Best 4-seater sports car?

Balaclava · 01-03-2010, 03:30 PM

Hello,

What would you consider as the best serious sports car that seats four? Two doors are fine, but decent back seats (mostly for the kids) are a must. I am looking for options that are fun on the track, enjoyable on your favorite canyon roads and can accelerate from 0-60 in <5. It would not be a daily driver, but must be comfortable enough for long trips. I would like to keep it for a long time. New/used/classic are all fine. Price is not really a concern, it is going to be a one-time special treat...

My initial ideas:

BMW E92 M3: The obvious choice to beat. Perhaps not exotic enough?

Maserati Granturismo: Really pretty, but isn't too heavy to be fun?

Any ideas? Thanks!

-

keanu1 · 01-03-2010, 06:11 PM

masserati i don't like it at all!! I saw it in person and it looks cheap !! I think the m3 is a very good choice!!You shoul consider an audi s5 also!! i don't know!! It's all about your tastes!!

majin ssj eric · 01-03-2010, 06:49 PM

Nissan GT-R is faster than either of those choices and is relatively comfortable...

graider · 01-03-2010, 06:53 PM

m3

TK-421 · 01-03-2010, 08:06 PM

612

mmm def · 01-03-2010, 09:28 PM

ew i hate to say it..Porsche Panamera. That car can boogy!!

I'd get an E90 M3.

bubbletea 4 me · 01-03-2010, 09:36 PM

911 turbo is an option. they have two tiny seats in the back though im not sure if u can actually fit a human being in the back

PINeely · 01-03-2010, 09:44 PM

Jaguar XK/ XFR? The XK has two rear seats but I don't know how functional they are. Hella fun to drive though.

I'd still get an M3.

mmm def · 01-03-2010, 09:47 PM

CTS V!!!!

ybbiz34 · 01-03-2010, 10:07 PM

E63 AMG? It is a sport sedan though...I guess. Very comfortable rocket ship is what I would call it. Sat in one the other day. Weather was preventing a test drive.

montreal red · 01-03-2010, 10:28 PM

gtr/m3....

ZJP · 01-03-2010, 11:46 PM

That GT looks so amazing.

epbrown · 01-04-2010, 12:03 AM

It depends on how often you plan to carry passengers. If you do it fairly often, the E90 M3 is pretty much the car to beat in that area. If you're only using them occasionally and for short periods, I'd say go with the 911 or E92 M3 depending on budget and preference.

Dackz · 01-04-2010, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TK-421

612

+1...that thing is badass

CATCH_M3 · 01-04-2010, 01:47 AM

If you were picking something to keep for a long time I would pick something with a certain 'timeless' quality to it.

As much as I love my M3, I don't know if the appeal for it 15 years from now would be the same as that of, for example an Aston Martin Vanquish S.

Or even a DB9

These are cars that in my opinion, will be beautiful for all of time.

I was also thinking a CLK63 Black-Series (but I don't think it comes in a 2+2?) Anybody want to confirm that?

Cheers

CSanto · 01-04-2010, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubbletea 4 me

911 turbo is an option. they have two tiny seats in the back though im not sure if u can actually fit a human being in the back

You cant...

ChrisV · 01-04-2010, 11:14 AM

What next? The world's best station wagon sports car? Worlds best pickup truck sports car? Worlds best stretched limosine sports car?

Yeah, maybe it's picky, but I'm tired of anything that even a slight hint of performance being called a sports car. It's almost as bad as non-car people thinking any red car is a sports car...

Sports cars have two seats, and are preferrably open cars. Closed version of 2 seat open cars, or 2+2 versions, are GTs. If they have 4 doors, they are sedans (Alfas, Lancias, and BMWs invented the category of "sport sedan"). it's not subjective, otherwise this 2 seat, 2 soor, RWD, V8 powered performance vehicle with suspension modded for handling by the factory would also be a sports car, and we know it's not:

Balaclava · 01-04-2010, 12:08 PM

Thanks for all the ideas! Just to briefly respond to some of them:
- 911s' and the GT-R's back seats are for bags, not humans. Wonderful cars, but not this time for me...
- AM Vantage has no back seats at all. DB9 is not bad...
- Ferrari 612 is an interesting option. Not the prettiest of all Prancing Horses, but a compelling compromise...
- I don't like the look and proportions of the Panamera, no matter how good/fast it is.
- Jag XKR is fast and light - weights the same about an M3 and has 80 more HP. But something is just strange with its looks. The Aston Martins are more elegant but probably not better.

Finally, I don't think it's the number of seats or the body style that makes a car a true sports car. I think it's more about the driving dynamics and how confident and agile it feels on the track when pushed hard.

