Post by
Bubba1 »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/bubba1-u2509.html
Mon Jun 03, 2013 1:13 pm
I actually made this decision in 2003 (though not for convertibles), and it was very easy. 350Z/370z. But in all fairness, I was not after a DD, I wanted a turn key track day fun car that was comfortable to drive on the street. If you're thinking about doing track days, I'd go for a coupe, as you'd most likely have to invest $$ in a roll bar to be allowed on track in a 'vert.
S2K was my #2, a delightful car, well made, awesome track manners, nice transmission and pedal placement, reliable and easy on gas. The two things that moved me away from it was it's lack of low end torque and I didn't care for its dash layout, plus it was only available as a vert.
Boxster: Probably the best driving car of the bunch, especially the S version. But the fear of higher post warranty repair costs, and lower reliability (particularly the older ones that see track use), plus a premium in price made me look elsewhere.
Miata: It's a car that never fails to put a smile on my face. It's an ideal little track car, and I'd probably own one if I could fit in them. I can fit fine in a stock one for street use. But unfortunately for track use, you need a rollbar, and to get one to fit me and have the rollbar fit under the convertible when closed requires race seats, which are not so good for street use. I know a lotta people that use their little Zoom-zooms as full time track cars, but very few use them as dual purpose cars. The down side is the lack of power and having to listen to the ill-informed people who call them chick cars. But the fun factor, handling, reliability and cheap cost to own/repair make it a very compelling choice if you fit.
MRS: Uh, what? That last generation MR2 was probably the LEAST sportiest of all the MR2's. Granted they are easy to drive, light and nimble, but you're thinking of doing track days, IMHO the best MR-2 worth considering is the '01-'02 MR-2 turbo. The ones that look like mini-Ferrari's. THOSE are wonderful dual purpose cars. Think of them as a Lotus Elise that you can actually climb in/out of. Go kart handling, quick, reliable. I know two guys that track theirs, I've driven one of them, and they are awesome.
I bought my 350z as it was a turn key track day fun car. It's not the fastest car out there but it's fast enough to have fun and keep up with the modded car crowd. It's got plenty of low end grunt (which is ideal for street use), and very predictable handling, it's also reasonable on gas and reliable. It's also got a/c, heated leather, power everything so it's comfortable too. I've got over 200 track days on mine, and it's stock except for a stoptech brake upgrade. It might not be as nimble as an S2K but it's a very easy car to drive fast, and all the nannies can be turned off with one button.
Since you are interested in RWD fun cars, you might also consider any of these:
RX8
or better yet FD RX-7
M3 or Mcoupe
BMW 1M
Boss 302 Laguna Sega
C5 Z06 (they're affordable now)
you normally are so right
) . But I part ways with the others in that I would not recommend a C5 Z06 to anyone as their first track car. If you're experienced, that's a whole different story. The z06's big performance and tenacious cold grip is intoxicating and can be confidence inspiring to an inexperienced driver, especially on the street. But on a race track, those virtues can get downright dangerous when you reach its limits at the connsiderably higher speeds. That is, unless you know what you're doing and have enough practice on track dealing with it.
