It's at the top of the price range, but my vote would be Cayman. It's amazing how many of these cars have been driven 150+ thousand miles and they mostly still look great. They're in another league compared to many of these cars in dynamic terms and quieter than any of the convertibles. If you buy a set of touring tires with an emphasis on low noise and a set of RE-71's for autocross I find it hard to believe you could be disappointed.
NOHOME said:Six years into the FRS ownership and more than one 1000 mile day in the saddle ( Sturgis to London Ontario non-stop) I call bullE36 M3 on the not suitable for Hwy use. In MY opinion it is exactly what I want for a long drive. Last thing I need is a mobile couch that puts me to sleep. The FRS is an engaging chassis to drive at any speed,and any road conditions; that is what makes it a good GT.
Is it the fastest car on the road? NO, but it is more than fast enough to get you arrested in any of the divided states of 'murica. If it has a problem passing, I have not run into it. When you hit the twisties, it is a pleasure to be in.
If the real need is for a Touring car, then you need to move into the vehicle weight category over 3500 lbs. You need mass for your ass if you wannabe comfy.
Pete
I've only had mine for 6 months, but I'm with Pete on this.
I commute 70 miles round trip per day in my FRS and have done a few longer trips and don't find it taxing at all. It's certainly not Lexus quiet, but I dont find the road noise obtrusive, at least on the all-seasons it came with. The ergonomics seem to work really well for me, so despite being on the smaller side it doesn't feel cramped at all. Reliability has been great so far, biggest known issues are noisy high pressure fuel pumps, condensation in the tail lights, and throwout bearing issues.
Ride/handling balance is great for a DD on stock suspension, and really a great handling chassis overall - well balanced, forgiving, and easy to drive fast. The FRS isn't my primary autocross car, but I've had it out to one event so far and turned some very respectable times (for me anyway) on all-seasons. Again, very easy to drive and it wouldn't take much at all to make a competitive D Street car.
On the downside, the short gearing does make it a bit busy above 80 or so, and also fuel economy isn't that great for what it is. I average 29 or so on my backroad commute, but can knock down 32-33 at reasonable speeds on the highway. The torque dip is also super annoying. I'm convinced that most people's complaints about lack of power are more due to how it's delivered - nothing down low, then a kind of slow building rush up top. If it all hit in a big rush, like a Honda K20 for example, or had a fatter mid range, or revved to the moon I think you would hear a lot fewer complaints. Suppossedly a tune and header really help fill in the torque dip, as well as add some power up top. And there's always FI...
I drove a new WRX back-to-back with one, and while the WRX was way faster and probably handled as well, the FRS felt better to me, a true sports car versus an (admittedly very well executed) hopped up economy car. I will admit I did like the Focus ST a lot too, but if you value good handling and a nimble chassis I think you will like the Twins.
The Focus ST is probably the most practical, but that is not really what this is about now, is it.
If I want a car with air conditioning that works, nicest C5 Z06 I could afford. Fast, decent fuel economy, extremely competent handling through the cones or at the track. Might even be able to get a C6.
If no air conditioning, nicest 914 with a 3.0 swap I could afford. 914 is a fine touring car, two good sized trunks, excellent handling and you can put the top on for highway travel. 200 hp flat six right behind you in a 2200 pound car would be very exhilarating, would be a hoot autocrossing it too, even with that ropey, impossibly long throw shifter. Would make a fantastic second car, depending on your tolerance to low and loud is. You put great handling/fun to drive at the top of the list. How do you feel about a car that looks like a shoebox, sounds like a race car and has police officers pulling you over to look at it? Air cooled Porsche is bulletproof reliable, in my experience. Might be over your budget, nowadays.
This thread has opened my eyes to something I had no idea about. People are hyper sensitive to noise in their vehicles. I find this ironic for a forum dedicated to race cars and track events.
I wont even get into the seat heat need!
Pete
Thanks again guys! Cayman, FRS, Mustang GT, and Focus ST...keep popping up here as good candidates. I will definitely do EXTENDED drives in each. Hopefully going to do my first extended drive tomorrow...hopefully!
Thanks!
Some random thoughts...
I own a '13 NC PRHT, am of a certain age, and really like it. If your priorities leaned towards 70% back roads/ 30% highway, it might be your huckleberry. It shares chassis architecture w/ the RX8, while being far more reliable. Aftermarket support is one call away. The motor is fun, but not powerful- the car feels faster than it is. Only you can decide how much road noise is acceptable. Tire selection is important. Roll bar choices are very limited, if that is important to you. The car is very softly sprung, that will be my next big modification. The stock sound system sucks. Luggage space is at a premium, obviously- it is easiest to travel w/ a duffel.
I also own a turbo Forrester, and have a new one on order. I don't pretend that it meet your criteria, but the motor/ suspension and brakes have WRX lineage. Turbo lag is always there. The WRX may not translate well to a driver of a certain age seeking a GT car- which generally don't come equipped w/ wings and racer-boy bling- just saying.
I recently drove a '15 base model C6. I was way impressed, the car had enough of everything- power, brakes, handling. I am not sure of the longevity of the interior trim, but I think I could live w/ the car long term.
Good luck in your search!
You failed to mention how long you might keep your next car. That might weigh on my choices
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