[baege]

Lately i have been really missing normal aspiration and manual. At first the zf8 in the m240i with its pretty responsive paddles and the low end torque of the b58 kept me interested. But as of late, I really haven't been enjoying the drive all that much.

I recently test drove a couple e86 coupes and a 2019 bullitt and it really reinforced how much I need a manual back in my life. In the busy crowded straight streets of toronto there is little opportunity to enjoy curves and really accelerate. It makes you appreciate the extra engagement that comes with a manual.

Anyhow, the test drive of the bullitt made me realize how much I miss v8 sound and normal aspiration. I found the bullitt way too big and kinda sloppy though, and it actually didn't have low end torque.

Which brings me to the C7. That thing has low end torque and it's smaller. I actually had a 2015, but coming from a 2016 cayman S, I just found it wasn't working for me in a bunch of ways. I sold it after 3 days.

But now I really want a normally aspirated v8 and a manual and I feel like the C7 might actually be the best late model compromise out there. I realize I am going to feel the lack of refinement and the bigger size. In some ways it won't feel as good as the m240i.

But I do remember really enjoying the sound of the v8 and it has a pretty good manual and in the end, it may actually bring me more smiles per mile than the m240i.

This would not be a daily drive as I don't drive to work, but it would be my only car (so yes I would drive it in the winter with proper snows)

Interested in hearing from people who have had experiences with C7's on whether this would be a good move.

[BMWILUVU]

Its not even a comparison. The C7 is a proper sports car especially with the deals around because of the C8.

[ntg44]

I still think the C7 Grand Sport with a manual and pop top is one of the best sports cars out there. I even like it better than the C8 in some ways.

[lens]

Originally Posted by baege

Lately i have been really missing normal aspiration and manual. At first the zf8 in the m240i with its pretty responsive paddles and the low end torque of the b58 kept me interested. But as of late, I really haven't been enjoying the drive all that much.

I recently test drove a couple e86 coupes and a 2019 bullitt and it really reinforced how much I need a manual back in my life. In the busy crowded straight streets of toronto there is little opportunity to enjoy curves and really accelerate. It makes you appreciate the extra engagement that comes with a manual.

Anyhow, the test drive of the bullitt made me realize how much I miss v8 sound and normal aspiration. I found the bullitt way too big and kinda sloppy though, and it actually didn't have low end torque.

Which brings me to the C7. That thing has low end torque and it's smaller. I actually had a 2015, but coming from a 2016 cayman S, I just found it wasn't working for me in a bunch of ways. I sold it after 3 days.

But now I really want a normally aspirated v8 and a manual and I feel like the C7 might actually be the best late model compromise out there. I realize I am going to feel the lack of refinement and the bigger size. In some ways it won't feel as good as the m240i.

But I do remember really enjoying the sound of the v8 and it has a pretty good manual and in the end, it may actually bring me more smiles per mile than the m240i.

This would not be a daily drive as I don't drive to work, but it would be my only car (so yes I would drive it in the winter with proper snows)

Interested in hearing from people who have had experiences with C7's on whether this would be a good move.

Honestly, I would say you have not modified your M240i enough to make it unique only to you. I was forced to learn and drive manual by a friend of mine with a F10 M5 as I was an auto only guy and it really didn't appeal to me as most people say it would. I found more fun in the sound, power, handling of a car and feel of it then I did in changing gears in manuals, which was why I decided to heavily modify my 335i for the track rather than straight line power. having also the option to switch between AWD and RWD (xDelete) I also enjoyed the better handling from the RWD as well.

As much as having a V8 and a manual might feel to you, I personally find that you may run into the same problem a couple months from now, missing the inline-6 and turbo instead.


If you want to compromise, I would say get the C8 or C7 Z06 if you're going to get a C7. Might as well go all out.

[jc05e46m3]

C7 for sure. A couple years back I went from a tuned M4 to a C7Z and it was night and day. I imagine it would be a very similar experience for you. Also, while cheap, the C7s are more refined than one would expect. That plus the deals available on them right now would be hard to pass up.

[swunder]

Forgetting all other factors, if you want a manual you want a manual. That alone makes it new car time.

But while we're talking noise...does the M240i pump fake engine noise into the cabin? That would DEFINITELY warrant a new car as well.

[The HACK]

Camaro 1SS 1LE or ZL1 1LE. You get the back seat on top of the naturally aspro V8, and a well sorted chassis.

The Camaro stigma is strong, but not as strong as the Corvette stigma. It's also a much, MUCH stiffer chassis than the Corvette, and the 1SS 1LE is cheaper to boot.

[swanson]

Do it. No brainer.

[super51fan]

Originally Posted by The HACK

Camaro 1SS 1LE or ZL1 1LE. You get the back seat on top of the naturally aspro V8, and a well sorted chassis.

The Camaro stigma is strong, but not as strong as the Corvette stigma. It's also a much, MUCH stiffer chassis than the Corvette, and the 1SS 1LE is cheaper to boot.

+1 on the ZL1

[N54Yankee]

There are thousands of new and used C7’s on dealers lots. Go test drive one, I think you’ll be pleased.
Here’s something I pulled up that might help you. Powerful N/A V8 in a well set up sports car is a blast to drive on the track or street. The C7 GS is the real deal. Just for discussions sake the GS is #19 and the M240i is #148. Both great cars. A quick look to see what other the two cars run with near their times is interesting. On a track like VIR the Vette shines and that’s power that will reveal itself on the street when you choose to.
https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...storical-data/

[c1pher]

Yes. I would just wait until March. C8s will start showing up in February and a lot of C7s will start getting traded in. Some are trickling in now, but you want them to hit peak inventory just before the good weather.

