Inspired by IlliniProgrammer's discussion on another thread, I thought would make sense to discuss the in detail.
For the driving enthusiast, what car would you choose?
Limitations: A - It has to be within the range of a young financial professional's income (VP and below) B - It has to be your primary car, but not necessarily your primary mode of transport C - It has to satisfy the driving experience
Any other factors you want to highlight is up to you, but it has to meet A, B & C, so no Enzo's please...
I don't own a car (not much point), but if I was in the market for one I'd prefer something European and normally aspirated. Either a Lotus Exige, or Porsche 911 S. Leaning towards the Porsche as I'd be able to drive it for the next 15 years.
If I was certain that I'd never need a car for everyday driving I might consider getting something bonkers like a post 2003 TVR Tuscan S... ABS, anti-lock brakes and airbags are for sissies...
1975 Cadillac Eldorado convertible or go home.
Not sure if I could pull off that look!
For American cars, I would love an old mustang convertible or the car form Bullitt. I think it would be difficult to find one though. I wonder what it would be like to drive.
1) Maserati Quad 2) Porsche 911 3) MB CLS 63 amg
I have never driven a Maserati, a Lambo, or anything exceedingly exotic, but all those cars are outside of budget you outlined (at least if you are buying responsibly).
I will agree that Porsche 911's have a unique feel. I feel that the air-cooled 911's are the most mechanically impressive; they switched to water-cooling in 1998. I think you can still get mid-90's turbo models for under 60k.
The Mercedes E500 from the early 90s is also technically magnificent: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_500E. Mercedes body, Porsche engine. I saw one at an auto show when I was in high school, and have since aspired to own one. I think if I did buy it, I would almost be afraid to take it out.
Of cars that you can actually buy off the lot, the Cadillac CTS-V (coupe, sedan, or wagon) is incredible. It feels powerful, and had great handling. It feels...deliberate, I guess, as opposed to the zippy handling of a Miata or Porsche. I honestly love everything about that car.
BMW M-series are fantastic driving cars as well. I think you either love or hate the feel of a BMW. The power and handling are there, but I think they have started putting too much technology in their cars.
Audi Quattro's are similar: you either love the 4 wheel drive or you don't. I have only ridden in one, so I will reserve judgement. However, most Audi owners I know are forever taking their car into the shop.
As for Japan, I think the Nissan GT-R is one of the best bargains in sports cars. It is really, really fast and as light as a feather. Like driving a bottle rocket. On a day to day basis, I think the Nissan 370z and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe offer a less jarring driving experience. I still wouldn't take either over the Cadillac CTS-V.
Audi A4
good choice with the pre 1998 Porsche 911's. They sound great and fit the 3 criteria. The GT-R sounds like an interesting option, but I think it might be a little too "boy-racer" for my tastes just because of the styling. Would love to take either for a test drive.
For the Maserati, I'd prefer the GranTurismo over the Quattroporte, as we're looking for driver's cars. I think either would be great for long trips.
Can't see myself in a MB CLS AMG... seems like just a supped up version of what MDs would be driven around in.
'66 Mustang GT:
Edit: rats, I've been here for two years and I can't post images.
Oh well, here's what I want:
http://www.mustangdreams.com/1966-Mustang-GT-Convertible-Apple-Pie.htm
[quote=IlliniProgrammer]'66 Mustang GT:
Edit: rats, I've been here for two years and I can't post images.
Oh well, here's what I want:
http://www.mustangdreams.com/1966-Mustang-GT-Convertible-Apple-Pie.htm[…]
Illini, on the INPUT FORMAT, please choose Full HTML. The image will then appear.
the '66 Mustang GT is a great looking car... It oozes cool, but what would it be like to drive?
http://www.motortrend.com/features/performance/1107_camaro_challenger_s…
Apparently still pretty good. 6.0s to 60 is respectable. The clean lines of classic cars are just phenomenal. The low beltlines and thinner pillars also vastly improve the driving experience.
http://wot.motortrend.com/files/2010/08/28747187.jpeg
Like you mentioned, the Exige S and 911 S would be within the constraints of A, B, and C.
The Exige S is a bit hardcore though. I suggest you visit the LotusTalk forum to get an idea of the variety of concerns and complications that can arise, ranging from special care needs to impracticality for daily or extensive use. Likewise, the 911 in general will also have its own pros and cons.
