Ecconomical "sporty" cars

Stigy

Lifes_Grand_Plan wrote: »

I thought the Mazda RX8 might be decent having a small engine but apparently not.... and the MX5 (which I probably wouldn't have anyway as too girly) has a not too bad but not great 35 - 40 mpg.

So any options appreciated.

The RX8 only has a small displacement due to the style of engine it has. It has a Rotary engine which doesn't have pistons like a normal engine does, this makes for a 1.3-litre displacement which amounts to two 654cc engines in theory because of how it's laid out. In laymans terms it'll equate to a 2.6-litre car as far a performance and running costs go, also, insurers class it as a 2.6 also.

Rossy.

pgilc1 wrote: »

Jesus, thats rough mate.

The sacrifices we make for kids...

I know.

had 3 years in the 182 and 2 in the 197 so i've got to grow up sometime lol.

My missus hates scoobys/evo's with a passion and anything that's remotely fast tbh... Hense why im rolling in a Laguna diesel pmsl

Gene_Hunt_2

Stigy wrote: »

The RX8 only has a small displacement due to the style of engine it has. It has a Rotary engine which doesn't have pistons like a normal engine does, this makes for a 1.3-litre displacement which amounts to two 654cc engines in theory because of how it's laid out. In laymans terms it'll equate to a 2.6-litre car as far a performance and running costs go, also, insurers class it as a 2.6 also.

Listen to Stigy, he knows his stuff.

JQ.

Rossy. wrote: »

An M3 will gladly hand most cars their a$$es on a plate so not a fair comparison really.

That was my point, because that's exactly what you did.

Rossy. wrote: »

Correct i've never driven one - never wanted to but i've met a few on track days that weren't much cop

So you're not really in a position to comment then. I've overtaken Porsche's and Evo's on track days in my MX5 - doesn't mean they're crap cars, just means there was a crap driver behind the wheel.

If you need to save some cash you should seriously consider an MX5 - at least have a drive in one, you might be pleasantly surprised. You can pick up a well maintained MK1 for £1,500 and just take it straight to the track. There are lots of ex 182 owners now driving MX5's, their comments are that the only major difference is the power.

Inactive

I overtook a moped last week.:)

Gene_Hunt_2

JQ. wrote: »

If you need to save some cash you should seriously consider an MX5 - at least have a drive in one, you might be pleasantly surprised. You can pick up a well maintained MK1 for £1,500 and just take it straight to the track. There are lots of ex 182 owners now driving MX5's, their comments are that the only major difference is the power.

He has a Mrs and kid, last time I looked they had two seats.

tbourner

I think we need more info from the OP, like style of car preferred, whether style is more important than handling or performance, and most importantly budget!

I'd recommend an MGTF160 though, as long as it's a 2004+ engine or had a new gasket fitted there's no more chance of HGF than any other car on the road. It's a proper RWD mid engine sports car, and will be pretty cheap if you buy in winter!
Toyota Celica feels sporty and looks nice, but definitely isn't fast, and handles pants in comparison to MGTFs and MX5s and the like.
Hot hatches are the obvious choice, as being discussed above. All are similar unless you're a petrolhead (which OP clearly isn't) so it's down to budget and age etc.

Inactive

tbourner wrote: »

I'd recommend an MGTF160 though, as long as it's a 2004+ engine or had a new gasket fitted there's no more chance of HGF than any other car on the road. It's a proper RWD mid engine sports car, and will be pretty cheap if you buy in winter!

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Be serious.

JQ.

Gene_Hunt wrote: »

He has a Mrs and kid, last time I looked they had two seats.

I have a Mrs and 2 kids under 3, doesn't stop me owning one.

tbourner

Inactive wrote: »

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Be serious.

I am. What's the problem?