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Post by robert on Aug 10, 2016 14:08:25 GMT
Except Lotus.
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Post by V6 on Aug 10, 2016 14:25:21 GMT
I actually owned a Lotus 111R. I found them to be great in the right conditions: in the dry at the weekend for a short blast.
However after half an hour my back started aching due to the non adjustable seats. Mine also suffered a load of rattles from new. In the wet they are a bit of a handful and can spin out exiting a damp roundabout. I personally think the weight distribution feels like a hammer, with all the mass too far back. Once they let go, they are hard to catch in the wet.
In comparison an Mx5 is so much more forgiving, more practical, more comfortable, plus MUCH better value of cost per smiles. Even if someone offered me a brand new free car, I wouldn't choose another Lotus. It would have to be front engined and RWD for me.
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Post by Meerkat on Aug 10, 2016 16:37:38 GMT
Yep, I agree with this 100%. Driving the 5 reminds me of how I used to feel when I first learned to drive - that excitement of being in control of a vehicle on your own, knowing you could literally just take it and drive it anywhere. I was aware of every gear shift, every little adjustment of the steering wheel.
I lost that excitement gradually as driving became more mundane. I still always loved to drive, but I wasn't hyper-aware of it in the way I was when I first got behind the wheel.
And then I drove my 5 for the first time, and all those feelings came flooding back. It's just such a visceral, raw experience. Mazda's claim of "feeling at one with the vehicle" is not just advertising hype.
It might not be the quickest or most advanced car I've ever driven, but it is absolutely the best all-round experience in my opinion.
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Post by V6 on Aug 10, 2016 16:49:55 GMT
The fact it is basic as hell is exactly why it is so great.
The best fun I've ever had on wheels was in a go-kart and they don't come simpler than that. Ok they are way too hardcore to live with! But when you take that basic approach, then add a minimum of safety and comfort, you get an MX5. Just enough to make it liveable in the UK.
Besides, I've had my fill of larger, complex, powerful cars. They don't deliver the fun and cost way too much when they break.
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Post by robert on Aug 11, 2016 20:19:20 GMT
Sorry, still Lotus.
On my third 5 and latest (modified) is my track car, due to the front engined reasons mentioned above.
But a well sorted Lotus is heaven.
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Post by V6 on Aug 11, 2016 21:11:36 GMT
Don't be sorry. If Lotus is your holy grail that's cool!
Mine would be a Ginetta or a 7 I think.
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Post by robert on Aug 11, 2016 23:31:03 GMT
Don't be sorry. If Lotus is your holy grail that's cool! Mine would be a Ginetta or a 7 I think. I'd resist term holy grail, just responding to op! i'm a big believer in there being no holy grail, maybe a holy garage.....several cars, but always needing just one more... |
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Post by atlex on Aug 11, 2016 23:48:08 GMT
mmm.. Ginetta G40.
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Post by V6 on Aug 12, 2016 7:16:08 GMT
Oh yeah. In gun metal or Nogaro blue please. All black alcantara inside. That would be the ultimate mk1 mx5 in my eyes. Although I also adore the looks of the more vintage and nano sized G4. That would have to be in silver. Clearly this is way smaller and virtually a 7 with a sexy body. Hardly practical! But I'd love to own one of these if it was for Sunday's only. |
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le sigh
Jul 15, 2023 20:03:52 GMT
le sigh
Jul 15, 2023 20:03:52 GMT