I have a Z06 and a 97 993 C2S. Together they are worth about 110. Both very different than my 360. The Z06 is all muscle car and the 993 feels like a race car with lights. I tried a 69 Z28 a couple of years ago and a nice one is worth the same money as the Z06. I think it is the Z06 hands down.
I know you said you aren't a GT kind of guy, but I have really been looking at the Aston Martin DB9 coupe and convertibles lately...I really love the lines and it is one of th emost comfortable cars I have ever driven.
I test-drove an M5 and absolutely HATED the smg transmission on it. I would prefer either a manual or a regular automatic since, to me, the SMG represented the worst of two-worlds. I will say that in full-manual mode it's darned good (not F1 good, but good nonetheless) -- shifts are smooth with minimal interruption of power. The problem I had with it was the "around town" type automatic modes (there are a number (7?) of automatic modes that can be selected). I couldn't find a mode that was acceptable -- it either held onto a low-gear obstinately refusing to upshift even when maintaining a steady speed at 4,000rpm, -or- obstinately refusing to down-shift when prodding the throttle hard for a passing maneuver. It may be just a case of getting to know the transmission and learning it better, but it just frustrated me the entire drive. I would highly recommend you take out the M6 and see if it's something you can live with first before plunking down 100 large for it...
I have the same question as you. Have a CS which I love, keep it pristine, and want something additional that's engaging, not so expensive, trackable, and that doesn't have to meet my normal, pristine requirements. My answer = 993 Twin Turbo. Several are available for $50-70K, they are great looking, fast, and engaging on the track with their AWD.
As an owner of a 2006 M5, I have to agree with some of BritBlaster’s comments regarding the BMW SMG. The so called “automatic” mode could be better. However, in S5 or S6 mode the SMG comes alive. While it’s not on par with Ferrari’s F1, it is good system. My M5 has been tracked and ran hard on the backroads of Oregon. It’s a fun sedan that can go to the opera one night and be tracked the next morning. In the end, it is a heavy, 4-door, sedan and it will never compete with a true sports car. Keep in mind that the M6 is much the same vehicle. It benefits from a lower CG and being approximately 200 pounds lighter, but it is more of a GT than a true sports car. If you are interested in an M6, find someone who owns one and take a test drive with them. Test driving one from a dealership will not give you enough seat time or inside knowledge of how the SMG performs.
I'm coming from the opposite direction. As I noted above, I already have an M5, which fills the everyday fun factor quite well. What I am currently lacking is a true sports car. Ive set my sights on acquiring a 360 CS. It will be my first F-Car! Nothing like jumping in with both feet. Anyway, this forum has been and will continue to be an incredible source of information and insight on selecting, purchasing and maintaining my first Ferrari. My thanks to all of you for tolerating those of us who lurk in the background, absorbing all of your hard earned knowledge.
I think if I wanted an (relatively) inexpensive track-day car I'd look at the Lotus Exige (track-only version), the Ariel Atom, the Radical R. All of these cars give incredible performance for not much dough.
Ths is a great question. I am constantly looking for a different car thrill. I love my F430 but I also like my Ford GT. They are a different driving experience. The Ford GT is faster and easier to drive than the Ferrari. It is also dirt cheap to maintain. I like the ford GT better but I love the F430. The F430 has great handling and panache! I like my 996 Porsche Cab but not for adventure. It is a good go get something at the mall car. I also have a 2006 Lotus Elise Sport. They are the more fun to drive than anything I own. The handling is better than anything period! The power is okay. Faster than my Porsche but not in GT category. Since you have to work so hard with RPMs to get performance and you are so low to the ground it is a hoot! Mine is supposed to do 13 second quarter mile runs. I believe it. it will beat stage 3 Rouch Mustangs and bearly a C6 corvette (not a Z06) I also have for a change of pace a 1965 Shelby Cobra replicar 427. It has a 5 speed gearbox, 450 HP and 500ft-lbs at the real wheel. The weight is only 2142 lbs so it is a brute to drive (my Ford GT tested out at 602hp rear wheels) The Cobra is cheap to drive and maintain, great noise with open pipes and iconic good looks. It drives little better than a garbage truck with a looose front end but who cares! I personally do not like old cars (and I am over 60 years years old so I should ) The new ones do everytihing better and give great service. I hope that helps. Lee
I have driven the 430 and the Z06, now my car of choice. The Z06 would be a great alternative for you. Buy American...you won't be disappointed I guarantee it!
