looking for a Grand Touring sports car

[archer636]

things I like about my 135:

- fast
- agile
- responsive throttle, brakes, steering
- compact

things I don't like:
- not comfortable for road trips
- road noise
- transfers every bump to the driver


Is there a compact sports car that is fast, responsive, but also comfortable and quiet? Budget is about 50k.
Also, I need a usable trunk space so no convertibles.

[KNS]

2005-08 Porsche 997, although there may be some road noise. You can fold down the rear seats for extra storage.

Your requirements/needs in a car are almost the same as mine except I also want rear wheel drive and a manual transmission. Very few cars on that list.
Most cars are so big and heavy these days which I hate.

[brocklanders]

Sounds to me like your looking for a 335, look into a 2011 335 there will be more to choose from.

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by archer636

things I like about my 135:

- fast
- agile
- responsive throttle, brakes, steering
- compact

things I don't like:
- not comfortable for road trips
- road noise
- transfers every bump to the driver


Is there a compact sports car that is fast, responsive, but also comfortable and quiet? Budget is about 50k.
Also, I need a usable trunk space so no convertibles.

what you're looking for is NOT the definition of a "sports car"....so i would suggest you remove that term from your ideal characteristic.

sounds like you should look at an S4/S5 or possibly a 335i. Softer and more relaxed......will probably be quick but not exciting. To be exciting, there generally has to be more road communication (bumps, noises, stiffer and more reactive)

[Huecifer]

ATS coupe

[mr.fabulous]

Difficult to have it both ways. You find THAT car, let us all know.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

what you're looking for is NOT the definition of a "sports car"....so i would suggest you remove that term from your ideal characteristic.

sounds like you should look at an S4/S5 or possibly a 335i. Softer and more relaxed......will probably be quick but not exciting. To be exciting, there generally has to be more road communication (bumps, noises, stiffer and more reactive)

^WHS

I would look at the Audi S3 or S4.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

335is coupe. Porsche 911. True sport cars, see signature picture, do not tend to be good GT cars.

[MotoWPK]

Originally Posted by archer636

things I like about my 135:

- fast
- agile
- responsive throttle, brakes, steering
- compact

things I don't like:
- not comfortable for road trips
- road noise
- transfers every bump to the driver


Is there a compact sports car that is fast, responsive, but also comfortable and quiet? Budget is about 50k.
Also, I need a usable trunk space so no convertibles.

How about a 128i? I know these sorts of things are subjective, but my 2013 128i vert is very comfortable for road trips, with low road noise and a very comfortable, well damped ride.

You didn't say if your 135i is an M or equipped with a higher performance suspension setup, but perhaps this is the reason. It seems that a number of the complaints I read about a harsh ride with run flats are from those with higher performance, stiffer suspension setup. My 128i has the 'plain Jane' suspension and OEM Goodyear runflats and, as noted, is very comfortable, yet provides great handling, at least for the way I drive. Indeed, I'd say it is an example of a grand touring setup rather than a sharper edged sports car setup.

[Stavo]

Not So Compact, But how about a 2012 640i?

[pushculture]

A GT is always defined as a larger, heavier sports car with the hard edges rounded off. IMHO, that makes it the ultimate street car. Compact GTs are a rare thing indeed.

The obvious first choice is an M235i, is it not? It's a little roomier than your 1er. And if the adjustable suspension doesn't have enough comfort for long trips in "comfort" mode, pay an extra grand to get some non-run flats and you'll have loads more of the the ride supple ride quality you're looking for.

[MightyMouseTech]

V8 Vantage. Ultimate GT car for me.



http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...54506/photo/#0

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by pushculture

A GT is always defined as a larger, heavier sports car with the hard edges rounded off. IMHO, that makes it the ultimate street car. Compact GTs are a rare thing indeed.

The obvious first choice is an M235i, is it not? It's a little roomier than your 1er. And if the adjustable suspension doesn't have enough comfort for long trips in "comfort" mode, pay an extra grand to get some non-run flats and you'll have loads more of the the ride supple ride quality you're looking for.

have you driven one? the M235 is Camry-like in comfort mode and is artificially jerky and jarring in Sport mode....it's like the worst of all worlds...built into one car. lol.

