Good "Driving" Car

Porkanbeans · 09-12-04, 03:11

I was just wondering what you guys think a good driving car is. You know, something you can beat the heck out of on mountain roads and it'll plant you in the seat and stick to the corners like super glue. Something that's fun to drive, but at the same time, is a good daily driver and easily maintained. Something that never gets old and leaves you in awe still after 5 years of taking care of it and detailing it.

Caddilac CTS-Vs are good ones in my opinion (with the exception of tire costs

) , but I want to see what you guys prefer.

NavindraLR · 09-12-04, 03:26

id say anything allwheel drive, with a turbo... like an evo 8 or wrx sti

my next car is gonna be a wrx sti... love it

(id get silver with the gold wheels tho)

lpquick · 09-12-04, 03:42

Hey now, nothing compares to a 3 series bimmer! Not only talks the talk, but walks the walk.

NavindraLR · 09-12-04, 03:47

is that a 330ci w/ 5spd? your right, my dads m5 and 530i are amazing but i still love my scooby (sti)

pwalk · 09-12-04, 04:06

2003 BMW 525i with premium and sports package!

Handles corners and curves like it is on rails, quick, responsive, quiet, all controls within reach without stretching, good road feel through the steering wheel and and seat, stops on a dime.

Not as fast as a 530 or 540, but I get 31 MPG on the highway!!

Accumulator · 09-12-04, 05:08

BMW M3 or M5 (that's the pre- Idrive bimer

). Much as I love my AWD Audis (and all the Porsches, 'vettes, etc. I've played with), the M3 is like a driving school every time you take it out. It simply does what you tell it to do. It's actually more fun than a lot of faster cars.

Sorry turbo-guys, but after having many turbo cars, from 'vette to Subie to Audi, I just don't go for turbo-lag. Give me immediate, linear throttle response any day. Uh-oh, better put on my flame suit after that remark

but I've lived with the things day-in day-out, used them as daily drivers for years.

Looks aside, I'd be careful buying the Caddy until they've been around long enough to see how they hold up. And I dunno about GM getting stuff like steering feel, shifter action, and pedal position (for heel & toe) right in a Cadillac sedan.

LouisanaJeeper · 09-12-04, 07:39

BMW M3 or 330ci

Carl Anderson · 09-12-04, 07:50

There is no power like M power!

AutoFreak615 · 09-12-04, 08:01

I'd say the Lexus IS300. I had a chance to drive the 330CI and the IS300. The IS is not as quick but its quick enough. In the handling department, its hands down, IS300. The 330CI feels really heavy and not very predictable. Just my opinion.

Greg · 09-12-04, 08:51

It goes a lil somethin like this...Edmunds New M5 Test Drive

beanbag · 09-13-04, 12:28

I dunno, I wouldn't like to get a BMW for mountain roads, coz they are bumpy and not well maintained. I'd vote for the WRX.

bet993 · 09-14-04, 08:23

I think the answer really depends on what emphasis you put on the criteria like handling, daily drivabiliy, power etc. It also depends on how you define those criteria themselves. That said my thinking is...

I think one of the BMW’s is the best all around performer/compromise here. Somewhat luxurious interior, comfortable appointments for 4, yet sporty and powerful. The M3 is probably the best but I think a good argument could be made for the 330i because its suspension is a little better in daily driving situations. The suspension is the knockout punch for the STi and Evo because they are both rough riding. I also think the interiors are not well appointed or sound deadened to compete with the BMW’s (granted the are cheaper and if price was a factor this analysis may change). Additionally I have to agree with Accumulator on this…a turbo charged 4 cycle would not be my choice. Granted lots of fun and lots of top end but the turbo lag and lack of any grunt off boost is not fun all the time.

The Porsche 911 could also be considered, but its ability to carry more than 2 people comfortably is really questionable (ok…there really isn’t any) and some will say the suspension/wheels are too rough on a daily basis. The Audi S4 could also be a contender here. Great interior, huge amounts of linear power, all wheel drive, but a very rough riding suspension and somewhat a “dead” feeling steering wise. I discredit the M5, S6, etc., as I think they are too big and heavy (great handling cars but you know you are driving a heavier car when pushing them) and price is really starting to get out of control.

From a purely fun and handling situation the Porsche Boxster/S with its top down enjoyment and mid-engine design for fantastic handling is really hard to beat. This chassis and engine layout is just awesome for handling. However, it takes an experienced driver to really get the most out of the car because once you lose it watch out. The Miata also comes to mind in this catagory. However neither offer the ability to take more than 2 people on a daily driver basis and lose here. S2000 fits into this category also but it also carries the disadvantage of the lack of any grunt down in the low RPM’s for daily driving enjoyment.

Personally a stiff suspension doesn’t bother me and I would choose a M3 or 911. The M3 is more practical and the 911 has “something” in the driving experience that the M3 is lacking. However for the best compromise I think the 330i with the sport suspension and manual is the best choice for a compromise