beatle
Member
- Joined
- May 6, 2024
- Threads
- 2
- Messages
- 10
- Reaction score
- 5
- Location
- Springfield, VA
- Car(s)
- 19 Model S, 97 Miata, 12 Ridgeline
- Thread starter
- #31
I drove an 01 automatic today. In some ways I see what people say about it being in a "different class" in that it has significantly more power than the ITS with a whipped cream engine, and its stock exhaust note is much better. No need for an upgrade IMO. The interior felt nice with satisfying switchgear, and I've never been inside a car that completely envelops me the way the Supra does.
Even in sport mode the car felt comfortable, though with only 20k on the clock it already had a couple minor rattles. It was not a rattle trap though, and it felt pretty competent and sedate for the mile I put on the highway.
The transmission was what I expected - kind of like a video game in manual mode, and somewhat engaging even in sport auto. It's still an auto with a torque converter, but it's actually very nice when you're in full control. In normal mode it felt like I was abusing the engine, lugging it in 8th gear at 45 mph. I wonder if I'd choose to just drive in manual mode all the time.
I didn't get a chance to push it much on corners, but it cornered very flat and surgical, and it had good mechanical grip, much like the ITS. Steering feel was very sharp, and I liked the slightly narrow steering wheel. I think a lot of wheels are too fat these days.
For me, the call is still close. I am kind of spoiled for power anyway with the Tesla, and in most cases I just want enough to pass easily in traffic and not be a rolling chicane on the track. I think both cars will accomplish that.
Even in sport mode the car felt comfortable, though with only 20k on the clock it already had a couple minor rattles. It was not a rattle trap though, and it felt pretty competent and sedate for the mile I put on the highway.
The transmission was what I expected - kind of like a video game in manual mode, and somewhat engaging even in sport auto. It's still an auto with a torque converter, but it's actually very nice when you're in full control. In normal mode it felt like I was abusing the engine, lugging it in 8th gear at 45 mph. I wonder if I'd choose to just drive in manual mode all the time.
I didn't get a chance to push it much on corners, but it cornered very flat and surgical, and it had good mechanical grip, much like the ITS. Steering feel was very sharp, and I liked the slightly narrow steering wheel. I think a lot of wheels are too fat these days.
For me, the call is still close. I am kind of spoiled for power anyway with the Tesla, and in most cases I just want enough to pass easily in traffic and not be a rolling chicane on the track. I think both cars will accomplish that.
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