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I think we will always be in search of the most fun car. Having said that, here is my list from the cars I’ve actually owned, as I believe you need to drive it for a good while before determining if it’s truly fun or not.
In order from the best to least best.
718 GT4 Manual
718 GTS 2.5T
EVO IX
991.2 GTS PDK
992 S PDK (current car)
G80 M3C
Focus ST (newest gen)
2016 Camaro SS
Neon SRT4
S2K (turbocharged)
Integra GSR
RS3 600hp+
Bunch of other really fast cars but not nearly as fun.
Based on my experience owning vastly different cars, my ideal recipe for a fun car is:
Lightweight (sub 3K lbs)
400-450hp depending on torque
Manual
Stiff Chassis
Medium dampers and springs
Dynamic exhaust note (GT4 had the best exhaust note but with aftermarket exhaust, out of all cars I’ve owned)
High redline with linear power band
I’m sure if I owned a Lotus, that would be in the top 3. Looking forward to test driving an Emira.
I got close to this when I bough the Morgan Super 3. 1400 pounds and 120hp. Probably the most "fun" and engaging car I've ever driven. Strangely civilized and capable. I've only been caught in the rain once (light sprinkle). Miata gearbox is smooth and mechanical.... 1.5L Dragon motor is rowdy when pushed.
I bet the Honda would be higher if it wasn't turbocharged.
My S2000 was waaaay more fun turbocharged, but that's because I sized it appropriately. I had nearly flat torque from 3500-8500rpm and about 400hp crank. I basically had a 718 GTS 4.0L engine in the S2000 chassis with the short gearing. It was a riot. I also had a 2005 Evo8 for a bit which had the second best steering of any car I've driven with the best being a Lotus Elise/Exige. The Evo was fun, but the suspension was much too soft in stock form and the boost response can't compare to modern turbo setups.
ND2 Miata is high on the list of just fun to drive cars for sure.
Last edited by spdracerut; 01-20-2024 at 04:24 PM.
I got close to this when I bough the Morgan Super 3. 1400 pounds and 120hp. Probably the most "fun" and engaging car I've ever driven. Strangely civilized and capable. I've only been caught in the rain once (light sprinkle). Miata gearbox is smooth and mechanical.... 1.5L Dragon motor is rowdy when pushed.
Can you give me a rundown of how that thing handles? Looks like it would be not the best
Can you give me a rundown of how that thing handles? Looks like it would be not the best
Oh no its awesome. Super super fun to drive. Extremely raw - and very challenging. You have to throw out anything you think might be "good handling". The rack is super slow, the brakes are without ABS and no booster - but the motor makes great sounds, and you have to work in all the best ways to get it around corners. Never feels sketchy. Ride quality is actually not too stiff. You actually laugh to yourself when you get it right. Super fun.
I do mountain trips to north GA/TN for the great driving roads in the smoky mountains. Also do track days but mostly on two wheels.
I have owned all the Miata’s to date, 996, 997, 991 and have a 992 on order. Two S2000 years ago, BMW M cars, Nissan Z’s, a dodge Viper, several Vette’s including one Z06, etc.
My favorite that I will probably never sell is a 458 Italia. The flat plane crank, the mid engine rotation, the way the car looks, hell even the quality has been great with very little outside batteries and tires being needed.
Surprised Z’s aren’t earning more mentions. First car was a 79 280 ZX MT, admittedly not the car the previous Z’s were but still a great car to learn about car control. Only 135 HP but lots of trouble! Like a few others, for me the E36 M3 was incredible. Connection was just unreal. Loved that car, such balance.
Haven't gotten my 992 yet but my GT350 is crazy fun to drive. It is an incredibly capable car and nothing like a flat plane crank V8 connected to a six-speed manual. My 700hp Raptor is pretty fun in the dirt in Baja!!!
i have to agree, my GT350 is more enjoyable to drive than my 992
Not really. I know I’m not in the majority when I say this, but I didn’t find S2K as engaging and fun as people claim. Definitely more fun than most cars out there, but not compared to fun cars I’ve owned or driven.
s2000 is a car that is more fun on paper than reality.
And I'm saying that as a former owner and fan of the car. It is a fun car , but the hype over this car has gotten a little ridiculous.
The car is heavier than you'd expect it to be, which is a big problem given the ludicrous lack of low end torque. The steering feel is poor. Front mid-engine and short wheelbase without traction control means it is also a tricky car to drive and prone to snap oversteer. Definitely a car to learn its character on a track.
I still love the car; still think it's cool and I love that Honda made such a nutty thing.
s2000 is a car that is more fun on paper than reality.
And I'm saying that as a former owner and fan of the car. It is a fun car , but the hype over this car has gotten a little ridiculous.
The car is heavier than you'd expect it to be, which is a big problem given the ludicrous lack of low end torque. The steering feel is poor. Front mid-engine and short wheelbase without traction control means it is also a tricky car to drive and prone to snap oversteer. Definitely a car to learn its character on a track.
I still love the car; still think it's cool and I love that Honda made such a nutty thing.
The AP1 is one of my favorite handling cars of all time. It's everything I wanted my BRZ to be but unfortunately that fell short
01-20-2024, 12:36 PM
