What am I getting wrong about sports cars?

[cerb4.5lee]

TheOctaneAddict said:

As a base 981 cayman owner I can relate to that article a lot. The entry level cayman/boxster offers such a fantastic package that's about as close to perfect as you will get.

I've had mine for nearly 18 months and after road trips, trackdays and daily driving i still relish the chance to jump behind the wheel.

It isn't perfect though, a 987 does have better steering, the gearing is hilariously long and a diesel rep mobile will house it in a straight line. But once you're on an empty road and get it up on its toes its fantastic, and the noise is just heavenly.

Still doesnt stop me wanting a 7 or an Elise though, but thats the thing with sportscars they are all so different, you just have to fund your groove.

A Cayman and a Boxster are definitely cars that I'd like to try, and much like the A110, you don't generally read or hear a bad word about them(driving wise anyway).

I've always thought how nice it must be hearing the engine behind your ears, because I've never actually had the chance to drive a mid-engined car. Although I have driven a couple of rear-engined cars though, but obviously they're a bit different.

[ATM]

sassthathoopie said:

ATM said:

Chris Harris's 17" wheeled cooking spec Cayman

A good read cheers

I'm a long term Porsche fan boy so I know all the good and disregard all the bad. The Cayman above isn't the cooking version. It was the basic or base model 2.7 litre. In keeping with the recent less is more theme here. I've seen quite a few things he has done regarding less tyre is better. I also like banding this YouTube vid around a lot online when I'm trying to convince people that a bit less grip is more progressive and that's more fun especially if you're not Ayrton Senna. It demonstrates [I think] how you can make any car more fun by simply de-tyre-ing or going a bit further and softening the setup too.

[otolith]

ATM said:

The Cayman above isn't the cooking version. It was the basic or base model 2.7 litre.

Cooking version usually means cooking as in "cooking sherry", not as in hot.

[911Spanker]

ATM said:

sassthathoopie said:

ATM said:

Chris Harris's 17" wheeled cooking spec Cayman

A good read cheers

I'm a long term Porsche fan boy so I know all the good and disregard all the bad. The Cayman above isn't the cooking version. It was the basic or base model 2.7 litre. In keeping with the recent less is more theme here. I've seen quite a few things he has done regarding less tyre is better. I also like banding this YouTube vid around a lot online when I'm trying to convince people that a bit less grip is more progressive and that's more fun especially if you're not Ayrton Senna. It demonstrates [I think] how you can make any car more fun by simply de-tyre-ing or going a bit further and softening the setup too.

A great video which does demonstrate the need to have a softer set up sometimes, particularly when on road in the UK.

I softened the spring rates on my Elise and binned the M030 sports suspension on my 911.

Both are infinitely better than before and a joy to use.

[TheOctaneAddict]

cerb4.5lee said:

A Cayman and a Boxster are definitely cars that I'd like to try, and much like the A110, you don't generally read or hear a bad word about them(driving wise anyway).

I've always thought how nice it must be hearing the engine behind your ears, because I've never actually had the chance to drive a mid-engined car. Although I have driven a couple of rear-engined cars though, but obviously they're a bit different.

One of the main things that makes it feel special is hearing all the mid engine noises, mine also has the PSE so is very vocal.

[cerb4.5lee]

911Spanker said:

ATM said:

sassthathoopie said:

ATM said:

Chris Harris's 17" wheeled cooking spec Cayman

A good read cheers

I'm a long term Porsche fan boy so I know all the good and disregard all the bad. The Cayman above isn't the cooking version. It was the basic or base model 2.7 litre. In keeping with the recent less is more theme here. I've seen quite a few things he has done regarding less tyre is better. I also like banding this YouTube vid around a lot online when I'm trying to convince people that a bit less grip is more progressive and that's more fun especially if you're not Ayrton Senna. It demonstrates [I think] how you can make any car more fun by simply de-tyre-ing or going a bit further and softening the setup too.

A great video which does demonstrate the need to have a softer set up sometimes, particularly when on road in the UK.

I softened the spring rates on my Elise and binned the M030 sports suspension on my 911.

Both are infinitely better than before and a joy to use.

I enjoyed that video as well and it definitely made me think.

Funnily enough my old S14 200SX was one of my favourite cars to slide around(only at low speeds, because my skills don't go much higher than that), and that was a softly sprung car as well. Plus it didn't have big wheels or low profile tyres on it either.

[cerb4.5lee]

TheOctaneAddict said:

cerb4.5lee said:

A Cayman and a Boxster are definitely cars that I'd like to try, and much like the A110, you don't generally read or hear a bad word about them(driving wise anyway).

I've always thought how nice it must be hearing the engine behind your ears, because I've never actually had the chance to drive a mid-engined car. Although I have driven a couple of rear-engined cars though, but obviously they're a bit different.

One of the main things that makes it feel special is hearing all the mid engine noises, mine also has the PSE so is very vocal.

That is lovely and vocal for sure.

[Djtemeka]

Try a vxr8

Awesome noise. “Agricultural “ everything else.

It’s like having a lunch up with a kangaroo after a case of fosters

[ATM]

cerb4.5lee said:

A Cayman and a Boxster are definitely cars that I'd like to try, and much like the A110, you don't generally read or hear a bad word about them(driving wise anyway).

I've always thought how nice it must be hearing the engine behind your ears, because I've never actually had the chance to drive a mid-engined car. Although I have driven a couple of rear-engined cars though, but obviously they're a bit different.

