Dedicated Fun Car

[johnnyskids]

Is it wrong for me to think that the Supra (at least in stock form) is more of an "all rounder" than a pure fun/track car? That's not to say it's not good as that, just that between the ride, how good it is soaking up highway miles, and somewhat ease of use, it offers more than what past pure fun/track cars used to offer?

For me personally I want something that has some balance. I drove the new generation Subaru BRZ and that's one of the few cars on the market that is almost singularly focused on being one thing, and that's a sports car. It wasn't overly comfortable, interior wasn't all that great, wasn't all that great in the city or on the highway, but on a back road shifting through all the gears or on a track it was in it's wheelhouse.

Looking at the list of vehicles that you have on that list that you owned the Miata, Civic Type R, and Cayman makes me believe that you might like a good manual and engagement. The Supra has the best manual fitted to a BMW over the past decade or so, but that's not a high bar to clear. The new Mustang GT that I test drove had a horrific manual, and I see you had a few older generation Mustangs, so maybe this manual won't be all that bad for you.

The Miata and Type R will are more engaging cars to drive, but I'd say it's more similar to the Cayman you owned than anything else. So I guess my question for you is, of the cars that you listed, which do you miss the most? If it's the Cayman, then I'd say you should likely look at the Supra and one of the new Caymans with a 6 cylinder engine (although they seemed to be pricy right now).

It has been reported that the new Nissan Z feels a lot more old school JDM (not surprising because of how much the old 350/370 is still a part of it). So I'd probably add that to the list of option to consider.

Lastly, a car that seems to be ignored somewhat because of the number of doors, have you thought about one of the Cadillac Blackwings? From all that I have read they are quite engaging cars with a manual, RWD, and some practicality.

If the car you miss the most is the Civic Type R, I'd actually suggest you consider the Acura Integra Type S, and this is because you stated an 80-20 split of street-track. Plus it's a bigger difference to the Type R you owned and it sounds a lot better.

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[bk5]

Is it wrong for me to think that the Supra (at least in stock form) is more of an "all rounder" than a pure fun/track car? That's not to say it's not good as that, just that between the ride, how good it is soaking up highway miles, and somewhat ease of use, it offers more than what past pure fun/track cars used to offer?

Yes, but keep in mind that cars are just better all-arounders now than ever before. So pretty much every new track capable car is going be a lot like this, unless you buy a model specifically designed to be raw and terrible on the street. Even the CTR or the C8 is going to be a amazingly functional daily drivers that can also handle track days without issues.

 

[carfreak222]

The Miata and Type R will are more engaging cars to drive, but I'd say it's more similar to the Cayman you owned than anything else. So I guess my question for you is, of the cars that you listed, which do you miss the most? If it's the Cayman, then I'd say you should likely look at the Supra and one of the new Caymans with a 6 cylinder engine (although they seemed to be pricy right now).

...

If the car you miss the most is the Civic Type R, I'd actually suggest you consider the Acura Integra Type S, and this is because you stated an 80-20 split of street-track. Plus it's a bigger difference to the Type R you owned and it sounds a lot better.

Appreciate the thoughts, the Supra and Cayman are certainly my top 2 choices as both would seem special and full of character while being capable on track. Mid engine has it's own special feel and there is a reason why the Supra was benchmarked against the Cayman. But like you said they are expensive for what they are (few years old, 50k+ miles for same price as new Supra).

The CTR was amazing, but I can't bring myself to spend 40-50k on a sedan that isn't purpose built sports car for a dedicated third car. If it was my daily it would likely be my first choice.

 

[Rob_SER]

Is it wrong for me to think that the Supra (at least in stock form) is more of an "all rounder" than a pure fun/track car? That's not to say it's not good as that, just that between the ride, how good it is soaking up highway miles, and somewhat ease of use, it offers more than what past pure fun/track cars used to offer?

For me personally I want something that has some balance. I drove the new generation Subaru BRZ and that's one of the few cars on the market that is almost singularly focused on being one thing, and that's a sports car. It wasn't overly comfortable, interior wasn't all that great, wasn't all that great in the city or on the highway, but on a back road shifting through all the gears or on a track it was in it's wheelhouse.

Looking at the list of vehicles that you have on that list that you owned the Miata, Civic Type R, and Cayman makes me believe that you might like a good manual and engagement. The Supra has the best manual fitted to a BMW over the past decade or so, but that's not a high bar to clear. The new Mustang GT that I test drove had a horrific manual, and I see you had a few older generation Mustangs, so maybe this manual won't be all that bad for you.

