Help me choose a beater

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Tom Hoppe wrote:

Need a sporty car with a back seat

Hmm, why does Tom need a back seat?

Aaron Buckley wrote:

Miranda not liking the Raleigh area?

Oh yeah! Forget I asked...

:twisted:

Scott Johnson · **Posted:** Thu Mar 04, 2004 8:25 am

Well, I was surfing the net yesterday and came accross a site where they are putting a LS1 V-8 into an E36 BMW. Seems to me like that is the way to go!

I suspect the weight distribution is better than the BMW inline 6:

Scott

Les Davis · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:04 pm **Posts:** 2059

I think I'm qualified to express my opinion since I've owned like 80% of the cars recommended so far. :-)

I know most wouldn't consider it because they are too concerned about image, but Dick has a point, a Mustang is not such a ridiculous choice. Two years ago I wouldn't have dreamed of it, but the fact of the matter is I've had one for six months now and couldn't be happier. The car is an absolute hoot, I have fun driving it every minute that I'm driving it. Most fun car I have ever owned, and my credentials are pretty decent. MkII and MkIII Supras, SE-R, GTI, DSMs (plural), MR2s turbo and N/A. While its not perfect, there is something inherently good about 300 ft-lbs of torque and RWD in a car that is not too incredibly portly. The handling is not razor sharp, but that also means you cut yourself less. :-)

And anyone who would consider daily driving an Expedition can't really complain about the handling of a Mustang. :-)

I guess the best defense I can say for the Mustang, is my MR2 turbo is sitting around collecting dust and the miles are piling up on the Mustang. Whodda thunk it??

Just FYI, my co-worker with the '96 SE-R said he would let it go for $3K

Adam Ligon · **Posted:** Thu Mar 04, 2004 4:02 pm

VW!

What did you expect me to say

Vincent Keene · **Posted:** Thu Mar 04, 2004 4:07 pm

Les Davis wrote:

my credentials are pretty decent. MkII and MkIII Supras, SE-R, GTI, DSMs (plural), MR2s turbo and N/A.

Did you forget one Les? Didn't you have a WRX also?

Wow, this thread is almost as popular and the banning street tire discussion.

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Thu Mar 04, 2004 4:24 pm

MikeWhitney wrote:

Tom Hoppe wrote:

Need a sporty car with a back seat

Hmm, why does Tom need a back seat?

All joking aside, I think that is a valid question as all "back seats" are not equal. Are you able to divulge the need and/or usage for the back seat? Also the 2 vs. 4 door question usually ties right into any back seat needs.

Vincent Keene wrote:

Wow, this thread is almost as popular and the banning street tire discussion.

Damn Azenis... Just doesn't follow the spirit of the rules.... Uhhh, this is a cheater tire thread right?

Les Davis · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:04 pm **Posts:** 2059

Vincent Keene wrote:

Les Davis wrote:

my credentials are pretty decent. MkII and MkIII Supras, SE-R, GTI, DSMs (plural), MR2s turbo and N/A.

Did you forget one Les? Didn't you have a WRX also?

Wow, this thread is almost as popular and the banning street tire discussion.

Thanks Vincent, didn't really forget the WRX, it just wasn't one of the recommended "beater" options. Plus he allready has one of those. :-)

Vincent Keene · **Posted:** Thu Mar 04, 2004 4:35 pm

Les Davis wrote:

Thanks Vincent, didn't really forget the WRX, it just wasn't one of the recommended "beater" options. Plus he allready has one of those. :-)

Ah, but your WRX was a wagon model correct? That would be more "baby seat friendly" which is why Tom really needs a back seat right? :wink:

Les Davis · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:04 pm **Posts:** 2059

Vincent Keene wrote:

Ah, but your WRX was a wagon model correct? That would be more "baby seat friendly" which is why Tom really needs a back seat right? :wink:

Good point

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Thu Mar 04, 2004 4:59 pm

Les Davis wrote:

I know most wouldn't consider it because they are too concerned about image, but Dick has a point, a Mustang is not such a ridiculous choice. Two years ago I wouldn't have dreamed of it, but the fact of the matter is I've had one for six months now and couldn't be happier. The car is an absolute hoot, I have fun driving it every minute that I'm driving it.

I haven't owned many cars like Les has . . . even though I've been around a LOT longer . . . but can can offer an explanation for why high torque cars are a good choice for the street. It basically boils down to being responsive at any time in almost any gear without having to rev the engine and be in the right gear. Plus the V-8's don't lean like most of the sophisticated sedans/coupes do and have very little squat on acceleration. They just "feel" like race cars even though they clearly aren't.

