Fastest cross country roadster\convertible?
Discussion
Say one had £10k-£15k to spend on a weekend car mainly for blasting around the quiet mountain roads, which we're blessed with up here, what would you recommend? Has to be quick and engaging to drive, sound good and cope with roads which aren't exactly the smoothest.
It would be a huge bonus if it came with with a certain amount of practicality i.e take a set of golf clubs and a bike rack.
I appreciate roadsters probably aren't quite as quick point to point as say a tin top, but I'm really craving to return to topless motoring after 3 years since I sold my supercharged Z4 and a Westfield before that. It adds another dimension to driving.
My shortlist includes:
Z4M Roadster
S2000 facelift
VX220 Turbo
MX5 MK3 with the BBS Cosworth Supercharger (235bhp)
Two cars I've discounted include the Elise (too slow) and 350Z (didn't like driving the coupe). Oh and don't want to return to kit cars (at the moment).
So, what do you think?
ANything I've missed?
It would be a huge bonus if it came with with a certain amount of practicality i.e take a set of golf clubs and a bike rack.
I appreciate roadsters probably aren't quite as quick point to point as say a tin top, but I'm really craving to return to topless motoring after 3 years since I sold my supercharged Z4 and a Westfield before that. It adds another dimension to driving.
My shortlist includes:
Z4M Roadster
S2000 facelift
VX220 Turbo
MX5 MK3 with the BBS Cosworth Supercharger (235bhp)
Two cars I've discounted include the Elise (too slow) and 350Z (didn't like driving the coupe). Oh and don't want to return to kit cars (at the moment).
So, what do you think?
ANything I've missed?
MX5 won't cope too well with bumpy roads so if you really want one of them you'd be looking at suspension upgrades (I found this out taking my MX5 up to Scotland this month, but then I knew that anyway). Same goes for the Z4 - a standard one is too stiff so I can only imagine how much worse the M would be.
The suspension on a Boxster is in another league - so I'd look at one of them with a PSE.
The suspension on a Boxster is in another league - so I'd look at one of them with a PSE.
Before reading your shortlist I was thinking Z4M or some kid of kit car.
I think out of your list a BBR Mx5 with a good coilover kit would be hard to beat. Early 2.0 are going for 5/6k, then what, another 5k for the supercharger and loads left over for any suspension/exhaust mods you want to do. I think it'll sound quite disappointing though, compared to some other cars you mentioned. Also a bit frustrating how the Americans seem to have no issues getting much bigger power from their cars: BEGi turbos, etc. As for here seems the BBR is the only option.
A VX220T would no doubt be quicker still, but obviously less practical etc..
Another option, TVR? Chimaeras an Griffiths are in your budget, not sure about any of the Speed 6 cars. Probably not quickest point to point, but quick, sound great and at least with the chim quite practical.
986 Boxster S are definitely in your budget, not sure about the 987s. Sound fantastic, and probably worth considering.
If it was me, I'd be erring towards the Z4M. Sounds almost as good as the Porsche, and a bit different. Also the benefit if not messing around with modding it.
You mentioned the Elise being too slow, can you get a FI one for your budget? Or even a Honda engined one?
Probably not much help...
I think out of your list a BBR Mx5 with a good coilover kit would be hard to beat. Early 2.0 are going for 5/6k, then what, another 5k for the supercharger and loads left over for any suspension/exhaust mods you want to do. I think it'll sound quite disappointing though, compared to some other cars you mentioned. Also a bit frustrating how the Americans seem to have no issues getting much bigger power from their cars: BEGi turbos, etc. As for here seems the BBR is the only option.
A VX220T would no doubt be quicker still, but obviously less practical etc..
Another option, TVR? Chimaeras an Griffiths are in your budget, not sure about any of the Speed 6 cars. Probably not quickest point to point, but quick, sound great and at least with the chim quite practical.
986 Boxster S are definitely in your budget, not sure about the 987s. Sound fantastic, and probably worth considering.
If it was me, I'd be erring towards the Z4M. Sounds almost as good as the Porsche, and a bit different. Also the benefit if not messing around with modding it.
You mentioned the Elise being too slow, can you get a FI one for your budget? Or even a Honda engined one?
Probably not much help...
I don't mind modifying a car to a certain extend, in fact I'd confess to be addicted too it.
I've always wanted a Z4M, but I've also got a fancy for the S2000. Totally different running costs. I test drove a S2000 last month and loved it, but I wonder with the lack of torque it would struggle on the climbs etc.
A mate is doing a Duratec conversion on his S1 Elise this winter, will be interesting to see how it drives after, will be a very quick car I'd imagine and the perfect balance of power for it. However, it's still not my cup of tea, lot of body roll as standard, don't sound good, no grunt, no LSD, roof is a pain (as the the VX220 to be fair)
Let me look up the prices for Boxster S.
TVR would be nice, but I want something I know won't break down in the middle of no where and start when the sun is out
Or am I being unfair?
I've always wanted a Z4M, but I've also got a fancy for the S2000. Totally different running costs. I test drove a S2000 last month and loved it, but I wonder with the lack of torque it would struggle on the climbs etc.
