Best sports car to go with my e90M?

[Beemdog]

Originally Posted by GVFlyer

I'm happy with my S2000. It is lightly modded. I added a cold air induction system and changed the transmission to a 2004 with carbon synchros and better ratios. US S2000s have thicker head gaskets than Japanese models because of our crap gas, so I installed the Japanese head gasket to increase compression. I use BP 93 octane with no issues.

I also got a hard top for track days.

Nice looking car in the red! Haven't seen many that color here.

Somehow we keep coming up with cars that are NOT on the OP's list (oops).
Oh well, sometimes people change their course... I was actually shopping for Caymans when the Viper bit me.

You know that thing that happens when you buy a car and then pull up at a stoplight right next to another car that you were considering? You instantly have that gut feel that you made the right decision or not. I find that a bit of over-spending guilt goes away over time, but buyer's remorse only gets worse. As now with the M3, every time I pull up next to a 335i or is, I don't feel like I blew it at all...

[V8FunNaturally]

none of what you listed !

Get a E92 M3 instead.

[phrozen06]

Z06

[M3-S65]

2010 cobalt SS ...costs 14k and you can modify and drive it without caring if it falls apart....

[Petros]

Originally Posted by M3-S65

2010 cobalt SS ...costs 14k and you can modify and drive it without caring if it falls apart....

wrong wheel drive

[M3-S65]

Originally Posted by Petros

wrong wheel drive

Okay, then get a used 2008 Vette w/LS3 engine, can get them for 28 to 30k 430 hp and its safer for FI modifications than the LS7 Z06 engine ...

[Golddots]

Op did say fun to drive, exciting, and engaging. Does not have to be all about speed.

That describes a light car focused more on handling.

ELISE!

I also like the brz/ FRS twins. They were designed from the ground up to meet the op's needs.

I had a z06(not c6) but I know now that there are certain cars that are not as fun to drive unless you are going triple digits on a road course.

What about an e30 m3?

They are great fun to drive at low speeds on a twisty road and also at an autox or track day.

Z4 m coupe would be nice.

I don't think a vette or viper is what op is looking for.

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by Petros

What exactly is this "character" everyone keeps talking of? Is that a 911 with a totally fucked up weight bias due to bad engine placement? Is it an M3 with understeer galore? Is it a Viper that is so unpredictable at the limit it made even Randy Pobst shit his pants?

"Character" seems to be a politically correct term to say a car is flawed or imperfect.

a bit of a stretch, don't you think?

[Petros]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

a bit of a stretch, don't you think?

do you actually drive on the track?

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by Petros

do you actually drive on the track?

e46 is worse in this regard. with my e90 a square set up and some more front camber and things were pretty neutral. you can still overdrive your entry and cause understeer if your trying.

[track_warrior]

Originally Posted by robbiejones

I recently bought a 2008 M3 w/ 6MT as my daily driver. So far its been great. I love this car. Sporty, practical and sounds amazing.

My plan now is to get a 2 seat sports car for weekend fun and also use occasionally as daily driver. I have budgeted $40k for this weekend toy. The primary qualities I am looking for is something fun to drive, exciting and engaging. Speed is nice, but not a priority. I plan to track it maybe a couple times a year.

I am considering a C6 Z06, 987 Cayman S, NSX and early 997. I am open to other ideas as well.

What do you guys think is the best match for an e90M?

IMO i would buy a diesel golf for daily driving and use the rest of the money to mod the M.

[BimmFiniti]

Originally Posted by robbiejones

The M3 is my only car at the moment. I like the idea of getting a second vehicle for some variety and in case the M goes in the shop. I do plan to do a few mods on the M like suspension, brakes and OEM exhaust mod.

The Z06 is appealing because of the performance offered is amazing. But, for me, the track is the only place I could even approach that car's abilities. I don't even have a chance to fully exercise my M3 on the street, let alone a beast like the Z06.

Between the Cayman and 997 it's tough. I prefer the classic 911, but afraid of repairs on the 05-06 cars, which are in my price range. I've read lots of great things on the Cayman, but not sure it will be exciting enough compared to the M3.

The NSX would be my conservative choice, since maintenance and reliability is probably best on this car, but is slower than my m3. Then again, it would be a safe buy, since depreciation is probably no longer a factor.