Plus, if you want a car that is easy to drive in traffic and is very quick off the line, consider a V-8 Mustang or Camaro with an automatic. Even our 97 Mustang GT with the wimpy early 4.6L and an automatic is traction limited off the line and will beat just about anything off the line in traffic with ease . . . without needing that pesky upshift at about 30 to 35 mph that a stick needs. City driving (Atlanta has lots of that, right?) is a lot more relaxing with an automatic behind a high torque engine. Allows you to concentrate on your lady (a good thing!) if she is next to you or talk to her on your cell phone if she isn't in the car.

Adam Ligon · **Posted:** Thu Mar 04, 2004 5:07 pm

DickRasmussen wrote:

Les Davis wrote:

I know most wouldn't consider it because they are too concerned about image, but Dick has a point, a Mustang is not such a ridiculous choice. Two years ago I wouldn't have dreamed of it, but the fact of the matter is I've had one for six months now and couldn't be happier. The car is an absolute hoot, I have fun driving it every minute that I'm driving it.

I haven't owned many cars like Les has . . . even though I've been around a LOT longer . . . but can can offer an explanation for why high torque cars are a good choice for the street. It basically boils down to being responsive at any time in almost any gear without having to rev the engine and be in the right gear. Plus the V-8's don't lean like most of the sophisticated sedans/coupes do and have very little squat on acceleration. They just "feel" like race cars even though they clearly aren't.

Plus, if you want a car that is easy to drive in traffic and is very quick off the line, consider a V-8 Mustang or Camaro with an automatic. Even our 97 Mustang GT with the wimpy early 4.6L and an automatic is traction limited off the line and will beat just about anything off the line in traffic with ease . . . without needing that pesky upshift at about 30 to 35 mph that a stick needs. City driving (Atlanta has lots of that, right?) is a lot more relaxing with an automatic behind a high torque engine. Allows you to concentrate on your lady (a good thing!) if she is next to you or talk to her on your cell phone if she isn't in the car.

I swear you and Les are as bad as me. You guys now answer every question;

"Ford Mustang GT"

:lol:

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Thu Mar 04, 2004 5:42 pm

Adam Ligon wrote:

I swear you and Les are as bad as me. You guys now answer every question;

"Ford Mustang GT"

:lol:

Adam,

I don't know what your excuse is or Les's excuse is but mine is because I've only owned about 8 street cars in 40 years and 4 of them have been Mustang GT's - all red and I still own 2 of them. Guess I'm in a rut.

Dale Schendel · **Posted:** Thu Mar 04, 2004 11:35 pm

Old corolla's and celicas are the best... wish I could afford an MA-70 supra if you choose a VW I know where you can get 1 for around 100 bucks with getto shaved door handles.

Adam Ligon · **Posted:** Fri Mar 05, 2004 1:14 am

Dale Schendel wrote:

Old corolla's and celicas are the best... wish I could afford an MA-70 supra if you choose a VW I know where you can get 1 for around 100 bucks with getto shaved door handles.

Tell me more.......

Les Davis · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:04 pm **Posts:** 2059

Adam Ligon wrote:

I swear you and Les are as bad as me. You guys now answer every question;

"Ford Mustang GT"

:lol:

Well, I don't really wanna give off that impression. :-)

It is certainly not a perfect car. And I wouldn't recommend it for everything i.e. don't expect to see me running any "ftpax" in it this year. But it is a much better "all around" car than it is given credit for, and great big fun as a daily driver. I guess I just feel somewhat of an evangelitcal obligation, as a "reformed car snob," to sing its praises. The thing I find most interesting are how unimportant the things that I used to bash Mustangs for are to me now. The car has an uncanny knack for making you forget about its short comings very rapidly, all it takes is a nice open exhaust, and open road, and jab at the throttle (with the traction control off of course) and soon you forget about the poorly bolstered seats, long throw/heavy shifter, overall poor ergonomics, and lack of IRS. Those things just don't seem all that important to anymore. :-)

Call me crazy....

The Mustang has accomplished one thing, if nothing else, it has brought me closer to finding what the perfect car for me is...

Take this: http://www.factoryfive.com/table/ffrkit ... erkit.html

and add this: http://www.fordcobraengines.com/427_Cobratrky.htm

4.6 lbs/hp yeah, that'll work, my only fear is my upolhstery cleaning bills could really rack up. :twisted:

That is if I can manage not killing myself...

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