Suggestions of a sporty ride at or less than $53K???

[ExplorerXLT95]

Also, if you end up getting any of these cars, go to driving school as well. They're a bit different from a Ford Explorer

Yea, well :nixweiss... I have been driving other people's cars a lot lately, after much pestering. My friend drives his neighbor's 2003 Viper around... That's pretty cool and one of my other friends has a lightly modded 2001 M3 that I've stolen the keys to on more than 1 occassion. Also, I was planning on asking for a trip to Bob Bondurant's School of Race Car Driving for a graduation present from my whole immediate and extended family (4-days for $3875 aint cheap).



Also, as far as cars go, I will Auto-x this thing on the weekend more than likely. My friend with an Integra GSR (don't laugh... the poor kid) does auto-x all the time and he's hooked me on it after he let me drive a bunch of times at a few races. But I also want 0-60 and 1/4 mile times to be good as well. Basically, in order, as descriptively as possible, here are the qualities that I am looking for:



1/4 mile, 0-60, handling, sporty, under $53K



I think that should help you guys in your suggestions... Keep em coming!! :bounce



P.S. Now that you're better acquainted with my intentions, let's try to order the list. Here it is again, for a refresher...



2003/4 BMW M3

2004 Audi S4 (the new one that's not out yet)

2003/4 SVT Cobra

2003/4 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

2003/4 WRX STi

2003/4 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe

2003/4 Nissan 350Z

2003/4 Volvo S60R

2003/4 Maxda RX-8

2003/4 Honda S2000

2003/4 Porsche Boxter S

2003/4 Mercedes-Benz CLK

2003/4 Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG

 

[imported_garyo]

What do you consider good ¼ mile and 0-60 times? Most of these cars have good times for a completely stock car (obviously some are better than others). How important are these drag times versus handling to you? Are you going to modify it? How about daily driving comforts? The answers to these decisions will steer you towards your answer.



For example, if drag times are way more important than anything else then it will be hard to satisfy your desire with anything other than the SVT Cobra or Z06. In stock form the torque and cubic inches in these two cars can’t be beat in this price range (and this comment comes from someone who doesn’t like either car). However, if absolute best drag times are not the highest priority then there are other (and better) alternatives. Each of these cars makes a compromise somewhere. You just have to determine what compromise you want to accept.

 

[imported_garyo]

My friend with an Integra GSR (don't laugh... the poor kid) does auto-x all the time and he's hooked me on it after he let me drive a bunch of times at a few races.

There is nothing to laugh about the GSR. It was (still is) a very capable car for the cost. It doesn't have much torque but it has a rev happy engine. Depending on the year and the suspension set up it had a good chassis and offered nice handling for a front wheel drive car. The Honda S2000 on your list offers a very similar driving experience to the GSR, with a little more power and a little stiffer chassis, but without the utility of the hatchback design. Both cars have no torque down low and both are happy to be driven with the revs above 4000 at all times. Maintenance and reliability are second to none to the cars on your list.

 

[BoxsterCharlie]

[Also, as far as cars go, I will Auto-x this thing on the weekend more than likely.

...



Basically, in order, as descriptively as possible, here are the qualities that I am looking for:



1/4 mile, 0-60, handling, sporty, under $53K

These are still conflicting attributes. You want the ultimate AutoX car? Get a Miata and lightly modify it. It will spank just about of these cars driving around cones in a parking lot. No replacement for light weight in this arena.



You want 1/4, 0-60? Get the Cobra. No replacement for American muscle on the strip.



Compromise? I'd say look into the M3 and the Corvette. Many of the other cars are not expensive enough. When a car guy says he can spend up to $53K, he really means he wants to spend $53K!

 

[Glossequation]

The criteria was "quick and nice looking." IMHO - Corvette hands down

If it includes cheap and plastic laden, then yes, the Corvette hands down. The C5 is the WORST body style GM has designed for that "mid life crisis" car...

 

[Chalky]

Autocross? 0-60 time? Mods? Priorities need to be put in order because you won't find one car that is great for all of these. The best compromise would probably be the M3.



As a side, I still don't understand why the hell do you want a new car? You're going to have warranty problems. For $53k you can find a damn nice used machine.



BTW, I see that you're only 21 years old. You have the cash to drop $53k on a car at that young age? Wow.

 

[ExplorerXLT95]

I divided your questions into numbered ones:

1) What do you consider good ¼ mile and 0-60 times? Most of these cars have good times for a completely stock car (obviously some are better than others).

2) How important are these drag times versus handling to you? 3) Are you going to modify it?

4) How about daily driving comforts?



The answers to these decisions will steer you towards your answer.

1) Good? For a stock car (no mods) 13.5 is respectable. What am I looking for from my car? Probably low to mid 12s, in stock or slightly modded form.

2) Ideally I would like the best of both worlds - great straightaway speeds with handling to boot. I do want to auto-x it, but I also would like to beat the pants off of almost any stop-light competition, not to mention the fact that I will be seeking better 1/4 mile times from whatever car I get and that it will go to the drag strip, regardless.

3) What type of guy would I be if I didn't want to? Ha! I plan on modifying (mostly performance/handling) whatever car I decide on.

4) I don't want to drive a dragster to work, but I also want to feel like my car is slightly different from the stock form. I guess the word I'm looking for is a balance erring on the side of speed, but not really sacrificing handling.

As a side, I still don't understand why the hell do you want a new car? You're going to have warranty problems. For $53k you can find a damn nice used machine.



BTW, I see that you're only 21 years old. You have the cash to drop $53k on a car at that young age? Wow.

I guess I could go for one of those "certified pre-owned" type deals that I know for a fact they have at BMW and the like. But, basically I want a brand new car that hasn't been driven by anyone else but me and hasn't been dogged, etc. Also, I specified that it had to be new to narrow down the choices.



Also, about the $53K on a car at 21. Ever since as far back as I can remember, I have been obsessed with fast, beautiful cars. To that end, nearly every dollar that I've made at every job I've had from the age of 14 when I started working has gone away for savings and NOT come out of the bank (except when I discovered Autopia and spent like $300 on some stuff but that's ok). I have been wanting a nice car ever since I knew what they were. I have a considerable amount of money in the bank and with it I can make a considerable down payment on any car I get, and with my job I can afford a relatively high car payment and still make ends meet well enough. I've always wanted a beautiful, fast car and it's almost time to make that a reality

 

[Chalky]

21 years old and full of testostrogen!! "Beat the pants off any stop light competition".



How long have you been driving, 5 years? The cars you mention are a lot more capable than anything you can throw at it. For someone spending $53k on a car, Bonderant's school should be like buying a cup of coffee for you. This should be high on you priority list before you take that $53k car and kill yourself... or someone else.



BTW, here in Phoenix, there isn't a dealer around that would let a 21 year old test drive an AMG, Boxster, or an M3. Probably not a vette either.

 

[Pandora]

Okay then, now you're getting somewhere. Some of these cars couldn't get into the 12's if you put in a second motor. Axe the M3, it might get into the very high 12's, but it's high strung stock, and has very little room for improvement. Same with the S2k, you could turbo charge it, but it wouldn't likely survive it for long. The RX-8 can go to, for similar reasons. Since handling isn't your highest priority, I'd list the Boxster, S2000 and the Nissan twins a little lower on your list than the speed freaks like the Vette and Mustang.



The S60R might eventually have aftermarket support, but will never be an auto-x monster and should have a front wheel drive bias, as will the S4, and the new one, without turbos, will be much harder to make reasonable fast, a problem the B5 version never had, although it would burn to the ground. Tradeoffs!



Really, I would suggest a forced induction car, they're the easiest to really get performance advantages out of. Although the Z06 starts out being the fastest and still has plenty of room for expansion, the C6 coming in a year or so should be even faster. The Mustang can make huge power upgrades, but it's a touch on the antiquated side and is about to be replaced by a much more modern platform. The C32 is pretty darn fast in a straight line, as I have learned from experience, and I'm sure the supercharger can be turned up to 11.



But if you don't need a ton of sophistication but want as much performance as possible, I think you might want to consider an Evo or a WRX STi, they can both offer the most modifiable platforms, albeit not much top end speed, as they're shaped like bricks! But they'll also be great auto-x cars and have the second most aftermarket support after the Vette and Mustang. That's my take for now.



