Supra, GTO or Other??

[alcovrugbyfan]

Hey guys,

Looking to flog my Volvo in the near future and go for something totally different for me. My current car is a 325BHP S80 Volvo, my last 3 cars have been 2 X Type 3.0 Jags and a S Type 3.0 sport. so I'm used to the powerful saloon usually.

We have a Grand Voyager so I don't really need a big car, as long as it does have a back seat for the 1 year old and the 4 year old on the occasion I have to drop them off.

So I'm thinking rather than the usual run of the mill stuff I'd look at some kind of GT. I would use it for work and do probably 20k miles a year. My fuel is paid for by work so I don't mind economy.

I was looking at a 3000GT/GTO but the insurance is coming out at over £1200!! So I looked at a Supra and that is only around the £600 mark to insure.
I'd have probably about £4500/£5000 to spend. (maybe a little more if I can hide it from the mrs!!)

Does anyone have any experience of these cars, or throw anything else into the mix?

[300bhp/ton]

I quite like them all, but for me you can't beat the sound of a V8!!!

Chevy Ls1 powered Camaro is my pick and one I'd highly recommend. Easy to maintain and tune. Fantastic soundtrack, 24mpg avg on 95 RON and capable of 30mpg on a run.

Glass removable T-tops are a nice addition too for some open air ability. Rare too.

Just to wet your appetite have a listen to this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDJpsv48XA4&fea...

[Mastodon2]

I assume if you want a GT, you'd be choosing a naturally aspirated Supra? Because if I were you, I'd go for the full-fat, twin turbo Supra. Perhaps not the smooth, dignified ride you might want from a cruiser, but a driving experience that is bound to make the hairs on your neck stand up, and probably quite different to what you've owned in the past too.

[BenMk3]

I probably wouldn't go for the Supra, for that money you'll only be able to get a decent N/A model, and if it was me, everytime I'd get in there'd be a little voice in the back of my head saying "It's not a Turbo", that's just me though. That isn't to say the Supra is bad mind you.

What about a 300ZX?

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2407476.htm

Fairly similar to Supras, albeit not quite as fast, but a lot cheaper. Or if you don't mind stepping down another class in performance, these two are nice options

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2458055.htm
http://pistonheads.com/sales/2452836.htm

Or if I'm putting my 300bhp/ton cap on

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2211579.htm

I'd go for a manual though, but that is a lot of car for the money

No harm in being open minded!

Edited by BenMk3 on Monday 31st January 20:31

[alcovrugbyfan]

hadn't thought of a 'stang actually. I love the way they sound.
Don't like the alpha or Fiat though. Not into the italian thing.

Thanks guys keep the suggestions coming.

[Mastodon2]

BenMk3 said:

What about a 300ZX?

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2407476.htm

The back seats in that ZX look ridiculously comfy. I almost wish I was sitting in them right now and not lying in bed!

[LuS1fer]

An LS1 (98-on) Camaro will give you most power (305hp and probably more in reality). The Mustang is torquey but has 215hp. That's the difference between 13 second quarters and 15 second quarters. In fact the 3.8 V6 Camaro had 200hp.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2410333.htm

[rb5230]

they all look pretty interesting, think the supra will handle better though but the others do seem to have a lot of character and muscle.

[havoc]

£5k would get a decent ITR. Point-to-point it'll keep up with a 300ZX (been there, done that), even if not quite in a straight line (close though). Will keep up with an n/a Supra in a straight line.

Running costs will also be comparatively sensible (30mpg easy on a run, no turbos to go wrong) - 3000GT and 300ZX running costs aren't the cheapest!

Upsides:-
- Doesn't drive like a fwd car - absolutely refuses to understeer if driven properly (i.e. more like a rear-driver), yet can still carry immense speed through corners.
- Sounds great - not as good as the best 6- and 8-pots, but still good.
- Very good driving position (unless you're 6'4 or 20 stone), with nicely balanced controls.
- Good feedback
- Huge boot vs the other stuff you're considering - similar volume to the wife's Golf, albeit lip is a little inconvenient. Adult-sized rear seats too - well, <5'8" anyway.
- Genuinely the best all-rounder I've driven for less than E46 M3 money!

Downsides:-
- Not many toys (a/c was an option, stereo is 'adequate').
- Buzzy on M-ways. Not as bad as a soft-top would be, but 18mph/1,000rpm in top does get noticed. I lived with one as an only car when an auditor - did 18k a year, managed just fine.
- Need to use the gearbox - engine reveals its lack of torque in 5th below 4,000rpm, i.e. just when the traffic clears up on an M-way. No hardship though - lovely 'box.


