Something for the weekend.....

[B.J.W]

Thoughts/experiences appreciated

I am in the market for a weekend car (reckon that now is a good time to buy one). Looking for something that it as quick/capable as the RS4 in terms of straight line speed and cornering, but which puts a smile on my face in terms of enjoyment. The RS4 is great, but a touch clinical in this respect.

I like the idea of having the open top option, I may also use the car during the week if the weather is nice (which rules out the bonkers stuff).

A scan down the PH classifieds has given me a provisional short list, this being.

Vauxhall VX200 Turbo
Lotus Exige S (supercharged?) 220/240
Westfield (the call of the V8 is tempting)

A top drawer VX220 can be had for £14-15k, batting for the Exige starts at around the £25k mark. Spending the extra cash on the lotus wouldn't be an issue, but is it really £10-15k better than the VX in terms of what it can deliver?

Over to you.....

[kambites]

The Exige is a better car than the VX, but not that much better IMHO. I'd go for the VX and fi you find it lacking, you have 10k to mess with it.

If you can find one, a supercharged Honda powered S2 Elise might provide the best of both worlds and probably fall somewhere between the two in price?

[Hitch78]

I'd go for a 987 generation Porsche Boxster S over the above. As long as you are not swayed by the 'not a proper Porsche' morons you will find it to be a a very complete and capable car.

They need the optional sports exhaust to free the noise but beyond that not much else.

[Tuvra]

TVR T350c? More comfortable and easier to live with than the elise/exige & vx.

[boredofmyoldname]

Hitch78 said:

I'd go for a 987 generation Porsche Boxster S over the above. As long as you are not swayed by the 'not a proper Porsche' morons you will find it to be a a very complete and capable car.

They need the optional sports exhaust to free the noise but beyond that not much else.

As a weekend car I would probably go for one of the cars the OP listed over the 987. As much as I love them the 987 is a bit too good to be a just for fun car and the prices are still coming down, plus if people stop buying them there will be lots of cheap ones meaning I can get one sooner

[300bhp/ton]

B.J.W said:

Thoughts/experiences appreciated

I am in the market for a weekend car (reckon that now is a good time to buy one). Looking for something that it as quick/capable as the RS4 in terms of straight line speed and cornering, but which puts a smile on my face in terms of enjoyment. The RS4 is great, but a touch clinical in this respect.

I like the idea of having the open top option, I may also use the car during the week if the weather is nice (which rules out the bonkers stuff).

A scan down the PH classifieds has given me a provisional short list, this being.

Vauxhall VX200 Turbo
Lotus Exige S (supercharged?) 220/240
Westfield (the call of the V8 is tempting)

A top drawer VX220 can be had for £14-15k, batting for the Exige starts at around the £25k mark. Spending the extra cash on the lotus wouldn't be an issue, but is it really £10-15k better than the VX in terms of what it can deliver?

Over to you.....

If it's a lightweight sports car, how about one of these:



http://www.gkdsportscars.com/overview-1.html

[B.J.W]

The Evolution is interesting, but not a fan of the styling.

Nothing against Boxsters, but it is too much of an everyday car for me - Not really quick enough either.

The TVR is nice - but I'd prefer to go for something different to another tin top (I believe the Exige roof panels can be removed)

Like the idea of the Honda powered Elise. There is one in the PH classifieds. How do these compare to the stock VX220 T's and Exige 240's?

Edited by B.J.W on Monday 17th January 11:26

[blackiepaul]

B.J.W said:

The Evolution is interesting, but not a fan of the styling.

Nothing against Boxsters, but it is too much of an everyday car for me - Not really quick enough either.

The TVR is nice - but (awaits flaming), but I'd prefer to go for something different to another tin top (I believe the Exige roof panels can be removed)

Like the idea of the Honda powered Elise. There is one in the PH classifieds. How do these compare to the stock VX220 T's and Exige 240's?

You can take the roof panels off a T350

[B.J.W]

blackiepaul said:

B.J.W said:

The Evolution is interesting, but not a fan of the styling.

Nothing against Boxsters, but it is too much of an everyday car for me - Not really quick enough either.

