Good "Driving" Car

Porkanbeans

Porkanbeans

O RLY?
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.
 
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

subaru%20wrx%20sti%20performance%20parts.jpg


(id get silver with the gold wheels tho)
 
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!!
 
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 :o 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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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 “deadâ€� 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
 
Anything that is low slung with tight suspension, topless and has over 300 horsepower and 300 ft-lbs of torque. Please no forced induction. Instant power is the key to that big wide smile. :xyxthumbs



For the non-low slung and less than 300 ft-lb and hp class - a 3 series BMW's are really hard to beat. :D
 
Wow, we're talking a wide range of prices here.



If you have the money to buy and maintain it you can't argue against a BMW or Porsche. If you want power for a reasonable price (less than half the other two) with better reliability, can't beat the STI. I also like the G35 coupe.



Stay away from any VW's. They are a reliability nightmare.



What's with all the dislike for forced induction? For the money it's a great way to achieve power. The STI's and EVo's have little turbo lag and pretty nice power bands (well maybe just the STI).
 
If it's a budget choice (but sadly not available in the US) then look no further than a Peugeot 205 GTI - mine's 16 years old but nothing I've ever driven (with the exception of a Ferrari 355 on a race track) can put the same smile on my face. 1600cc, 115bhp but a chassis to die for.



As many have said before "VW invented the GTI but Peugeot built the car to put the badge on"



It cost me £900 in February and I've spent a further £1500 or so getting it almost where I want to to be mechanically.



OK, if I had the funds, there's a whole load of other driver's cars I'd happily speny my cash on - starting with an original and unmodified E30 M3 - sublime!
 
My 1991 Alfa Romeo 164S



A real drivers car, use it as my daily driver, and lots of fun. Alot more fun to drive than a BMW. I've also taken it to track events and had a blast.



The are availble here in the US fairly cheap now (probably 5 or 6 grand will get you a good one). Since it is a relatively modern alfa it is really reliable- like I said, I drive mine to work every day.



The design still looks great, even though it is almost 14 years old.



This car always puts a smile on my face.



Dom
 
Im going to stray from the "norm" here. If money isnt an object the Ford GT. Very unique looks, tons of power and speed, excelletn handling and brakes, some creature comforts and it plays with the "big boys"! Oh and in its class its by far a "bargain".



For an average budget, Id vote for the SVT Cobra. Tons of power, IRS, good brakes and seats. Pretty good reliability and can be made super fast for a resonable amount of cash.



For an all purpose ride, SVT Lightning. As fast as most cars mentioned here, good braking, good handling (especially for its size / weight) and you can tow 5000lbs and put lumber, etc in the bed!
 
Sorry guys, I'm still a fan of my Toyota MR2 Spyder (Called the MR-S in Japan.) About 25K. Hurry up though - 2005 will be the end of them here in the US.
 
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