It's not all about power
It's not all about power
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Discussion

MartinQ

Original Poster:

796 posts

198 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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I think I've seen the light!

I had the 330 in bits and realised I needed the drill I lent to a friend to get a stubborn bolt out. So I jumped in the wife's Citroen C1 which I've rarely driven to get to his house. I decided to take the long way there to get the frustration of seized bolts out of the system and was surprised to have as much fun as I did.

I since realised that I can't drive the 330 and have fun without it being at unsavoury speeds in the eyes of the law. Although it took a while to get up to speed in the C1, it was really enjoyable trying to keep the momentum up in the corners and I was even able to get some four-wheel drifts going at quite legal speeds too! The only downside I found is the high driving position and lack of seat support.

I now think I'm after a lightweight, low powered car. Would something like a 106/205 remedy the driving position and seat issues?

HustleRussell

25,734 posts

177 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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My Caterham was great for this. It hates going in a straight line so you seek out the twisties. It only has 100bhp so you aren't constantly the wrong side of the law.

Carpal

3,679 posts

205 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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M

matthias73

2,897 posts

167 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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Ah, yes. This is the excuse I use for having my car too wink

S10GTA

13,380 posts

184 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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It's all to do with flow. There was a blog about it. It's part of the reason I'm getting rid of the GTA, and will be using the 405.

Heartworm

1,936 posts

178 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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Can completely agree, the smart roadster is perfect for this kind of thing - fantastic to get linked up on a set of corners, and none of it has to be over the limit.

NiceCupOfTea

25,446 posts

268 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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Part of me wants to chase the figures. I love the feeling of acceleration (still go misty eyed remember the passenger ride I had in a V8 Westfield last year), but the feeling of involvement and being able to use all the cars power without having to worry about losing your licence is soooo much better IMHO.

Thinking about power of the cars I have owned: 103bhp, 110bhp, 175bhp, 130bhp, 200bhp, 170bhp. I would love something with "proper" power, e36 M3 or a V8 TVR, but to be honest I wonder if it would just end up getting me into trouble.

From my current stable, the Saab 9000 2.3T is the most powerful and in gear in a straight line it's surprisingly brutal! It's like a supertanker in the corners though and ploughs on everywhere. Forgiving though. If I get into the less powerful 900 turbo it's a revelation: so much more nimble and placeable and if I hadn't ruined it with lower suspension it would probably be a quicker point to point car wink My old MX-5 was the ultimate in plant the pedal point and squirt fun. Everything they say is true, most fun I've had on 4 wheels, but without losing your licence. I forsee a forced induction Mk.1 in my future, although I wonder if this will spoil it somewhat... I'm much more wary of its replacement's relatively benign 170 horses... (TVR S)

I reckon something like a Zetec Westfield or a 106 Rallye would be a blast.

LuS1fer

42,756 posts

262 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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I've always maintained this. The most fun I ever have is in underpowered cars. We do a lot of holidays and get a fair few hire cars and the one that sticks out is a plain old Fiesta 1.4. Great little car.

However, you also have Micras, Swifts and Colts in either basic or sporty guises. The reason I mention sporty versions is in the marketplace, cheap economy cars with low VEL command as much as the premium models, near enough, which is why my search began with a Fiesta 1.4 and is ending with an ST.

blugnu

1,523 posts

258 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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The Sportka is probably the most fun car I've owned for the reasons you mention. My ears were ringing after driving it almost non-stop from Yorkshire to Mallaig though!

james n

82 posts

227 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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I agree, also recently discovered the very same myself.
Ok, i don't mean a 1.1 or anything, but my Integra is a LOT more fun than my much much more powerful Impreza on twisty roads.
I know the Integra isn't exactly slow, but its more fun at lower speeds than the Subaru.

S. Gonzales Esq.

2,559 posts

229 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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I reckon I can get as much enjoyment from my wife's diesel 306 as in my 540i. It's a different kind of fun, and at much lower speeds, but it's still fun.

blugnu

1,523 posts

258 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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S. Gonzales Esq. said:
I reckon I can get as much enjoyment from my wife's diesel 306 as in my 540i. It's a different kind of fun, and at much lower speeds, but it's still fun.
Which rather begs the question why you have a 540i instead of a 306 and a pile of cash?

Fox-

13,452 posts

263 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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blugnu said:
Which rather begs the question why you have a 540i instead of a 306 and a pile of cash?
Because he presumably bought it for more than just fun? I cannot imagine a 306 is 'fun' to drive on a long trip.

GestapoWatch

1,393 posts

207 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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Loved chucking my mum's C1 all over the place when I was car-less earlier this year! Plenty to be said for lightweight, low-powered hooning biggrin

Even trying to 'drag-race' (myself) from the lights was a hoot for some reason nuts

blugnu

1,523 posts

258 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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Fox- said:
blugnu said:
Which rather begs the question why you have a 540i instead of a 306 and a pile of cash?
Because he presumably bought it for more than just fun? I cannot imagine a 306 is 'fun' to drive on a long trip.
Why not? They're comfortable, reliable, economical, quiet and have a stereo as I recall from getting them as hire cars off work. Most have air conditioning. What else do you need?

Fox-

13,452 posts

263 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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blugnu said:
Why not? They're comfortable, reliable, economical, quiet and have a stereo as I recall from getting them as hire cars off work. Most have air conditioning. What else do you need?
It's nothing like doing the same trip in a 5 Series. Nothing.

Motorrad

6,811 posts

204 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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Fox- said:
Because he presumably bought it for more than just fun? I cannot imagine a 306 is 'fun' to drive on a long trip.
Not much fun on motorways but what is? I did a 400 mile drive into Germany this weekend in my non turbo diesel 306, all on A/B roads and had a hoot.

GestapoWatch

1,393 posts

207 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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Fox- said:
It's nothing like doing the same trip in a 5 Series. Nothing.
yes the latest F10 is a stunning place to be if you're eating up Motorway.

V8Triumph

5,995 posts

232 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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I absolutely love my Triumph GT6, so much fun at the speed limit biggrin However, I'd take my MGB GT V8 on a long trip over the GT6 any day of the week. smile

4keymonsta

11,390 posts

165 months

Sunday 8th July 2012
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The most underpowered fun that I have had is with a KA on coilovers. Loads more room inside than you would think, almost completely indestructable and pennies to buy and run.