1.2 'fun' car, is it possible?
Discussion
Currently have a 1.2 punto mk2. And although it's fairly nippy for a little engine, I wouldn't really call it fun. So I'm looking for something different, 1.2 or less if there is such a thing?! I'd rather have a different car than mess with suspension etc on this one. It's not that i'm after power (in a 1.2? Not going to happen) just something that is good fun on the twisties. Any ideas?
CanadianScot said:
Why 1.2 or less? If it's for insurance, engine size doesn't mean anything. I suppose there's a rough relationship, but not a definitive one.
Well, i'm on a trade policy. But have to have my own car for Social, domestic and pleasure usage. And because i'm only 17, our insurer has in a round about way said that for my first year they don't like the idea of me having anything more than a 1.2. Not saying they wouldn't insure me, but mine and my dad's premium would significantly increase. And we can't really afford to do that, and if we didn't have the insurance, we wouldn't be able to work. So that's my situation 
TAHodgson said:
Well, i'm on a trade policy. But have to have my own car for Social, domestic and pleasure usage. And because i'm only 17, our insurer has in a round about way said that for my first year they don't like the idea of me having anything more than a 1.2. Not saying they wouldn't insure me, but mine and my dad's premium would significantly increase. And we can't really afford to do that, and if we didn't have the insurance, we wouldn't be able to work. So that's my situation
Fair enough, has to be done I guess!I guess the lightest things possible then, as said. Classic Mini would be fun and cheap to insure. I couldn't do it, but I know people who run/ran them daily.
maxi1990 said:
saxo 1.1i, no power steering, no electric windows, strip out every single bit that you dont need (passenger seat included), bigger brakes and stiffer suspension, its the only way you will ever get fun out of a 1.2 or less
Bigger brakes will increase unsprung mass which has a massive effect on handling, so is a big no no. If it's light and has little power than I can't imagine it will need big brakes, and reducing weight will reduce braking requirements making an upgrade pointless.Smart roadster, Suzuki Cappuccino or similar?
Plenty of bike engined kit cars (or even production cars converted) with 1 litre engiens, but you'll have to read the terms of your trade policy carefully to see if those are covered. Just collected a MNR vortex R1 and it's reasonably nippy - little faster than my m3 in a straight line on the road and no doubt faster in the corners, but building up to that!
And of course, probably not ideal as an 'only' car!
Plenty of bike engined kit cars (or even production cars converted) with 1 litre engiens, but you'll have to read the terms of your trade policy carefully to see if those are covered. Just collected a MNR vortex R1 and it's reasonably nippy - little faster than my m3 in a straight line on the road and no doubt faster in the corners, but building up to that!
And of course, probably not ideal as an 'only' car!
patmahe said:
Aygo, 107, C1.
1.0 cool little 3 cylinder motor, 950kg and a wheel on each corner. A lot of fun. Fun has very little to do with power.
I agree, I believe you can also get a 3 cyl Yaris or Polo?1.0 cool little 3 cylinder motor, 950kg and a wheel on each corner. A lot of fun. Fun has very little to do with power.
Nonetheless, great fun. You can rag it through first and second, hearing the engine sing, and you're only doing 40 at the end of it
. The Aygo I had also cornered on its door handles, and it was a real laugh driving it.Bear in mind the Aygo/107/C1 only have four seats and a completely useless boot. Still, fun for just you and a friend!
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