Thanks everyone for all input!

graider · 01-04-2010, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubbletea 4 me

911 turbo is an option. they have two tiny seats in the back though im not sure if u can actually fit a human being in the back

it is a 2 seaters in my book. the rear seat has absolutely zero back support and i would refuse to put my kid in there.

CATCH_M3 · 01-04-2010, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CorneringSpeed

Thanks for all the ideas! Just to briefly respond to some of them:
- 911s' and the GT-R's back seats are for bags, not humans. Wonderful cars, but not this time for me...
- AM Vantage has no back seats at all. DB9 is not bad...
- Ferrari 612 is an interesting option. Not the prettiest of all Prancing Horses, but a compelling compromise...
- I don't like the look and proportions of the Panamera, no matter how good/fast it is.
- Jag XKR is fast and light - weights the same about an M3 and has 80 more HP. But something is just strange with its looks. The Aston Martins are more elegant but probably not better.

Finally, I don't think it's the number of seats or the body style that makes a car a true sports car. I think it's more about the driving dynamics and how confident and agile it feels on the track when pushed hard.

Thanks everyone for all input!

Good analysis!
I was talking about the VANQUISH S though, as opposed to the vantage (also one of my favorites.) One of my friends just bought a Vanquish and it is beautiful.

(His is spec'ed without 2+2 though). Don't get something you find is 'not bad' though; get what you can't live without! For me that was the e92 M3, GT3, & AMV8 Vantage. Keep us updated!

Best of luck.

hiimwayne · 01-04-2010, 05:54 PM

Audi RS4. AWD and performance up there with the m3 even though it's a bit dated.

footie · 01-04-2010, 06:11 PM

It depends on whether the rear seats are only occasional and for short journeys or need to fit a full sized adult in comfort.

