Motoring perfection.

[raf_gti]

As I say to my little Puma after a year of ownership I've come to the conclusion that it is close to motoring perfection.

It is not the fastest car, or the most powerful but everything about it is perfectly judged. It never feels underpowered despite it's modest output and speed figures and never, ever failed to entertain when pointed down a suitable road.

Sure the reputation is a bit on the girly side and the driving position a bit erm..'challenging' but I'm so glad I've been able to say I owned one and enjoyed it the way it deserved.

[iva cosworth]

I had 4 enjoyable years with 1.7 Puma bought new in 1998

[mnkiboy]

I'm certainly considering one for a little runabout. There's a few near me for under £1K. Might buy one, run it for 6 months, tidy it up and see if I can sell it for more than I bought it in the summer.

[CaptainSlow]

Apologies, I thought this would be an MX-5 thread. As you were.

[balders118]

Bought my puma a few months ago and I have to say they're awesome. Not sure if i can really comment, as I definately haven't driven enough cars to give a justified opinion but I love it. I was worried it would be a bit small for me, but once I got used to it's not an issue.

Can't ever see me wanting to change it. May upgrade when I have to moola, but I reckon I still keep the kat as a daily - or track it.

Edited by balders118 on Friday 26th November 19:24

[Jasandjules]

They are fun little things to drive, but far from motoring perfection.....

[raf_gti]

Jasandjules said:

They are fun little things to drive, but far from motoring perfection.....

I can't really imagine a lot else that brings every element of a good car together in such a well-judged package.

For example I'd love a 147 GTA but I just know I'd be let down by the handling in comparison to the engine.

[Altrezia]

Crikey, a puma? As above, good enough little cars, but leave a lot to be desired in my opinion. I'd argue the case for an M5, or MX5, or Impreza, but I can't see that a fiesta in drag can really be classed as perfection. Sorry.

[Jonny671]

CaptainSlow said:

Apologies, I thought this would be an MX-5 thread. As you were.

Don't worry! Hes just bought an MX5 so I give it 3 weeks before we have a, "I've found a new motoring perfection" thread

[uuf361]

I considered buying one new in 1999, and it was actually my car of choice.

Sadly the 2 local Ford dealers (neither of whom are in business any more)were complete ts and offered me less than half what my car was worth as px (even at trade in value).

So ended up in a Vectra but that went back to Vauxhall after 8 months.........I'd still consider a Puma now as a runaround and may do so again next year.....

[thetwistys]

Can't praise mine enough. Cracking engine when you keep it singing above 4k rpm (so fairly high workrate, but that just adds to the pleasure imho), grips like a limpet, communicative steering and chassis feel...
Ok, the brakes let it down a bit (easy upgrade, when i've got time) and it could be considered a bit safe/boring because it's so progressive near the limit. Each to their own i guess, but for 800 quid its one hell of a fun cheapo runabout.

[madala]

...motoring perfectio....wow....some people are easy to please.

I daresay it is a very adequate and fun car but "motoring perfection" to me seems a little OTT.....but to each their own.

I have to say one of the best gear boxes I have every had on a car was in Ford Escort 1600 Sport circa 1978/9.

[derestrictor]

Totally agree; chum had one of these when they awere all le rage and what an incredible back road hooner it was!

[soad]

raf_gti said:

I'm so glad I've been able to say I owned one and enjoyed it the way it deserved.

Good on you. Nice little nippy cars

[Adam205]

I navigated a 12 car in one with racing puma bits and that was an absolute hoot! Did help that the driver was very experienced and could really throw it around.

[Jasandjules]

raf_gti said:

Jasandjules said:

They are fun little things to drive, but far from motoring perfection.....

I can't really imagine a lot else that brings every element of a good car together in such a well-judged package.

For example I'd love a 147 GTA but I just know I'd be let down by the handling in comparison to the engine.

Well, it's really going to depend on what you call a "good car".

If you want supreme levels of grip for example a Lotus Elise will cover it.
If you want acceleration then an Atom will do the trick.
If you want sex on wheels looks, then a DB7/F430/Chimeara is the way to go.....

Don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with adoring the car you have, I used to think my Mk1 MR2 was the best thing on the roads

[plenty]

Personally I find it refreshing to see such an acknowledgement of an underappreciated and humble car that somehow transcends the sum of its parts. Cars like the Puma are far more interesting to me than say a Macca F1 or Zonda or any of the other overpriced and unattainable exotica that dominate magazines and forums yet are utterly irrelevant to the vast majority of people.

[raf_gti]

Jasandjules said:

raf_gti said:

Jasandjules said:

They are fun little things to drive, but far from motoring perfection.....

I can't really imagine a lot else that brings every element of a good car together in such a well-judged package.

For example I'd love a 147 GTA but I just know I'd be let down by the handling in comparison to the engine.

Well, it's really going to depend on what you call a "good car".

If you want supreme levels of grip for example a Lotus Elise will cover it.
If you want acceleration then an Atom will do the trick.
If you want sex on wheels looks, then a DB7/F430/Chimeara is the way to go.....

Don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with adoring the car you have, I used to think my Mk1 MR2 was the best thing on the roads

I quite agree, there are plenty of cars that are faster, grippier, sound better, look better but what prompted me to gush so openly in the OP was just how each element of the Puma compliments one another.

[nottyash]

Ford Puma??
Pretty good fun for less than £1000, but motoring perfection??