M/T Top Ten Driving Cars
08-21-09, 06:06 AM
#17
Lexus Champion
The Elise (and presumably the Exige) is simply too small a car for even an average American-sized adult. It is almost impossible to get in and out of one. I am 6' 2"", 265 lb. (somewhat larger than average), and you should have seen me trying to shoehorn myself into a tiny Elise when I reviewed one in August of '07. The salesman laughed, and didn't think I could do it. It took me some time, and some pretzel-like gyrations, but I did......and I even managed to drive it. (Don't even ask me how I got OUT) 
But I would never consider buying one.
But I would never consider buying one.Last edited by bagwell; 08-21-09 at 06:19 AM.
08-21-09, 06:36 AM
#18
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08-21-09, 08:53 AM
#19
I do have to say the Miata is not anywhere near a HP moster, but I got to drive one for about 3 weeks (My brother in laws old car) and it was a blast to drive. I haven't driven all those cars on the list or all the exotic cars, but in my own experience the Miata was the 2nd most fun car to drive that I have owned next to the NSX. I'm actually surprised the NSX is not on the list but I guess they are ranking current cars. Still though, not surprised the fist two on the list are mid engined cars. Mid engined cars just give you a totally different driving feel over any font engine RWD car.
08-21-09, 12:44 PM
#20
Lexus Fanatic
08-21-09, 12:48 PM
#21
Lexus Fanatic
08-21-09, 12:52 PM
#22
Lexus Fanatic
Yes, mid-engined cars can be a blast in the twisties, but, on a straight road or Interstate, their lightness on the front end and engine weight back behind the driver can make them a little darty in the steering and unstable in the tracking department. A number of Toyota MR2's I've tried, for example, tend to wander left and right on a straight road, particularly in crosswinds. You're constantly twitching the steering wheel while trying to stay in the center of the lane. The Porsche Boxster shows a little of this, but not as much, as it is designed for generally higher speeds than an MR2.
08-21-09, 10:49 PM
#24
Lexus Fanatic
I agree I think its lame that te GTR is not on the list. They keep saying stupid **** like its just " to good", its" artificial". To good or artificial my ***. It will blow every car on the list out of the water in every performance category you can create
08-21-09, 11:04 PM
#25
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08-22-09, 05:33 AM
#26
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With all respect, I beg to differ... drove at Road America last weekend in an M3 SEDAN and I'm NOT an experienced circuit driver... a couple Camaros (and an SS) were out there... couldn't even keep up in the straightaways let alone twisties... must've been a granny driving...
08-22-09, 05:45 AM
#27
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I like to think of the ingress/egress as a test. The rewards are the handling and driving experience of the Elise/Exige. Its not for everyone and the difficulties of getting in and out are worth it to some.
08-22-09, 05:51 AM
#28
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I got to stop these type of misleading comments.
Technique counts for a lot of the ingress/egress into these sportscars.
another angle:
Had a buddy who is a 6'4" guy get in the car, he was amazed how spacious it was inside.
Its not an everyday car although I know owners who do use theirs as daily drivers. The extra work it takes to get in and out reminds one of the different type of car they are about to drive.
the person who is 6'6" pictured in the previous post claims he can get in and out nearly as well as this smaller guy. Its all technique.
Last edited by goelise; 08-22-09 at 05:59 AM.
08-22-09, 06:12 AM
#29
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Yes, mid-engined cars can be a blast in the twisties, but, on a straight road or Interstate, their lightness on the front end and engine weight back behind the driver can make them a little darty in the steering and unstable in the tracking department. A number of Toyota MR2's I've tried, for example, tend to wander left and right on a straight road, particularly in crosswinds. You're constantly twitching the steering wheel while trying to stay in the center of the lane. The Porsche Boxster shows a little of this, but not as much, as it is designed for generally higher speeds than an MR2.
I beg to differ that a P car like the Boxster is designed for higher speeds than the venerable MR2.
I think the MR2/ Miata can be in the list.