I was going to add the Exige to my list, but there seems to be very few out there and I want a good deal on whatever I buy. I'm sure it would be a lot of fun. I just don't know much about it.

Keep the ideas coming. Thanks!!!!

I own a 2010 E90 6MT and a 2006 Cayman S. Awesome combination. They are very different from one another, which is what I was looking for.

The Cayman isn't the brutal beast that the M3 can be, but it's super balanced, rides low to the ground and is the epitome of a sports car, IMO. I drove a few 997s (base and S) and didn't like them nearly as much as the Cayman.

Note that you can get some OK Caymans and some amazing Caymans. I should know: I've owned both. The one I have now is soooo cool: http://www.planet-9.com/987-cayman-b...ning-fold.html

I still love my M3, but I also love my Cayman. I'm super-spoiled and super-happy with my combo.

[BimmFiniti]

Originally Posted by FNG

Who voted Cayman over a 997 911S??

I vote 997S but skip the 2005 model year due to the IMS bearing problem.

Me, for one. Have driven both, owned 2 Caymans and also owned a 996 C2 (not a 997S, I realize). Hands-down, I prefer the drive of the Cayman, particularly when you also have an M3 in the garage. Not as fast in a straight line, but much more balanced.

[MikeD]

pie in the sky type poll here...i mean, there are large variations in pricing and availabilities for some of these cars listed.

But I'll play: Z06

[MTROIS]

What about that Boxster Spyder??

Or whatever the name was....

[iatros]

I have owned an s2000 and tracked that for several years. loved that car. I have also owned a lotus exige s for several years as well before I sold it. I strongly recommend the exige...It is such a raw car and reasonable to maintain (unless you wreck it). If you have a lotus dealer close by, you are missing out if you don't own one of these cars. It'll make your M3 feel like a bloated pig. That being said, I do love my M3 and use it as my all-arounder...but the lotus was way more fun to drive!! Good luck choosing!

[MKE_M3]

Originally Posted by Petros

do you actually drive on the track?

Like 1MOREMOD, I also track and do not think my ZCP E90 M3 under steers excessively. Maybe auto crossing, but not on my local road course.

[robbiejones]

I already read articles and videos that the z06 is a lot cheaper to repair compared to a 911. Would this be the same compared to the cayman?

I test drove a stock 07 z06 over the weekend and it was faster than I expected. In fact, it was too fast. Not sure where I can even completely exploit its power. Definitely would have to put a set of aftermarket seats and maybe a different steering wheel.

Plan to drive a cayman later this week.

[Petros]

Originally Posted by robbiejones

I already read articles and videos that the z06 is a lot cheaper to repair compared to a 911. Would this be the same compared to the cayman?

.

probably yeah. it's still a german made porsche, so parts will still be quite expensive. And that mid engine layout that everyone keeps fawning over and drooling over perfect balance this and perfect balance that, yadda yadda yadda, is a real nightmare when it comes to maintenance. The engine and most of the ancillary components are very inaccessible, which means lots of labor hours for even the most basic stuff like replacing a spark plug or drive belt.

[Beemdog]

Originally Posted by robbiejones

I test drove a stock 07 z06 over the weekend and it was faster than I expected. In fact, it was too fast. Not sure where I can even completely exploit its power. Definitely would have to put a set of aftermarket seats and maybe a different steering wheel.

One of the things about cars that seem too fast at first is that people do grow into them. It may seem over-powered compared to what you drive now, but then as time goes on many of the owners of cars like this are doing mods looking for more power. Most of the guys I know with 500 HP V8s are looking for more within a year, and some, of course, are never satisfied (you know who you are!). Certainly, the ability of a high HP car to scare its driver rolls off over time. Then you can switch to high HP sportbikes and really have a reason to be scared...

[GMe90]

Originally Posted by Brian0473

Old school 993 air cooled.

+1.

[M3-S65]

Originally Posted by M3-S65

2010 cobalt SS ...costs 14k and you can modify and drive it without caring if it falls apart....

Originally Posted by Petros

wrong wheel drive

Cobalts SS 2008 nurburgring time: 8:22
(turbo version that came out in 2008-10 not the supercharged version which was much slower)
BMW M3: 8:05

Cobalt is no joke...17 seconds for 50k more....?? I know its a POS ...but its a fast POS...