[414bhp]

For scenic weekend drives, do you all like classic cars or modern sports cars better? I've never owned a classic car and I'm discovering that it is a blind spot in my car experience.

I got a chance to drive my dad's 1963 Porsche 356 this summer and found it equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. As a result, I'm hankering to explore older cars (anything pre-2000's) to see where the sweet spot in driver involvement is for me.

My enjoyment of the 356 pretty much boiled down to the "it's more fun to drive a slow car fast" argument. Trying to keep up with modern traffic in the 1963 Porsche is no small feat, especially when hills are involved. And managing the carbureted engine (which sounds great!), the long and imprecise shifter, the "classic" brakes/tires and the heavy manual steering was a rewarding and involving challenge. I came away enjoying my at-the-speed-limit drive much more than I would have in any other car.

(I wrote 1500 words about the drive here.)

A point which was proven when I jumped into my friend's 2021 MX-5 Miata, doubled the cautionary speed limit through the corners, and still found myself comparatively bored by the numb steering and refined engine.

The back-to-back experience has me thinking I should explore some 1980's BMWs and Porsches, to see if I can mix the challenge, feedback and involvement of the Porsche 356 with more confidence inspiring brakes, transmission and engine.

Do you all have a favorite 1970s - 1990s car you'd suggest I try? I'm in Northern California, so something that works well on mountain roads is what I'm looking for.

Thanks!
Mike

[Efthreeoh]

If you want an open-top classic (BMW) car experience for the weekend, get a Z3 Roadster. I have one, but it was my wife's daily we bought 1997 (i.e. she's the original owner). Going on 27 years now, it still drives great, has more than enough power for modern traffic and has that old school BMW magic that it gets better as the revs and road speeds increase.

The Z3 is easy to maintain, new parts are plentiful, and it's not expensive to buy used and own it. The later years have better build quality; it basically was the first BMW model built in BMW's Spartanburg production facility, so there were some 1st model build pains as BMW spun up the factory.

It's a modern classic. It's mostly analog, but in the sweet spot of BMW (Bosch) digital Motronics, which means digital ignition and fuel injection mated to a real throttle cable. Having two other BMWs in the fleet, both with the N52, you can tell the Z3 has a throttle cable because it's just a tinge different in throttle response than the fully digital N52. Mine has the 4-cylinder M44. You can also get a Z3 with the 1st-Gen M52 throttle-by cable, it's just a bit heavier up front.

I live in the mountains of central Virginia. We run the Z3 locally and into West Virginia and Pennsylvania all the time. We've three times taken it out to the Rockies and ripped around the trifecta: Glacier/Yellowstone/Tetons.

My 2 cents.

[FC4]

1990's Japanese sports cars or a G-body Porsche. Either of those to me maximize the fun specifically for my favorite drive which is Alice's to the fire station and back. At proper pace.

[CLTMDA]

I have a 1973 Mustang Convertible that is quite "exciting" to drive in the mountains. It has 425 hp in a 3400lb car, but the rear-end is geared for highway, so quick, it is not. I have upgraded the brakes and suspension, so it handles ok, but I would not call it an unchallenging drive. It is fun though and pulls strong with that torque.

[///MPhatic]

This is 100% personal preference. Fun is very different from fast, but some define fun as fast, while others define fun as engaging. You have to define these things for yourself to know which is best for you, and to that end you need to drive more cars.

If I were looking like you are, I'd join the closest classic sports car group and attend their meetings.

I always wanted a '67 Corvette...until I drove one. Always loved the old Porsche 930's...until I drove one. Worshipped the NSX...until I drove one.

You just have to drive more cars.

My RX-7 was great, so was my MR-2, and my Miata, and my S2000, but it was the Exige that finally brought it all together for me.

[414bhp]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

If you want an open-top classic (BMW) car experience for the weekend, get a Z3 Roadster.

The Z3 wasn't on my radar, but it is my brother in-laws obtainable dream car. I'll put it on my to-try list!