In the European realm, considering your A, B, and C, I wouldn't mind have the new Audi TT RS, especially if you're from a wintry state. Additional recommendations would include Audi S4 or a BMW 335(x)i for luxury name brands, and something like a Mini Cooper S JCW or Fiat 500 Abarth for "lower" price but fun driving.
I'm definitely a European guy, would probably go for an Audi A4 or A6 to get away from the BMW douche stereotype.
Depends on the year... If everything is going to s**t, 335i x-Drive. If it's a good year, 550i Gran Turismo — epic douche car.
One of my friends at university had a Mini Cooper S. That thing was like driving a go kart in the middle of a city. Yeah, the Exige seems hardcore. Would make a great second car or primary car if not for daily use.
IlliniProgrammer,
I know you like Honda. What do you think of the Honda NSX? Fast, no frills, mid-engine, normally aspirated, 6 speed manual gearbox, Ayrton Senna's input... and you can get a old one with the 80s style pop-up lights!
http://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/Search/DRauSearchDetails.aspx?itemi…
Douche factor? While not nearly at the same level, don't you guys think the Audi's are starting to inherit some of the BMW douche factor? I have to admit, I still like the M3 a lot, despite the social stigma... I love rear-wheel drive cars.
American Muscle or bust.
I currently drive a 99 trans am (I'm in high school so that is considered a cool car)
I'm going to buy a Corvette ZR1 when its appropriate. By then a used one should be 50-60k with low miles.
Not buying another car until it's an Aston Martin Vantage
For all you 1st year bankers on a budget who want something relatively nice but not too flashy check this out:
http://celebritycarshomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Simon-Cowells-…
[quote=tlynch5]For all you 1st year bankers on a budget who want something relatively nice but not too flashy check this out:
http://celebritycarshomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Simon-Cowells-…]
murder
[quote=tlynch5]For all you 1st year bankers on a budget who want something relatively nice but not too flashy check this out:
http://celebritycarshomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Simon-Cowells-…]
I just drove one of those. I was shocked that it was manageable when it came to parking it.
What's up with the love for the Lotus Exige here? Does anyone other than me think the car screams "I'm trying too hard"?
I think people understand that it's a toy. It helps that it is such a small car, so no intimidation factor. If you get it in an understated colour you won't look like a tool.
Why natually aspirated?
Get a 07 S55 AMG....
I have an NSX. Still one of the purest sports cars out there. The next generation one looks like the best looking of the new breed of exotics (R8, MP4-12C, etc). I'll probably try to get that used in 5-6 years.
Of the sub-60K (used) sports cars out right now I'd probably get a Z06, the fastest thing on the road at that price.
More and more manufacturers are using engines, with Turbos and Superchargers to get their power up and all wheel drive and computers to keep the power on the road... I hope at least a few take a page out of the Lotus and Honda playbooks and go the other way for a more pure experience.
I would love to get a used Aston Martin V8 Vantage (manual of course) for whenever I want/need to drive and a Rotax powered Kart for track racing with friends.... Unless next bonus is amazing, I'll probably just get the kart... haha!
Sadly, the NSX will be all wheel drive, but the front wheels are reportedly going to be driven by electric engines...so a bit of a hybrid.
Regards
OP should have mentioned a price range..VP income? could mean anything now lol
~60k or under
used of course: nissan gtr ($65k) e60 m5 e92 m3 m6
m5 for me
I like each for what it is. I think it's stupid to have loyalty to only one, just depends how you drive/what you want out of it.
Currently I drive a G35. Love it for an all-around cruiser. Comfortable, reasonably quick, enough torque to be fun in city driving. My next car will either be a G37 or a 335i sedan. Eventually I want a GTR, but we'll see how long that takes to justify. I love AMG mercs. CLKs were my favorite, but now I guess they all fall under E class. My favorite class, bar none, is CL. Just exudes classy. Costs way too much to justify, luckily, they all depreciate faster than is imaginable. Repairs on Euro cars a beast though. Everything is electronic and everything is exorbitantly expensive to repair.
If I feel like a more reasonable/economic next car, the new V6 mustangs are pretty quick, putting out over 300hp and getting very respectable MPG. Of course I'd probably end up switching to a GT model at the last minute. That grabber blue does terrible things to me.
Then for the wife-mobile/towing the boat, newer land rovers/range rovers if they end up being more dependable than the late 90s/early 2000s models. If not, the new ford explorers are plenty nice. Maybe I could get the BMW X5 M and not have my future wife notice? Lots of HP and a lot of weight for a soccer-mom to wield...
