[Mywifes335]

Of the 3, definitely the 240Z. But I'd consider the same body style 280Z. The extra power and technology advances will be welcomed.

Issue is cost (compared to Miata or S2000) You need to find one that is either restored or you need to restore it yourself.

I personally like resto-mod 240Zs with LS motors. But then it'll be too powerful...even better power-to-weight than the M5.

If you want ethereal feel and momentum, you can't find more road feel than the 240Z.

I can't stand Miatas - but it might be due to reasons other than the car itself. Not only are they Kinda unsightly, a lot of the guys who track them (whom I've met through NASA events) have attitude problems. Plus, the car is annoyingly slow in a straight line. No offense as it IS a well balanced, good handling car.

The S2000 is a great car. However you'll get tired of keeping the revs up ALL the time. It's really slow below 3k rpm.

[-BEASTMW-]

Originally Posted by fcman

The M3 makes less torque per liter than the S2000, if that puts it into perspective.

True, but the M3 has literally twice as many liters, and the torque peaks at almost half the rpm (3,900 vs. 7,500). Yes the M3 weighs about 900lbs more, but it's still a different world.

[Mywifes335]

E36 M3 is an insanely capable track car. Despite it's age, it still has enough grunt to get out of its own way.

With the TC Kilne setup its magic. Plus, there's an enormous aftermarket for it. Prices are holding steady too.

The caveat is, I don't think it'll give you that same feel as the S2k, Miata or 240Z.

Some say the BRZ/FRS is similar.

[3tekcorps]

Once upon a time at an DE event an instructor invited me out for some hot laps in his Miata. He drove at 10/10 for about 15 minutes. He was almost sliding off the track at times.

At the end of the session he asked me what I thought to the car. I said he was quick but the car really need some stiffer springs to control the body roll.

He said he just put in blah blah blah track/street package with larger roll bars. I was amazed at the body roll it still had and he seemed insulted.

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by 3tekcorps

Once upon a time at an DE event an instructor invited me out for some hot laps in his Miata. He drove at 10/10 for about 15 minutes. He was almost sliding off the track at times.

At the end of the session he asked me what I thought to the car. I said he was quick but the car really need some stiffer springs to control the body roll.

He said he just put in blah blah blah track/street package with larger roll bars. I was amazed at the body roll it still had and he seemed insulted.

We must've met the same guy - David v. Goliath syndrome. Did he wear a knit jester hat?

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by copmagnet82

really? I haven't found a car in that price range that can match S2000's steering and handling.

...or maybe it's just personal preference

S2k steering is great, especially for EPS. My M Coupe and my dad's FD RX7 both have noticeably better steering feel though, and both the manual and hydro rack Miatas offer a little better feel too.

AP1 S2k's still remain awesome cars.

[3tekcorps]

Originally Posted by Mywifes335

We must've met the same guy - David v. Goliath syndrome. Did he wear a knit jester hat?

Not sure. He wanted to drive my car the first half of the first session. That didn't seem like a good idea after my hot laps with him so I told him no which further insulted him.

He was a nice guy but we just didn't seem to click.

[3tekcorps]

I would seriously buy a beater Lotus over a Miata or S2K. The Miata guys are always selling to move into an Elise. You should at least take a one out for a drive and get a feel for it. It's a perfect compliment to an M5.

There's always something floating around close to 20k with high miles or a bad title.

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by 3tekcorps

I would seriously buy a beater Lotus over a Miata or S2K. The Miata guys are always selling to move into an Elise. You should at least take a one out for a drive and get a feel for it. It's a perfect compliment to an M5.

There's always something floating around close to 20k with high miles or a bad title.

Lotus brand new build quality leaves a lot to be desired, i can't even imagine a 'beater' lotus.

[e92.997]

Originally Posted by RobC2

AP1 S2000. The prices are rather high for a good one, but it really is a special car. I regret selling mine all the time.

Me too.


S2000 without a doubt!