On the SMG issues, you have to drive this car as a manual and forget the automated modes. Also, if you own a M5/6 and its shifting is more jerky than youd like, see p.180 in the manual. It tells about resetting the shift point detection. it works. Also, to drive SMG smoothly, you have to approach it as not a stick shift and not an automatic, its something different, and you have to adjust your driving style for it. Some will be turned off by this. I was at first, very much so. But I love it now. Sorry for the slight change of direction. The suggestion of the Lotus cars is excellent. How about the Exiege (sp?) thats a track day special if there ever was one. On the DB9- be sure to get the updated suspension that is with the sports package. if you want a car thats kind of in the DB9 league (more cruiser) I would suggest you at least check out the Z8. Great car. And its just beginning to appreciate in value now. The 65 Corvette is gorgeous! best regards, Jerry
I was thinking about the Z8 but when I drove one it was a letdown. Plus, they have some issues. They have been having problems with bending the from strut attach points when the cars are driven hard. The motor is solid but the rest is a bit of a disapointment.
I'd say Exige S for the track, E-type for high days and holidays - IMHO these 2 plus the 430 would make a great collection. Unfortunately an Eagle E-type is a bit more expensive than the other cars you mention, so I presume that could be out on cost grounds - see this link if you've not heard of Eagle: http://www.eaglegb.com/?gclid=CI34h6m774gCFSJ4MAoddVkUkw As suggested by some of the other guys, I also love the DB9, but even with the sport pack and a manual gearbox, I wonder if it may still be a bit too much of a 'cruiser' - I think an Aston V8 Vantage would be more up your street Props to Toggie on the 60's Vette - looks fab!
I was just on the www.astonmartin.com site and they are about to release the Vantage convertible...Gorgeous car...if I didn't need an everyday 4 seat car...that would be the ticket for me...2 seat 389 BHP V8. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks for all the responses regarding gthe M6. I just sold my sl55 car last night which was pretty heavily modified to make 600 HP. The car will be a great value for the next owner but I will never buy another benz, the car is just way too soft and just too numb of a driver with very little road feel. I did test drive the m6 several times and really enjoyed the car, but I agree that if you don't think of it as a manual you won't enjoy it. I find it interesitng how many people really dislike the car especially people that are in the high end car business. Despite the fact thast I did enjoy it in the end I decided to sell the sl55 to get the new Audi S8. I really loved my RS6 when I had it and I think the new S8 is a stunnig car and will be a great daily driver pair to my 360. A little more luxury than something like an m5/m6 but the all wheel drive will come in handy in the northeast. My next decision is manual or F1 on my 430 as I need to pick all my options shortly. As far as the Z8 which somebody asked about, I owned a 2003 manual car and sorry I sold it. Hard to tell how much truth is behing the recent stories of the frame bending but the car was a blast to drive.
guys- i have owned a m5 for only 2months ( car was stolen) but the engine was fantastic- the only downside which i noticed was that it is very much like a 360 engine- no low end torque and all high oomph. i replaced it with an rs4 ( i am very happy) and have a 997 gt3rs on order for March delivery. The gt3rs is orange and black and i will post pictures once it arrives. i did not however order to rs with carbon brakes. it was too much extra money and i really do not think that they will make too much of a difference. mind you i love the ccm brakes on the cs but honestly speaking unless you use the car flat out on the track regularly, i don't think they are really needed.
I own 360 spider , Audi RS6, M3 Cab and 993TT. My favorite of them all is definitely a Porsche. It just so much more fun to drive then other (including other performance cars I have driven.) My wife agrees with me to Image Unavailable, Please Login
