Which new (or newish) car is the best slow car to drive fast? 

"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-) 01/30/2017 at 18:48 • Filed to: None

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I’m sure we’re all familiar with the concept of driving a slow car fast. Older cars seem to be much better at in the newer ones, because wheel/tires were smaller, lower curb weight, hydraulic power steering or perhaps none, and overall just less insulation from the road. Even though not in a intentional manor, like a Porsche or Ferrari per se, it was more sporty than modern econoboxes.

So what’s the best slow car to drive fast today?

*Performance trims of “slow” cars are excluded. eg GTI, ST, WRX etc.

Pic of Mini Cooper. Because picture less posts are unacceptable (Yeah it’s a “S” so it doesn’t count either)

Decay buys too many beaters > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 18:52

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A Supermoto

Barring that as an option,

Miata

FR-S

FiST

500 Abarth

dogisbadob > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 18:53

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either the Mirage or the stupid smart car.

The not-so-smart has the RR layout like a Porsche for extra fun. The iMiev does, too, and it’s electric for instant torque.

There’s also the Mirage, a 4-door that meets US standards and weighs less than 2000 lb. Light cars are more fun sometimes.

Almost every other car sold here is a muscle car and a luxury car.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > Decay buys too many beaters 01/30/2017 at 18:53

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No serious performance trims! I’d banish you to the under world to fight the thingy Gandolf sort of died fighting. But the Miata and FR-S saved you.

Idk about the supermoto I know nothing about bikes.

Decay buys too many beaters > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 18:55

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Wait, you mean there are other versions of the Fiesta and 500?

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > dogisbadob 01/30/2017 at 18:56

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I can agree with the last statement. I test drove a Cruze premier for fun and it’s like a baby Cadillac. Including the driving dynamics IMO.  

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 18:57

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Nissan Micra.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > Decay buys too many beaters 01/30/2017 at 18:57

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Si! Theirs even a 1.0L turbo engine option for the Fiesta!

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 01/30/2017 at 18:59

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Don’t have that in America, but I’ll take it. Let’s say for a while I was very acquainted with a ‘14 Versa. I actually liked it apart from the numb electric steering.  

djmt1 > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 18:59

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Caterham 160

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > djmt1 01/30/2017 at 19:00

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In on a loop hole, but I’d take one!

Laurence > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 19:00

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I’ve heard that ecoboost Fiestas are a riot to drive, as well as the already mentioned Mitsubishi Mirage

Racin'Jason001 > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 19:01

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Just how old are we going? 2011?

Bytemite > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 19:01

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I’d say shorter wheelbase, lighter weight cars should be fun to drive. The old 2011-14 Mazda2 we Americans got were apparently fun to drive at 2,300 lbs and 156 inch length. Just looking at those two numbers, it’s basically a FWD, practical hatchback NB Miata.

Probenja > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 19:02

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Mazda 2 Toyota Yaris iA, it looks terrible but I bet it drives nicely with 107 hp and 2300 lbs curb weight, similar specs to the Echo but much safer.

TheHondaBro > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 19:02

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Tiny steering wheel, zippy steering, peppy engine!

This thing is just begging for an Si variant.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > Racin'Jason001 01/30/2017 at 19:04

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I guess anything with at least 2 airbags standard.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > Probenja 01/30/2017 at 19:05

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I’ll concur. Very similar specs to my old EG Civic which got me into Hondas  

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > TheHondaBro 01/30/2017 at 19:08

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I should test drive one of these. Closer to the size of a 90's Civic than the current one. Plus I like the new Civic’s steering, if the Fit’s is comparable I would really dig it.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 19:09

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Subaru Outback.

Probenja > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 19:10

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There was a 500 Turbo for 2016:

http://www.fiatusa.com/en/2016/500/turbo/

It’s like an almost Abarth trim level.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 01/30/2017 at 19:12

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I’m starting to have an interest in non WRX/STi Subarus. Idk why, Their strong in all the things I don’t care for. 2 cylinder banks for a 4cyl engine, AWD (unnecessary for me), but I’m still drawn to them.

Probably from living in Washington state to long.

Racin'Jason001 > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 19:14

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According to reviews, in sport mode, you feel like you are going fast when you are still going the legal limit.

Chariotoflove > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 19:18

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You know, most of the time, I don’t get to drive slow cars fast, or fast cars fast either. What ends up being the most fun is a car that is smooth and comfortable on the straight, and quick and responsive when it’s time to turn. My wife’s Sedona has the former, and my RX-8 has the later (actually, my RX-8 is pretty comfortable on the highway too). That’s why I really have a soft spot for GT cars like Astons, Maseratis, or lower end cars like that new Kia Stinger that looks so promising.

But, if you want to a nomination for the slow car fast category, how about an Acura Integra? That thing was nimble and fun.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > Racin'Jason001 01/30/2017 at 19:18

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Ohh I really need to drive one of these

Racin'Jason001 > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 19:18

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That Mini is a good choice, BTW.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > Chariotoflove 01/30/2017 at 19:20

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I’m nominating you the winner, because I have an Integra myself! I love it I’m just curious about new cars since I rarely get to drive any.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > Racin'Jason001 01/30/2017 at 19:22

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I really need to drive one. I remember an old co-worker who had a mid 2000's one. It had like 175 14" tires. I was so jealous!  

bhtooefr > Probenja 01/30/2017 at 19:29

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In Europe, it is the Abarth, our Abarth being the European Abarth Esseesse.

bhtooefr > Laurence 01/30/2017 at 19:29

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I wasn’t impressed with the 1.0T Fiesta - too numb. It did everything I told it to, but with no feedback.

Chariotoflove > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 19:32

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Thanks!, I’m putting this on my mantle.

Sorry I missed the part about newish. I plead long day. I haven’t had the chance to drive any, but I am looking forward to trying out the Miata as I shop for my next car. I couldn’t nominate my RX-8 because I can’t call it a “slow” car even though some deride it that way. 200 hp is just not slow, even with only 150 torques.

nermal > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 19:32

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Bro truck?

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 19:45

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We got the 6-speed manual so when the car is empty it is reasonably fun to drive. It has a huge interior for its external size and returns great fuel economy. Where I live I actually need an awd/4wd because of the crazy amounts of snow.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 20:03

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You didn’t specify a price cap, so....

...though I guess 0-60 somewhere in the 6's isn’t eaxactly slow. Anyway, these things are surprisingly fun and willing to drive fast.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > nermal 01/30/2017 at 20:05

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TheTurbochargedSquirrel > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 21:04

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Don’t know how he got 14"s on a modern Mini. As far as I know the R50 Cooper is the only one able to run 15"s. All the others can’t fit anything smaller than a 16" over the breaks.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 01/30/2017 at 21:24

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This is weird. I can’t find anything on the internet saying they had 14"s. The smallest I can find is 15" but I know for certain the tire sidewall said 14 and the wheels were stock.

I’m stumped on this. I don’t think you can put smaller tires on a larger wheel can you? Even then that doesn’t explain it. Because the reason I noticed in the first place was because her wheels were noticeably smaller than the 15"s on my Civic.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 01/30/2017 at 21:29

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I have 15"s on mine right now and there’s no way you are getting anything smaller on there without changing the brakes.