View Poll Results: Which <$20K car for summer fun?
2003-2006 Audi TT
2
2.63%
2003+ BMW Z4
4
5.26%
2000+ Chevy Corvette
10
13.16%
2004+ Mercedes SLK
0
0%
2004+ Honda S2000
31
40.79%
2005+ Nissan 350Z
3
3.95%
2003+ Porsche Boxster (S)
12
15.79%
2005+ Ford Mustang GT
0
0%
2005+ Toyota MR2
3
3.95%
2006+ Mazda Miata
7
9.21%
Other (please list)
4
5.26%
Voters: 76. You may not vote on this poll
Your choice for <$20K summer toy?
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,328
Likes: 236
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
In fact, that is why you have a transmission in the first place......lower gears (or CVT banding) for power, higher gears for economy and less engine wear/noise.
EPA figures do not reflect aggressive, sport-oriented driving. And why go to a Corvette forum? CL's CAR CHAT is already one of the best car forums on the Internet.
I'm not saying that is how most Corvette owners would want to drive them. I'm simply saying that you can't have it both ways. In a non-hybrid, straight gas-powered car, you usually have to choose between power and economy.....you can't have both at the same time.
In fact, that is why you have a transmission in the first place......lower gears (or CVT banding) for power, higher gears for economy and less engine wear/noise.
EPA figures do not reflect aggressive, sport-oriented driving. And why go to a Corvette forum? CL's CAR CHAT is already one of the best car forums on the Internet.
In fact, that is why you have a transmission in the first place......lower gears (or CVT banding) for power, higher gears for economy and less engine wear/noise.
EPA figures do not reflect aggressive, sport-oriented driving. And why go to a Corvette forum? CL's CAR CHAT is already one of the best car forums on the Internet.
I agree. I was just talking in general. I will confess though, I have frequented the corvette board many times because I want a Corvette as my next car...Unless there is something else that is better? I just love the C5 Z06!
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,328
Likes: 236
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
(And, no, not for 20K) 
I have driven (and reviewed) 500-HP sports cars, muscle cars, and sport sedans. The Miata is fun, period, any way you look at it. And you can have a brand new one for little over 20K, especially in this buyers' market. Just try buying a new 500 HP, tire-shredding, burnout machine for that price brand-new.....Good luck. You can get a V8, cheaply-made Challenger or Mustang, with a lot of flimsy parts on it, with maybe 350-400 HP, for (maybe) 25-30K in this buyers' market, but, even that is doubtful, and the Miata will still handle circles around them on a twisty road.
The Honda S2000 can be had for under 30K, with 240 HP, but there is little torque, especially at low RPMs, and the engine has to be run out to motorcycle-RPM levels to get max HP.
So.....for the money, there is little that can compete with the Miata on a fun-per-dollar basis. In fact, one of our CL moderators has one...he loves it.
The Honda S2000 can be had for under 30K, with 240 HP, but there is little torque, especially at low RPMs, and the engine has to be run out to motorcycle-RPM levels to get max HP.
So.....for the money, there is little that can compete with the Miata on a fun-per-dollar basis. In fact, one of our CL moderators has one...he loves it.
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Cali
I like the idea of a Vette but couldn't live with one.
Given your list, S2000 wins.
If you can gather-up a little extra scratch you can get into an earlier NSX.
Then you end-up with a true exotic mid-engine sports car. And one that will hold it's value!
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,328
Likes: 236
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
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