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Thread: Best Handling car

  1. #61
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    I used to own BMW M Coupe and WRX STi. I am currently driving Lotus Elise. STi has nice power but not even close to Elise in terms of handling. Elise really puts FUN in driving. I love going out on ramps at limit, freaking out my passenger hitting 80 mph or so at exit. Elise in mountain roads are lot of fun too!

    Due to relocation, new jobs, apt living soon, I am thinking about selling my Elise and get STi or RX-8 R3. At least 4 seats and still have excellent handling. (I have two daughters.)

    RX-8 R3 looks real nice as I am able to find new one (2009) for $30k and under.

    Here is Motor Trend's "Best Handling Cars" test:
    America's Best Handling Car winner -- Audi R8 - Conclusion - Comparison - Motor Trend

    1. Audi R8
    2. Nissan GT-R
    3. BMW M3
    4. RX-8
    5. 911 Turbo
    6. Evo MR
    7. Viper
    8. Mini S
    9. Cobalt SS
    10. Ford Shelby

    If Elise was tested, I am sure it should place ahead of RX-8 and even M3. I would think Corvette place behind RX-8, even 911 Turbo.

    M3 is really nice but out of price range for me. So it looks like RX-8 is "Best Bang for Buck" in terms of seating 4 or more and still have a great handling qualities.

    I like BMW 335i, but it cost over $40k new and used ones are at least $30k.

    What do you think about RX-8? Seems like best bet for "Best Bang for the Buck" in terms of 4 seats and handling.

    Jamie

  2. #62
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    335i is epic. Comparatively probably a better car than the M3.
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

  3. #63
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ferrer View Post
    335i is epic. Comparatively probably a better car than the M3.
    Indeed.
    A little bit of tuning and it'll fly past an M3.

  4. #64
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    The R3 model is better handling thatn the original US spec ones.
    UK had a PZ verison with the suspension redone by ProDrive.
    Not test driven an R3 yet, but on local twiosty track the PZ is faster than the Elise.
    Mainly that the Elise is too "fidgety" in road setup and the PZs longer wheelbase and better balance makes it faster through the worst parts.
    If you had an Elise re-aligned to the track geometry then it is a clear winner and nothing will come near it and you may be disappointed

  5. #65
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ferrer View Post
    335i is epic. Comparatively probably a better car than the M3.
    Quote Originally Posted by Zytek_Fan View Post
    Indeed.
    A little bit of tuning and it'll fly past an M3.
    Would you take it over the M3 if they were priced the same?

    Doesn't the 335i have like 330 real hp and 300 listed? That's a bit of a far cry from an M3 and gearing we don't know and for tracking I'd say the M3 has it beat solidly... Plus it's a bit apples and oranges with the 335i having the tuning benefit of a turbo.

  6. #66
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kitdy View Post
    Would you take it over the M3 if they were priced the same?

    Doesn't the 335i have like 330 real hp and 300 listed? That's a bit of a far cry from an M3 and gearing we don't know and for tracking I'd say the M3 has it beat solidly... Plus it's a bit apples and oranges with the 335i having the tuning benefit of a turbo.
    Dinan Sx package

  7. #67
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    Quote Originally Posted by Zytek_Fan View Post
    Dinan Sx package
    The S2, which is what you'd need to keep up with an M3 costs 10.5k USD, the 335i coupe starts at 42.2k so that's 52.7k. The M3 coupe is 57.9k. If you are tracking it, it still won't keep up with the M3 in my estimation and is it really not worth the extra 5k to just buy the M3? There'd at least be no turbo lag and the engine would probably be more smooth and maybe responsive (a guess).

  8. #68
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kitdy View Post
    Would you take it over the M3 if they were priced the same?

    Doesn't the 335i have like 330 real hp and 300 listed? That's a bit of a far cry from an M3 and gearing we don't know and for tracking I'd say the M3 has it beat solidly... Plus it's a bit apples and oranges with the 335i having the tuning benefit of a turbo.
    Look at it this way, it's 90% of the performance but better looking, cheaper to buy and run and more comfortable.

    Don't get me wrong, the M3 is excellent but it's the 335i that really shines.
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

  9. #69
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    Honda CRX Si is one grippy mfer.

  10. #70
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    Not sure if it's been mentioned before, but how does the Honda NSX stack up against the competition?

    I haven't read the thread though.

  11. #71
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    I took my Ferrari 348 to a track day and the dealership owner also owned a Hoda dealership and let me try one out at Donington. The stark difference between the NSX and my 348 was startling. Out of the box I was 2 secs quicker in the Honda; far superior roadholding, steering, gearchange etc. Such an under rated car in my view. Just wish i had the money to own one today. Servicing costs was another thing; £1,500 on the Ferrari and £300 on the Honda.

  12. #72
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    I test drove '09 RX-8 R3 today. Nice car. When I hit one of my favorite freeway ramp, the RX-8 kind of floated a bit which does not happen in Elise. The acceleration is decent and acceptable to me. So RX-8 is no Lotus, but still a very good sports car considering it can seat four people and easy entry/egress into front and rear seats. When I get myself comfortable in driver seat with adjustments done, then I got out and tried the rear seat and it fits nicely for me (I am 5' 10.5" tall). And one can buy new one for less than $30k.

  13. #73
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    WHat tyres do you guys get on your RX-8s ?
    Over here we get Bridgestone 040s which are horrible tyres.
    Best way to improve handling is to replace them

  14. #74
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    matra would you get an RX-8 SP if it makes production?
    Andreas Preuninger, Manager of Porsche High Performance Cars: "Grandmas can use paddles. They aren't challenging."

  15. #75
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    Would depend on price and the longevity of the turbo'ed engine.
    Still prefer to wait and hope they bring the 16X engine to the market !

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