[414bhp]

Originally Posted by ///MPhatic

This is 100% personal preference. Fun is very different from fast, but some define fun as fast, while others define fun as engaging. You have to define these things for yourself to know which is best for you, and to that end you need to drive more cars.

If I were looking like you are, I'd join the closest classic sports car group and attend their meetings.

I always wanted a '67 Corvette...until I drove one. Always loved the old Porsche 930's...until I drove one. Worshipped the NSX...until I drove one.

You just have to drive more cars.

My RX-7 was great, so was my MR-2, and my Miata, and my S2000, but it was the Exige that finally brought it all together for me.

Driving more cars is my aim, and I've already discovered that fast isn't always fun. Some of my favorite modern cars so far are the NC Miata (on the cheap end) and 997 GT3 on the expensive end. I had a short test drive of a Lotus Elise that was phenomenal, but I'm not sure I'm hard core enough to deal with such a stripped out car.

In modern cars I look for chatty steering, a great soundtrack, willing engine, a crisp manual transmission and tireless brakes.

I'll keep driving! That's were the fun is!

[414bhp]

Originally Posted by FC4

1990's Japanese sports cars or a G-body Porsche. Either of those to me maximize the fun specifically for my favorite drive which is Alice's to the fire station and back. At proper pace.

Which is your favorite 1990's Japanese option?

[pikkagtr]

E85 Z4 M Roadster with the S54, hydraulic steering and top down ITB noises
Add a CSL intake and listen to the glorious S54 echo off the mountains on highway 9
Pure perfection

[414bhp]

Originally Posted by pikkagtr

E85 Z4 M Roadster with the S54, hydraulic steering and top down ITB noises
Add a CSL intake and listen to the glorious S54 echo off the mountains on highway 9
Pure perfection

I love this idea. Though I'd be tempted by the Z4 M Coupe!

[Pauly Wauly]

If you like Porsche`s, I would look at the Carrera 964 or the 993 C2. The older 911s are more analog than the 993, but the 993 is a superior car compared to the early 911s.
A lot of people prefer the classic look of the 964 (I also prefer the shape of the 964 ), but the 993 is much more reliable than the 964.

[Alfisti]

This has Alfa Romeo written all over it. You really cannot go wrong with a 105 series Giulia, carbureted or with a twin spark donor engine.

just fast enough, wonderful noise, great box, looks amazing and will put smiles on your face.

Some of your comments above have thinking you are looing younger than what i'd regard as a classic. Obvious answer there is a 997 series 911.

[414bhp]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

This has Alfa Romeo written all over it. You really cannot go wrong with a 105 series Giulia, carbureted or with a twin spark donor engine.

just fast enough, wonderful noise, great box, looks amazing and will put smiles on your face.

Some of your comments above have thinking you are looing younger than what i'd regard as a classic. Obvious answer there is a 997 series 911.

Yeah, I'd probably prefer something from the 1980s or 1990s, out of hopes that they be more robust/reliable and still have good repair and parts options.

That said, I'm quite curious about those older Alfa Romeo Giulias. They show up at the local Cars and Coffee quite often. What years or submodels would you suggest? Wikipedia suggests they are 1960s and 1970s cars?

I do really love the 997 C2S and GT3. They are right in my comfort zone as post-2000 models with great handling and power and oodles of feel.

Frankly, I'm looking for an older car which might knock the 997 GT3 off my must-buy list. (The 997 GT3 has gotten depressingly expensive!)

[Alfisti]

997 GT3 are rising crazy fast. I own a 997 C2S Cab, wonderful engine, i mean a really perfect engine. But almost too modern and too fast if you genuinely want a classic. Gearing is horribly long, my car is 15 years old and can do a 4 second 0 to 60, it's too fast for what you want. At 5000rpm in 3rd i am pulling 120KMh and the engine is begging for more.