[MightyMouseTech]

Just like the Acura MDX with the electronic shocks. In Comfort mode, it is like driving a land yacht, better have dramamine, put it in Sport mode, and it is like you welded the shocks in place. Worst of both worlds. Drive an MDX without the crap electronic shocks, drive's fine.

I believe Koni sells bypass modules for BMW's if you want to toss the electronic shocks.

These are going to be just like the dreaded RFT tires. First thing to get rid of.

And the price of electronic shocks can be ridiculous. On the MDX they are $1000/ea, just for the part. My sister had her car into the Audi dealer for an oil change, they told her the shocks were starting to leak, $22,000 for a set of four!!!!!!

[Ed P]

Hmm... I guess it's all relative...

I bought the 135i because it *is* a "grand touring sports car". Of course, I'm coming from an NC-model MX-5. So, there's "no trip comfort", "road noise" and "feel every bump", and then there's the go-kart I was driving. (which was a great car, BTW).

[ptack]

The only cars that can approach the 135i in fun and exceed it in comfort are going to cost significantly more money. Your 2 alternatives are to either sacrifice the fun and just get a something larger or take your chances with a used true GT car such as an Austin Martin or M6. I've also always thought an E60 M5 would be nice long distance car or a Panamera, but long distance cruisers tend to be big and heavy.

[davis449]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

what you're looking for is NOT the definition of a "sports car"....so i would suggest you remove that term from your ideal characteristic.

sounds like you should look at an S4/S5 or possibly a 335i. Softer and more relaxed......will probably be quick but not exciting. To be exciting, there generally has to be more road communication (bumps, noises, stiffer and more reactive)

I agree with this assessment, including the recommendations made. Those definitely sound more along the lines of what you're looking for.

[Tuxedo]

VW GTI or Subaru WRX kinna fit the criteria

not exciting or sporty but X1 is surprisingly comfy and quiet. Had X1 loaner for 4days in Aug. and surprised Mrs Tux and I on those 2 aspects.

[rpsco]

435i M-Sport

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Just like the Acura MDX with the electronic shocks. In Comfort mode, it is like driving a land yacht, better have dramamine, put it in Sport mode, and it is like you welded the shocks in place. Worst of both worlds. Drive an MDX without the crap electronic shocks, drive's fine.

I believe Koni sells bypass modules for BMW's if you want to toss the electronic shocks.

These are going to be just like the dreaded RFT tires. First thing to get rid of.

And the price of electronic shocks can be ridiculous. On the MDX they are $1000/ea, just for the part. My sister had her car into the Audi dealer for an oil change, they told her the shocks were starting to leak, $22,000 for a set of four!!!!!!

Not trying to thread jack, but these must be the last generation MDX shocks? We have a 2015 and it handles great in "Normal" mode, though I don't think the suspension changes in Comfort or Sport mode.

When I think of a GT model though, like your AM example, I think of much bigger, more expensive vehicles (Maserati, Jaguar, BMW 6-series, etc.)

[Fume]

Originally Posted by Iron Man

Not trying to thread jack, but these must be the last generation MDX shocks? We have a 2015 and it handles great in "Normal" mode, though I don't think the suspension changes in Comfort or Sport mode.

When I think of a GT model though, like your AM example, I think of much bigger, more expensive vehicles (Maserati, Jaguar, BMW 6-series, etc.)

+1. Also in general, having a longer wheelbase makes the ride a lot more supple and better for touring cars (although of course there are other factors that go into a comfortable ride) so GT cars have more of an incentive to be larger.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by Iron Man

Not trying to thread jack, but these must be the last generation MDX shocks? We have a 2015 and it handles great in "Normal" mode, though I don't think the suspension changes in Comfort or Sport mode.

When I think of a GT model though, like your AM example, I think of much bigger, more expensive vehicles (Maserati, Jaguar, BMW 6-series, etc.)

Yes, was referring to the second generation MDX, which ended in 2013.

I think we may just be commenting on semantics. But, to me, a GT car is a Grand Touring car. Basically, a fairly high powered highway cruiser that has some sportiness to it. Something you and the wife can throw your weekend bags into and head for the B roads. A good one is the one the valet will park in front of the lodge for the weekend.