I'm on #2 and I'd struggle to pick between it and the NSX if I had to sell one of the two - it's that good on typical UK roads (NSX is truly inspired on big, fast roads and 'road trips'), and it's faithful enough to be fun in any conditions. Also feels permanently 'up for it' - any journey can put a smile on your face if you find a minute away from traffic.



Alternatives:-
- E36 M3 - ubiquitious, but still better than their rep.
- E46 330Ci - evolution of your Jags, very good all-rounder. 330d might be had for not much more money...
- 406 Coupe - beautiful cruiser, V6 thirsty, 2.2d 'enough'.
- Clio 182 - not quite got that last bit of sparkle of the ITR, but still an utter hoot on a B-road! Driving position my main gripe.

[alcovrugbyfan]

hmmm sticking with the US theme a minute, anyone driven a V6 Pontiac Firebird?

[300bhp/ton]

alcovrugbyfan said:

hmmm sticking with the US theme a minute, anyone driven a V6 Pontiac Firebird?

V8 is the way to go. Very similar mpg but a lot more HP. In fairness the 3.8 (98-02) v6's aren't bad but the ls1 powered v8's make 120-150hp more!

[EDLT]

Lexus/Toyota Soarer? Some have the same twin-turbo I6 as the Supra, others have got a super smooth V8.

You could probably buy one of each for £5k too.

Edit -
Or test your company's free fuel policy with..

A Jaguar XJS V12
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2284922.htm

Or this BMW 850i
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2410303.htm

Or a Mercedes S600L
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2193351.htm

Edited by EDLT on Monday 31st January 23:17

[clarkmagpie]

RX7.
The more I look at them, the more I really like them.

[Panayiotis]

What about a Soarer?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2378657.htm

The older ones are quite cheap too. V8 or TT I-6. Similar to a Supra but a lot less conspicuous.

[yinujim]

EDLT said:

Lexus/Toyota Soarer? Some have the same twin-turbo I6 as the Supra, others have got a super smooth V8.

You could probably buy one of each for £5k too.

Edit -
Or test your company's free fuel policy with..

A Jaguar XJS V12
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2284922.htm

Or this BMW 850i
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2410303.htm

Or a Mercedes S600L
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2193351.htm

Edited by EDLT on Monday 31st January 23:17

I cant believe that 850i has does crappy wheels. I would stay away from that.

[300bhp/ton]

[alcovrugbyfan]

The only thing worrying me about the big american motors is, yes they may be bloody quick in a straight line but can I chuck it into a bend without coming out of the bend in the back of an ambulance!?
American cars are notorious for wallowing around bends arent they?

[alcovrugbyfan]

To be honest I'm not sure what I want. Just something different, something fast, powerful and fun.

[300bhp/ton]

alcovrugbyfan said:

The only thing worrying me about the big american motors is, yes they may be bloody quick in a straight line but can I chuck it into a bend without coming out of the bend in the back of an ambulance!?
American cars are notorious for wallowing around bends arent they?

They are if you believe all the silly British BS hype, then yes

Personally having owned one for 5 years or so I'd say no. I will admit they are slightly bigger than a Pug 205, so quite evidently won't feel as light or nimble. But they are easily as chuckable as anything else in a similar weight class.

I went from a V12 Jaguar XJS to the Camaro. The Jag was nice, very sumptuous, but the Camaro easily out performs it in every category.

I have to admit to rather liking how muscle cars drive. It's very tactile and old school, so if you're after "nenth" degree cornering speed and steering feel, they probably aren't the answer, but then none of the cars you are looking at are either.

You have to hussle a muscle car and grab it by the scruff of the neck and it'll respond fantastically.

The late 90's early 00's cars are the best IMO. They take the best of modern tech, so you get good mpg, emissions and HP in a vehicle that's comfy enough to cross continents, but you also get that raw old school thrills too that cars from bygone decades used to provide.

I have no issues B road bashing and do so frequently. The only thing to watch about swapping ends is the torque, the LS1 V8 makes 95% of it's torque by 1500rpm!!! That's over 330lb ft @ 1500rpm.

If you catch it right in the wet/damp you can light the wheels up at speeds of 40-50mph in a straight line. Do this on a round about and yes you'll be in trouble. But it has nothing to do with the actual handling and chassis setup.

[djt100]

I've had a NA Supra and I'd say it's plenty quick enought, I'd stay away from the GTO as when i was buying the Supra so many about with blown engines, Soarer is a good shout, not a sports car but nice on a run, Late models ahve great spec if you can get one, Brother had a 2000 Camaro V6 and not fast but a good drive, bit plastic inside but loads of room.