Okay folks, here's the situation. My wife is ready for a new car and here are the criteria in order of decreasing importance:

1. Must be a car that performs well on the track for a beginner
2. Must also be able to be a daily driver


Yes, that is correct...my wife wants a car she can track. Now mind you, she is a complete novice to DRIVING on the track. However, she has ridden as my passenger during about 7 or 8 DE events.

She loved it so much, she finally tried it out herself and got bitten by the bug. First she lapped around in a Mini Cooper S. She enjoyed that so much, she Then tried my 600HP 996 Turbo for a session. She really didn't like my car that much (too hard for her to drive) and wanted something for herself.

Keep in mind also, that even though my wife would be new to driving hi performance cars on the TRACK, she has has owned quite a few fast cars herself. She has owned a 97 NSX-T as well as an E46 M3 Cabriolet, as well as an SL55.... she is comfortable with 6 speeds and high horsepower.

So, here are the 3 cars that we are considering. The 2007 RS4, an E46 M3 Coupe or a Cayman S. Since many of you have owned these cars, perhaps you could give us some advice as to which one of these would be a better track car for a beginner?

Thanks,

Dan


.

 

the rs4 is a good choice, with four doors, and is very fast,also great for track days.

 

The RS4 might be an good choice because it is a relatively easy car to drive fast. But the cayman s is a nimble little track worthy car. So it kind of depends what you think better suits her style (awd vs rwd) and also which car she likes better.

 

for track, Cayman S

 

for daily d and track get rs4

 

Track: Cayman S

but if you're looking for ***** out high speed fun it's the RS4

I drove the Cayman and absolutley loved it. The car is nimble and very easy to control. the amount of grip it offers is amazing.

 

So if I'm reading the consensus so far correctly....

....the Cayman S would be the better Track car, but

.... the RS4 would be a better all around Track car/daily driver.


Has anybody on here ever tracked both of these and can give a comparison for me?

Thanks,

Dan

 

what about the new c63?

of those mentioned i would choose the rs4, then the m3. does your want or need a back seat in the daily driver?

i would get the c63 then the new cts-v(s/c 6.2 v8 600+hp) in a couple years!

 

having had an e46 M3, B6 s4 and now a Cayman S...I am extremely happy with how fun and nimble the Cayman S is on the track...however, what is even more impressive is its ride on the street ( i have PASM). I wouldnt track the S4, as it was too heavy and I didnt find it much fun. I have driven an RS4, but still too heavy. I would go with the Cayman S (yes, im biased) but a close second would be the M3.

 

We don't have a particular need for a back seat. We have an SUV as a 3rd vehicle for larger tasks.

However, I didn't think about the Merecedes. Is the c63 available in manual? I sure it's lightening fast, but an automatic would be a deal breaker for the track...

 

i would prob say first go for the cayman s without a doubt...

then i would say if she wants a more practical coupe...e46 m3 (mine is for sale)

and if you need even more space than the m3...rs4

just depends on what you want

 

Interesting that you should make that comment about the RS4. I just test drove a 2008 RS4 this weekend. It was very throaty and brash, and spilling over with torque. It was exhilarating to drive, and the exhaust note was intoxicating, especially in "sport" mode.

The one thing I did notice was it that it seemed to have a "heavy" feel to it. It was still very tight on the steering, but the big V8 sound, coupled with the heavy torque, and perhaps body configuration, made it seemed like a much bigger car. BUT....that's just a test drive with a salesman in the back seat.

I hoped that on a track, that the RS4 would also be nimble as it employed it's AWD to tame the torque. It seems to me as though folks feel the Cayman S is more nimble. The "street ride" nod towards the Cayman S did surprise me, however.

 

If that were my decision, Cayman S... For her? M3.. Big trunk and space, SO CAPABLE on the track even in stock form, throw some suspension on it and it will be one of the best handling car's, they take very well to suspension upgrades and not so finicky with setups like Porsche's!!!

 

Well, Cayman S is an excellent choice for a beginner on the track. very balanced, enough power, very easy to be quick with in short order. if no need for a back seat, It's a stong favorite. The RS4 on the other hand is the dark horse. silly power, torque all over the place etc. Lots of capability, it's pretty easy to rotate with the traction and stability control off completely, and the brakes are incredible.
tough call really. in the end the decider for me would be this: do I want a finesse car (Cayman S) or do I want to use thor's hammer(RS4) and just POWER my way thru the tricky stuff. as our Audi hating Mr. Clarkson has said: "It's Biblically Good"
I Don't think you could go wrong either way. E46 M3 is not in the same league, IMO, and that's the last BMW I really liked.

Sorry I can't be more help, My next door neighbor has the RS now and is actually considering a switch to the Cayman S, and he has the same dilemma...

 

i believe this will be the best of the group. mb has had the m3 in its sights for the last few years and the early reviews are outstanding on the track! there are a few you tube vids that explain all about it.
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...d.php?t=103017

it will not be out till april!
it will have the current amg 7 speed w/ paddle shifters!

the good news is that it will have the same(but detuned engine) as the e63 but in the lighter c class body/chasis. the numbers i heard are 3650/c63 and 4100/e63.
its still n/a.
the best part is that i have heard of getting 550hp+ out of this engine with no forced induction!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKEGFUWBekA