OT - good track car ideas - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Vince5 · 10th May 2002, 16:08

Hi guys,

I was recently to my first track event (not with the beast) and I loved it. I am now starting to look for a fun and relatively cheap track car. I thought about either a Lotus Elise or a Z3 M Coupe. The 2nd one is my best pic but I would need a used one (I don't want to spend too much).

Any of you have experience about the M coupe on the track (cost / performance / necessary mods) ?

Other car suggestions from enthousiasts are welcomed.

Cheers

AMP · 10th May 2002, 17:16

Although I don't have any first hand experience I know that the Z3 coupe is a capable track car. If you are tall you will want to spend some time in one before purchase as it's cramped inside.

Another option would be an E36 M3 (1995 is a good year for this). They are very capable cars in stock form, can be made more capable with minor modifications, and if you ever want to sink serious cash into one they can be downright mean. I picked up a cherry '95 for this purpose and am very happy with the track performance in stock trim. With a little suspension work and new tires it would be awesome....

-Andrew

Vince5 · 10th May 2002, 17:27

Good point about the E36 M3, it's also easier to find one.
Looking at the list of cars you own it looks like it's a track car only for you ?
What happen to you Boxter ? I test drove one last week-end and I loved it. The gear box was great.

AMP · 10th May 2002, 17:29

Quote:

Originally posted by Vince5
Good point about the E36 M3, it's also easier to find one.
Looking at the list of cars you own it looks like it's a track car only for you ?
What happen to you Boxter ? I test drove one last week-end and I loved it. The gear box was great.

The M3 was purchased to be a dedicated track car... hopefully I'll be able to finish the project...

The Boxster?
I wrecked it... On the track!

Vince5 · 10th May 2002, 17:42

Poor car

Glad you survived and still race

stever · 10th May 2002, 19:52

had a ride around Laguna Seca in a Honda 2000 with sticky tires and a GOOD driver -- WOW

944 turbos are also great track cars

JohnH · 10th May 2002, 20:06

Best car in my opinion is a Caterham as they are cheap, light and superb handling. You dont need a huge engine as the handling more than makes up for it. Nearest thing to single seater handling.

2001's X5/Z8 · 10th May 2002, 20:24

Quote:

Originally posted by Vince5
Hi guys,

I was recently to my first track event (not with the beast) and I loved it. I am now starting to look for a fun and relatively cheap track car. I thought about either a Lotus Elise or a Z3 M Coupe. The 2nd one is my best pic but I would need a used one (I don't want to spend too much).

Any of you have experience about the M coupe on the track (cost / performance / necessary mods) ?

Other car suggestions from enthousiasts are welcomed.

Cheers

PM benfr, he had the coupe, he just got the m3....he should be able to help you

M5_Surge · 10th May 2002, 20:27

Have you thought about an MR2 Spyder? You can pick up a new one for about 25K or shop around a find a low milage used one for a couple of grand less.

They are a blast to drive. Very light weight with good handling. Should be a ton of fun on the track.

I'm taking mine to the autocross tomorrow for the 1st time so I'll let you know what that is like.

E-

TFC · 10th May 2002, 22:34

How about a 3rd generation Mazda RX-7? Very capable from the factory and very easy to modify.