OT: Need help choosing a project sports car

Cerberus · 2nd March 2002, 06:35

I am considering buying a project car for the occasional autocross and driving school. The car will also be used as a commuter, alternating with the Beast. I am also thinking about a convertible, even though they are not as rigid for driving events. I have a cap of around $40,000. I am considering the following cars:

1. M3 (e36)
2. Honda S2000 (new)
3. NSX (93-94)
4. C5 Corvette
5. 993 coupe (95)

My primary criteria are:

1. All around performance
2. Fun to drive
3. Cost of ownership

Thanks for your advice.

Sandy

Bart Carter · 2nd March 2002, 08:21

1. M3 (e36)
2. Honda S2000 (new)
3. NSX (93-94)
4. C5 Corvette
5. 993 coupe (95)

1. All around performance - all
2. Fun to drive - all
3. Cost of ownership - the new one (Honda) or the domestic (C5)

This probably will boil down to your personal likes and dislikes as any car would good.

Such a terrible burden to have to make this decision.

rammer · 2nd March 2002, 08:57

does the c5 corvette include the z06?!?!
if so, i'd easily say get that!

M5Addict · 2nd March 2002, 16:08

I would choose the M3. It is the most versatile of the five you listed.

Is having a backseat a concern? If not, I might opt for S2000 (very reliable). The NSX is very nice, but I heard it is expensive to repair and maintain. What about a Boxster?

Bart Carter · 2nd March 2002, 18:17

How about another choice?

My wife is thinking of selling her 300 ZXTT. Only 30,000 miles.

TCM · 2nd March 2002, 18:54

I think I would go with either the e36 M3 or the C5. The M3 is a great car for autocrossing and track events but it may become a lot to maintain and repair. Now, the C5 is just a beast. Mods are readily available, there is a Chevy dealer everywhere you look and they are very cheap used. I personally would go with the C5. My freind races his about 6 times per year all over the East coast and has had no problem with it. With slicks and lowered suspension he ran a 1:02? at Lime Rock. That is very quick for a car they drive everyday. A track car is going to break, and Chevy has the definite advantage over BMW in this area in relation to parts and mods. I say go with the vette. Go with what you like best. Take them for a drive and see what you think.

jlintz · 2nd March 2002, 18:55

What about a supra tt? You can do alot of mods to them and make those things fly.

pdiack · 2nd March 2002, 19:28

I'd go with the M3 or 993 for the following reasons -

1. Both are a blast to drive.
2. Both have very good on track/autocross (I had a 993 for about 2 years and loved the autocrosss events held by PCA (Porsche Club of America).
3. Although not a factor you listed - these should hold their value better than the others when you decide to sell it (to buy that 360, of course! )

NSX - I wouldn't go with, my experience is insurance/maintenance is very high. My experience is it burns thru tires in about 10k miles.

Corvette - Friend has a Z06 Corvette and his experience is durability is very suspect (it spends a lot of time in the shop - good thing there ARE lots of Chevy dealers)

S2000 - Sounds like a good choice, but have no experience with this.

Just my thoughts.

01M5 · 2nd March 2002, 19:58

Sandy,

How about the Nissan 350Z? The track version comes with Brembo brakes, Rays wheels, carbon fiber driveshaft...... Enough to make one drool.

Good luck with whatever you get!

Najeeb

PaulMarin · 2nd March 2002, 20:22

Sounds like fun Sandy-
Will the removable hardtop make the M3 a non-convertible? Some tracks won't allow open tops.