Best Handling *light* Car...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 635
From: Orange County, NY
Okay,
So in the past I've driven many-a-light cars. 2-3 FWD Honda's (Blah).
But I've owned (For a while) and seen an MKII MR2-T and an MKI MR2-NA do its work down the twisties.
Since then, nothing has impressed me like the MKI MR2 did. ALL STOCK and it took some 90-degree turns like none other. Not sure if its simply the RWD+WEIGHT, and MR setup? Probably the lack of power steering too!
Nonetheless, as I battle internally with what I want out of my next sports car (if I even have the time to maintain a rotary)...I've contemplated finding and buying a nice Supercharged MKI MR2. Anyone know of anything else (stock for stock) that will give it a run for its money HANDLING-Wise....from experience?
I was thinking perhaps an NA FC. Not sure what else is out there....
So in the past I've driven many-a-light cars. 2-3 FWD Honda's (Blah).
But I've owned (For a while) and seen an MKII MR2-T and an MKI MR2-NA do its work down the twisties.
Since then, nothing has impressed me like the MKI MR2 did. ALL STOCK and it took some 90-degree turns like none other. Not sure if its simply the RWD+WEIGHT, and MR setup? Probably the lack of power steering too!
Nonetheless, as I battle internally with what I want out of my next sports car (if I even have the time to maintain a rotary)...I've contemplated finding and buying a nice Supercharged MKI MR2. Anyone know of anything else (stock for stock) that will give it a run for its money HANDLING-Wise....from experience?
I was thinking perhaps an NA FC. Not sure what else is out there....
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 500
From: I don't really exist ...
stock for stock? i'd have to agree with the Miata. i also nominate the 240SX (S14 and S15 - not positive on those chassis codes, but i mean MkII or MkIII) but i might also suggest a MkI or MkII VW GTI ... i've seen a few of those run at autocrosses and i was quite impressed. not to mention, they are hella-fun, too.
if you know what you're doing, you can get an FC to be very, very nimble, but if you're looking for a car to just jump in it and drive, and compare to the MkI MR2, then ... i would look to the Miata or 240SX, first; GTi second.
if you know what you're doing, you can get an FC to be very, very nimble, but if you're looking for a car to just jump in it and drive, and compare to the MkI MR2, then ... i would look to the Miata or 240SX, first; GTi second.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 907
From: Ireland
And there was me thinking that Americans only liked to go fast in straight lines!
I agree with pretty much everything already said here - especially about the locost
.
Around a circuit there is very little faster than a 7 type car, "Caterham" with the rights to the 7 name/production are probably the best track machine, but a locost is much cheaper and can be just as fast if done properly, the only compromising factor with them is the live rear axle. There are many ways around this, you can do like I'm doing with mine and build one with fully independent rear suspension, but a simpler option would be to use a de-dion setup .
If you are interested you can find "the book" HERE but since the car uses an old european model Ford Escort as a donor you would have to either get the parts shipped over or find replacements (which I would be very happy to ship over if you send me back a crashed Fireblade - they go for peanuts over there).
The best part is that a rotary engine would be absolutely perfect for a locost - nice and light with loads of power, but you can use almost any engine you want - even a small block v8, but the best engine has to be a superbike - 0-60mph in 4 seconds flat and handling to make the Elise feel like a boat - ooh I can't wait!
I agree with pretty much everything already said here - especially about the locost
Around a circuit there is very little faster than a 7 type car, "Caterham" with the rights to the 7 name/production are probably the best track machine, but a locost is much cheaper and can be just as fast if done properly, the only compromising factor with them is the live rear axle. There are many ways around this, you can do like I'm doing with mine and build one with fully independent rear suspension, but a simpler option would be to use a de-dion setup
If you are interested you can find "the book"
The best part is that a rotary engine would be absolutely perfect for a locost - nice and light with loads of power, but you can use almost any engine you want - even a small block v8, but the best engine has to be a superbike - 0-60mph in 4 seconds flat and handling to make the Elise feel like a boat - ooh I can't wait!
