Jekyll and Hyde car?

[sideways sid]

A friend just raised a question that I can't answer, so one to open up to PH.

He's considering buying a sports car and a comfortable barge, and wondered whether it's really possible to enjoy both experiences with the plethora or damping/suspension/exhaust/etc modes on some cars.

He understands the laws of physics and that a two-tonne barge cannot be switched to drive like a Caterham, and ponders that modes produce little noticeable variation in driving enjoyment.

Any recommendations for cars that have a big variation in configurability - pillow-smooth ride and serene when cruising, and flat cornering stance and hooliganistic exhaust when hooning.

[culpz]

Something like an M5 would fit the brief, although it's still a compromise. It's no sports car and is still a big, heavy saloon, but can hustle down back-roads fair comfortably. M Cars are known for their (rather ridiculous, IMO) and almost infinite variations of customisation and set-up. I think any of these drives modes are a little bit gimmicky tbh. I've understood them a bit more in my current car, but I'd still prefer just one mode and then have to deal with it.

My individual preference is to pretty much turn everything up to full-whack, other than the suspension, which i keep in comfort. I go back and forth between the steering. I'd usually leave that in comfort, I've but started to enjoy the slightly heavier weight when pushing on. The rest of the time, it stays in the default comfort mode for everything, when just pottering about and commuting.

[clarki]

911?

A friend has a 991 and it's nice and relaxed when you want it to be. With the engine out back i'd even call it quiet when your just cruising.

Switch everything on though and all that changes. Comes at a price mind, and not the most practical 4 seater in the world.

[ChrisDT]

What about an M3 F30?

[AlexNJ89]

BMW i8
Alfa Giulia QV
M2
Lexus LC500 (admittedly never driven one)

[samoht]

The McLarens are meant to be pretty good in terms of ride, with the interlinked suspension. Supra and C8 Corvette have been praised for their ride.

Generally you want a car with good fundamentals (weight balance etc) to manage both sides of the equation well. Then electronic dampers help a lot I think.

[Graveworm]

sideways sid said:

A friend just raised a question that I can't answer, so one to open up to PH.

He's considering buying a sports car and a comfortable barge, and wondered whether it's really possible to enjoy both experiences with the plethora or damping/suspension/exhaust/etc modes on some cars.

He understands the laws of physics and that a two-tonne barge cannot be switched to drive like a Caterham, and ponders that modes produce little noticeable variation in driving enjoyment.

Any recommendations for cars that have a big variation in configurability - pillow-smooth ride and serene when cruising, and flat cornering stance and hooliganistic exhaust when hooning.

I went through this process, from always having different cars for different purposes, a couple of years back. I am not completely happy and have nearly wavered a couple of times. Sooner or later I will probably give in, but there are definitely advantages.

I went for the E63s and it's OK in comfort but still not S class or even regular E class. The facelift just announced though has turned the comfort mode down even more so (Low profile tyres being a limit) it's very comfortable. More extreme modes drop the car and are unchanged and it still has full RWD "Drift mode", if the mood takes you.

It's still a big heavy car so nothing like a Caterham though, but, in most circumstances it can be engaging. The advantages are you have access to practical comfort and some reasonable driving enjoyment on every trip, long or short so you have a good car for the journey and a good car when you get there but both are compromised. It does mean you don't think I brought the "Wrong car". The other upside is fewer cars is fewer ownership hassles, storage, garage trips fixed costs etc.

Edited by Graveworm on Wednesday 11th November 19:23

[ZX10R NIN]

Of course he can enjoy both experiences infact I'd say them being far apart means it becomes easier to enjoy both experiences than if he got a Cayman & Panamera.

How much is your friend looking to spend?

Tell him to buy two cars like he planned in the first place.

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Wednesday 11th November 22:35

[anonymous-user]

E9X M3

V8 engine - happy purring but even happier roaring

[NortonES2]

XFR 5.0 Supercharged V8, 0-60 4.7, 50-70 1.9

[sideways sid]

Thanks all for the ideas. The i8 and McLaren suggestions are interesting, with M5 and E63 to contrast.

My suggestions involved air suspension (Panamera, Audi S6 - but I haven't driven either of them) so its great that he's got some more-informed ideas / opinions to consider.

ZX10R NIN said:

How much is your friend looking to spend?

I don't know, but he's following this thread with interest, so might be tempted to sign-up to PH to tell you.

[LJFoley]

ChrisDT said:

What about an M3 F30?

F80?

[Glenn63]

Cant adjust the suspension but the most jekyll and Hyde car Iv owned is the 204 c63, easily potter around like any auto saloon but get on it and it turns into an animal!

[Batleyred]

I bought a c7 rs6 performance, does everything I want and for a 2 ton motor is pretty nimble IMO. 605 bh on tap but very easy to drive around town etc. I have everything most of time set to comfort mode for steering and suspension and exhaust in dynamic. Nearly bought another sapphire cosworth and a another less expensive estate type car, happy I made the right choice now IMO.

[cerb4.5lee]

lord trumpton said:

E9X M3

V8 engine - happy purring but even happier roaring

I did like this about the E9x M3. You could have it steady in default mode(traction on/comfort for the suspension etc), then push the M button for fun mode(traction off/firmer suspension etc). You could really feel the difference between default mode and the more focused mode I thought.

[AlexNJ89]

cerb4.5lee said:

I did like this about the E9x M3. You could have it steady in default mode(traction on/comfort for the suspension etc), then push the M button for fun mode(traction off/firmer suspension etc). You could really feel the difference between default mode and the more focused mode I thought.

I think a lot of people are torn between one of these or stretching to an M2

[Brett748]

Glenn63 said:

Cant adjust the suspension but the most jekyll and Hyde car Iv owned is the 204 c63, easily potter around like any auto saloon but get on it and it turns into an animal!

I second that. I’ve currently got a facelift W204 C63 and it is completely Jekyll and Hyde car I’ve owned too.

Once minute it’s a nice high spec saloon with a large quiet petrol engine and the next it’s popping, banging and sliding around like a sports car.

I just love it.

[Mouse Rat]

My first thoughts would be the Jag XF V6 Supercharged. Comfortable and a great drivers car without having to change modes.

The Alpina D3 and B3

Also as mentioned the C63.

Slightly off piste, the TVR Tuscan is a rare Jekyll and Hyde sports car. Its very comfortable (relatively speaking) and easy to drive, while at the same time being raw, engaging, freighting, very fast and load. Think of it as a race car with leather and carpets.

The problem with many of the modern 'M' cars and even some of the newer Porsches they can be the worst of both worlds. Neither a sports car or a comfy cruiser. Maybe cars with multiple drivers modes tell you its trying to 'do it all' and not been setup correctly in the first place.