It's not all about power
Discussion
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?
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?
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
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.
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

I reckon something like a Zetec Westfield or a 106 Rallye would be a blast.
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.
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.
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.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff