Final two: MR2-Spyder or 25GT?

[homeforsummer]

However, one caveat: How can you not think the MR-2 is girly? It looks like a tiny, bulbous Boxter. It's a convertible, and has an unremarkable engine. It won't win many drag races. My stepmom loves it.

It depends what you want from a car. Drag racing completely misses the point of a car like the MR2. Not to mention that the Skyline he's looking at won't be a whole lot quicker. If at all.

Umm... what the hell are you talking about? The SMT wasn't introduced till 2002 in the MR-S, and even then it is rare. But it is still a true SMT, not some slushbox you can shift.

Take note all, the SMT takes about forever to upshift, but apparently has the most perfect rev-matching down shifts.

That pretty much echoes what I've heard. Most of the sequential manuals fitted to regular cars (by which I mean, not the SMG in BMWs, or the F1 system in previous Ferrari models) are a bit half-hearted, but they always seem to downshift better than they upshift.

I suppose if an auto is a must, then the one in the MR2 isn't too bad.

 

[Time_Attack]

Everyone should be forced to learn how to drive a manual trans before getting their license. Maybe it would force people to be just a little less lazy behind the wheel eh?

 

[Azuremen]

Everyone should be forced to learn how to drive a manual trans before getting their license. Maybe it would force people to be just a little less lazy behind the wheel eh?

The SMT in the MR-S requires you to shift. There is no automatic mode, the only thing missing is the clutch pedal. Forcing people to learn a manual won't really help with driver attentiveness, for that we just need a better education system in regard to driving. As it stands, the 4 hours or so of required instruction and 10 to 20 hours of theory fail to teach much that is useful in the real world.

 

[Time_Attack]

I can't say I've ever driven an SMT but it still sounds like easy mode.

Couldn't agree more on the generally weak drivers education. Thats a whole different thread though I'm sure.

 

[GT Pro]

The SMT in the MR-S requires you to shift. There is no automatic mode, the only thing missing is the clutch pedal. Forcing people to learn a manual won't really help with driver attentiveness, for that we just need a better education system in regard to driving. As it stands, the 4 hours or so of required instruction and 10 to 20 hours of theory fail to teach much that is useful in the real world.

That is all the experience you need to get your licence in your location? Here it is 120 hours minimum practical driving experience supervised by a fully licenced driver. It should be noted, however, that many people simply fake more than half the hours (trips are only basically recorded in a log-book).

I always had it set in my mind that I would get a manual licence from the get-go, but because my parents don't have the time to supervise me for 120 hours (and supervision by private lessons for that full 120 would cost upward of $12,000) nor own any manuals, combined with the fact that it would be a gross inconvenience to wait any longer for my licence (getting to uni and back, with 1.2hr trips one way, is extremely tough as is), means automatic is my best choice for the time being.

 

[Azuremen]

Well, you will then have to look into 2002+ models, and keep in mind you do have to shift it, there is no auto mode on the MR-S SMT.

And you guys and your manual licenses... we can drive just about anything short of 10 passenger plus vehicles and other, more commercial focused automobiles with a basic license.

 

[EA11R]

It depends what you want from a car. Drag racing completely misses the point of a car like the MR2. Not to mention that the Skyline he's looking at won't be a whole lot quicker. If at all.

Yeah, I know that drag racing is stupid to do in an MR-S, and in fact it bores me to death unless there's nary a muffler in sight. I'm just trying to emphasize that the MR-S is manly in literally no way whatsoever.

At least, no way that any normal person would agree with. 'Mid-engined' doesn't mean much to normal people. Which segues nicely into my next point:

OH MY GOD AN AUTOMATIC MR2 IS SOO GIRLY. I would drive (and, indeed, have driven) a manual New Beetle painted bright yellow before I drive an automatic MR-2. That is about as silly as it gets. Of course, reputation shouldn't matter much to you or anyone else, but come on.

So, the choice is actually between a slightly dull large sedan and a slightly ruined small sportscar. Screw it, I vote Skyline.

Besides, Nissans seem to have a way of getting under your skin. For instance, somehow I absolutely adore my Altima (you might know it as Bluebird). You know, that underengineered FF sedan with a truck engine? So yeah.

 

[Azuremen]

OH MY GOD AN AUTOMATIC MR2 IS SOO GIRLY. I would drive (and, indeed, have driven) a manual New Beetle painted bright yellow before I drive an automatic MR-2. That is about as silly as it gets. Of course, reputation shouldn't matter much to you or anyone else, but come on.

Wow, some issues? You'd rather drive one of the worst cars made in the last decade than something with near perfect handling and a real SMT. And before you say anything, I've driven a Manual Beetle, it is complete rubbish. Pretty sure I'd rather stab myself in the eye with a rusty spoon before I'd drive one at this point.

Besides, Nissans seem to have a way of getting under your skin. For instance, somehow I absolutely adore my Altima (you might know it as Bluebird). You know, that underengineered FF sedan with a truck engine? So yeah.

lol, Altima. lol, KA24DE.

 

[EA11R]

Wait, what? It's an SMT, as opposed to a torque-converter-type auto? Dang.

Boring yet competent big sedan versus F1-style chassis with F1-style gearbox and Toyota-style reliability? What did you expect us to choose?

All this backpedaling is great exercise.

I just mean it would be less embarassing to drive the Bug. Once I discovered that someone wrote 'weiners'[sic] on the window, so I loaded up the car with teenage boys and went on a pizza run Maybe it's just so embarassing that I can do it ironically.