I'm currently running around in my 986 with most sound proofing for the engine removed so I could get more legroom. First time I've ever really fit in a 986 which is excellent. It does keep your interest listening to stuff happening just behind your head. But it might eventually get too much so we'll see.

[Hoofy]

cerb4.5lee said:

Hoofy said:

sassthathoopie said:

What do you think? Are they right?

Interesting reference although it depends on what you're looking for in a car. Is it the driving capability? Or is it the experience/event? I guess if you're looking for a track car, most of the bullseye list is within reach of mere mortals so that's good news for the driving enthusiast.

You'd need your tin hat on if you said that the MX-5/GT86 were lacking in power on here I reckon!

Even though I do actually agree with EVO on that though. However that wouldn't stop me buying either now to be fair. I'd buy them for their relative purity and their basic ingredients(FE/RWD/Manual etc).

Yep, would love to try a GT86 on a track. They should have stated where they would be if they had say 250bhp, although I think the correct answer is upside down in a bush on the twisty bit of the A24.

[Pica-Pica]

ATM said:

sassthathoopie said:

ATM said:

Chris Harris's 17" wheeled cooking spec Cayman

A good read cheers

I'm a long term Porsche fan boy so I know all the good and disregard all the bad. The Cayman above isn't the cooking version. It was the basic or base model 2.7 litre. In keeping with the recent less is more theme here. I've seen quite a few things he has done regarding less tyre is better. I also like banding this YouTube vid around a lot online when I'm trying to convince people that a bit less grip is more progressive and that's more fun especially if you're not Ayrton Senna. It demonstrates [I think] how you can make any car more fun by simply de-tyre-ing or going a bit further and softening the setup too.

‘Cooking’ version actually does mean basic. It comes from the expression ‘a cooking wine’, that is, one that is inferior for drinking, but OK to add flavour to a meal (the alcohol, of course, evaporates away). Having said that, I wouldn’t cook with a wine that I couldn’t drink!

[HorneyMX5]

I own 3 "sports" cars.

2008 RX8
2021 2.0 MX5
2003 Elise 111s

None of them have super sticky tyres and none are super stiff, they all allow you to have fun playing with the limits and getting them to move about. Each one is different, but equally fun.

For competition use I will be putting better tyres on the Elise, because in those circumstances lap times matter over grins and skids.

[KTMsm]

thejaywills said:

The more I think about it, the more I don't agree with the notion that the MX5 (in standard form) is all you need or the epitome of a sports car.

It's great fun for the budget (although probably a few other ways you could go) but I feel like a sports car should have a certain sense of occasion that things like the Noble have.

That's because you don't seem to know what a Sports car is.

Typified by the English sports cars of the '50s and '60s. They weren't the fastest, they didn't have a great sense of occasion, but they were fun to drive

An MX5, MGF, MR2 Mk3 are all excellent examples of a Sports car you seem to be confusing Sports car with Supercar

[MightyBadger]

I think a NB with a V6 conversion would suit you.

[otolith]

MightyBadger said:

I think a NB with a V6 conversion would suit you.

These are lovely

https://www.rocketeercars.com/

Only thing I disliked about our NB was the engine. It wasn't even the performance (though it could have been quicker) it was just lacking in any charisma. Didn't make a nice noise, needed revving to get the power but never felt like it enjoyed the experience.

[coppice]

I have a 2ltr ND and while (with some discreet upgrading) it emits a vaguely pleasing rasp, I'd love it with that sweet little 1.8/2ltr V6 Mazda used in the 90s . Especially in BTCC form , it sounds more like a Dino than a Dino . Not bothered about big power, a la Rocketeer, perfectly happy with 180bhp but with a soulful soundtrack . Half close your eyes ,apply some imagination and there is already the tiniest hint of a Fiat Dino Spyder from the driver's seat .

[cerb4.5lee]

otolith said:

MightyBadger said:

I think a NB with a V6 conversion would suit you.

These are lovely

https://www.rocketeercars.com/

Only thing I disliked about our NB was the engine. It wasn't even the performance (though it could have been quicker) it was just lacking in any charisma. Didn't make a nice noise, needed revving to get the power but never felt like it enjoyed the experience.

I've always liked the idea of a V6 MX-5 as well. I love my 370Z Roadster, but it is a bit on the heavy side though, so it would be nice to have a V6 engine in a lighter Roadster like the MX-5 I think.

[911Spanker]

ATM said:

cerb4.5lee said:

A Cayman and a Boxster are definitely cars that I'd like to try, and much like the A110, you don't generally read or hear a bad word about them(driving wise anyway).

I've always thought how nice it must be hearing the engine behind your ears, because I've never actually had the chance to drive a mid-engined car. Although I have driven a couple of rear-engined cars though, but obviously they're a bit different.

I'm currently running around in my 986 with most sound proofing for the engine removed so I could get more legroom. First time I've ever really fit in a 986 which is excellent. It does keep your interest listening to stuff happening just behind your head. But it might eventually get too much so we'll see.

What seats are they? I need some proper seats for my 911 and 130 - thinking some Recaro PPs for the BMW.

[ATM]

911Spanker said:

What seats are they? I need some proper seats for my 911 and 130 - thinking some Recaro PPs for the BMW.

Have a read here as I've just been discussing this subject.

https://911uk.com/threads/sitting-lower-new-seats....

[biggbn]

Ideal 'compromise' for me, and one of my 'dream' cars would be a base model four pot Boxster. I do love the Alpine and I really like the Lotus Evora, and yes, I know both do some things better than the Porsche but I suspect, for me, the Porsche would be 'more' for more of the time...