What is a drivers car to you?

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From the sports car thread is has been mentioned that having a clutch pedal alone doesn't make a car a drivers car.

So what ingredients does a car need to make it a drivers car to you?

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Sport220 said:

Something that's fun to drive whatever the speed

This is key for me as well.

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Pupbelly said:

Dave Hedgehog said:

it makes me smile

This! If you can get out after every drive and have a grin be it a Sunday morning thrash or a trip to the shops then it is a keeper!

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CABC said:

YouTalkinToMe said:

I'll list some cars and ask if they are 'drivers cars'? or at least your opinion..

Audi RS6?
Mercedes SLK/SLC?
Rolls-Royce Wraith Coupe?
Saab 900 Turbo?
Lexus IS?
Honda Accord?
Ford Fiesta?

i think i know where you're going with that....
despite their credentials they wouldn't be on my A list

I agree and while I imagine most of those are good to drive I don't think many would class them as real drivers cars though. It is all very subjective for sure. I'd love to drive as fast as I could in a straight line in a RS6 but I don't know how good it would be in the corners though.

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NotNormal said:

73 replies and hardly any mention of the way a car sounds. Based on the comments on a lot of PH threads that is surprising

The noise a car makes is right at the top of the list for me personally. The cars I've generally not got along with that well have fell a little short in the sound department(usually when they are too muted).

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ZeroGroundZero said:

Well, I think the opening condition regarding the clutch is very subjective, as for me a clutch pedal is essential for it being a "driver's car".
More involvement over the gear change, involvement how the gear engages, the required attention needed for choice of gears for the upcoming road conditions and intentions with the car, or even the ability to remove 'drive' and coast (for what ever reason that may be), the point being the driver involvement is such that you are in more control, which for me is an essential part of what I would consider a "driver's car".

Personally I enjoy the characteristics of a high powered rear wheel drive, manual 6-speed box and a rear mechanical limited slip differential.

We share a very similar view and those ingredients are my personal go to for a car.

I've also over the last couple of years(similar to what Leins was alluding to) got a lot of enjoyment from a low(ish) powered FWD Hatchback. It wouldn't be my normal go to but it has raised many smiles on the right roads for me for sure.

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stickleback123 said:

RobM77 said:

I rate the original Ford Ka, especially in 'Sport' guise, above many modern performance cars.

Even with that very poor pushrod engine they came with originally they are an absolute joy to drive when they are in good fettle, particularly in comparison to the very brittle and crashing ride that so many small cars now suffer with and which precludes enjoyable progress on many roads.

I'm another fan of these and a mate of mine had one and I had a go in it years ago. I wasn't expecting very much at all from it but I ended up loving the way it drove big time.

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Mr Tidy said:

I've loved my BMW E86 3.0Sis for over 5 years, but yesterday I put a deposit on a Z4M Coupe and I just can't wait to pick it up.

My early Xmas present to myself! Because why not.

Great news!

At last!

Enjoy picking it up and I look forward to your views on it and seeing some pics of it.

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I really liked my Cerbera as a drivers car, it wasn't especially light but I loved the fact that it didn't have any driving aids. It was a car that you respected but the more you got to know it the better you got at driving it.

It was a car that I enjoyed driving slow or fast because it was noisy and you felt involved driving it.

I really enjoyed the drive I had of a Caterham for obvious reasons but it wasn't a long enough drive to really appreciate it. I'd also love a go in an Elise or Exige too for sure.

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Gary C said:

I would not buy an M3 as my 'drivers car' as it is to me too compromised and to me less of a 'drivers' car.

So 'drivers car' isnt something that can be easily defined and is confused by peoples perception.

Agree with this as well. The M3 is a lovely car to drive but because it tries very hard to be a "do it all car" it detracts it away from being a drivers car in many ways for me.

A drivers car is something more focused and less about practicality/comfort/NVH like the M3 is I reckon. It is all so subjective though for sure.

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That does look very nice Mr Tidy. I bet you can't wait to get it.