The Miata and Type R will are more engaging cars to drive, but I'd say it's more similar to the Cayman you owned than anything else. So I guess my question for you is, of the cars that you listed, which do you miss the most? If it's the Cayman, then I'd say you should likely look at the Supra and one of the new Caymans with a 6 cylinder engine (although they seemed to be pricy right now).

It has been reported that the new Nissan Z feels a lot more old school JDM (not surprising because of how much the old 350/370 is still a part of it). So I'd probably add that to the list of option to consider.

Lastly, a car that seems to be ignored somewhat because of the number of doors, have you thought about one of the Cadillac Blackwings? From all that I have read they are quite engaging cars with a manual, RWD, and some practicality.

If the car you miss the most is the Civic Type R, I'd actually suggest you consider the Acura Integra Type S, and this is because you stated an 80-20 split of street-track. Plus it's a bigger difference to the Type R you owned and it sounds a lot better.

you are not wrong, it is just that. It's a GT Car out of the box, just like the Mustang. But it can certainly become much more than that's what you want...!

 

[Rob_SER]

Appreciate the thoughts, the Supra and Cayman are certainly my top 2 choices as both would seem special and full of character while being capable on track. Mid engine has it's own special feel and there is a reason why the Supra was benchmarked against the Cayman. But like you said they are expensive for what they are (few years old, 50k+ miles for same price as new Supra).

The CTR was amazing, but I can't bring myself to spend 40-50k on a sedan that isn't purpose built sports car for a dedicated third car. If it was my daily it would likely be my first choice.

i've had a Cayman S and a GT4, they will certainly be closer to a real sports car than a Supra in stock form. But, as you said, they are not really in the same price range...

 

[SupraMike40]

Hey everyone,

For the first time in my life I’m looking to buy a dedicated fun car as I have a truck for Dad duty and my wife has an SUV. My past dailies have included 2x Mustang GT, NB Miata, FK8 type R, and 981 Porsche Cayman.

The Supra MT is pretty much first on my list due to being a 90s kid that always loved JDM stuff and I love the looks of it.

My question for everyone here is do you find your MT Supra special/engaging enough where you’d pick it as a dedicated fun car for weekends? Or for 65k would you consider other things like a Cayman S or M2 Comp, or even something like an S2000 CR or Lotus? I don’t really think those other cars look or sound as good as the Supra (maybe the Cayman), but I know some of them will certainly be more raw.

I just turned 40 and that's what this Supra is going to be for me. There are other choices in this price range but IMO the Supra is one of the best built, best looking cars you can get under $80,000.

 

[FLtrackdays]

Appreciate the thoughts, the Supra and Cayman are certainly my top 2 choices as both would seem special and full of character while being capable on track. Mid engine has it's own special feel and there is a reason why the Supra was benchmarked against the Cayman. But like you said they are expensive for what they are (few years old, 50k+ miles for same price as new Supra).

When I was shopping, it was going to be a Cayman, Vette, or BMW. Then I found this Supra phreak ??? A BMW that is actually lighter than both the M2 or Z4. The fact Akio Toyoda convinced the Bayerische Motoren Werke guys to give him the go ahead to make this “cheaper” Z4 hardtop version was brilliant. There is no doubt in my mind BMW is looking back and saying why didn’t we do the same thing?!?

I’ve driven both Porsches and BMWs on track. But the biggest deciding factor for me was with a good friend that owns a dedicated track, inline 6 cylinder BMW Z4. After riding in his, I told myself, “I’ve got to get one”. Gobs of delicious torque - pulling like a beast all over the track. So, Viola! I finally have one. It’s such a blast coming out of an apex with higher HP cars not being able to pull away ? I never get tired of having them ask when we finish a session, “Is that a Supra?”

Yes BMWAF is right. 3rd gear does wonders around a track. There is no need to go into 2nd gear on track whatsoever. Add to the fact that everyone has a Porsche at HPDE, her uniqueness adds to the experience/ ownership. And like others have said, she does a great job serving double duty - in town.

And…. rumor on the street: they can now be easily had at MSRP or less ?

 

[Stedy]

I've only had mine a couple of weeks and yeah, the all round torque does reduce the need for constant shifting in the MT, but that doesn't mean you can't still do it. I'm 46 and was looking for a comfortable yet fun car to do weekend mountain getaways in. I've owned WRX's and an RX7 but wanted something that didn't require constant maintenance for it, and physiotherapy for me. The Supra is the perfect balance for me. The fact that it looks like a supercar and is rare as hell where I live also adds to the appeal.

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