Highway speeds, RPM/noise

[Kona61]

Originally Posted by Lelandjt

This feels like too much revs for western highway cruising. That was my biggest complaint about my STi. It really deters you from cruising above 70mph. For my next car I want something that feels not only quick but also fast and feels like it's cruising effortlessly and efficiently at 75-80. I think my dream car just doesn't exist so I'm left deciding between buying something I won't be totally happy with or just sticking with my Mazda 3 that gets the job done but is thoroughly unenjoyable. I'm leaning more and more toward the later and once a year renting something fun at a track day.

Honestly, V8 American sports car fulfill those requirements.

[Sport-Tech]

Originally Posted by Kona61

Honestly, V8 American sports car fulfill those requirements.

Or maybe the new Z. Especially if you go with the new 9 speed auto, should have a very low rpm cruising gear.

[Kona61]

Originally Posted by Sport-Tech

Or maybe the new Z. Especially if you go with the new 9 speed auto, should have a very low rpm cruising gear.

Very true. Even the manual is pretty tame in those RPM-wise.

[tiger1964]

Fortunately, on the East coast, distances are different and travel times as well.

Originally Posted by Kona61

Honestly, V8 American sports car fulfill those requirements.

Very true in my limited experience. But at that point, might as well get a Silverado or some kind of SUV.

[Yoshoobaroo]

Originally Posted by Kona61

Honestly, V8 American sports car fulfill those requirements.

So does a used BMW 340i / 440i. The B58 engine is a tune away from ~400whp.

[Kona61]

Originally Posted by Yoshoobaroo

So does a used BMW 340i / 440i. The B58 engine is a tune away from ~400whp.

I know, I’ve got 2 B58s haha. I’ll tell you though, definitely getting rid of both before the warranty ends.

[Kona61]

Originally Posted by tiger1964

Fortunately, on the East coast, distances are different and travel times as well.



Very true in my limited experience. But at that point, might as well get a Silverado or some kind of SUV.

How so? The new ones are quite something. Much more engaging and fun to drive than anything German right now.

[Lelandjt]

Originally Posted by Kona61

Honestly, V8 American sports car fulfill those requirements.

Yes, but a bit heavier than I want and at my altitude I'd rather have turbo V6. A 400z engine in a BRZ body that still weighs under 3000lbs and gets 35mpg when cruising is what I want. I'm currently looking into an e-BRZ conversion. I'll also look at the 400z and Mustang 350.
Or just continuing to drive my 2012 Mazda 3 hatch Skyactiv that fits 2 bikes inside, gets 45-60mpg, and is boring to drive.

[Lelandjt]

Originally Posted by Sport-Tech

Or maybe the new Z. Especially if you go with the new 9 speed auto, should have a very low rpm cruising gear.

If it weighed a couple hundred pounds less, used the ZF 8HP tranny, and had the BRZ's cargo space with seats flipped down it would be my dream car. I'd pay $80k for that.

[Lelandjt]

Originally Posted by Kona61

I know, I’ve got 2 B58s haha. I’ll tell you though, definitely getting rid of both before the warranty ends.

This is one of the reasons I'm hesitant to add a Beemer to my list. The M2 is tempting though...

[Baldeagle]

Originally Posted by Lelandjt

Yes, but a bit heavier than I want and at my altitude I'd rather have turbo V6. A 400z engine in a BRZ body that still weighs under 3000lbs and gets 35mpg when cruising is what I want. I'm currently looking into an e-BRZ conversion. I'll also look at the 400z and Mustang 350.
Or just continuing to drive my 2012 Mazda 3 hatch Skyactiv that fits 2 bikes inside, gets 45-60mpg, and is boring to drive.

While not as powerful as a 400Z or Mustang, a GTI is precise, peppy and fun. Like your Mazda, it can also carry bikes. As I’m sure you know, the GTI is still one of the few cars that offers a 6MT. With its 6MT, the GTI cranks about 1,850 - 1,900 rpm at 60 mph. 85 mph is less than 2,800 rpm. Oddly, the R is geared shorter and not as relaxed at highway speeds. If you are forced to make compromises and low highway rpm is a priority, a GTI might be worth considering. And depending on how much you value a new car warranty, for another $2,500, you can upgrade the clutch, add a Stage 2 tune and have a genuinely fast car.

[tiger1964]

Originally Posted by Baldeagle

a GTI is precise, peppy and fun. Like your Mazda, it can also carry bikes. As I’m sure you know, the GTI is still one of the few cars that offers a 6MT. With its 6MT, the GTI cranks about 1,850 - 1,900 rpm at 60 mph. 85 mph is less than 2,800 rpm.

Those highway RPM’s do sound livable, and the GTI would check a lot of boxes; particularly small-ish, fun to drive and can carry stuff (like bikes!)

We’ve had two GTI’s BITD, 1986 and 1989, plus I had a modded Rabbit well before that. Very useful and got great MPG’s, but…

…and YMMV…

...we had horrible reliability issues, mostly engine management, that could and did leave us stranded (like 200 miles from home in a nearly new car, on the side of the road, in the days before cell phones). So, unlikely even this many years later, to reward VW with my dollars again (or Chrysler but that’s another story) when there are other options. Sadly, 2-door “sporty” hatchbacks are thin on the ground, so the Toyobaru seems to top the wish list unless something new pops up in the next 20 months or so.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by tiger1964

Those highway RPM’s do sound livable, and the GTI would check a lot of boxes; particularly small-ish, fun to drive and can carry stuff (like bikes!)

We’ve had two GTI’s BITD, 1986 and 1989, plus I had a modded Rabbit well before that. Very useful and got great MPG’s, but…

…and YMMV…

...we had horrible reliability issues, mostly engine management, that could and did leave us stranded (like 200 miles from home in a nearly new car, on the side of the road, in the days before cell phones). So, unlikely even this many years later, to reward VW with my dollars again (or Chrysler but that’s another story) when there are other options. Sadly, 2-door “sporty” hatchbacks are thin on the ground, so the Toyobaru seems to top the wish list unless something new pops up in the next 20 months or so.

I literally just sold my 2015 GTI because the sunroof started leaking water into the cabin. I discovered that there is a full on class action lawsuit about the "panoramic" sunroofs in VWs because they leak water for no reason other than parking it in the sun and if you repair them (expensive) they will just start leaking water again before too long. This problem was not covered by my Carmax warranty. I didn't even want a sunroof.

The car was a competent handler and quick enough to not feel slow, but FWD was rarely fun to drive. I think the best selling point was that the interior is really very good, comfortable, good for road trips or commuting...as long as the roof isn't pissing hot water on to your wife.

I actually feel pretty lucky that the new BRZ is coming out right now when I need a car anyway.

[tiger1964]

Originally Posted by Pete

The car was a competent handler and quick enough to not feel slow, but FWD was rarely fun to drive. I think the best selling point was that the interior is really very good, comfortable, good for road trips or commuting...as long as the roof isn't pissing hot water on to your wife.

OUCH! Literally!

That reminds me, I presume the new BRZ won't have a sunroof? This will be the first time since early 1986 that my wife's car won't have a sunroof (or, be a convertible). (sorry, that's )