A what car thread....this one could be a challenge!
Discussion
Right,
This is quite hypothetical at this point, but I just want to know what my next lusting should be...
I currently drive a 2L GTV, which is a fantastic car. I love the Italian design...they're just completely unlike any other cars at that price point.
However, there are a couple of things that I find a little disappointing:
1) The power...150bhp was a huge step up from what I was used to, but it's not quite enough. I'd be looking for something around the 6 second 0-60 mark. You could say get the V6 version, but read on
2) FWD...I have to say, I've always championed good performing FWD cars, but I'm just in the mood for a RWD experience. The GTV certainly feels wrong being FWD.
3) Now this is a very small issue, but I'd quite like something mid-engined. Recently took a ride in a ferrari 360, and the sensation of having the noise coming from behind you is incredible!
4) Convertible....I've recently had my eyes opened to open-top motoring and it's glorious!
Now, here's the kicker....the budget for this is £10k...
Mid-engine is not a requirement, but would be a bonus.
The main thing is that i want a car that captures the essence of my GTV, but with RWD and more power...and convertible/targa if possible.
I'll consider anything, although i'm not too keen on MX5's (just can't get past the image i'm afraid!), so get going!
This is quite hypothetical at this point, but I just want to know what my next lusting should be...
I currently drive a 2L GTV, which is a fantastic car. I love the Italian design...they're just completely unlike any other cars at that price point.
However, there are a couple of things that I find a little disappointing:
1) The power...150bhp was a huge step up from what I was used to, but it's not quite enough. I'd be looking for something around the 6 second 0-60 mark. You could say get the V6 version, but read on
2) FWD...I have to say, I've always championed good performing FWD cars, but I'm just in the mood for a RWD experience. The GTV certainly feels wrong being FWD.
3) Now this is a very small issue, but I'd quite like something mid-engined. Recently took a ride in a ferrari 360, and the sensation of having the noise coming from behind you is incredible!
4) Convertible....I've recently had my eyes opened to open-top motoring and it's glorious!
Now, here's the kicker....the budget for this is £10k...
Mid-engine is not a requirement, but would be a bonus.
The main thing is that i want a car that captures the essence of my GTV, but with RWD and more power...and convertible/targa if possible.
I'll consider anything, although i'm not too keen on MX5's (just can't get past the image i'm afraid!), so get going!
you see...as much as i like porsche, and truly respect the engineering...they leave me feeling a little cold.
i guess it's that italian essence that i mentioned before, it's just not there with the boxster. :s
as a side note...what would it cost to convert a GTV to RWD? you can pick up a V6 for circa £3k these days...is it just a pipe dream to think of a RWD conversion?
i guess it's that italian essence that i mentioned before, it's just not there with the boxster. :s
as a side note...what would it cost to convert a GTV to RWD? you can pick up a V6 for circa £3k these days...is it just a pipe dream to think of a RWD conversion?
utgjon said:
you see...as much as i like porsche, and truly respect the engineering...they leave me feeling a little cold.
i guess it's that italian essence that i mentioned before, it's just not there with the boxster. :s
as a side note...what would it cost to convert a GTV to RWD? you can pick up a V6 for circa £3k these days...is it just a pipe dream to think of a RWD conversion?
That's a fair criticism, they do drive in a fairly clinical way. I too prefer Italian stuff; it's just such a shame most of it is FWD these days.i guess it's that italian essence that i mentioned before, it's just not there with the boxster. :s
as a side note...what would it cost to convert a GTV to RWD? you can pick up a V6 for circa £3k these days...is it just a pipe dream to think of a RWD conversion?
I don't think converting a GTV to rear drive would be viable. Road cars are a huge engineering challenge to make them work in all environments.
Can you live with an Elise S2 from day to day? My 111S was my only car for three years. Motorways and carrying stuff were the only problems.
RobM77 said:
utgjon said:
you see...as much as i like porsche, and truly respect the engineering...they leave me feeling a little cold.
i guess it's that italian essence that i mentioned before, it's just not there with the boxster. :s
as a side note...what would it cost to convert a GTV to RWD? you can pick up a V6 for circa £3k these days...is it just a pipe dream to think of a RWD conversion?
