What fun car for a road trip across Europe?

[fasimew]

I'm looking at travelling across Europe by car. Will probably be gone for a few months, either this year or next. One big sightseeing trip. I imagine there will be a visit to a race track in each country - would be rude not to.

I'm having trouble trying to decide on a car that's good for cruising as well as spirited driving. I'm doing it on my own, so I don't want an old car that's going to give me hassle. Budgetwise, let's try to keep it below £100k (that's not a target!).

Key criteria:
- Cruise control
- Comfortable for long stints
- Capable on track
- Has enough luggage space for 2 people
- Less than 10 years old
- Petrol

The immediate candidate the springs to mind is some sort of Porsche. An Alfa 4c could also go on the list. Perhaps a Jag F Type?
Throw me some ideas!

[interstellar]

F90 M5. I took mine round Europe, it was awesome.

[CG2020UK]

Nowhere near top of your budget and in fairness if I’d £100k I’d go probably go something more unique.

However an OG M2 would be £25-30k can do the long distances without any hassle and will run on track all day to your hearts content. Carry all your luggage and has cruise control. Will do 30mpg on a long trip and cheaper compared to the more exotic machinery. Trade it in when you return and can’t see you losing much money. Suggesting it as your budget option.

Step up from the F-Type I’d be going an AMG GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404158...

You’ll probably get some better suggestions from people who play at this end of the market

[Ken_Code]

The nicest car I ever had for long journeys was a V8 R8. Well inside your budget.

An Sl63 while less suited for the track work was brilliant for the rest of the journey, and before that my wife and I had a really good time crossing the continent in an SLK55.

[Ankh87]

The new Supra? It's practically a BMW but better.

[CABC]

how about renting a track car occasionally?
so the trip car could lean towards comfort. Otherwise, ExigeV6 and earplugs. pack light.

[revilo87]

Giulia Quadrifoglio?

[fasimew]

Great suggestions. Would a convertible be a wise choice for this type of trip? I've never had one, but it sounds like the perfect reason to get one.

[interstellar]

570s Spider would do it?

[740EVTORQUES]

911, just did 1000 miles across Europe in one (997) over 5 days. Why restrict yourself to less than 10 years though, older ones if properly serviced are more than up to it. And with the rear seats folded there’s masses of luggage space.

[bennno]

We are just wrapping up road trip Germany-Austria, Croatia, Italy, Alsace, Luxembourg, Belgium in f type v8 cab it’s been superb.

I’ve a 992T also, but we chose to take the jag. We used the 992 to tour western France, Catalonia and Spain last summer

Both great - if you really plan to visit tracks a 911, but for enjoying scenery F Type.

Edited by bennno on Wednesday 8th May 15:43

[Truckosaurus]

Cayman with a six cylinder engine and manual gearbox would be more fun than a 911 - available from £15k-£90k

[Martin315]

740EVTORQUES said:

911, just did 1000 miles across Europe in one (997) over 5 days. Why restrict yourself to less than 10 years though, older ones if properly serviced are more than up to it. And with the rear seats folded there’s masses of luggage space.

+1

[Jamescrs]

Some kind of BMW M car just seems a no brainer to me, would personally look at somewhere between an M2, M3 and M4 as I feel an M5 is a bit too big but personal preference, the alternative would be a Porsche Cayman GTS

[nikaiyo2]

Left field... BMW i8.

[Martyn76]

Lexus LC or RCF?

[Kart16]

I can’t imagine a 4c being comfortable for long trips. I did a short test drive and felt it was rock hard, not to mention the cabin noise.

I haven’t driven the Alpine A110 but sat in it and the cabin felt much more refined that the 4c’s. And from what I could read on the forum from owners, the base A110 has a nice ride.

[EBRANDON1]

BMW M5 Comp
F-Type SVR
BMW M8
911
Alfa Guilia Quad
Merc AMG GT
V8 Vantage
Mclaren 570GT
Mclaren 650s

If I was ever lucky enough to be in your position, Porsche would be tempting or an AMG GT.

[740EVTORQUES]

EBRANDON1 said:

BMW M5 Comp
F-Type SVR
BMW M8
911
Alfa Guilia Quad
Merc AMG GT
V8 Vantage
Mclaren 570GT
Mclaren 650s

If I was ever lucky enough to be in your position, Porsche would be tempting or an AMG GT.

Having just done it in a 997, I’d bet any of my faster cars would actually be less fun.

[fasimew]

740EVTORQUES said:

Having just done it in a 997, I’d bet any of my faster cars would actually be less fun.

This is my thinking. There's no point in having too much power. You can't wring it out in the same way. I think something NA would be best.