant to write pre-1990 in my original post!I would suggest a Lotus excel and elans (both classic and fwd M100 models) as having good all round handling.
Maybe a well put together classic mini, although the handling is flawed in so much as great front end grip but maybe too easily unsettled by big bumps for some tastes?
Having typed all that, I take the veiw that a lot of modern stuff doesn't handle properly at all, so again with out specifics it's hard to give ideas.
It's hard to put an arbitrary vlue on 'good handling', so I'm happy to go with good-in-your-opinion.
I have had a couple of the cars people always suggest in these things - I had a Mk2 Golf GTI, and currently have a 205 GTI. I've also had a couple of 306 GTIs, which IMO have significantly better handling, which sort of lead me to ask the question!
EnglishTony said:
kambites said:
EnglishTony said:
Then you are ready for a Mitsubshi Evo VI.
Pre-1990? I notice lots of love for the M3 E30. Which is fair enough, it's a good car. It's not under 10k though.
motorhole said:
Perception of handling when driving older cars can sometimes be poor because of the age of springs, shocks, bushes etc! If you know these are in tip top nick then I suppose the opinion can be justified.
I'm always going to put the E30 forward for this. Any E30, not just the M3. Again a lot are on tired consumables and they are hampered somewhat by overly long steering. Freshen up the bushes and suspension and put in an E46 PAS rack - different car entirely. Everyone who has ridden shotgun in mine in a trackday has been extremely complimentary about the handling - and in my opinion it's still got some way to be perfect
This sounds great, I've always quite liked the 318is.. I didn't know a steering rack swap was a popular mod for them. I wonder if I can get a 306 rack into my 205.I'm always going to put the E30 forward for this. Any E30, not just the M3. Again a lot are on tired consumables and they are hampered somewhat by overly long steering. Freshen up the bushes and suspension and put in an E46 PAS rack - different car entirely. Everyone who has ridden shotgun in mine in a trackday has been extremely complimentary about the handling - and in my opinion it's still got some way to be perfect
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