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Which sports car offers performance and comfort?
I have a lovely 2010 BMW 318i SE Touring which is perfect. However, I am 63 yrs old and feeling the need for some serious performance with comfort. I am looking at all of these: Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4, Audi TT, Toyota GT86 and MX-5 Roadster. They have to be used and I would trade in my BMW. I am driving my wife and family mad. Should I go and lie down in a darkened room until the feeling passes or go for it?
Asked on 4 May 2013 by TT, Abingdon,
Answered by
Honest John
1. Porsche Boxster: Likelihood of a very hard back-jarring ride and possibility of huge repair bills.
2. BMW Z4: Softer than a Boxster, but make sure you go for the smallest wheels with the deepest profile tyres. Do not go for bigger than 18-inch wheels.
3. Audi TT: The quick one of these is the TTRS that has a wonderful 2.5 litre chain-cam 5 cylinder engine.
4. Toyota GT86 / Subaru BRZ: These are not quick, lacking torque unless you rev the nuts off them, which can become tiring. The rear drive handling is great fun but can also be hard work.
5. MX-5 Roadster: a 2.0 Sport 6-speed makes the most sense. You'll get a newer car for your money and all the fun you want. Cramped cockpit, though.
You might find a hot hatch such as a new Fiesta ST or a 208GTI has all the performance you want. 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, for example. The 208 is the more civilised of the two and rides better. Tests at www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests
2. BMW Z4: Softer than a Boxster, but make sure you go for the smallest wheels with the deepest profile tyres. Do not go for bigger than 18-inch wheels.
3. Audi TT: The quick one of these is the TTRS that has a wonderful 2.5 litre chain-cam 5 cylinder engine.
4. Toyota GT86 / Subaru BRZ: These are not quick, lacking torque unless you rev the nuts off them, which can become tiring. The rear drive handling is great fun but can also be hard work.
5. MX-5 Roadster: a 2.0 Sport 6-speed makes the most sense. You'll get a newer car for your money and all the fun you want. Cramped cockpit, though.
You might find a hot hatch such as a new Fiesta ST or a 208GTI has all the performance you want. 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, for example. The 208 is the more civilised of the two and rides better. Tests at www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests
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