Nissan embarrasses Ferrari

[AZhitman]

Greg, your list is so disjointed I just don't know what to say to you. I'd take a Cayman S over the boxter hands down. An Evora is a bit better of an around towner with the 6 bust still fun when you put the power down. Which chassis Carrera, I like the newer ones for the power, but I think a 993 c4s is where I would go. Can't argue with the vette, and you already know what those are like. What Z are you thinking?

I'm indecisive like that. The Boxster would HAVE to be the S-model, otherwise not interested. The Evora and Cayman S are probably a touch out of the price range. 97-98 Turbo is a good fit. Love the C5 Z06, of course...

What Z? Huh?

[Jesda]

Ferrari can spend millions of dollars trying to protect its legendary name but at the end of the day, Mazda gets all of my respect. With the Miata alone, that's more than one million sports cars sold.

Mazda is responsible for delivering more driving enjoyment to more people around the globe than any other manufacturer. Ever.

[Bubba1]

I think a 993 c4s is where I would go.

Great minds think alike. I had a recent conversation with a buddy that's been talking about buying a used 911 and he asked me which one. The 993 C4S was what I suggested. Aircooled FTW.

Though if I were looking for a Porsche for myself, for the street, I'd probably look older, like a late 60's 911S. Can't beat the old school porsches with skinny tires. But as a track toy to beat on, it's hard to argue against a Cayman S. Boxter S's are nice, but the rule of thumb with them is the newer the better. I'd stay away from the earlier ones, despite being so affordable.

[AZhitman]

Ferrari can spend millions of dollars trying to protect its legendary name but at the end of the day, Mazda gets all of my respect. With the Miata alone, that's more than one million sports cars sold.

Mazda is responsible for delivering more driving enjoyment to more people around the globe than any other manufacturer. Ever.

Well-said, and entirely correct.

Realistically, it'll be hard to get me out of my MSM. If we didn't have such stifling emissions regulations, I'd have an LS1 in it.

A 400-hp Miata or FD is, to me, the ultimate street car...

[the converted]

Greg, I meant which M roadster, but Z came out...

Joel, I like driving the older 911's, and they are fun cars for sure. The pedal ergonomics for me on the older ones just kill all of the fun for me. I have size 13's and I still have to work to be able to be able to pull off a good heel toe downshift. It's a relatively small thing in the grand scheme of it, but it's enough to make me dislike the car.

[AZhitman]

Greg, I meant which M roadster

http://bringatrailer.com/2012/12/09/bat ... -roadster/

[the converted]

Looks good. Glad you found an s54 powered one to drool over.

[Bubba1]

Greg, I meant which M roadster, but Z came out...

Joel, I like driving the older 911's, and they are fun cars for sure. The pedal ergonomics for me on the older ones just kill all of the fun for me. I have size 13's and I still have to work to be able to be able to pull off a good heel toe downshift. It's a relatively small thing in the grand scheme of it, but it's enough to make me dislike the car.

I understand. I guess I'm lucky to wear size 10's. I have a similar view when it comes to the Lotus Elise/Exige. As much fun as they are to toss around, as a less limber old fart, the effort to climb out of them pretty much crosses them off my list of cool cars to get. I'm glad I've driven several of them but I'm also relieved no one's caught me on video trying to get out of one. Talk about embarrassing.

[Jesda]

I'm glad (or disappointed?) to hear it's not just Saabs that are weird about pedal placement. When I got my 900 turbo I had to discard a wonderful $80 pair of wide sandals to keep them from getting stuck between the brake pedal and the driveline tunnel.

[themadscientist]

I keep looking at M-spec 1 series BMW coupes.

[OriginalWheelman]

I'm glad (or disappointed?) to hear it's not just Saabs that are weird about pedal placement. When I got my 900 turbo I had to discard a wonderful $80 pair of wide sandals to keep them from getting stuck between the brake pedal and the driveline tunnel.

The pedal placement was my primary gripe about our Mazda2. I could not put my foot flat on the gas pedal. With my leg all the way against the center console I had to turn my foot to hit the gas. My wife has skinnier legs and thus never had that problem. For me it was an issue if I had to drive the car more than 20 mins.