Oh, I would love to get a hold of the ATS-V that doesn't exist yet, but if we have to pick cars that actually exist I would probably go with a CTS-V wagon. I would also consider the Boss 302 but would have a hard time spending that much money on a car that doesn't have much of an interior.
Regards
European all the way, no question.
I would also consider a used Bentley Continental GT.
Regards
Honestly, when I see this new NSX I'm hoping for 458 performance in a 100K package. If they can do that - and if the looks don't change much I'll definitely end up getting one (used for 60k).
It's not about being a purist holding on to the past or which is faster, it's about how that speed is delivered and the driving experience/driver engagement. This is the reason why Porsche has so many different models of the 911 (rear wheel drive S, AWD Turbo, stripped out GT2 & GT3 with Turbo and naturally aspirated engines respectively). Different drivers want different kinds of driving experiences.
As you can see from one of my previous posts, I race karts sometimes and would prefer that kind of a feel and driver involvement to having a car that does too much of the work... I want it to matter a little when I don't take a corner properly because it will be more satisfying when I get things right.
With the NSX a well balanced mid engined, rear wheel drive car with a good power to weight ratio will feel different and give a different experience from an AWD equivalent. It'll be interesting to see what direction Honda takes. I also, suppose it will have to do with what type of motorsport and races they choose to enter it into and how they want to use it as a halo car for the rest of their range.
I wouldn't be surprised to see more manufacturers enter hybrids into GT races and such. It's definitely the future.
What do you guys look for in a driver's car?
Handling, technology, looks, user friendliness, ease to live with?
Responsive brakes are a must. Haven't had the pleasure of driving a Brembo-equipped car, but most of my cars have had larger than average brake discs and very reactive braking.
For me however, I love cars that maintain this performance, while still having some level of comfort on the inside. I'm a GT nut. Give me two doors, a big front seat, and something that can cruise when I need to, and carve when the time is right. Enough power to kick out the back in corners... and RWD. I've lived in Florida forever, and about to move to NC. The winters aren't terrible, but I'm a Floridian so I'll be terrible in my first snow. We'll see how it goes, I'd like to avoid AWD for my DD if I can.
That being said I'd still kill for a GTR. All the computers and electronics go against the idea of a "driver's car" but this video makes me want to cut the check yesterday... all that power staying glued to the track... IN THE RAIN. Oh, and the new M5 isn't bad either...
^^^^
One of the most impressive things of an NSX is that just by sitting in it you feel like it was designed around the driver.
Perfect seat. Perfect peddle placement. Perfect shifter placement. Ridiculous visibility.
For a driver's car the driver must be thought of first.
Of course, if everything else is shit it'll be a shit car - but the NSX retains it's driveability even though it's dog slow compared to current cars because it's enjoyable as hell to drive.
Yeah, the guy that designed the interior studied the cockpit layout of a fighter pilot to draw inspiration and one of the things he found remarkable was the visibility while in the jet.
Regards
Analyst: Bmw 335 xi or m3 or porsche boxster base Associate: Nissan gt-r or porsche 911 VP: used maserati granturismo, used aston martin vantage, porsche panamera, range rover MD: S 63 amg in black
^or you guys debating the NSX could buy a modded MKII toyota supra, very reliable, making 800 HP or more at the wheels for 35k. Not a car anyone would take you seriously in, unless you raced them, that is.
streethunter, the S63 AMG is a good idea but the panamera...it just screams "I have no taste in cars and want to look cool"
Aston Martin Rapide for me, for work, and a GTR or M6 if I'm younger or Ferrari if older for the weekends.
And "american muscle, european handling, japanese tech" are not mutually exclusive anymore. See: Corvette ZR1
Yes they are pretty heavy, about 3500 lbs IIRC. Because it's Japanese it still attracts the rice rocket stereotype but its worlds away from any civic or corolla. The 2JZ inline 6 Toyota used in it is extremely sturdy as well as the transmission, almost all of the Supras making 1000+ HP still use the stock transmission (look into this if you don't believe me). It may not make the best impression on your boss or coworkers but I can't think of many things more fun than putting your foot down at 80 MPH in 4th gear and still being able to slip the tires.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YH6eXUy2QA&list=FLm3hGuNjitED6oGS5vrnYr…
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