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-   -   What are the most fun cars you have driven, and why? (http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/906765-what-most-fun-cars-you-have-driven-why.html)

Tobra 03-23-2016 08:28 AM

1.'74 914 2.0- The sounds, the smells are all familiar, but it has double the power at about the same weight as #2. Driving it feels like the entire world is rotating around the wallet in my right back pocket.

2-'79 Super Beetle Convertible- First car, slow as maple syrup on a freezing cold day, but was just fun. Sounded and smelled like a car should. Handled incredibly well for something on bicycle tires, yes, I did have it on two wheels more than once. Like a 4 seat go cart. Someone tried to buy it about every other time I drove it.

3.'72 XKE V-12 roadster- Steering feel was too light, power steering was cranked up a notch or two too much was about the only thing pushing it so far down the list. So pretty that police officers would pull you over just to get a closer look at it, people would stare slack jawed as you drove by. Enzo was right, prettiest car to turn a wheel. The sound it made going through the gears was indescribable, something is just right about a 12 cylinder motor's engine note.

4.'84 911 Carrera Cab. You guys know all about this one. Only downside to driving a 911 convertible is somehow it makes the head of all the drivers around you fly up their ass.

5.2012 SRT 8 Challenger- My brother's car Holy straight line acceleration Batman! It stops and turns too, c'est incroyable. I guess having brakes as big as the wheels on the bug must help some, along with the implausibly large front calipers. The marriage to the three pointed star must have rubbed off on the Dodge boys, car does not feel like the behemoth it is. Makes that groovy V-8 thunder too.

JeremyD 03-23-2016 09:44 AM

Drove a 2015 Turbo S at Sebring for a few laps - insanely fast but it was almost too easy to drive fast

Probably my favorites have all been light cars - so tossable - starting with my first car - 1971 Triumph Spitfire Mark IV - great brakes too.

trashed a first generation Lotus Elise at an autocross - that was a blast - and got FTOD

My 1974 IROC tribute car - 2400 lbs - 300HP that was fun to get the tail wagging around the track.

Actually had just as much fun my first time in the 1989 S2 at the track - sure you can tell it's 400 lbs heavier - but the suspension handled it better - brakes were insanely balanced and was equally entertaining.

Drove my share of muscle cars - that all drove like trucks - had some early british and alfa's - bleah - I think the two cars I've been the most surprised about really liking was a 2015 Chevy Camaro SS. Had a little suspension work - headers and cat delete- that car hauled the mail - and stopped and cornered - and once you got up to speed it seemed to shrink in size. Gobs of torque - sounded like a racecar - lots of fun.

The other being a Honda S2000 - first generation. Car fit like a glove - shifter was sublime - was really odd keeping the car between 5800 rpms and 9000 rpms - but the car just went - balanced - good brakes - seemed to run better the harder you pushed it.

vash 03-23-2016 10:34 AM

a full race prepped 911SC on the track.

at my speeds, that car could do no wrong. it was the fastest i have ever gone on a track. i made mistakes and could fix them mid stride..it was pretty damn cool. it felt like the car barely broke a sweat, but it was plenty for me. dont know if that makes any sense.

Otter74 03-23-2016 01:21 PM

I've enjoyed many of the responses here. I will add a few, though my original list is still my top three.

1)Miata - duh, this is sort of a cliche, but it's cliched because it's true. A good friend of mine has a '99 NB that he bought new. Sport package, LSD. I've driven it before, but not on any particularly interesting roads. Last fall I went to visit them at their new home in Denver and we went for a drive (well, I did all the driving) through the front range up the Peak To Peak highway in the car. It was absolutely glorious! I've long had first dibs on the car if he ever sells it. One time about 5 years ago he was thinking of selling it and asked me if I was interested. I told him to reconsider, because he'd regret selling it. I'm glad he listened to me.

2)MGB GT. This one surprised me. Since I was a teenager, I've always preferred old Italian sports cars to old British sports cars. But until recently I'd never actually driven any British 2-seat convertibles. My girlfriend's dad has a '67BGT that he bought new. Summer before last he let me drive it. I was the first person other than him that he had let drive the car in at least a decade. I was so surprised at how nice it was to drive, even though we were only in the outer Chicago suburbs. Unfortunately this car spends most of its life sitting under a cover in a hangar, and doesn't get driven much.

3)My Sentra SE-R. Not on the same level as the Elan, etc. but I'm being sentimental here. I love this car to death and it is an enormous amount of fun-to-drive for a $15k Japanese econobox. I've had this one since I drove it off the lot in 1993.