[Ghayes23]

I love love the 240z and hope to own one someday, but I'd honestly go for an s2000 first.
I'm a Hond guy though, my weekend car is a 94 nsx.

[fcman]

Originally Posted by Mywifes335

Some say the BRZ/FRS is similar.

After I got rid of my S2000 I drove the BRZ a few times to try to convince myself to buy one but I didn't enjoy it. They feel big and heavy to me for some reason, and the motor feels like it belongs in a Corolla. Didn't think the steering was anything special either.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by fcman

After I got rid of my S2000 I drove the BRZ a few times to try to convince myself to buy one but I didn't enjoy it. They feel big and heavy to me for some reason, and the motor feels like it belongs in a Corolla. Didn't think the steering was anything special either.

Be interested in your opinion of your 135 to the s2000 and brz

[lowbudgethero]

brz and frs are hugely limited to their EPS (precise but lacks feedback to some other hydraulic setups) and tires, great lightweight chassis though

i thought the 135i had better steering feel, but the suspension didn't match the power and capabilities

[fcman]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

Be interested in your opinion of your 135 to the s2000 and brz

The S2000 is hard to beat as a weekend car, the 135i doesn't really stand a chance in terms of feel, dynamics, and driving pleasure (plus that shifter is incredible). The main reason I got rid of my S2K was because I needed a better daily driver and don't have room for 2 cars. The 135i has much better feel than the BRZ, and I think it's more fun to drive. The BRZ felt like a big step down on performance and a small step up in comfort from the S2k, while the 135i was a different take on performance (focus on power vs dynamics) and a big step up in comfort. I like my car, I think it blends performance and comfort well, but it is far from a sports car. Unfortunately though if you're looking for a newer sorta daily driveable sports car (ie not a Lotus or Alfa), there's really nowhere to go from the S2000 unless you move up to Boxster/Cayman territory. You could potentially go with a 370Z but I wasn't willing.

[eric@helix]

First of all, congrats: based on your choices, you're a true car guy. Any one of your selections would be killer for canyon carving. Let me add one suggestion to the hopper--the one that I'm partial to:



The price is a stretch, and they're going crazy, but you might just be able to still get one in your range.

[secretsquirrel]

You'll have a very hard time beating the S2000 for driving feel. The car is truly special. Get it and don't look back. I still regret getting rid of mine. There is no amount of power that can replace the feel of a proper roadster with go kart like steering and a LSD.

[Mywifes335]

There's a difference here between capability and "true" old school feel. If you want a track weapon and rely on skill and chassis vs power then S2000 is probably the winner.

I think the S2k chassis is great, even a bit dialed in for oversteer in the earlier models. However, I just really think that engine is too much work to keep the power on. Plus, with exhaust, the higher rev range zing can get tiring.

I'm personally more partial to the old sohc straight 6s for power plant. I've driven the original 280Z and its probably not the same absolute capability as the S2000 but the feeling you get I can't quantify. Granted it has less hp than S2000, but you won't miss it. The torque and feel of the Datsun I6... Man. Reminds me of old Jags and Bimmers.

Again, not to be a BMW head, but the E36 M3 doesn't get much credit in this thread. It's sort of "modern" but it's truly rewarding in the twisties. TC Kline and a good exhaust (amplify that sonorous I6), and you're set.

[IcemanM]

S2000, all the way. I've owned two as 3rd/fun cars - and they each brought me so much more joy than my P Car, Audi's, and even my current M3. Excellent on the track, and so much fun to carve back roads, in. Drop dead reliable, and I believe they've really held a timeless look.

[3798j]

This '71 240Z showed up on BAT this morning:

http://bringatrailer.com/2016/02/17/...1-datsun-240z/

[ThugzZ BunnY]

e36 out of the box is one of the best driving cars ever. i'd pick this over every single car mentioned so far.

[-BEASTMW-]

Originally Posted by IcemanM

S2000, all the way. I've owned two as 3rd/fun cars - and they each brought me so much more joy than my P Car, Audi's, and even my current M3.

Which P-Car?