YEsterday was our season ending event. We call it the "Swap and Drive" event where people come and we drive each other's cars all day. I think that was where Pete came down to drive the SuperKia a couple years back. Anywho.... I ended up driving 8 cars on a fairly fast course at Grissom. It was chilly (low 40's at start time) that warmed up nicely to the mid 50's. Most cars were on old worn out tires and more than a few cars corded during hte day. So, here's my impression of the list:
1.) Wife's Forte. Since I worked tech, I never took a course walk and since this wasnt about points or trophies or anything super important I took her car out for my first lap to see it. It was about 43* and the tires were at normal street temps on 205/55/16 Kumho all seasons. Yeah. slowest lap of the day. Car popped into 3rd 3 times (2nd holds to 55) so I knew the course was fast. Car WANTS to turn, but those mushy tires are so resistant to anything fun I ended up in 4 wheel drifts more than anything. This car could be fantastic with a set of 225/40/18's.
2.) 2016 Z28 SS. Fun car. Cold tires. Set up for FS. I've driven it before and it's a super controllable car. Full power was usable in many spots on the course with only minor steering corrections. Stupid fast. Makes you giggle like a schoolgirl after your run.
3.) 2018 Golf R DSG. Launch control did not engage for me... not sure why but whatev's. Car is so easy to drive and to drive fast. Too many nannies for me but they're less intrusive than the Fords. Fun but... felt a little too soulless for me. Made my fastest run of the day in this, not surprising but it just didn't grab me.
4.)2013(?) Golf R 6-spd. Very similar to the newer DSG car. IT's fast, I sat on the rev limiter a few times. Nice enough car, just not my thing.
5.) C6 manual car. LOVED the steering on this car. the nose went where you wanted, the feel was light and almost surgical. rear steps out in a very controllable way that is easy to manage. I can understand why people love these. IT's good.
6.) Fiesta ST. manual car, still running the OE all-seasons. This is a car that could be so much fun if you could just turn off the nannies. I found myself driving around the stability control because it just hates you. Easily the funniest car of the day for me. It was slow.... I knew it would be. But there's something about a nimble momentum car I love.
7.) 2015 Mustang GT. No crowds were harmed in this run. Easily the most uncontrollable car of the day for me. Granted, the tires were shot. They were heat cylced out and had little tread. But damn.... I spent more time catching the ass end of this thing than I did driving it. It was all reactionary. It was TRYING to loop itself. It reminded me of my FZ on the old worn out tires..... actively trying to kill you. The suspension just isn't as good as the Camaro. Then engine is phenomenal, and makes glorious noises but their chassis tuning needs serious work.
8.)86 Fiero GT 4-spd. Holy crap. Steering was slow, stupid heavy. Engine was lazy, unresponsive. Brakes .... I think they were there. Honestly, while the car is a complete E36 M3 show, it was still fun. Had to be the hardest 60 seconds I've ever worked for a run. Steering could be adjusted with the throttle (thankfully) mid turn, made it better. still a good time.
The only one of the 7 that I didn't own but would have gladly brought home was the C6. Mostly because it is for sale. And its the burnt orange color that I love the most. The Fiesta was the most fun, but I could see myself hating it in 6 months because ofthe stability control that can't be defeated. The mustang was just a hell no from the get go. The Camaro was easy to drive but the seating position and horrific view makes it a no go as well. Good thing nothing really piqued my interest because I think the wife might divorce me if I ask about brinigng home another car.