First RWD car...
Discussion
Hi. Long time lurker, very infrequent poster.
In the summer I'll be starting a job where I'll be able to commute to work each day by a push iron. It's faster and cheaper than public transport plus it'll help keep the belly at bay.
Currently I drive an old fiesta ST. As I will rarely use the car during the week I'm thinking of buying something a bit more exciting; either an S2000 or a 350z. Insurance quotes for both are sensible as will be running costs (hopefully) with lack of commuting by car.
My question- is going from a 150hp fiesta to a 240/300hp RWD car a bit too much of a leap?
In the summer I'll be starting a job where I'll be able to commute to work each day by a push iron. It's faster and cheaper than public transport plus it'll help keep the belly at bay.
Currently I drive an old fiesta ST. As I will rarely use the car during the week I'm thinking of buying something a bit more exciting; either an S2000 or a 350z. Insurance quotes for both are sensible as will be running costs (hopefully) with lack of commuting by car.
My question- is going from a 150hp fiesta to a 240/300hp RWD car a bit too much of a leap?
OP: If RWD didn't kill this twerp, you will be fine 
http://www.pistonheads.com/gAssing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gAssing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I have a 350Z, pretty forgiving but you need to remember its big and powerful (despite what they say on here), with the electronics on it calls time on fun very quickly, with them off it isnt an animal but you have to treat it with respect, not had the pleasure of an S2000 but they have a reputation for being quite tricky on the limit but to be honest, any car is, just some are more so and even ones with a reputation as vice free can become a liability with the wrong setup, tyres, road or driver.
Most of the time, not an issue.
Most of the time, not an issue.
I don't think it's too severe a leap in power if you know what you want and what to expect, I had a Volvo C30 with 100bhp and bought an S2000 as a second car, excellent machine, I was only young so it was dear to run (insurance and tax) but I loved it, the engine and gearbox are simply superb and when you are in the mood to really give it some then you will have a blast!
It was twitchy in the wet or on greasy roads though and did take some getting used to as a first RWD car. I crashed mine because I was driving like a bit (lot) of a tool in less than ideal conditions and it bit back, it's no killer if you muck it up, but it'll let you know you are being a tosser quicker and harder than your average FWD hatch if you don't respect it. But you'll have a great time and I wouldn't want to put you off - I was 21 and deserved what I got, lol!
I loved that car.
It was twitchy in the wet or on greasy roads though and did take some getting used to as a first RWD car. I crashed mine because I was driving like a bit (lot) of a tool in less than ideal conditions and it bit back, it's no killer if you muck it up, but it'll let you know you are being a tosser quicker and harder than your average FWD hatch if you don't respect it. But you'll have a great time and I wouldn't want to put you off - I was 21 and deserved what I got, lol!
I loved that car.
Agreed with the others, just be aware that your arse might overtake you and stay off the pedal until you've straightened out from the last corner. I remember my first "learning" experience in rwd car leaving a wet roundabout, you will do it once, perhaps twice but it's a necessary skill to have
Driving a FE/RWD car properly with balance and finesse is actually much much easier than with a FWD car, provided you're sensible. Both my sister and my wife commented immediately after trying one for the first time how they seem so much more composed, balanced and relaxed on the road. As for your upgrade, there will be a time for having fun, but at first just get used to the extra power - that'll be your main problem, not the end of the car that's driven. With time you'll start to enjoy the benefits of RWD (which are almost endless).
RobM77 said:
Driving a FE/RWD car properly with balance and finesse is actually much much easier than with a FWD car, provided you're sensible. Both my sister and my wife commented immediately after trying one for the first time how they seem so much more composed, balanced and relaxed on the road. As for your upgrade, there will be a time for having fun, but at first just get used to the extra power - that'll be your main problem, not the end of the car that's driven. With time you'll start to enjoy the benefits of RWD (which are almost endless).
I really enjoy a good RWD car but I wouldn't call the benefits "endless".Axionknight said:
RobM77 said:
Driving a FE/RWD car properly with balance and finesse is actually much much easier than with a FWD car, provided you're sensible. Both my sister and my wife commented immediately after trying one for the first time how they seem so much more composed, balanced and relaxed on the road. As for your upgrade, there will be a time for having fun, but at first just get used to the extra power - that'll be your main problem, not the end of the car that's driven. With time you'll start to enjoy the benefits of RWD (which are almost endless).
I really enjoy a good RWD car but I wouldn't call the benefits "endless". I raced FWD for five years, in fact I still hold lap records at a couple of UK tracks as far as I know, and I've owned two FWD and one 4WD car, so I've given it a fair shot. Never again for me though - been there, done that and moved on. I enjoy a drive in my wife's Civic Type R now and then, but owning a FWD car to use everyday? err.. no thanks. Just my opinion mind you, each to their own RobM77 said:
I would. We'll have to agree to differ I raced FWD for five years, in fact I still hold lap records at a couple of UK tracks as far as I know, and I've owned two FWD and one 4WD car, so I've given it a fair shot. Never again for me though - been there, done that and moved on. I enjoy a drive in my wife's Civic Type R now and then, but owning a FWD car to use everyday? err.. no thanks. Just my opinion mind you, each to their own
Wow. I raced FWD for five years, in fact I still hold lap records at a couple of UK tracks as far as I know, and I've owned two FWD and one 4WD car, so I've given it a fair shot. Never again for me though - been there, done that and moved on. I enjoy a drive in my wife's Civic Type R now and then, but owning a FWD car to use everyday? err.. no thanks. Just my opinion mind you, each to their own ETA: Which circuits do you hold lap records for and under what category? Are you a pro touring car racer or summat?
Edited by VBRJ on Saturday 15th March 00:56
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