01-03-2010, 03:30 PM	#1
Balaclava New Member 8 Rep 22 Posts Drives: 1M for fun, 330xd for winter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: EU iTrader: (0)	Best 4-seater sports car? Hello, What would you consider as the best serious sports car that seats four? Two doors are fine, but decent back seats (mostly for the kids) are a must. I am looking for options that are fun on the track, enjoyable on your favorite canyon roads and can accelerate from 0-60 in <5. It would not be a daily driver, but must be comfortable enough for long trips. I would like to keep it for a long time. New/used/classic are all fine. Price is not really a concern, it is going to be a one-time special treat... My initial ideas: BMW E92 M3: The obvious choice to beat. Perhaps not exotic enough? Maserati Granturismo: Really pretty, but isn't too heavy to be fun? Any ideas? Thanks! - __________________
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01-03-2010, 06:11 PM	#2
keanu1 tiamat 399 Rep 1,478 Posts Drives: 525 d Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: romania iTrader: (0)	masserati i don't like it at all!! I saw it in person and it looks cheap !! I think the m3 is a very good choice!!You shoul consider an audi s5 also!! i don't know!! It's all about your tastes!!
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01-03-2010, 06:49 PM	#3
majin ssj eric Captain 85 Rep 812 Posts Drives: 2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 Sedan Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Saint Simons Island, GA iTrader: (0)	Nissan GT-R is faster than either of those choices and is relatively comfortable... __________________ 2013 Lexus GS 350 F-Sport Starfire Pearl/Flaxen w/nav 2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 sedan Sapphire/Tan w/nav 1997 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer
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01-03-2010, 06:53 PM	#4
graider Colonel 35 Rep 2,406 Posts Drives: py/kiwi e46 m3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: toronto iTrader: (0)	m3
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01-03-2010, 08:06 PM	#5
TK-421 Registered Sex Offender 597 Rep 4,757 Posts Drives: E46 M3 \| 1JZ S13 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	612 __________________ Stop putting stuff like painted reflectors and premium package in your signature. You're embarrassing. Last edited by TK-421; 01-03-2010 at 10:57 PM..
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01-03-2010, 09:28 PM	#6
mmm def Colonel 145 Rep 2,611 Posts Drives: 21 330, 19 ND2 RF, 11 RX350 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	ew i hate to say it..Porsche Panamera. That car can boogy!! I'd get an E90 M3.
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01-03-2010, 09:36 PM	#7
bubbletea 4 me Lieutenant Colonel 63 Rep 1,914 Posts Drives: Finally here Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Earth iTrader: (5)	911 turbo is an option. they have two tiny seats in the back though im not sure if u can actually fit a human being in the back
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01-03-2010, 09:44 PM	#8
PINeely Lieutenant Colonel 1080 Rep 1,912 Posts Drives: 2013 535i, 2015 Tundra 1794 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Jackson, MS iTrader: (2)	Jaguar XK/ XFR? The XK has two rear seats but I don't know how functional they are. Hella fun to drive though. I'd still get an M3.
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01-03-2010, 09:47 PM	#9
mmm def Colonel 145 Rep 2,611 Posts Drives: 21 330, 19 ND2 RF, 11 RX350 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	CTS V!!!!
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01-03-2010, 10:07 PM	#10
ybbiz34 Brigadier General 698 Rep 4,959 Posts Drives: 2023 330i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	E63 AMG? It is a sport sedan though...I guess. Very comfortable rocket ship is what I would call it. Sat in one the other day. Weather was preventing a test drive. __________________ Current: '23 G20 M Sport 330i Current: '20 X253 GLC300 SUV Gone: '20 W205 C43 Sedan Gone: '18 W205 C43 Sedan Gone: '13 W204 C63 Sedan
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01-03-2010, 10:28 PM	#11
montreal red chris 291 Rep 12,142 Posts Drives: White Boat Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (31)	gtr/m3.... __________________ Current: 2013 F10 M5 & 2016 Mini JCW 2013 GLK350 (gone), 997.1 GT3RS (gone), 2009 WRX STI (gone), e92 M3 (gone)
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01-03-2010, 11:46 PM	#12
ZJP Lieutenant Colonel 135 Rep 1,759 Posts Drives: F10 535xi / B6 S4 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: LI, NY iTrader: (7)	That GT looks so amazing.
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01-04-2010, 12:03 AM	#13
epbrown Colonel 63 Rep 2,128 Posts Drives: BMW M Coupe, Porsche Boxster S Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	It depends on how often you plan to carry passengers. If you do it fairly often, the E90 M3 is pretty much the car to beat in that area. If you're only using them occasionally and for short periods, I'd say go with the 911 or E92 M3 depending on budget and preference.
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01-04-2010, 01:47 AM	#15
CATCH_M3 Lieutenant 70 Rep 470 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW M3 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	If you were picking something to keep for a long time I would pick something with a certain 'timeless' quality to it. As much as I love my M3, I don't know if the appeal for it 15 years from now would be the same as that of, for example an Aston Martin Vanquish S. Or even a DB9 These are cars that in my opinion, will be beautiful for all of time. I was also thinking a CLK63 Black-Series (but I don't think it comes in a 2+2?) Anybody want to confirm that? Cheers
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01-04-2010, 11:14 AM	#17
ChrisV 7er 9 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 1998 BMW 740iL Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Pikesville, MD iTrader: (0) Garage List 1998 740iL [6.00]	What next? The world's best station wagon sports car? Worlds best pickup truck sports car? Worlds best stretched limosine sports car? Yeah, maybe it's picky, but I'm tired of anything that even a slight hint of performance being called a sports car. It's almost as bad as non-car people thinking any red car is a sports car... Sports cars have two seats, and are preferrably open cars. Closed version of 2 seat open cars, or 2+2 versions, are GTs. If they have 4 doors, they are sedans (Alfas, Lancias, and BMWs invented the category of "sport sedan"). it's not subjective, otherwise this 2 seat, 2 soor, RWD, V8 powered performance vehicle with suspension modded for handling by the factory would also be a sports car, and we know it's not: __________________ 1998 740iL
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01-04-2010, 12:08 PM	#18
Balaclava New Member 8 Rep 22 Posts Drives: 1M for fun, 330xd for winter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: EU iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the ideas! Just to briefly respond to some of them: - 911s' and the GT-R's back seats are for bags, not humans. Wonderful cars, but not this time for me... - AM Vantage has no back seats at all. DB9 is not bad... - Ferrari 612 is an interesting option. Not the prettiest of all Prancing Horses, but a compelling compromise... - I don't like the look and proportions of the Panamera, no matter how good/fast it is. - Jag XKR is fast and light - weights the same about an M3 and has 80 more HP. But something is just strange with its looks. The Aston Martins are more elegant but probably not better. Finally, I don't think it's the number of seats or the body style that makes a car a true sports car. I think it's more about the driving dynamics and how confident and agile it feels on the track when pushed hard. Thanks everyone for all input! __________________
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01-04-2010, 05:54 PM	#21
hiimwayne Private 19 Rep 89 Posts Drives: 07 M Coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (1)	Audi RS4. AWD and performance up there with the m3 even though it's a bit dated.
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01-04-2010, 06:11 PM	#22
footie Major General 1226 Rep 8,034 Posts Drives: i5M60 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: No where fast iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW i5M60 [0.00] 2022 BMW i4M50 [0.00] 2020 BMW M5 Competi ... [0.00] 2008 E92 M3 [0.00]	It depends on whether the rear seats are only occasional and for short journeys or need to fit a full sized adult in comfort.
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