That's a fair criticism, they do drive in a fairly clinical way. I too prefer Italian stuff; it's just such a shame most of it is FWD these days.i guess it's that italian essence that i mentioned before, it's just not there with the boxster. :s
as a side note...what would it cost to convert a GTV to RWD? you can pick up a V6 for circa £3k these days...is it just a pipe dream to think of a RWD conversion?
I don't think converting a GTV to rear drive would be viable. Road cars are a huge engineering challenge to make them work in all environments.
Can you live with an Elise S2 from day to day? My 111S was my only car for three years. Motorways and carrying stuff were the only problems.
Daily-drive wise...I only live 5-10 minutes journey from work, so not really an issue there.
I do like a bit of refinement though - I do occasionally drive from newcastle - kent and back, and wouldn't want to dread the journey! Potentially looking more on the GT side of things, rather than an out and out racer
anonymous said:
[redacted]
honestly? it's a combination...an opinion formed from up close, although admittedly never having driven one. for me, that era of porsche (986 boxster/996 911) just really doesn't appeal to me. i will test drive one though, i've got an open mind so opinions may change!RWD conversion a no-no then?
How about an MR conversion with the autodelta-modified 3.7L supercharged V6?
anonymous said:
[redacted]
aye, will do 
could you explain the transverse architecture of the GTV's FWD system and why an alternative could not be found? i'm not very mechanically savvy, so any info would be great. would it not be possible to take the engine/drivetrain from something like the 75? i only ask because the GTV suits me down to the ground, but doesn't quite feel "right".
as for the V6 MR2 conversion, it certainly does look like a great idea....and a lot cheaper than i expected! what sort of engine conversions have been done to an RX7....they really are quite attractive cars, but the rotary does scare me a little (says the alfa driver, haha).
It sounds like you want an MR2 Turbo. Or an MR2 that has had a V6 transplant.
Really quite quick. As quick as a GTV with the V6.
Sense of occaision from the mid-engined layout (all the right noises happen right behind your head)
Probably handles better than the Alfa (although i have only driven the similar-ish Fiat Coupe)
Similar boot to the Alfa, just no back seats
Interior not as nicely finished as the Alfa, but the driving position feels like a true sportscar - low and wrapped around you.
The very best ones change hands for £5k. And they are from the days when Toyota built cars with fairly epic build quality.
Really quite quick. As quick as a GTV with the V6.
Sense of occaision from the mid-engined layout (all the right noises happen right behind your head)
Probably handles better than the Alfa (although i have only driven the similar-ish Fiat Coupe)
Similar boot to the Alfa, just no back seats
Interior not as nicely finished as the Alfa, but the driving position feels like a true sportscar - low and wrapped around you.
The very best ones change hands for £5k. And they are from the days when Toyota built cars with fairly epic build quality.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Ouch, didn't realise quite how complicated it would be...Sounds like if you're going to be making that scale of work, you might as well go the whole hog and make it mid-engined? Rip out the back seats, fabricate a bulkhead etc...
A massive over-simplification again, but in my mind I'm thinking that by the time it was completed, I could potentially have a very nice mid-engined, rwd italian sports car? How much would you be looking at in build costs (excluding donor vehicle) to do it properly?
anonymous said:
[redacted]
well, it would certainly look like the boxster's the best option so far...and would probably give me enough of an opportunity to save up for what my heart really desires:http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1297422.htm
are there any interesting classics that might fit my criteria instead of the boxster?
TVR Moneypit said:
Venturi.
French, mid engined 3.0 Turbocharged V6. Not sure you'd get one for 10k though
You'd definatly get a very tidy Alpine A610 for under 10k.
Can't post any links to either of the above as I'm using the wifes phone, and can't get it to copy & paste, so you'll have to Google it.
i've always liked the look of the alpines actually, and i like the fact you very rarely see them about.French, mid engined 3.0 Turbocharged V6. Not sure you'd get one for 10k though
You'd definatly get a very tidy Alpine A610 for under 10k.
Can't post any links to either of the above as I'm using the wifes phone, and can't get it to copy & paste, so you'll have to Google it.
the atlantiques are gorgeous, very reminiscent of the esprit for me.
StuartGGray said:
Vauxhall Vectra. This is what you can actually afford. 
haha, cheeky sod.anonymous said:
[redacted]
i will nothing more frustrating than these threads that get started and you never hear what the outcome is!
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