But, really, you didn't like the Bug? I find it oddly charming (though it was the first manual I'd driven), and the mega oversteer issue is also great fun. Even in video games it's a laugh! Sure, the quarter-size tach and secret reverse gear make me want to go ballistic, but that's a minor annoyance in an overall neato little car. And, are all New Bugs super loud? Cause ours is, and it is groovy. You can hear it coming a loooooong way away.

But, I've been delighted to discover recently that I have low-ass standards, when a Miata blew me away with its massive power (and numb steering? ). Like I said, I totally dig my LOLtima.

 

[Azuremen]

Wait, what? It's an SMT, as opposed to a torque-converter-type auto? Dang.

Boring yet competent big sedan versus F1-style chassis with F1-style gearbox and Toyota-style reliability? What did you expect us to choose?

All this backpedaling is great exercise.

I just mean it would be less embarassing to drive the Bug. Once I discovered that someone wrote 'weiners'[sic] on the window, so I loaded up the car with teenage boys and went on a pizza run Maybe it's just so embarassing that I can do it ironically.

But, really, you didn't like the Bug? I find it oddly charming (though it was the first manual I'd driven), and the mega oversteer issue is also great fun. Even in video games it's a laugh! Sure, the quarter-size tach and secret reverse gear make me want to go ballistic, but that's a minor annoyance in an overall neato little car. And, are all New Bugs super loud? Cause ours is, and it is groovy. You can hear it coming a loooooong way away.

But, I've been delighted to discover recently that I have low-ass standards, when a Miata blew me away with its massive power (and numb steering? ). Like I said, I totally dig my LOLtima.

Srsly, I can't tell if you are remotely serious or not at this point.

 

[mafia_boy]

Back to the point at hand.......

GT Pro, I'd suggest the MR2 for the simple reason that the Skyline is just a normal Skyline, not a GTS-t or GT-R. I can't remember if you're stuck by the P plate rules (ie. no turbos) but if you are then stick with the MR2 as it's going to be cheaper in the long run between petrol, rego, insurance and the other stuff associated with it.

If you want a big boat mobile like the Skyline, but without the "fully sick yulleh" image, look towards a JZX100 Chaser or even an Aristo (GS300) but the only thing is both of these are normally turbocharged.

 

[J-PaP]

MR2. My only concern is insurance on it though compared to the skyline. Then again I'm sure that the name skyline instantly adds $1k to your premium.

 

[homeforsummer]

Yeah, I know that drag racing is stupid to do in an MR-S, and in fact it bores me to death unless there's nary a muffler in sight. I'm just trying to emphasize that the MR-S is manly in literally no way whatsoever.

At least, no way that any normal person would agree with. 'Mid-engined' doesn't mean much to normal people. Which segues nicely into my next point:

OH MY GOD AN AUTOMATIC MR2 IS SOO GIRLY. I would drive (and, indeed, have driven) a manual New Beetle painted bright yellow before I drive an automatic MR-2. That is about as silly as it gets. Of course, reputation shouldn't matter much to you or anyone else, but come on.

Meh. Even if the MR2 was a full, slushbox auto, it'd probably still be a dozen times more fun than any non-GTR Skyline. But it's not a slushbox auto, so it's even better.

I lost my predjudice for automatics after I'd driven a couple. Big deal, they aren't as fun as manuals. But I know which I'd prefer in nose-to-tail traffic or a long commute. I'd personally not choose one in a sports car like the MR2, but even an automatic sports car is still a sports car, and therefore still more fun to drive than a slightly dreary sedan.

I still say MR2, SMT or no SMT.

Out of interest, why was the MX5/Miata discounted? That one does come with a slushbox auto (if you must), but it's not supposed to be too bad even so. The auto boxes in earlier Miatas are absolutely bulletproof. It's the same box they used in London black cabs, and those things do half a million miles with no problems at all...

 

[EA11R]

 

[GT Pro]

I can't remember if you're stuck by the P plate rules (ie. no turbos)...

Yeah, we're still bound to follow the Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 2009 whose provisions mean that no turbocharged car, unless it is a 2-seater with a power-to-dry-weight ratio of or less than 100kw/tonne, or 4-seater with less than 125kw/tonne, can be driven. Mind you, my friend manages to drive his dad's F430 and GT3 from time to time with a helping hand of 'employment reasons'. For me, though, it has ruled out a gargantuan amount of possibilities.

MR2. My only concern is insurance on it though compared to the skyline. Then again I'm sure that the name skyline instantly adds $1k to your premium.

The lowest quote I can get from my parents' preferred insurance provider (AAMI) is around $870 per year for the MR2-S (which is pretty good it seems). I haven't checked with the Skyline.

But I know which I'd prefer in nose-to-tail traffic or a long commute... Out of interest, why was the MX5/Miata discounted?

Yeah- long, nose-to-tail commutes will summarise 80% of its driving trip. And as for the MX-5- they just don't do it for me. I don't mind the NC, but that's out of my price range for now.

 

[mafia_boy]

Yeah, we're still bound to follow the Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 2009 whose provisions mean that no turbocharged car, unless it is a 2-seater with a power-to-dry-weight ratio of or less than 100kw/tonne, or 4-seater with less than 125kw/tonne, can be driven. Mind you, my friend manages to drive his dad's F430 and GT3 from time to time with a helping hand of 'employment reasons'. For me, though, it has ruled out a gargantuan amount of possibilities.

Yeah, I thought you were still on your P's, that's why I asked first. Well, definitely the MR2 for that reason alone. After you get on your full licence then it's the above choices that I suggested (Chaser, Aristo, etc.).