Manual, RWD, 4 seat convertible to replace a Twin?

[HKz]

"Most recent*" is more appropriate then, either way just shows after 2000, 2+2 MT RWD choices are all american/euro. Now remove backseats from the equation and the list opens up a ton, but I too prefer to have them.

[alex87f]

How about an F23 M240i convertible?

The twins are indeed in a class of their own. I've been looking for a 4-door equivalent to them but so far nothing gets close.

[Ohio Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by alex87f

How about an F23 M240i convertible?

Numb steering is a big turn off, and all reviews seem to agree that the Fxx BMWs are among the worst. I haven't test driven one to confirm, but after my test drive of a Mustang (that again all reviews agree is numb) I don't even care to try.

[autoracer86]

Originally Posted by alex87f

How about an F23 M240i convertible?

The twins are indeed in a class of their own. I've been looking for a 4-door equivalent to them but so far nothing gets close.

Rx8

[Ohio Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by autoracer86

Rx8

Any convertible RX8s I am not aware of? Or are you talking about a Twin equivalent?

[autoracer86]

Originally Posted by Ohio Enthusiast

Any convertible RX8s I am not aware of? Or are you talking about a Twin equivalent?

Yeah a 4 door twin equivalent

[jflogerzi]

CT-4 blackwing used not sure on prices but they are great track cars

[Ohio Enthusiast]

Getting back to the topic of convertibles, I think I'll be going with an automatic (due to various reasons, chief of them being able to keep the BRZ). This also expands the possibilities quite a bit.
Over the weekend I tested (all with hydraulic steering):

• 2012 Audi S5 - steering is extremely light at parking speeds, weighs up when going, but lacks feel. Overall car feels very numb. Engine and transmission (supercharged V6 and DCT) are quite nice, barking on high RPM upshifts. Seemed to be tuned for some sportiness in that department. Steering and chassis fall flat, though.
• 2008 Inifiniti G37 - steering is a little better than the Audi, but still pretty numb. Engine and transmission (VQ37 and slushbox) are super lazy, even in higher RPMs.
• 2008 BMW 335i - a winner - great steering, great engine (N54) and decent transmission (ZF 6 speed). Everything felt nice and sporty. Obviously much more isolated than the BRZ, but much better than all the other options I tried (even better feeling than the Camaro).

Next is testing a 2011 335is (with the DCT that is shared with the 2010+ 135i) to confirm the facelifted (LCI) BMWs and DCT, and if that works start seriously looking at a 2012/2013 135i to buy.

So to answer my original question - there're no manual, RWD, 4 seat convertible that can replace a Twin excepts E chassis BMWs (E88 1 series and E93 3 series). Finding them in manual is hard, and they are fairly old (last model year for both is 2013 in North America). A Camaro is a distant second if you can live with the super tall gears.

[bcj]

Saab 93 ?

[Ohio Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by bcj

Saab 93 ?

FWD? No thanks.
Although I think I would be happier in a FWD with good steering feel over a RWD with numb steering. The more cars I test drive in this search the more I realize how important steering feel is for me and how lucky I was driving cars with good steering most of my life.

[Ohio Enthusiast]

Test drove a BMW 335is with the DCT. So glad I did, it behaves like all the old-breed DCT - awesome when it guesses what you want to do, terrible when it's wrong. I much preferred the ZF 6 speed I test drove (in a 335i), so the hunt is on for a 335i.

As an aside, the mix and match of roofs, engines and transmissions between the 1 series and 3 series is bizarre. 1 series has a soft top, 3 series a metal top. Post facelift 135i and 135is come with DCT and N55 engine. Post facelift 335i comes with ZF6 and N55. Post facelift 335is gets DCT and N54. As I want post facelift (to get a newer car) and a ZF6, it forces me into a 335i (as the 28i engine comes with a GM 6 speed which is reportedly worse than the ZF). Not a dealbreaker, and there are some benefits to the metal convertible top, but I was leaning towards the lighter and smaller 135i (but the DCT is a dealbreaker).

[Muffled]

Did the 370Z ever come in convertible? A Boxster may also be worth a look depending on how willing you are to sacrifice the backseat. There should be plenty of manual stock across several years. I bet the steering is a strong point too.

The A3 also came in cabriolet until 2019 I think. Probably not dissimilar driving experience to the A5 line but worth a look.

Out of your options, the 335is is my preference, as long as they're not priced too close to the M3.

[Ohio Enthusiast]

To keep y'all (and myself) entertained, I took a 2024 Mini Cooper S for a spin. It's the only modern FWD convertible still offered that I am aware of, and it's supposed to be pretty fun. What can I say? The BRZ spoiled me for RWD. Even though the Mini had some steering feel (but not a lot), going anywhere near the gas in a turn just gives understeer and numbness. Yes, it does rotate nicely when lifting the gas, but it's so momentary that all my RWD instincts just don't work.
This has been a fun journey to identify what I like and what I don't like in cars, and I'm 100% committed to a E93 335i. Now need patience for my preferred spec and decent condition.

[bcj]

I'd get the Touring before a 'vert.
Touring over the sedan too for that matter.