Most satisfying car at legal(ish) speeds?
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm currently running a 67 bhp Toyota Aygo daily driver and a 480 bhp Saab 9000 Aero, both of which present polar opposites in terms of driveability, economy and comfort.
While the Aygo is lethargic in comparison, you get to use all of its performance on the road which in itself is satisfying.
Meanwhile, the heavily tuned Saab will get you into licence-losing territory in no time at all (cough, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc_CvBCLCfc ).
What kind of car do you guys reckon would strike a good compromise between the two?
My power itch has been scratched now with the 9k and the Aygo is a little too sensible, so I'd like to replace both with something else that's cheapish to run, can take a battering round a circuit and is built to last.
Too much to ask? Any recommendations? Thanks
I'm currently running a 67 bhp Toyota Aygo daily driver and a 480 bhp Saab 9000 Aero, both of which present polar opposites in terms of driveability, economy and comfort.
While the Aygo is lethargic in comparison, you get to use all of its performance on the road which in itself is satisfying.
Meanwhile, the heavily tuned Saab will get you into licence-losing territory in no time at all (cough, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc_CvBCLCfc ).
What kind of car do you guys reckon would strike a good compromise between the two?
My power itch has been scratched now with the 9k and the Aygo is a little too sensible, so I'd like to replace both with something else that's cheapish to run, can take a battering round a circuit and is built to last.
Too much to ask? Any recommendations? Thanks
I think my 190bhp Lotus Exige S2 hits this spot perfectly
Just enough poke, can hit the 8.5k limiter fairly regularly, handles like a go-kart with a very good throttle response and is light, so won't eat tyres/brakes on track or road
Just enough poke, can hit the 8.5k limiter fairly regularly, handles like a go-kart with a very good throttle response and is light, so won't eat tyres/brakes on track or road
Edited by kiethton on Wednesday 27th December 13:02
kiethton said:
I think my 190bhp Lotus Exige S2 hits this spot perfectly
More than enough poke, can hit the 8.5k limiter fairly regularly, handles like a go-kart with a very good throttle response
And a vote for my old Elise 111r from me. More than enough poke, can hit the 8.5k limiter fairly regularly, handles like a go-kart with a very good throttle response
Great cars, cheap to run, but personally wouldn’t probably just want one as an only car.
Another vote for the Elise here. My modified S1 Sport 160 is brilliant on road and track. Fast enough, very adjustable, completely absorbing to drive, about 730KG ish and the perfect road and track car. I can't think of anything else that would come close for the money.
Maybe, just maybe a tweaked air cooled 911 would come close but I think you would into £70k + for anything interesting.
If you want more practicality (as I have needed), I went for a modified E36 BMW. It will probably have cost me around £10k all in but it will be a brilliant road and track car which can also ferry the family about.
Both cars can be fully enjoyed on road at legal speeds and the main reason I bought them
If you don't mind FWD, any RenaultSport product will be ace. Or a Type R Honda.
Maybe, just maybe a tweaked air cooled 911 would come close but I think you would into £70k + for anything interesting.
If you want more practicality (as I have needed), I went for a modified E36 BMW. It will probably have cost me around £10k all in but it will be a brilliant road and track car which can also ferry the family about.
Both cars can be fully enjoyed on road at legal speeds and the main reason I bought them
If you don't mind FWD, any RenaultSport product will be ace. Or a Type R Honda.
Edited by SidewaysSi on Wednesday 27th December 13:10
Edited by SidewaysSi on Wednesday 27th December 13:10
Krikkit said:
150-200hp/ton with short gearing is the sweet spot imho. You can wring it out properly without getting ridiculous, but still have enough pull to overtake happily on normal roads.
Hmm. Elise sounds spot on, but as my budget allows for only up to 3k perhaps a 106 GTI would be good. Not great in a crash though so perhaps a Ph2 Clio 172 or even better a 306 GTI6.My current DD strikes a great balance - e92 M3 Competition with Evolve supercharger. 628bhp. Uprated brakes but standard DCT and suspension. The noise makes it though. Makes you feel you don't need to hoon often. Cannot overstate the difference a good noise makes to a car IMHO. Fabulous sound and so comfortable when pottering which is most of the time. Things sharpen and harden with the 'M' button so it does gentle commute and bonkers quick really well. Still saloon based and not the lightest so doesn't give the dynamism of some vehicles but is the one i've most looked forward to getting up in the morning to drive - including 997 turbo and R35 GT-R.
Might sound strange but VW T5 is great too - a bit lowered and just about quick enough most of the time with 140bhp. Superb motorway vehicle and the rear seats turn into a bed if the need arises (like Le Mans last year).
Recently sold a Honda'd Elige - fab round a track but way too compromised for daily use (maybe i'm getting old).