Also I'm struck by how often 944s have come up. I've known of their reputation for being great handlers, but perhaps underappreciated it. Certainly, when I started shopping for my 911 I knew I could have all the glorious Porsche handling fun I wanted for less than half the cost of the Targa I bought, but dammit, I only wanted a 911.

Craig T 03-23-2016 01:31 PM

If this one was free to drive, it would have been my most fun car by far. ...but at year five when I started keeping track of the costs...It wasn't so fun anymore :eek:



http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1458765100.jpg

berettafan 03-23-2016 01:54 PM

light cars are the most fun...to me.

'70 911, '82 rabbit,

Tobra 03-23-2016 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otter74 (Post 9050158)
1)Miata - duh, this is sort of a cliche, but it's cliched because it's true.

Hah, I forgot to even mention the current DD. Turbo Miata with custom valved Bilstein shocks, lowered about an inch with spring rates about triple what it had stock. It is a freakin' hoot. Very competent little sports car, not even sure where it would go on the list. It is utterly predictable turning and stopping, very sweet shifter, easy to drive fast and catch it if it gets out of shape a little.

ted 03-23-2016 04:20 PM

I like contrast and no nannies with my fun cars.
From an RSR to a 70 Z28 fun for a day drive.
The vintage late model Trans Am race cars are the biggest thrill.
I've got one for sale too.
https://youtu.be/WdhwY6sqq1M
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1458775138.jpg

Jeff Alton 03-23-2016 09:16 PM

993 rs

look 171 03-23-2016 11:41 PM

My Old Diesel pickup truck. Faded paint, but everything else is flawless. Something about driving it on the hwy doing around 70mph I really like. Missed my 72 GMC 1 ton truck also. That 350 was great with some go fast parts on there.

The other car I really liked was my first gen MR2. Talk about throwing a car into a corner. NA Miata, S2000, while great handling cars, but not like the MR2. Love that thing.

My old 4 banger Jeep was fun, even on the street.

Don Ro 03-23-2016 11:44 PM

"The other car I really liked was my first gen MR2."
~~~~~~~~
I've always had a spot for one of those rigs. Cute, too. Never drove one...nor sat in one.
My fantasy tells me that it would be fun. I like small, well-handling cars.

look 171 03-24-2016 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Ro (Post 9050921)
"The other car I really liked was my first gen MR2."
~~~~~~~~
I've always had a spot for one of those rigs. Cute, too. Never drove one...nor sat in one.
My fantasy tells me that it would be fun. I like small, well-handling cars.

Sat in one during high school at the LA Auto Show. It was the Fiero fighter from across the pond and I had to have one someday. Finally bought an 88 in 1990. The interior fits the driver like a glove with the oversize windscreen gets you a clear view of the road unlike cars today, hate the bathtub feel. The shifting is silky smooth. Snick, snick is all you get. Not a lot of HP but enough to get out of trouble. Revs smooth all they way up to 8500rpm. Unlike my S2000, it gets angry when the rpm get over 7500 but that's due to another 130hp on top of the MR2.

sugarwood 03-10-2017 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seahawk (Post 9044456)
Being 18 and owning a 1971 BMW 2002 was my watershed. I bought it with my own money as a senior in HS.

However, in 1975 it was a revelation. It remains my benchmark.

In 1975, what made you buy a weird Euro car, and not some badass 67-72 Detroit muscle?

kanadary 03-10-2017 06:32 PM

70 Datsun 510, very tossible.
73 914 2l

Tobra 03-10-2017 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 87maniac (Post 9044515)
Will we ever have small, lightweight convertibles in the US again???

We already do. They have a gelato flavor one too, which is very attractive and turbocharged.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1489200724.jpg

svandamme 03-11-2017 10:49 AM

1973 911S Targa, MFI is just music at 7000 revs
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1489258066.jpg

944S not the great sound of the 911S, but still massive good fun when it hits 5K rpm
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1489258066.jpg


BMW118D, not brutal, but very good chassis, done loads of mileage in them, handles well
throwable, sideways and controllable.


Just drove a few 2007 Caymans, they rev happy as well. So i bought onet.. awaiting paperwork for insurance and what not .. and practical arrangements for payment and collecting it.
I'm stoked right now
http://pic1.autoscout24.net/images-b...84c2391125ad7a

Evans, Marv 03-11-2017 11:13 AM

The ones I enjoyed most were four bangers: '56 Austin Healey 100-4, '59 TR3, and '67 912. For some reason I just liked driving the 912 more than my 911. Nothing better than an open British sports car on a sunny day.

