Which cars would encourage sacrificing power for other qualities?

"JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7" (jayzayeighty)
07/03/2014 at 17:20 • Filed to: None

Some submodels are just peppier with the smaller/NA engine, some possible examples being the E30 318is, 130i/E90/E89 30i cars, Genesis 2.0T, S4 4.2, NSX 3.0, C3 Corvette ZR-1, and maybe even the 1.6 Miata. What are some other examples of cheaper-trim cars providing a potentially better experience in spite of what it may say on paper?

DISCUSSION (19)

Brian Silvestro > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
07/03/2014 at 17:27

Kinja'd!!!

86zccrx > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
07/03/2014 at 17:29

e89 30i isn't nearly as good as the 35i. Almost the same weight with a lot less power. At least the new 28i saves some weight and helps balance the car. The 30i engine is way too sluggish for that car. After driving them back to back, glad I got one with the N20.

PheeNoIVI > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
07/03/2014 at 17:30

Definitely not a GT86

Crest > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
07/03/2014 at 17:31

The Dodge Challenger Hellcat should be #1 on this list

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > 86zccrx
07/03/2014 at 17:33

I disagree. I've driven all three and the N52 cars by far seemed most rewarding. You have to rev out the engine, but the noise and power delivery are fantastic. If I ever buy a BMW, it'll be with one of their naturally aspirated I6s that are famous for extending driver involvement. The sound, feel, and power delivery of the N52 are far superior to the twin power turbo units IMO. Plus, they make almost as much power with a tune, headers, exhaust, and a better intake while letting me have more fun. Not to mention reliability, efficiency, and 220 lb difference between the 30i and 35i.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Crest
07/03/2014 at 17:38

It has so little power, but is so tossable and the less powerful engine lets you push it to its limits regularly!

86zccrx > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
07/03/2014 at 17:41

I don't know about letting you have more fun, but you are entitled to your opinion. In general, I like the N52, it was great in the 128i, I just felt really let down by it in the Z4. It could just be that the N20 was just so much more lively and had the nice low end grunt that in comparison it felt slow. Also, loved the tone of the exhaust, turbo whine, and exhaust burble when you shift gears on the N20.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > PheeNoIVI
07/03/2014 at 17:44

I drove one and felt that it could either use a more rev-happy engine or a little more power. A satisfying inline four or a turbocharger added to the boxer would really benefit it, but you could at least push it a little in normal driving. I think I'm going to get a lot of rebuttal over the N52 thing. It's like naturally aspirated engines are a weird fetish now haha

PheeNoIVI > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
07/03/2014 at 17:47

Yeah, slow car fast is always fun. But that's what I have now lol so I want power

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > 86zccrx
07/03/2014 at 17:56

The N20 is fantastic. I was helping my mother pick out a car, and while the Z4's N52 could be brought alive more, the above tweaks really help it become more aggressive. Something about it being rare with the last NA I6 in combination with the M-sport package and 6MT and the color combo really made it the top recommendation. Plus, she'd find me and kill me if she had N54 issues because of my recommendation. The induction noise and top-end rasp in combination with the power surge near redline enhanced the qualities of the car. I would recommend it over again, and if she decides to sell it to me cheaply when she's done, ESS is coming out with a supercharger good for 350 horsepower out of the box. I guess with an L98 corvette, having to work for torque is pretty refreshing. I know my opinion might be part of the minority, but I think the N52 is the sweet spot of the E89. I also recommended a 128i, but there were none with very few miles. The one I've been in was awesome, though. The N52 just needs to be a little less restricted, but otherwise helps with what has been a too-detached driving experience at the limit in 35i Z4s.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > PheeNoIVI
07/03/2014 at 17:57

Get a C4 ZR-1, then add turbos! Ultimate power rush for $35k. Or if you're not a masochist, get a 35i Z4.

PheeNoIVI > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
07/03/2014 at 18:01

I love both those cars. Tough decisions

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > PheeNoIVI
07/03/2014 at 18:10

911SC shell, LS4, turbochargers, given to mechanic. That's sadism, then masochism. I don't know how I got on this train of thought, by the way. But ESS is coming out with a $4900 bolt on SC for the N52 good for 350 HP which is lucky for me if I ever have the Z4 because I am doubting the power of the N52...

PheeNoIVI > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
07/03/2014 at 18:11

A used z4 is on my list for my next car. That sounds interesting

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > PheeNoIVI
07/03/2014 at 18:22

I'd call the one I've driven most (mother's car) a mix of opposites. Coupe and roadster. Adjustable shocks, electric steering, and electronic parking brake, and NA I6 putting power to the rear wheels through a 6MT. If it were brown, it'd be the Jalopnik edition Z4, despite all of the modern stuff. Luckily you can turn off traction control and stiffen up steering and ride with one button, plus not be driving a Boxster like everyone else (although it is arguably the better car). Reliability is nice in the 30i cars, making it reasonable to maintain, but I'm pretty sure my mom bought 3 CPO warranties anyways... so there goes that reason haha

Eazy-O > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
07/03/2014 at 18:28

Please explain the Miata mention? The 1.6 doesn't come with the LSD, as far as I know? Or is that just the European market?

On the other hand, the 1.6 is more rev happy, and, I'm told, better for turboing, but that's going for more power again, so...

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Eazy-O
07/03/2014 at 18:42

It did, but as an option. The LSD didn't come standard until the 1.8. Some NA guys like it since it's rev happy and lively is all, but like with the others it's a matter of preference. Here, the difference is very small.

Eazy-O > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
07/03/2014 at 18:48

Thanks, we're kinda-sorta-windowshopping for an MX-5 with my girl and any info is appreciated. :)

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Eazy-O
07/03/2014 at 19:04

Awesome! Yeah, think of the 1.6 vs 1.8 as something like N52 vs N54 but less of a difference. The 1.8 is more powerful, more low end torque, and came standard with an LSD. They also had dual airbags, which did add a little weight. From what I hear, the 1.6 is the motor that likes to be revved more but doesn't make as much power. Same basic engine, though. '90 and early '91s have crankshaft issues, but the issue was resolved for most of '91 through '93. Some early cars could be had without radio or AC, if you want a track rat. R-package miatas are stiffer and have yellow shocks, M-editions are well equipped and say M-edition everywhere. The '95M came with BBS meshes and merlot paint. However, they are all very simila. '93 had the last 1.6, '94 had the last real oil pressure guage, '95 was the last of OBD I (easier to work on). That's all I can think of right now... Good luck, luckily most have 3 pedals.