Ben

 

[BradE]

BTW, here in Phoenix, there isn't a dealer around that would let a 21 year old test drive an AMG, Boxster, or an M3. Probably not a vette either.

If they know you have the cash, and are serious, they will let you drive one. Their #1 goal is making a sale, they could care less how old you are. I'm 21 and have test driven lots of expensive cars, including Rolls-Royce, Benz S600 and others.

 

[imported_garyo]

Most of the cars you have mentioned will not produce the performance numbers you are after in stock form and some will not reach your moded peformance numbers at all. Not to mention getting the drag numbers you want and getting the handling you want are not going to be easy (or cheap) or result in that great of a daily driver.



For the last time I will mention that you would be much better off getting a used car that can be modified to meet your expectations performance wise. Something like WRX. Great start with lots of potential. Althought the new EVO and WRX STI would probably offer even more potential.





But as for list. Based on what you want to achieve. Eliminate any front wheel drive car (limited in the handling department). Drop the Mustang, for one thing a new platform comes out next year that has to handle better than the current one. The Boxster, CLK, Audi and M3 will be incredibly expensive to modify (if you can even achieve the numbers you want), I would drop them.



Realize that many of the cars you have mentioned will have to have their brakes up graded to do any serious track time (Boxster could do it for sure not sure about a couple of the others) and I am not talking about just a set of performance pads either (some will need all new systems to prevent fading).

 

[thevolvoguy]

Try this....



Narrow the list down to what kind of body style you want. Like people have said already, the Vette dosent exactly compare to an S60 R or a C32 for obvious reasons. All three are extremely fast, they handle well and are comfortable. But you are comparing sports cars to sport sedans and sport coupes and so on. Try to decide if you want a 4-door, or a 2-door or what. That will knock quite a few off the list.



Is a 2-seater practical for you?



Do you need the trunk space of a bigger car or is the tiny Boxter front storage enough?



Do you want to be able to modify the car?



Do you want a Japanese car, a European car, or an american car?



Try to answer those, and maybe that will help get the list a little smaller.



IMO, a Corvette is a mid-age crisis car that is assembled with GM's marginal quality. Every GM car or truck I have ever known of has had quite a list of problems. (Completely opinon, I dont need to be flamed)

 

[thevolvoguy]

For the last time I will mention that you would be much better off getting a used car that can be modified to meet your expectations performance wise. Something like WRX. Great start with lots of potential. Althought the new EVO and WRX STI would probably offer even more potential.

I disagee. He has already said he dosent want a used car unless it is certified. An EVO is kind of out of place in his list IMO.

But as for list. Based on what you want to achieve. Eliminate any front wheel drive car (limited in the handling department). Drop the Mustang, for one thing a new platform comes out next year that has to handle better than the current one. The Boxster, CLK, Audi and M3 will be incredibly expensive to modify (if you can even achieve the numbers you want), I would drop them.

Again, I think I disagree. I drive a FWD car and it handles very very well, I take can take truns like the cars on rails. It also has near perfect 50/50 weight distribution. I have the stock sport suspenison too. I can say that in good conditions a RWD or AWD car with my suspenison could out handle me. But, I wouldnt go so far as to eliminate all FWD cars. The Acura CL Type S is a good FWD choice thats not on the list. Other than that, I dont see any FWD cars on the list. They are all either AWD or RWD.



CLK's arent expenisve to modify... at all. There are lots of MB tunung companys that do chips, intakes, etc for these cars.



M3's arent either, but the engines in the M cars are already pretty much tuned for peak performance.

Realize that many of the cars you have mentioned will have to have their brakes up graded to do any serious track time (Boxster could do it for sure not sure about a couple of the others) and I am not talking about just a set of performance pads either (some will need all new systems to prevent fading).

From how he's talking I dont think hes trying to race to car on a track every day. I could be wrong though.



I know the Volvo has slotted Brembo's, im pretty sure the M3, maybe the S4 has brembo's as well and the MB's have the huge AMG slotted discs. Most of the cars on the list have more than adequate brakes. Maybe someone else can comment here.