Cajundaddy 03-11-2017 11:22 AM

Small and tossable. Miata, 914, Lotus, 944S2, stripped-out Boxster. All just barrels of fun.

futurefun 03-11-2017 11:26 AM

'69 Cal Look bug was the first hot rod that I built very fun.
'75 2.0l 914 more fun.
E30 M3 is what I love in a car.

SpyderMike 03-11-2017 06:07 PM

The car s that come to mind:

my first car - 1969 austin healy sprite - the slot car feel
a customers Ferrari Testarosa - the motor
my neighbors Tesla P85 performance model - the acceleration
my Superformance GT40 MKII - all of the above!

WPOZZZ 03-11-2017 08:35 PM

Strangely enough, the most fun cars I have driven have been my MINI Cooper S'. The 930s are fun as were the BMWs and Mercs, but there is something about the MCS. I love my 987, but I think the MCS is still more fun.

Seahawk 03-12-2017 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sugarwood (Post 9506390)
In 1975, what made you buy a weird Euro car, and not some badass 67-72 Detroit muscle?

My father loved European sports cars, all types (We had a Lotus Super 7, Lotus Europa, 356, Abarth Zugato, etc.) and we lived near Decker, Mulholland, Potrero, et al.

I have changed my mind. This was my favorite car to own and drive. I miss it terribly:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1489325977.jpg

KFC911 03-12-2017 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seahawk (Post 9507863)
....

I have changed my mind. This was my favorite car to own and drive:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1489325977.jpg

Can I change my mind too? Undoubtably, the 911 is my favorite of all time for me :)

RF5BPilot 03-12-2017 08:25 AM

My Morgan Three Wheeler (a cycle car) has become my most fun car to drive.

http://www.bavendam.com/images/M3W-1...hark-5131s.jpg

Wonderful sounds from the exhaust. A raw driving experience with no doors, top, windows, power-anything, ABS, Traction, etc. Overall, very neutral handling. When pushed, you get a slight understeer. The Mazda Miata 5-speed transmission is a joy. Sort of a 1930's driving experience with modern parts that will do over 100mph....easily keeps up with highway traffic.

Fast Freddy 944 03-13-2017 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otter74 (Post 9044330)
I dunno what brought this to mind (driving my 911, maybe) but I thought some interesting choices might come up here, since there seems to be a pretty wide experience base. For me, I'd name three:

1)My 911. I doubt much needs to be explained here.

2)Lotus Elan S3. I think it was an S3, anyway. This belonged to a coworker at Chrysler. One day at lunch he said, "let's go for a drive". Took me for a lap around the tech Center, then gave me the wheel. This car was built to about 140bhp, so it was fast. It is easily the most communicative street car I have driven - more than anything else, a car I could call telepathic. The controls were full of feel, well-located, and similarly weighted. I did not get anywhere near the car's limits, but the car was clearly very easy to drive fast - it was obvious that it gave you lots and lots of warning when you were nearing the grip limits. Turn-in was phenomenal. This car was sort of like the crack of sports cars for me.

3)Ford Model T. Not an expected choice, but oh boy did I have fun in this! Drove this in a small town in the north woods of WI last summer, on the 4th of July. I was amazed that the owner let me drive it, as it got driven about twice a year and only by him. And, of course, I have never driven one before, and they are not a car you can just jump in and figure out. You have to have operation explained to you, but after about 5 minutes I was comfortably driving it around town, starting and stopping, changing between high range and low. This is a car that, obviously, really takes you back to the early days of motoring. Stopping requires a lot of planning.

You will laugh, but ill be honest, we have a place in Dallas off of hwy I-35 called speed zone they have some killer go-cart mini racers, a v-8 powered drag racer, and almost full sized Indy car race style cars. Forget the video games, these cars are exciting. No speeding tickets either!:D:cool:

daepp 03-13-2017 02:04 PM

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1489439054.jpg

A930Rocket 03-13-2017 02:21 PM

My 930.

400 RWHP and 3 MPG at the track.

Luccia at Pelican Parts 05-15-2017 12:28 PM

Dang good question. I haven't really driven a wide range of vehicles, but I'd have to go with the 1989 Nissan Skyline R32 GTR. Only because it's RHD and a truly iconic vehicle. Driving a RHD vehicle is really an adventure and even though it was mostly stock, the overall experience of driving one is truly exciting.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1494876509.jpg

wildbilly32 05-17-2017 01:34 PM

Street car: 1965 Sunbeam Tiger. Quite the sleeper. No-one knew what it was so surprised many as they watched the taillights disappear! Plowed in the corners somewhat but straights were fun for 1970!

