Looking for a new Track Car- but need help deciding!

[joker1978]

This is the situation- I'm getting rid of the b5 Audi S4 that I currently have (love the car- but I've been upgraded to a trailblazer for the company ride- and would prefer something more track-ready now).

I owned a 2002 Honda S2000 for 2 years that I tracked relatively frequently and loved it. I've pondered going back to it because it is so track ready- but I'd prefer to find one with FI (save me the trouble of doing it myself). The car was phenomanol and I loved it- but eventually I craved more speed. without going FI- bolt on's don't do much to the car (though I could easily whip most v8's- so it wasn't ALWAYS necessary! )

So I've been leaning between about 4- New Corvette Z51, 2006 Suburu STi, Mits Evo MR, Lotus Elise (or a used Corvette Zo6)... ALSO- JUST ADDED- A 2002-2004 BMW M3

I'd like to keep it between 30-50k, and would love the best bang for the buck- (evo and sti), but feel that it is more geared towards high school and college kids. The Vette is probably the best of the group- but the lease options are terrible (don't like to buy cars- bad experiences). The lotus I'd have to buy and the price would actually be close to the lease of the vette (despite similar cost) and this one is the most unique- head turner of the group and can tear it up pretty easily.

So what's everyone elses opinions? Any other cars they suggest? I've toyed with thoughts of a SC'd 2006 Miata, Boxter S, Carrera, used M3, ect. I've never driven any of these on the track though- and don't know what to expect.

Thanks for feedback!

[Mr. Luos]

I have a Grand Am GT I will sell you.

[dimefury]

Originally Posted by joker1978

I'd like to keep it between 30-50k, and would love the best bang for the buck- (evo and sti), but feel that it is more geared towards high school and college kids.

just because they are marketing it to the younger croud doesn't mean it is any less of a performance car......go for the evo

[clawhammer]

The lotus will probably handle the best from those listed. 190 hp and 1850 pounds (race prepped: no floor mats, 1/4 tank of gas, etc basically minor stuff). If you can afford it, go for it. Might be a problem if you're a big guy, but otherwise, it will be great.

[joker1978]

Originally Posted by clawhammer

The lotus will probably handle the best from those listed. 190 hp and 1850 pounds (race prepped: no floor mats, 1/4 tank of gas, etc basically minor stuff). If you can afford it, go for it. Might be a problem if you're a big guy, but otherwise, it will be great.

True... unless I could find a good lease price on the vette- this one would definately cost me the much- so I want to be absolutely sure that I can't have as much fun- if not more in the others since this one is purchase only...

[joker1978]

I'm hoping to get some more feedback from some people who own them and have tracked them too... please give me some feedback if you have an above car- or one that you feel is even better! Thanks!

[-Josh-]

Hot Rod did a comparison of the STI and a Cobra mustang back in...03 or 04.. Anyway, the STI barely outcornered the Cobra, to be honest the STI is a great car and everything but i think it's a little over rated and i think people are finally starting to realize this.

The evo has always been one of my favorites in put out of the box performance as far as track ready cars go.

If you can afford it i would go with the new C6 or even the new Z06.

[-The Stig-]

Agreed, if your budget is 30-50 large... I say save up a bit more till $65,000 is in your reach.

You'll be much happier with the overall kickass'ness of the C6 Z06. Although, with that much power (505hp) it might be tough to keep it between the cones of a autocross course even with traction control on.

A Z51 equipted C6 coupe or convertible would be a great autocrosser too. Infact, any of the cars you're looking at are great cars.

You really can't go wrong with them, they all do their jobs well. Some better than others, but some have versitility like having four doors and can seat real people in the back.

It's nice having a weekend car you can run errands in... haul friends around in and tear up a coned or tracked environment on the weekends.

Then again... a 2 door, 2 seat, fuck everybody else but you and the hot blonde next you mentality is always sweet.

Like I said, anything you're looking at will do what you ask of it well.

Good hunting.

[carrrnuttt]

I voted for the Lotus. Pure driving at its finest and, with the exception of the C5 Z06, and the previously-suggested C6 Z06, is sure to hold value as a classic better than the rest on the list.

[kfoote]

With the options you gave, this seems like is a no-brainer to me. A C5 Z06 is WAY faster on a road course than anything else listedexcept for the C6 Z51, which is about the same speed for more $$$. Let's look at where these cars are classified in SCCA Club Racing:

C5 Z06- Won the SCCA Runoffs the last 3 years in T1
C6 Z51- Currently runs T1. Competitive, but slightly slower at the moment for lack of development.
Lotus Elise: Runs T1, but is uncompetitive.
Every other car mentioned runs in T2, a slower class.