Honda S2000 is a great all rounder - no back seats so limited room - but makes you feel good driving it. Not overly powerful but means you can really engage with it. Sensitive to chassis set up and quality of servicing so get a good one and you won't regret it.
M3 E46 Touring has been great as an all-rounder - especially being SMG - easy to plod along when you're chilled and grab the paddles and play when not.
I like cars that are good at what they've been designed for but the supercharged M3 gets closest i've yet known dual personality.
Might sound strange but VW T5 is great too - a bit lowered and just about quick enough most of the time with 140bhp. Superb motorway vehicle and the rear seats turn into a bed if the need arises (like Le Mans last year).
Recently sold a Honda'd Elige - fab round a track but way too compromised for daily use (maybe i'm getting old).
Honda S2000 is a great all rounder - no back seats so limited room - but makes you feel good driving it. Not overly powerful but means you can really engage with it. Sensitive to chassis set up and quality of servicing so get a good one and you won't regret it.
M3 E46 Touring has been great as an all-rounder - especially being SMG - easy to plod along when you're chilled and grab the paddles and play when not.
I like cars that are good at what they've been designed for but the supercharged M3 gets closest i've yet known dual personality.
crisp packet said:
My current DD strikes a great balance - e92 M3 Competition with Evolve supercharger. 628bhp. Uprated brakes but standard DCT and suspension. The noise makes it though. Makes you feel you don't need to hoon often. Cannot overstate the difference a good noise makes to a car IMHO. Fabulous sound and so comfortable when pottering which is most of the time. Things sharpen and harden with the 'M' button so it does gentle commute and bonkers quick really well. Still saloon based and not the lightest so doesn't give the dynamism of some vehicles but is the one i've most looked forward to getting up in the morning to drive - including 997 turbo and R35 GT-R.
Might sound strange but VW T5 is great too - a bit lowered and just about quick enough most of the time with 140bhp. Superb motorway vehicle and the rear seats turn into a bed if the need arises (like Le Mans last year).
Recently sold a Honda'd Elige - fab round a track but way too compromised for daily use (maybe i'm getting old).
Honda S2000 is a great all rounder - no back seats so limited room - but makes you feel good driving it. Not overly powerful but means you can really engage with it. Sensitive to chassis set up and quality of servicing so get a good one and you won't regret it.
M3 E46 Touring has been great as an all-rounder - especially being SMG - easy to plod along when you're chilled and grab the paddles and play when not.
I like cars that are good at what they've been designed for but the supercharged M3 gets closest i've yet known dual personality.
What a phenomenal mix of cars! S2K is a great shout.Might sound strange but VW T5 is great too - a bit lowered and just about quick enough most of the time with 140bhp. Superb motorway vehicle and the rear seats turn into a bed if the need arises (like Le Mans last year).
Recently sold a Honda'd Elige - fab round a track but way too compromised for daily use (maybe i'm getting old).
Honda S2000 is a great all rounder - no back seats so limited room - but makes you feel good driving it. Not overly powerful but means you can really engage with it. Sensitive to chassis set up and quality of servicing so get a good one and you won't regret it.
M3 E46 Touring has been great as an all-rounder - especially being SMG - easy to plod along when you're chilled and grab the paddles and play when not.
I like cars that are good at what they've been designed for but the supercharged M3 gets closest i've yet known dual personality.
Nutty9000 said:
Hmm. Elise sounds spot on, but as my budget allows for only up to 3k perhaps a 106 GTI would be good. Not great in a crash though so perhaps a Ph2 Clio 172 or even better a 306 GTI6.
A mk3 MR2, then? It does 90% of what an Elise does for a lot less money. Just make sure the precats have been sorted.Edited by kambites on Wednesday 27th December 13:27
Nutty9000 said:
What kind of car do you guys reckon would strike a good compromise between the two?
hmm I wonder.
I have a Citroen C1 very similar to your Aygo. I swapped a Civic Type R for it, and actually found the C1 more fun on the road.
If you have a garage, I suggest keeping the Aygo for when the weather is bad, and buy a lowish powered Caterham Seven to use when you can choose your route. I have a Caterham Roadsport 125bhp, and it is fantastic on B roads, and is still good fun on the odd track day.
When I sold the Civic, I found I could insure both the C1 and the Seven for 2/3 of what I paid for the Honda. Tyres/brakes are cheap as chips, so running costs are low if you're willing to DIY.
If you have a garage, I suggest keeping the Aygo for when the weather is bad, and buy a lowish powered Caterham Seven to use when you can choose your route. I have a Caterham Roadsport 125bhp, and it is fantastic on B roads, and is still good fun on the odd track day.
When I sold the Civic, I found I could insure both the C1 and the Seven for 2/3 of what I paid for the Honda. Tyres/brakes are cheap as chips, so running costs are low if you're willing to DIY.
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