Other: 360 Sprint car on 1/3 mile dirt oval late 80's early 90's. Top speeds approx. 90mph. on short straights. High banks-driving sideways-trying not to hit the walls-hoping the right rear would hookup! These were the days with 16 sq. ft. top wings with 16 inch sideboards not the 25 sq. ft so you had to drive them.

Bill Douglas 05-17-2017 01:40 PM

My 911 I guess.

But I remember fondly a friends Lotus Super 7. It was kinda weird, but fun, when drifting around corners you really felt it. You sit so far back that you yourself are really hanging out with the tail end.

I've ridden in a few Ferarris but they just seemed like a lot of engine noise and expensive bills.

hbladman 05-17-2017 01:57 PM

The most fun cars....
 
Wow it is a long list
1966 427/425 Corvette
1964 Ferrari GTL
1966 Triumph TR4A
My 84 911 Coupe
My 07 BMW Z Roadster
1964 Aston-Martin DB 5
Aston Martin Zagato Coupe

I am old and have had the opportunity to drive a lot of cars....I am so lucky.

rpsPorscheOwner 05-17-2017 02:29 PM

I've had two 911s, a Boxster S, PDK & Manual Boxster Spyders, a V8 M3, and a Mini Cooper Works Clubman. Hands down, my favorite for fun-to-drive is my daily driver - a 6MT VW Golf R. It has solid grip, a short twitchy wheelbase, a nice sound track, and a smooth shifting manual transmission. Lots of torque at low RPMs but no torque steer due to the AWD. Feels like you are going fast even when you are not. Great stereo. Will seat four comfortably and can store a lot of groceries and home improvement supplies. Not a track car, but on public roads, in town or in the country, it is a ton of fun.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1495056416.JPG
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1495056416.JPG

jaswyoung 05-17-2017 02:40 PM

1) 1973 RSR Wow! Owned at the time by a Porsche collector/restorer I worked for in college

2) My car, e39 M5, for a big car they are flat out fun to drive...

3) 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider, not super fast, but top down is hard to beat. Sadly, sold many moons ago...

Bob Kontak 05-17-2017 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas (Post 9591140)
But I remember fondly a friends Lotus Super 7. It was kinda weird, but fun, when drifting around corners you really felt it. You sit so far back that you yourself are really hanging out with the tail end.

Much different for me. 78 Lotus S2 Esprit. Four cylinder mid-engined non turbo but my pal would make me take moderate Pennsylvania mountain twisties at 60mph and would scream at me to not change anything. No brakes, no throttle changes, nuttin. Just take the curve. It worked fine but my knuckles were white. Pre-911 for me.

rebrewer 05-17-2017 03:01 PM

Tough call. It's between a Ferrari F40 and a Willys CJ3a.

Ken Ellaway 05-17-2017 04:27 PM

I can still remember the thrill of being driven in the 1977 Carrera 3.0 that I was considering buying. I had only ever been in a 356 Coupe years before.
That was 32 years ago and I still get the same buzz when I drive the Carrera 3.0.

Two years ago, a mate purchased a new 991 Carrera S Coupe and I drove that.
In my opinion, it's a road registered race car. The acceleration is just amazing.

Last week at a track day here in Melbourne, Australia, run by Porsche Centre Melbourne, I accompanied another mate who owns a 996 GT3.
That's a delightful car to be in on track and then just cruise home in the traffic.

Two and a half years ago, I purchased a 1996,993 Carrera 4 S. So very different to my early Carrera, particularly in the braking.
Same brakes as the 993 Twin Turbo. Incredible!!

Ric B 05-17-2017 04:36 PM

This one is my favorite for the time being! :cool:http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1495064155.jpg

dp951 05-17-2017 05:12 PM

Most fun back in the DAY
 
The first car would have to be in my buddies 260z learning to drive at 14 then would be my 1965 ford fast back 4 speed 289...Then the real run beganwith a friends R5 Turbo II kinda like the one in the picture . Thus starting the fever.:)http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1495066301.jpg

wswartzwel 05-17-2017 06:03 PM

This POS Fiat X-19 that I had to work on all the time was probably the most fun to drive... it wasn't all that fast, but it felt like you were going fast... It didn't handle great... but it felt like it did... My 83 RX7 was a much better car... but it was not as much fun. BTW today marks 31 years of marriage to my girlfriend that is sitting on the hood in this picture.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1495069355.jpg

dp951 05-17-2017 07:58 PM

fun cars
 
I remember my rx7 days with the webber and the street port , I can still smell the fuel ....

Congrats on your 31 years http://forums.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/ura.gif


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