Weakest point of the C5 Z06: Front hubs. For a track car, you MUST have spares, and unfortunately they're $600 each

[joker1978]

Originally Posted by Josh

Hot Rod did a comparison of the STI and a Cobra mustang back in...03 or 04.. Anyway, the STI barely outcornered the Cobra, to be honest the STI is a great car and everything but i think it's a little over rated and i think people are finally starting to realize this.

The evo has always been one of my favorites in put out of the box performance as far as track ready cars go.

If you can afford it i would go with the new C6 or even the new Z06.

yeah- I'm starting to gain that feedback about the STi... some people say the EVO RS is even better then the MR because its significantly lighter- and easier to mod to make FASTER then the MR... plus the EVO turbo's are supposed to be able to handle much more then the STi in terms of modding.

The NEW Z06- would be no questions asked- where do I sign... if it were not for the 80k price tag!!!

[joker1978]

Originally Posted by kfoote

With the options you gave, this seems like is a no-brainer to me. A C5 Z06 is WAY faster on a road course than anything else listedexcept for the C6 Z51, which is about the same speed for more $$$. Let's look at where these cars are classified in SCCA Club Racing:

C5 Z06- Won the SCCA Runoffs the last 3 years in T1
C6 Z51- Currently runs T1. Competitive, but slightly slower at the moment for lack of development.
Lotus Elise: Runs T1, but is uncompetitive.
Every other car mentioned runs in T2, a slower class.

Weakest point of the C5 Z06: Front hubs. For a track car, you MUST have spares, and unfortunately they're $600 each

So you actually own a STi and still prefer the Vette... Have you tracked the STi (I can only assume)... how'd it run... how'd it compare to other cars in the class- lap times of similar skilled drivers? ect?

Redneck- If you think you're walking out the door with a new Zo6 at $65k... then please! I'll hook you up with $5k just to find me the deal!! They are STARTING at just over $70k... that's IF you're not on a 4 month waiting list right now... of which you probably pay an extra premium to get some of the first models. Maybe by mid next year- the price will drop to what you're suggesting.

[joker1978]

Also- I have a daily driver- I have a Trailblazer for my company car... so I could careless about the daily comforts a car provides... I'm looking for performance for the $$

[joker1978]

oh and josh- could you add 2002/2004 BMW M3 to my Poll?

[joker1978]

Hi Joe,

Just got back from a weekend at Grattan. Love that track!

Here's how I rate your selections:


CAR LAP TIME, DRIVING EXPERIENCE, COST TO MAINTAIN, COST TO MODIFY
Corvette Z51 4 6 5 5
Z06 2 6 5 5
Evo MR 6 5 6 6
Subaru Sti 6 5 6 6
M3 5 3 8 8
Elise 5 1 8 7
S2000 6 2 6 6
Range
1-10

TOTALS
Corvette Z51 20
Z06 18
Evo MR 23
Subaru Sti 23
M3 24
Elise 21
S2000 20

The most important stuff for me would be acquisition cost of a track car and
the experience (what you have during and what you take home after track day).
I would not purchase a new car. I would purchase a used car that's at least
3 years old.

I'm currently considering a '95 Miata. I can buy parts at a reasonable price,
tow it on a light-weight trailer, pull it with an inexpensive Ford Ranger and
easily keep it in good repair (5000+2000+4000+2000=$13,000 (car, trailer,
ranger, modifications)).

I will never again buy a new car and beat the [censored] out of it like I did with
the S2000.

Let's say that you want the ultimate lap time. I'd suggest a used Z06 at
about $20-25,000, trailer, 9,000 lb capacity tow vehicle and $6,000 for mods.
You'll go fast but not get the exhiliration of driving because the suspension
and steering isolates you from the driving experience.

I would not buy the Z51 when there are Z06 available and it's value will be
hit hard when the new Z06 is marketed.

I would not do an Evo or STi because they brake too often and modifications
cost a lot of money.

An E36 M3, trailer, tow vehicle and expensive modifications is on the high
side, but you get good driver's experience. You go home knowing that you've
driven a race track all day.

The S2000 is so much fun that I can not belive it. That's why at my late age
and fairly fragile health, I decided to try tracking a new car. They can now
be bought for $15,000 with under 50K miles on them, Trailex trailer for
$2,500, modified Ranger for $4,000 and modifications for track (not forced
induction) at $5,000 and you're in for packaged fun every time $26,500.

But, the above would be my second choice were I you. You're young enough to
wait for 6-9 months when a lot of Elise will be available for under $30,000.
I estimate about half of the folks that buy them will be sick of them within
a year. It's not a daily driver. It's not a weekender (no luggage, stiff
ride). It's a race car in street dress. All you need is the trailer and the
truck and you're in for fun and experience that is at the highest level for
about $35,000. The downside is repairs. If it breakes, you have very limited
choice for parts and, if needed, labor.

If you track seriously, you'll go off track. Going off track always hurts a
car; maybe just a little but always. This weekend about 20 cars went off
track.