Best sports car under $15k?

[Lancekl]

the Mazda redlines about where the s-2000 starts actually making more power than your riding mower

Roommate used to have one
Like a 2 stroke racing bike

No power till super high rpm

If I recall redline was about 9000 rpm. The second generation was better as far as low end torque, but better is not saying much. Once the car hit VTEC at about 5000? rpm, it ran like a scalded dog but you had to keep it in the RPM sweet spot to get any power

 

[Lancekl]

Corvettes have always had too much engine to be real 'sports cars'. That nose-heaviness ruins what little handling they ever had. Even the modern 'vettes, with their Nurburgring handling, aren't 'sports cars'. They fit the Grand Touring (GT) category a lot better. Also, any 'vette you can pick up for the OP's $15K price tag is probably junk.

The very early 'vette's were close to being a sports car, but they still had crappy brakes and handling, and too much engine up front. I'm not sure what you would call those... probably the 'pony car' would be the best way to put it.

Haven't driven a vette in a while?
Not nose heavy by any means, and the handling is amazing.
The older ones (speaking from owning a 67) did not handle well at all compared to modern sports cars.
A miata would tear it apart on a twisty road (until you hit a straight).

 

[Kyzrsoze]

Sorry my friend, but wrong on every count. You might stretch to call an earlier C2 big block "nose heavy", but only compared to a four cylinder. Straight six engines are generally heavier or equal to a V8. All Corvettes have been on par or better than more expensive rivals at any given point in history. As for modern cars, its crazy to consider them GT machines. They easily out lap cars costing much more, and weight has hovered around the 3200 lb mark for many years.

 

[Zeake]

Sorry my friend, but wrong on every count. You might stretch to call an earlier C2 big block "nose heavy", but only compared to a four cylinder. Straight six engines are generally heavier or equal to a V8. All Corvettes have been on par or better than more expensive rivals at any given point in history. As for modern cars, its crazy to consider them GT machines. They easily out lap cars costing much more, and weight has hovered around the 3200 lb mark for many years.

Opinions vary of course but remember he was the guy recommending an ESCORT GT.

 

[Lazarus]

If I recall redline was about 9000 rpm. The second generation was better as far as low end torque, but better is not saying much. Once the car hit VTEC at about 5000? rpm, it ran like a scalded dog but you had to keep it in the RPM sweet spot to get any power

And you can send your ECU to Hondata for a tune that get you more hp, lower VTEC engagement broad in the powerband.

 

[Kyzrsoze]

Opinions vary of course but remember he was the guy recommending an ESCORT GT.

Absolutely, and these kinds of discussions are fun.

He also called the Corvette nose heavy while recommending stuffing a V8 into a Miata:

The Miata Is a neat little sports car, but they definitely are 'chick cars'. Of course you could always follow Stacy David's example and drop a V8 crate motor into one...

https://www.staceydavid.com/episodes/banshee-2319

 

[Lancekl]

And you can send your ECU to Hondata for a tune that get you more hp, lower VTEC engagement broad in the powerband.

The S2K also has one of the smoothest manual transmissions I have ever driven. The Miata also has a great manual transmission

 

[Lazarus]

The S2K also has one of the smoothest manual transmissions I have ever driven. The Miata also has a great manual transmission

True on both accounts.

Not for nothing but this thread has me looking for a S2000. Can't find a AP2 in black though, in my price range.

 

[brad sweet]

the Mazda redlines about where the s-2000 starts actually making more power than your riding mower

Roommate used to have one
Like a 2 stroke racing bike

No power till super high rpm

your not going to find a 2000 for under 18k that hasnt been abused by some punk kid the Honda hold its value so anything less is not worth having IMHO!

 

[brad sweet]

Those Mini Coopers are fun little cars... easy on gas, fast, peppy, fun to drive, like taking an adult go kart for a spin.

yeah great heavy little car that sucks for gas mileage...the original mini was the **** and still a better car..but with addition of a turbo and inter-cooler and exhaust work ( 7K) + its a fun car