Motortrend best handling car comparison

[565]

Good Read.


instrument testing

http://www.motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0810_americas_best_handling_car_contenders_instrument_tests/index.html


track testing

http://www.motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0810_americas_best_handling_car_track_testing/index.html


final result

http://www.motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0810_americas_best_handling_car_conclusion/index.html

[Payman]

I just read this last night, and disappointed that Lotus and Corvette weren't represented. Biggest shock: the Cobalt SS lapping Laguna Seca with a nearly identical time as the Evo MR!!!!!! 

[sportyaccordy]

BMW's ride is impressive, wow

Pretty cool test. Can't wait to see them say the GT-R is the winnar

[Payman]

BMW's ride is impressive, wow

Pretty cool test. Can't wait to see them say the GT-R is the winnar

*spoiler alert*

































It wasn't.

[r0tor]

hail the power of z00m-zoom 

[Onslaught]

With the Mini S on the list I'd thing the Skysice or MX-5 could make it too.

[Payman]

hail the power of z00m-zoom 

Impressive I must say.

[the Teuton]

I love the MINI, but I don't know how they could even put it in the same comparo with those other cars.  First, they should have tested a JCW because they're an incredible amount better than the already great Ss.  And second, it was flat-out spanked by every other car in that test around the track.

But it does have razor-sharp steering, so I can see it being in a handling test.

[Payman]

I love the MINI, but I don't know how they could even put it in the same comparo with those other cars.  First, they should have tested a JCW because they're an incredible amount better than the already great Ss.  And second, it was flat-out spanked by every other car in that test around the track.

But it does have razor-sharp steering, so I can see it being in a handling test.

Well then, thank goodness it was a handling test.

[MexicoCityM3]

BMW's ride is impressive, wow

And it was 3rd overall and 2nd subjectively only after the much more expensive R8, so your sarcasm here is just ignorant.

[CALL_911]

And it was 3rd overall and 2nd subjectively only after the much more expensive R8, so your sarcasm here is just ignorant.

I didn't detect any sarcasm there, sorry chief.

Then again, my sarcasm detector may be on the fritz.

[sportyaccordy]

And it was 3rd overall and 2nd subjectively only after the much more expensive R8, so your sarcasm here is just ignorant.

Apparently someone's truth detector is off, I was just commenting on the fact that the M3 from what I remember had the best suspension dampening (from the graphs, it best absorbed the bumps on the course). Get your panties out of a bunch

[Raza]

I was also shocked that the M3's ride was considered so well.  I figured a big, heavy, sporty BMW would ride like shit. 

And I was also very fearful that the GT-R would come in first.  I'm happy with its placement.

Although, a softer, AWD 911 Turbo is no stand-in for a GT3!

[sportyaccordy]

I was also shocked that the M3's ride was considered so well.  I figured a big, heavy, sporty BMW would ride like shit. 

No way, if anything the M3's added mass & all aluminum suspension would help the ride.

And I was also very fearful that the GT-R would come in first.  I'm happy with its placement.

I am too. I'm surprised they said that it being 'boring' off the track was a bad thing though. Are there any cars that are really thrilling on a drive to the supermarket?

Although, a softer, AWD 911 Turbo is no stand-in for a GT3!

That would have been interesting, though I think a Turbo vs a base R8 is a fair match up. They need to make a sport version of the R8 to go against the GT3.

[Galaxy]

That would have been interesting, though I think a Turbo vs a base R8 is a fair match up. They need to make a sport version of the R8 to go against the GT3.

You called?   






It conforms to GT3 regulations, hence it is RWD only. 500hp.

[SVT666]

Now THAT is hot. 

[sportyaccordy]

That R8 isn't street legal...

[Cookie Monster]

Now THAT is hot. 

+1

[r0tor]

Now THAT is hot. 

+2

[SVT666]

Pobst loved his laps in the Ford Shelby GT500KR (10th place), exiting the car while whooping and hollering as if he'd just won the Daytona 500. "Man! That was fun!" he crowed.

[Raza]

No way, if anything the M3's added mass & all aluminum suspension would help the ride.

I figured with the extra weight, BMW would make the suspension overly stiff to give it a "sporty" feeling.

I am too. I'm surprised they said that it being 'boring' off the track was a bad thing though. Are there any cars that are really thrilling on a drive to the supermarket?

I have fun in my drive to the supermarket.  Special cars should be fun all the time.

That would have been interesting, though I think a Turbo vs a base R8 is a fair match up. They need to make a sport version of the R8 to go against the GT3.

I'd like to see the R8 against the C2S.

[sportyaccordy]

I can't do the individual quotes...

The M3 has a very stiff chassis... that, combined with its aluminum suspension and adaptable dampers = awesome ride by default.

And yea thinking about it now a car can be fun in normal conditions. I am a sucker for a good exhaust note. That will be the only thing I miss about my Maxima. Not really much else to enjoy in a metropolitan area.

My money would be on the C2S.

[MidnightDave]

Minor off course excursion: Man, has Audi come a long way! When I worked at a Porsche/Audi dealer in the late '70s, most Audi's were junk and the 100 model won the award for "Most towed in for repairs of any new car" in some car mag. The salespeople had a helluva time convincing people to buy them, and now look at that masterpiece in the post above,  think about the TT...they got their act together big time!

If only our 'merican car companies could/would do the same...I want the GM muscle car glory days back!

[Jus2shy]

With the Mini S on the list I'd thing the Skysice or MX-5 could make it too.

Hear hear! It seems like the failed to include some of the cheapest roadsters in America that deliver huge driving exhilaration to their respective drivers. The MX-5 and Skystice need to show up, these vehicles are terrors on the SCCA classes they compete in!