The TVR is nice - but (awaits flaming), but I'd prefer to go for something different to another tin top (I believe the Exige roof panels can be removed)

Like the idea of the Honda powered Elise. There is one in the PH classifieds. How do these compare to the stock VX220 T's and Exige 240's?

You can take the roof panels off a T350

Fair enough, but how does the T350 compare as a drivers car to the Exige/VX? To be frank, I have never driven a TVR, but I have driven with them on trips to Wales etc, where they have generally struggled to keep up with comparable cars on the twisty stuff.

[300bhp/ton]

B.J.W said:

blackiepaul said:

B.J.W said:

The Evolution is interesting, but not a fan of the styling.

Nothing against Boxsters, but it is too much of an everyday car for me - Not really quick enough either.

The TVR is nice - but (awaits flaming), but I'd prefer to go for something different to another tin top (I believe the Exige roof panels can be removed)

Like the idea of the Honda powered Elise. There is one in the PH classifieds. How do these compare to the stock VX220 T's and Exige 240's?

You can take the roof panels off a T350

Fair enough, but how does the T350 compare as a drivers car to the Exige/VX? To be frank, I have never driven a TVR, but I have driven with them on trips to Wales etc, where they have generally struggled to keep up with comparable cars on the twisty stuff.

I think it comes down to driver in terms of twisty stuff. Lets face it a total nutter in a 1.2 Vauxhall Nova will probably corner quicker than many sports cars driven by sane people on the public roads.

I suspect it also depends how important point to point ability is. As in are you timing yourself or giving out trophies and prize money for the fastest?

In terms of drivers car, I think this depends on what appeals or what you want/mood you are in. Any TVR will be an event to drive, the dash and interior for starters, then the noise. I'm sure it's far more knife edge and frantic when pushed, so a bigger adrenaline rush and far more unruly (also worth noting that there are many suspension geo changes and upgrades to tailor the handling on all TVR's).

Where as something like an Elise/VX220 has a much less dramatic interior, an almost boring engine/exhaust note by comparison and will be far more focused on precision and control. No lary business, so instead of wheel spin and tail out moments they will be about smooth apex clipping accuracy, all about feel and the fine details.

Both hugely fun and rewarding IMO, but both at total opposites of the spectrum in terms of type of thrills.

[Cock Womble 7]

[obvious answer] Caterham 7 [/obvious answer]

[TTwiggy]

The Exige has a huge sense of occasion about it. It's like driving a racing car on the road and it makes every journey very special.

And yes, you can remove the roof panel, but it can cause a slight loss of power, as airflow to the supercharger drops a little.

[J4CKO]

Hitch78 said:

I'd go for a 987 generation Porsche Boxster S over the above. As long as you are not swayed by the 'not a proper Porsche' morons you will find it to be a a very complete and capable car.

They need the optional sports exhaust to free the noise but beyond that not much else.

I love it when people say that about the Boxster, "Not a Proper Porsche", usually from a "real" Renault Megane Scenic, there is that slight perception but I personally would love one !

[havoc]

Depends where you get your kicks.
- If it's precision, feedback and overall "one-ness" with the car, then it's got to be a Caterfield or an Elise derivative.
- If it's sense-of-occasion, engine-note and 'drama', then the TVR makes a pretty big case for itself (VX engine note is dull, Exige is good for a 4-pot but still a 4-pot).



Alternatives:-
- Z3M Coupe (Breadvan)
- Corvette C5/C6
- 964 or 993

[300bhp/ton]

J4CKO said:

Hitch78 said:

I'd go for a 987 generation Porsche Boxster S over the above. As long as you are not swayed by the 'not a proper Porsche' morons you will find it to be a a very complete and capable car.

They need the optional sports exhaust to free the noise but beyond that not much else.

I love it when people say that about the Boxster, "Not a Proper Porsche", usually from a "real" Renault Megane Scenic, there is that slight perception but I personally would love one !

Curious, but why would anyone actually go for a used Boxster over a 996 C2? Given similar purchase price.

Unless you want open top the 996 has to be better on every level.

[Hitch78]

300bhp/ton said:

J4CKO said:

Hitch78 said:

I'd go for a 987 generation Porsche Boxster S over the above. As long as you are not swayed by the 'not a proper Porsche' morons you will find it to be a a very complete and capable car.

