| Author | Message | ||
| Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Member Username: Tspringer Post Number: 494 Registered: 4-2002 |
I had my first drive in a Daytona today. I forgot to take my camera, so no pics  I was very surprised! All the stories about horridly heavy steering, bad driving position, ripping loud exhaust and terrible brakes are IMHO nonsense. The steering was somewhat heavy at "barely moving" speeds, but once moving at more than a walk it was fine. Even when at walking speed it was no heavier than the 1985 RX7 I drove daily ages ago. The steering also gave good feedback and was very direct. The driving position was much better than my 308. More legroom, more room to work the pedals, my hand fell to the shifter easier and there was more headroom. The seats also fit me much better. I was somewhat disappointed by the sound. This car had the stock air cleaner and a K&N filter. It also had a full stainless exhaust and had 2 mufflers and 2 resonators undernieth which I believe is the factory type setup. Even at 7500rpm+ it was not really all that loud. I was expecting a real screaming beast, but it was not as loud as my 308 with a tubi. This is a euro car with the euro headers too. The car has a competition spec engine and pulls like a train, but while it does sound good... I would definitely prefer it to be louder. The brakes were really good. The entire braking system on this car has been rebuilt recently, with some upgrades to the brake lines and elsewhere. I found the braking response to be immediate and with lots of stopping power and good feedback. I cannot comment on fade as I didnt push them that hard but for street driving they seem to be very good. The shifter does require a very direct hand. My Porsche can be shifted with the fingertips once your really used to the transmission and its wierd linkage. The Daytona required firm and direct action through the gate. The transaxle was totally rebuilt less than 1500 miles ago. It downshifted very smoothly, no whine or synchro issues. The shifting was really the only "manly" part of the driving experience that lived up to the Daytona reputation. Actually.... thats not true. The torque was definitely there! The Daytona over 3500rpm gives a big push back into the seat and has gobs of torque! I loved it! |