[baege]

Originally Posted by ntgarage44

I still think the C7 Grand Sport with a manual and pop top is one of the best sports cars out there. I even like it better than the C8 in some ways.

I shoulda noted I am looking at a base with npp exhaust, and z51 wheels and maybe magna ride (but not a deal breaker).

I prefer the more subtle look of the non wide body cars and the extra capabilities of the GS are a waste in the claustrophic motoring that is toronto traffic now.

I honestly just want to hear the v8 purr, feels its low end torque with a good shove in the back once in a while, and enjoy the shift action

[baege]

Originally Posted by chaungo

Honestly, I would say you have not modified your M240i enough to make it unique only to you. I was forced to learn and drive manual by a friend of mine with a F10 M5 as I was an auto only guy and it really didn't appeal to me as most people say it would. I found more fun in the sound, power, handling of a car and feel of it then I did in changing gears in manuals, which was why I decided to heavily modify my 335i for the track rather than straight line power. having also the option to switch between AWD and RWD (xDelete) I also enjoyed the better handling from the RWD as well.

As much as having a V8 and a manual might feel to you, I personally find that you may run into the same problem a couple months from now, missing the inline-6 and turbo instead.


If you want to compromise, I would say get the C8 or C7 Z06 if you're going to get a C7. Might as well go all out.

Well I honestly don't think I will ever miss turbo, never been a fan, in fact this is my first turbo in like 20 years. I do think I might miss other things about the m240i like its compact size and its refinement.

[baege]

Originally Posted by The HACK

Camaro 1SS 1LE or ZL1 1LE. You get the back seat on top of the naturally aspro V8, and a well sorted chassis.

The Camaro stigma is strong, but not as strong as the Corvette stigma. It's also a much, MUCH stiffer chassis than the Corvette, and the 1SS 1LE is cheaper to boot.

the extra length and worse visibility of the camaro make it a no go for me I suspect. Plus not a huge fan of the asthetic.

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by baege

I shoulda noted I am looking at a base with npp exhaust, and z51 wheels and maybe magna ride (but not a deal breaker).

I prefer the more subtle look of the non wide body cars and the extra capabilities of the GS are a waste in the claustrophic motoring that is toronto traffic now.

I honestly just want to hear the v8 purr, feels its low end torque with a good shove in the back once in a while, and enjoy the shift action

You are waxing nostalgic on the Corvette. I thought you ended up hating them.

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by baege

the extra length and worse visibility of the camaro make it a no go for me I suspect. Plus not a huge fan of the asthetic.

That’s the thing lost in all the mid engined hoopla of the C8. Its a longer car and the C7 is the same length as an M2. It is misleading since it sits low and has a long nose.

[eluded]

Originally Posted by baege

But now I really want a normally aspirated v8 and a manual and I feel like the C7 might actually be the best late model compromise out there

Do it. Dump the auto.

[Alfisti]

You've been back and forthing for years on this issue, well it feels like it.

Where i don't understand you is you want visceral and revs but want bottom end torque too. TBH the answer, as ever, is a 911. it doesn't have the bottom end you want though, i just cannot fathom why you want it.

The Coyote V8 to me is a fantastic 'in between" motor. It's a V8 so it inherently has bottom end but it does like a few revs. Get magnaride, PP2, active valve exhaust and boom you're good to go.

[Savageenterprise]

What about a Manual Audi s5? Pre 2013 those are NA V8

[Obioban]

You want refinement and revs and torque and NA and manual, with V8 sounds, with proper handling in a package that feels incredibly well made and not overly large?

... Sounds like you want an e39 M5. These days, it's kind of a small car on the outside (F8X M3 is larger). Plenty of torque down low, happily makes power all the way to 7000 rpm. Every one of them in manual, so you won't have to waste time sorting through automatics. Awesome V8 sounds. With a muffler delete, it's remarkably aggressive on the outside/windows down, while still being 100% civil on the inside (sound impossible, but google it and see). No stima from anyone-- 100% of the population either appreciates the e39 M5 or doesn't see it at all.

[GenXer]

I miss my C7 a lot. You should definitely get it.
460HP 3400 pound car. You just can't go wrong.

[baege]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

You've been back and forthing for years on this issue, well it feels like it.

Where i don't understand you is you want visceral and revs but want bottom end torque too. TBH the answer, as ever, is a 911. it doesn't have the bottom end you want though, i just cannot fathom why you want it.

The Coyote V8 to me is a fantastic 'in between" motor. It's a V8 so it inherently has bottom end but it does like a few revs. Get magnaride, PP2, active valve exhaust and boom you're good to go.

You called it, I have been all over the place, trying to score that car that really speaks to me, you know a car you get and you're like damn, this is what I've been looking for.

That's happened a few times in my automotive past
the first time was when I went from a toyota corolla to a Omni GLH
the next time was a modded 5.0 fox body stang
after that it was a modded 1990 300zx
then it was a 2007 Z4 coupe 3.0si
then a 2014 cayman S

each of those cars took me to a new of level of driving engagement and sheer fun

not been able to get that feeling again since the 2014 cayman S

As my post record shows, I've tried all kinds of cars since then, but I have not walked away saying "damn I want this car"

that definitely didn't happen with the bullitt, as for me it lacked low end torque, and felt huge.

It's a tough thing to find in the modern auto landscape
a compact car that looks good, with normal aspiration and good throttle response and low end torque, and offers a manual, pretty much doesn't exist right now