They need the optional sports exhaust to free the noise but beyond that not much else.

I love it when people say that about the Boxster, "Not a Proper Porsche", usually from a "real" Renault Megane Scenic, there is that slight perception but I personally would love one !

Curious, but why would anyone actually go for a used Boxster over a 996 C2? Given similar purchase price.

Unless you want open top the 996 has to be better on every level.

Well he did say open top...

But as you asked there are a number of potential reasons including: newer (younger), fresher design, much better interior. And your 'better on every level' comment is totally subjective - they are very different cars.

As a roadster I find the Boxster S hard to beat but then I cannot fit into a Lotus or VX so my choice is limited!

[Tuvra]

B.J.W said:

blackiepaul said:

B.J.W said:

The Evolution is interesting, but not a fan of the styling.

Nothing against Boxsters, but it is too much of an everyday car for me - Not really quick enough either.

The TVR is nice - but (awaits flaming), but I'd prefer to go for something different to another tin top (I believe the Exige roof panels can be removed)

Like the idea of the Honda powered Elise. There is one in the PH classifieds. How do these compare to the stock VX220 T's and Exige 240's?

You can take the roof panels off a T350

Fair enough, but how does the T350 compare as a drivers car to the Exige/VX? To be frank, I have never driven a TVR, but I have driven with them on trips to Wales etc, where they have generally struggled to keep up with comparable cars on the twisty stuff.

I went to a PH meet when I had the T350c, I met up with a fellow PH who had a very well modded VX220 Turbo, we had a play on the way to the meet and despite leaving me for dead out of the roundabouts etc (along a dual) ANY sort of straight road and I was reeling him in quickly and could have easily past him.

As suggested, a good/loony driver can be the difference in the twisties. One thing id say is the TVR is ALOT more comfortable and easier to live with than its faster more track orientated rivals, I was torn between a T350c and a Noble M12, I decided I wanted something more user friendly.

On another note, How about a Noble M12 3r lol?

[B.J.W]

Tuvra said:

B.J.W said:

blackiepaul said:

B.J.W said:

The Evolution is interesting, but not a fan of the styling.

Nothing against Boxsters, but it is too much of an everyday car for me - Not really quick enough either.

The TVR is nice - but (awaits flaming), but I'd prefer to go for something different to another tin top (I believe the Exige roof panels can be removed)

Like the idea of the Honda powered Elise. There is one in the PH classifieds. How do these compare to the stock VX220 T's and Exige 240's?

You can take the roof panels off a T350

Fair enough, but how does the T350 compare as a drivers car to the Exige/VX? To be frank, I have never driven a TVR, but I have driven with them on trips to Wales etc, where they have generally struggled to keep up with comparable cars on the twisty stuff.

I went to a PH meet when I had the T350c, I met up with a fellow PH who had a very well modded VX220 Turbo, we had a play on the way to the meet and despite leaving me for dead out of the roundabouts etc (along a dual) ANY sort of straight road and I was reeling him in quickly and could have easily past him.

As suggested, a good/loony driver can be the difference in the twisties. One thing id say is the TVR is ALOT more comfortable and easier to live with than its faster more track orientated rivals, I was torn between a T350c and a Noble M12, I decided I wanted something more user friendly.

On another note, How about a Noble M12 3r lol?

Good point, but given that the car is going to be primarily for weekend hoons, comfort/living with are not massively high on the list of 'must haves'. Given that I currently own an RS4, I am used to the straight line power that is offered by a V8, along with the excellent cornering ability. Guess where I am coming from is that, for me, the RS4 lacks a little in terms of offering a 'pure' driving experience - which is why I am inclined towards an Exige/VX220, as opposed to another big hitter such as a TVR or Noble. Accept the fact that I am going to miss the burble of the V8 if I switch to a 4 pot.

[RobM77]

If you already have an RS4 and want a weekend car I'd definitely look at either an Elise/Exige or a Caterham. From what you've said it seems that straight line grunt is important to you, so personally I'd look at a Caterham R300, VX220T plus some mods or my favourite choice would be to try and find an R400 for the money.

Whatever you do get out out in the above cars and experience them first hand. Speed is more about sensation that it is numbers, as is obviously driving enjoyment!

[so called]

get in, its weekend,