rralston

Afternoon all

I had a test drive in an Exige S earlier on today, with Perf, Sport and tourning packs on, clearly a great car, handles well, great brakes and pretty user friendly to drive.

Only thing is, well two to be fair, it didn't seem overly quick and the engine noise was, well a bit anaemic. That last statement is probably going to get me a slating but I wasn't blown away by it as I'd expected to be.

Admittedly the test drive was only 25 mins and it wasn't over a load of twisty B roads, and it was my first drive in one.

So qustion is, and I'm blatently trying to get some ideas from a wider group of car nuts - if you wanted a track orientated car, capable of travelling occasionally around the country and summer trips to Europe....... what would you get?

Budget is around 25K but I'd stretch a bit for the right car

MB

Hi Rich, the noise certainly isn't for everyone!

Surprised you didn't find it that quick though - I think the one you tried was 240bhp? Not many more rapid tools across country. I suspect it's the grunt you are missing, where the S/C cars tend not to feel as quick due to the power delivery.

So if that's not your cup of tea....

The only other option I can think of (and I have a lot ) is a CSL.

Suspect it might not be exciting enough for you but it's a perfect road / track car and in your budget.

Other than that maybe some sort of 911 or a Noble?

gaddafi

the Exige engine is out of a hatchback

you could mount the engine on a skateboard and it would be an even faster mode of transport, but you can't hide those roots

nor will a 'sports exhaust'

and you are coming from something with real muscle

I don't know enough about track orientated cars to make a recommendation

rralston

True - I think this something I'm going to have to get my head around. I'm so used to hitting the loud pedal and seeing three figures within seconds! It had 240bhp so I guess power to weight would be approx 250 per tonne. I'm used to 390 per tonne so it's a bit of a step change!

The power is definately more useable in the Exige and it felt very very planted on the road.

Good think is though that I want to drive a few more, get more of a feel for them to see their other undoutable talents.

I think a better exhaust might help too!

chilled

You're going to struggle Rich.

CSL

Noble: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/863667.htm

S2000 and spend a bit on it: S/C and coilovers

rralston

I know!

Nobles et al are fantastic cars, just a little less well screwed together than others.

CSL? THAT IS A SALOON CAR NOT A TRACK CAR Yes I'll be flamed for that!

The Exige needs another trial - test drives are always a good use of time!

gaddafi

doesn't having two drivers in an Exige lower the power to weight by about 50%?

was the salesperson lardy?

MB

I don't find you can actually hear much of the engine, it's nice Star Wars Tie Fighter noise from the supercharger

I'd say if the noise is an issue, the car possibly isn't for you (a V8 would defeat its purpose!)

I've been in one with an exhaust upgrade and it gets quite loud unfortunately!

400 bhp per tonne is hard to match though

A/C Cobra type thing?

TVR?

rralston

Sales person was about my size........inset joke here........... but I think the power deliver and noise is just totally different to what I'm used to.

Also 0-62 in 4 seconds isn't exactly slow either FFS!!!!!

Off to the pub to clear my thoughts

Ta for the advice fella

gaddafi

unfortunately, it's what it feels like that matters

and that's personal