V8 4 Seater - Which Is The Best Driver's Car?

[KTMsm]

I want a V8 for the noise and the instant torque, I need 4 seats

Budget - cheaper the better but max £25k

The main criteria is fun, I'm happy to modify a car

I was looking at the RS4 but reviews say it isn't fun, the M3 V8 doesn't get the best reviews either and TBH both are probably too fast to regularly enjoy on the road

Happy with an import / conversion

EDIT - sorry I forgot to mention but thought it was implied by driver's car - manual only

Edited by KTMsm on Wednesday 20th September 09:40

[flatso]

Mustang
Merc CL
Maserati Quatroporte/GranTurismo
BMW 5er/6er
C63

[FamousPheasant]

XFR - get a very nice one for that budget

[braddo]

Recently I read about the old Lexus IS200 and how easy it is to drop the Lexus V8 in. It's hard to think of a better 4-seat V8 for size/lightness and modernity.

I expect the E90/92 M3 will be the best modernish one to drive. There aren't any options below about 1600kg.

[psi310398]

I’m surprised the Panamera 4S isn’t up here already.

[toasty]

Nothing wrong with an E92 M3 (despite what cerb4.5lee might say ) apart from the thirst. You do have to rev it to get the most out of it but if you don't want to do that, buy a diesel.

[Martyn76]

Lexus ISF?

[SBF]

E39 M5 & stick a carplay headunit in it.

[KTMsm]

SBF said:

E39 M5 & stick a carplay headunit in it.

I don't care about infotainmemt - that's what the V8 is for

But it's a sad day if an old 4 door BMW saloon is the best drivers car
(although I'm not saying it isn't as I haven't driven one)

[Dashnine]

Something a little less mainstream...

MG ZT 400 - Supercharged Mustang V8: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115916621473?hash=item1...

[Shabaza]

If you are in ownership of some balls of steel.
Maserati Granturismo
The rear 2 seats are actually usable and spacious.

The exhaust note cant be beaten at that pricepoint

[cerb4.5lee]

toasty said:

Nothing wrong with an E92 M3 (despite what cerb4.5lee might say ) apart from the thirst. You do have to rev it to get the most out of it but if you don't want to do that, buy a diesel.

My first thought was a manual E92 M3 to be fair! I also personally like the idea of a manual 5.0 V8 Mustang as well.

You're quite limited in choice with 4 seat V8 manuals I reckon. Can you still get a TVR Cerbera for £25k? Granted they are a 2+2 at best and it will probably hardly ever work, however they are a hell of a lot of fun though, plus you obviously get the V8 and the manual gearbox thrown in too!

[KTMsm]

Shabaza said:

If you are in ownership of some balls of steel.
Maserati Granturismo
The rear 2 seats are actually usable and spacious.

The exhaust note cant be beaten at that pricepoint

Aren't they Auto only

[shiversaint]

ISF or C63 for me.

[KTMsm]

cerb4.5lee said:

My first thought was a manual E92 M3 to be fair! I also personally like the idea of a manual 5.0 V8 Mustang as well.

You're quite limited in choice with 4 seat V8 manuals I reckon. Can you still get a TVR Cerbera for £25k? Granted they are a 2+2 at best and it will probably hardly ever work, however they are a hell of a lot of fun though, plus you obviously get the V8 and the manual gearbox thrown in too!

I've wanted a Cerbera for years - my issue is that I've had TVRs and I just want something that works - mostly for the school run, they only make sense driven quickly and their safety is appalling so it doesn't seem a great idea to put my kids in one

[SFTWend]

KTMsm said:

Shabaza said:

If you are in ownership of some balls of steel.
Maserati Granturismo
The rear 2 seats are actually usable and spacious.

The exhaust note cant be beaten at that pricepoint

Aren't they Auto only

They came in full auto or automated manual. The latter is pretty horrible in auto mode, and kills the clutch, and encourages you to drive it using the paddles. A compromise worth considering as they are lovely.

[KTMsm]

SFTWend said:

They came in full auto or automated manual. The latter is pretty horrible in auto mode, and kills the clutch, and encourages you to drive it using the paddles. A compromise worth considering as they are lovely.

I've tried various autos / paddles they're like having sex wearing a condom - it just isn't the same

[SFTWend]

KTMsm said:

I've tried various autos / paddles they're like having sex wearing a condom - it just isn't the same

Mustang then if rear seats are big enough. Can't think of many other manual full 4 seater V8s not already mentioned.

[braddo]

KTMsm said:

But it's a sad day if an old 4 door BMW saloon is the best drivers car

Widely considered one of the all-time great super saloons though. And not much heavier than an E90 M3!

E46 3-series with a LS conversion? Won't be cheap though.

[jeremyc]

Try the B7 RS4 - you will likely be surprised at how good a drive it is.