[ds968]

..at least according to these guys.. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/glare.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> : http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/the-bes...6/+pgeorge

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[Cloud9...68]

Very similar to the list Grassroots Motorsports came up with.

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[Davbert55]

Let's see. My last track day was three weeks ago. NASA event at Sonoma. My 968 passed several E46 and later M series BMW's, two S2000s, 4-5 Miatas, two Boss Mustangs, a Z4 coupe BMW, and on and on.



Run what you own and have a feel for. Track days are about car control. There is no such thing as snap oversteer (C5/6 Corvette) in this car. Its honest and fun to drive. I still want a sports racer with a Hyabusa with gobs of torque and 150 HP. Until I can finagle that deal, this is a relatively low cost (relative term) way to embarrass every car in the list in that link.

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[ds968]

That's why I was very surprised not to see 968 in there, in light of consistent results like that which better most , if not all the cars on that list and yet no mention of it. The only reason I imagine is that the authors must have felt the 968 is too expensive to maintain as a track car ? As in parts cost, and their limited availability, whereas the other cars are either more reliable / durable and also cheaper to replace parts ? Since tne article title notes those are the best track cars " for the money " , I pressure that includes upkeep costs, not just the purchase price of the car. No idea if the other ones they list are essentially bulletproof .

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[Rap]

My 968 has run great on the track and passed many. This year age caught up and some issues developed which entailed great expense. Prior to that it was consumables and track day expenses. Older cars do however need continued upkeep to remain safe. There are just not that many 968's available for track use. What's the number? 2246 coupes came into the country 20 years ago so it's no wonder it doesn't show up. I rarely see 968's at events.

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[ds968]

Ok, so maybe the rarity also factors in and it does not get on anyone's radar screen to make the list, but how about 944 turbos ? The N/A 944 handles incredibly well although it is pathetically underpowered, especially for a track car, although I would think the 951 must be a respectable competitor to the Beemers and the NissanZs, and the Hondas they mention...or is that also more expensive to maintain ?

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[Ryan]

Yeah..the 968 is too old and hard to come by to make a list like that. It is funny to see how it compares to much more contemporary cars though.

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[flash]

parts and resource availability are key drivers for most people in the determination of viability of a track car. neither the 968 nor the 944 fit those requirements.



for me, ease of repair after bending would be key. that would eliminate any unibody car.



of the cars listed, i would only consider the S2000. all of the others are way too big and heavy. i would only consider the S2000 because of the aftermarket stuff out there.



not sure i would consider any newer car, assuming i would ever go back to production class stuff again. modern cars have way too much technology. ripping that out would be a pain. i think i would rather build a spec car, or an open wheel car.



interesting that that miata does not make the list. that is probably the most track friendly production car out there.

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[Rap]

I have a friend with a well sorted 944 turbo that is very quick and nimble. He seems to spend an inordinate amount of time repairing it. He also has mechanic issues. Other 944's I have seen, turbo and N/A seem to be constantly under repair. Certainly this is an age issue but also an upkeep and maintenance factor. Track a car and these things are part of experience. One needs to understand this before going in and deciding to stay. If it's fun and you dig it, it's a cost to continue to participate. One guy from the track told me he told his kids not to expect any inheritance!

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[flash]

if you're going to track a car, you need to be prepared to lose it. it happens, and is a very real possibility.



if you're going to track a production based car, you had better have a supply of parts. picking a rare car, or one that is difficult to find parts for is not wise, no matter how "cool" it might be.



if you're going to pick a rare car to track, you had better prepare to write off a season when something significant happens.



been there done that.

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[bill3]

As a person who has tracked 944's and now a 968 for 25+ years, I will agree on the "you need to plan to spend $ on maintenance" part. And the further the car is from production, the more worry about NLA parts. But that said, the bang for buck is hard to beat. And (knock on wood), I've never hurt the car on track (other than mechanical stuff giving up). It's all about running with the right DE group and knowing your abilities (and the cars).



And yes, my 968 can embarrass much "faster" cars since I know how to drive it in the sections where skill matters more than horsepower.



the same reason I always advise my students to spend their time and $ on learning to drive properly rather than go fast parts.



of course, the disclaimer is always YMMV

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