The 60's and early 70's Giulias are wonderful cars, see my modified one below with a donor injected 2 litre twin spark from a 1993 Milano. The gearbox is fantastic for the era, even on older cars I hate shitty gearboxes. Rust is the primary concern as is the HORRIBLE Spica fuel injection system in US based cars. The engines ar every, very strong reliability wise, especially the bottom end. These won't be cheap for a decent restored example and i'd encourage you to look to Canada with a 40% saving on exchange and no SPICA.

Most suggest the 1750 is the preferred model, it has a cleaner front end and a motor with less torque but happier to rev than the later 2000 which had the 2 litre motor. THere's the earlier Junior with a 1600 which is gaining popularity but most would say the 1750 engine is the pick. I always preferred the 2000 for the front grille treatment but I am in the minority because most folk take the front bumper off and it looks better on the 1750 than the 2000 when you remove it.

Anyways, here are the cars in question. I actually consider the 997 as the modern Giulia some 50 years later, with modern cars being so large and making such MASSIVE power, the free revving 385hp almost feels as I presume the Giulia did back in 1969.

[MJBO]

Originally Posted by 414bhp

I love this idea. Though I'd be tempted by the Z4 M Coupe!

Z4 M is a cracker, I almost bought one ten years ago but ended up in an E46 M3 instead. If I hadn’t been scared off by the lack of service history (which wouldn’t have stopped me today) I would have bought it.

I’ve just gotten myself into a bit of a modern classic, pickup my 6 speed manual V8 Vantage Roadster in less than a weeks time

[inverse121]

As much as I hate to type this… Miata Is Always The Answer
The more raw you want it, the earlier the car you buy.

What about an MG? Visit mgexp.com
Cheap cars compared to most of what’s listed above, easy to work on and parts are readily available. If you want more power, you can get one with a V8. They are fun cars to drive. They are very capable, but you’ll know when you are putting the car through the paces.

I have a handful of classics including a couple of little British cars, a full size a Buick convertible and an ElCamino. The little British cars are the most fun to drive by far.

[pbonsalb]

911SC, Z3, E36, E46. If you are not a DIYer, find a fairly local mechanic who specializes in whatever you like, preferably before you buy so you are assured of reasonably convenient car care for your antique.

The old cars are a bit of a chore to drive in my opinion, which is fine if your intention is a few hours on a weekend. If you go newer, the car is more useable. I’d put newer as 30 years old or less.

[visionaut]

Yep. The original. It’s a cult for a reason.

[pbonsalb]

I have a 2002 that I am starting to restore. Much work to fix up a 50 year old car.

[ShocknAwe]

Something loud and naturally aspirated. Preferably lower on power that you can wring out without going to jail.

Other than those criteria, find something you like the looks and feel of. Gotta go to car shows and find things to drive and feel. What an opportunity.

Good opportunity to restomod something too if that's your thing.

Things that come to mind are 60s to 80s shed designed babies of British and Italian marques.

[414bhp]

Originally Posted by inverse121

As much as I hate to type this… Miata Is Always The Answer
The more raw you want it, the earlier the car you buy.

What about an MG? Visit mgexp.com
Cheap cars compared to most of what’s listed above, easy to work on and parts are readily available. If you want more power, you can get one with a V8. They are fun cars to drive. They are very capable, but you’ll know when you are putting the car through the paces.

I have a handful of classics including a couple of little British cars, a full size a Buick convertible and an ElCamino. The little British cars are the most fun to drive by far.

The NC Miata is my fallback plan for if I go broke! But I can't see having it if I can afford exotic metal, like the 997 Porsches.

[Bc2005]

Another consideration is how much time and money you have for the upkeep of a 40-50 year old vehicle.

I have a ‘75 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD pickup that is really useful for home projects, and fun to drive if you want to spend some time in the dirt. Parts are readily available, and it’s generally not that complicated. However, I literally never know what might go out of adjustment, break, or need tweaking to keep it working correctly.

Carburetors and pushrod engines work fine most of the time, but when you find it running badly you either have to fix it yourself or find a shop that knows how to adjust it. In a highly populated metro area, these are going to be specialty (expensive) repair shops because it’s a niche business.