A mate is doing a Duratec conversion on his S1 Elise this winter, will be interesting to see how it drives after, will be a very quick car I'd imagine and the perfect balance of power for it. However, it's still not my cup of tea, lot of body roll as standard, don't sound good, no grunt, no LSD, roof is a pain (as the the VX220 to be fair)
Let me look up the prices for Boxster S.
TVR would be nice, but I want something I know won't break down in the middle of no where and start when the sun is out
Or am I being unfair?I don't mind modifying a car to a certain extend, in fact I'd confess to be addicted too it.
I've always wanted a Z4M, but I've also got a fancy for the S2000. Totally different running costs though. I test drove a S2000 last month and loved it, exciting to drive but I wonder with the lack of torque it would struggle on the climbs etc. What about outright grip?
A mate is doing a Duratec conversion on his S1 Elise this winter, will be interesting to see how it drives after, will be a very quick car I'd imagine and the perfect balance of power for it, I think I'l really like it then. However, as standard it's still not my cup of tea, lot of body roll as standard, don't sound good, unreliable K series, no grunt, no LSD, roof is a pain (as is the VX220 to be fair)
Let me look up the prices for Boxster S.
I've always wanted a Z4M, but I've also got a fancy for the S2000. Totally different running costs though. I test drove a S2000 last month and loved it, exciting to drive but I wonder with the lack of torque it would struggle on the climbs etc. What about outright grip?
A mate is doing a Duratec conversion on his S1 Elise this winter, will be interesting to see how it drives after, will be a very quick car I'd imagine and the perfect balance of power for it, I think I'l really like it then. However, as standard it's still not my cup of tea, lot of body roll as standard, don't sound good, unreliable K series, no grunt, no LSD, roof is a pain (as is the VX220 to be fair)
Let me look up the prices for Boxster S.
Edited by scz4 on Sunday 14th August 17:51
Urban Sports said:
It would have no problem whatsoever as long as you keep it above 6000rpm.
...and I guess that's part of the fun and an added buzz I actually took my wifes Mazda 3 2.0 out on my favourite route last night with some friends (my 550i touring is just too big and heavy for these roads), it was brilliant thrashing the little engine, hitting the rev limiter in 2nd and 3rd all the time, very satisfying and essential with that engine and it probably has more torque than an S2000. Does it absolutely have to be the outright fastest, or could it be pretty damn quick but a whole lot of fun?
Been through a similar process myself recently and ended up with the Boxster. Fairly predictable choice but a fantastic drive and pretty quick when stoked up. You should be able to pick up a highish miles 05 S from a dealer for around your top budget, but don't discount the non S - 0-60 in around 6.0 and handles beautifully. Should be a bit cheaper too.
A nice dilemma to have - good luck!
Been through a similar process myself recently and ended up with the Boxster. Fairly predictable choice but a fantastic drive and pretty quick when stoked up. You should be able to pick up a highish miles 05 S from a dealer for around your top budget, but don't discount the non S - 0-60 in around 6.0 and handles beautifully. Should be a bit cheaper too.
A nice dilemma to have - good luck!
If you want to go blatting down a country lane, get an Elise. It is unbridled joy in the twisty lanes. Not comfy, not superbly fast, doesn't have a V8 soundtrack BUT it is just amazing what the things can do, and just how much fun they are when it comes to country lane driving - it's really all I used mine for over a year of ownership...
Tidybeard said:
Does it absolutely have to be the outright fastest, or could it be pretty damn quick but a whole lot of fun?
No, damm quick would be ideal, hence me leaning to a S200, quick enough but would help keep me out of trouble. Until earlier this year I had a stripped\caged M3 which was amazing and VERY capable on these roads, but just too quick, would end up doing silly speeds to get a thrill.scz4 said:
but I've also got a fancy for the S2000. Totally different running costs. I test drove a S2000 last month and loved it, but I wonder with the lack of torque it would struggle on the climbs etc.
Only if you are unable to select the correct gear otherwise you will be grinning all the way up .Have a look at the bootspace if a set of golf clubs is critical to you
scz4 said:
Two cars I've discounted include the Elise (too slow)
A Z4M is 231bhp/ton and does 0-100 in about 12 seconds. A VX220 turbo is 215bhp/ton & about 12.5 seconds.
An Elise 111R is about 223bhp/ton & about 13.
An Elise 111S is 197bhp/ton & about 14 seconds.
An S2000 is 191bhp/ton & about 14.5 seconds.
The 235bhp MX-5 will have about 204bhp/ton.
I think on that basis, the Z4M is the only car from your shortlist that isn't too slow for you, so you should buy that.
otolith said:
An Elise 111R is about 223bhp/ton & about 13.
An Elise 111S is 197bhp/ton & about 14 seconds.
Are the above figures for a S1 or S2? Much prefer the S2 looks, still looks fresh. Maybe my mate will sell me is Duratec conversion kit when he's done with his S1
scz4 said:
No, damm quick would be ideal, hence me leaning to a S200, quick enough but would help keep me out of trouble. Until earlier this year I had a stripped\caged M3 which was amazing and VERY capable on these roads, but just too quick, would end up doing silly speeds to get a thrill.
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