:xyxthumbs

 

[chevyguy28]

IMO front wheel drive just doesn't cut it. With the exception of the mini perhaps





Also, low to mid 12's? You have not mentioned anything else but performance attributes for your desired qualities, so you should just give up and buy the Z06. It's the best performer by far. And some German tuning can cost quite a bit, depending on the reputation of the company.



Concerncing brakes, don't think that just because some of the cars have Brembo systems, that they won't fade eventually. After five laps on a real road course, the rotors could be on their way to warping. They will however, be fairly difficult to get out of shape on the street unless you are doing crazy things.

 

[thevolvoguy]

Justin, have you looked into any of the Loriser tuning products for your C32? They have some pretty bad arse body kits as well as great exhaust systems and tuning options.



One of my customers has an S600 with the Loriser DTM package, with the exhaust and roof spoiler, fog lights, etc... and man does that thing look awesome. Check my gallery for pics if youre interested.

 

[Iconoclast]

BTW, here in Phoenix, there isn't a dealer around that would let a 21 year old test drive an AMG, Boxster, or an M3. Probably not a vette either.

If you show them a bank statement with $53,000 they will.



I would also like to know how you can afford that kind of car. Inheritence? Parents? Lottery? Really good job?

 

[chevyguy28]

Hi Cody,

I have not considered any aesthetic modications to my car, as I consider them useless for my purposes. I like refined understatement and keeping a low profile (considering debadging too!). The car already has an AMG bodykit, which looks fine to me. Just not for me I guess.





Concerning the age issue...assuming 21 year olds cannot drive is assumption. It depends largely on experience, not age. I know a number of individuals that have driven fairly expensive sporty cars from day one (turning 16, or even younger ), and now that they have reached their early 20's, they are much better drivers than a 40 year old buying a sports car for the first time.

 

[ExplorerXLT95]

21 years old and full of testostrogen!! "Beat the pants off any stop light competition".



BTW, here in Phoenix, there isn't a dealer around that would let a 21 year old test drive an AMG, Boxster, or an M3. Probably not a vette either.

Alright now hold on a second This is not intended as a flame, but...

1) It's testosterone, silly. And yes, I do have tons of it thanks to the sport I play (lacrosse) and daily gym workouts.

2) That comment (about the stoplight) was intended as a lighthearted idea of what I wanted in terms of speed. I want a car that is fast. It was not inteded to mean or imply that once I get my car, I will be drag racing people at every stoplight. I rarely do that. I have never been in an accident and I do not intend to be. I am a safe driver.

3) As ShowroomLincoln said, if they know that I'm serious and that I have the cash, which they could find out somehow I'm sure, they will have no problem with me taking them out for a spin. Not to mention the fact that I have a friend at two of the upscale dealerships near me.



Anyways, back to the list, etc....



What about the new 2004 Cadillac CTS-V that's coming out?? It's supposed to have the Corvette 5.6L V8 in it along with a pretty good suspension. I read something about it the other day. Anybody got any opinions??



I'm starting to think that either the M3 or the SVT Cobra would be a good idea for top choice. I'm sure the M3 will be fast enough (4.8 0-60, etc) and come stock with a nice suspension. The Cobra SVT would need some suspension work, but would have gobs of HP to begin with.



Keep the suggestions/thoughts coming guys, I love this!! You guys are really helping me out!



EDIT:

If you show them a bank statement with $53,000 they will.



I would also like to know how you can afford that kind of car. Inheritence? Parents? Lottery? Really good job?

As I said before, I have been saving from day 1 of my work experience for a good car to be bought at or around age 21 and yes, I do have a good job. No inheritance, lottery, parents or anything of the sort.

 

[chevyguy28]

It's also time to consider practical matters. The M3 is a BMW! This means it has a much better interior than the Cobra, more luxury features, and it looks better!



The CTS-v is probably going to be a little softer than the M3, but there's no way to tell for sure until it is released. Don't worry the dealer thing, they don't care what age you are if you are serious. They just do not like kids coming for free joy rides.

 

[Chalky]

Immediately put the Caddy at the bottom of the list.