What Entry Level RWD Sports car should I get?

[Michael-5]

green_sky said:

Michael-5 said:

Arcturus said:
What's your budget? And what part of Canada are you in? A RWD sports car may not be the best idea depending on where you live.

I live in Toronto, which is lower in elevation then Seatle, and pretty similar with weather as New York. My sister used to own a BMW coupe, and my parents currently have a Lexus GS. I currently own an Acura TL, and I'm sick of front wheel drive. I really loved my sisters BMW coupe, and my dad used to have a RWD Benz coupe, which was a blast in my teenage years.

I've driven all 3 powertrains (FWD, RWD, AWD), and I love RWD, especially in the winter. In Toronto there is a lot of traffic, and owning a RWD car in the winter just makes it so easy to slide into traffic. I also love how RWD cars have such really amazing turn radii, it's crutial for Toronto traffic, and I love how you can accelerate while turning, and not loose grip.

I test drove the scion, pushed it a wee bit to see how it handles. Did 100km/h on a butterfly onramp with ease, one which I can't do above 70km/h in my TL.

I also really love small cars, and I like how it's pretty fuel efficient in comparision to my car. My sisters old BMW 318i was a dream car.

This part didn't make much sense to me. The one bad thing about RWD cars is that they handle really bad in snow. Sure we didn't get much snow other than this winter but still.

Anyways Scion FRS and Subaru BRZ are great little cars if you don't need the back seat. Otherwise something with four doors like 3 series should do fine. Also you can look into diesel 3 series if you don't mind giving up some horsepower in exchange of torque and fuel economy. Am not really a fan of convertibles but you can opt for those if you are into them. 

You surely are planning ahead as you don't need to buy one for next 4 years. I mean lot of things will change in that time. There is also Infiniti Q50 for consideration. 

People who think RWD cars handle bad in the winter, just don't know how to drive RWD cars. Yes they can loose grip more easily, but if done right, you want that. For instance in the winter, you can literally do a U turn on the spot, just by holding the brakes, turning the wheel and tapping the gas. This is because 80% of your cars braking power goes to the front, and RWD cars put power to the back. When the street are narrower, and you have less space to do a 3 point turn, this is kinda awesome.

As for merging into traffic, in a RWD car, when you put power down, it drifts a bit (the back slides out a bit), so when there is a lot of traffic, and you need to do a left turn onto a busy street, you can do it with less space with a RWD car. Mind you, if you're not experienced with RWD cars, I wouldn't do this.

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As for your recommendations, problem is I want a manual transmission. I was looking into the upcoming BMW 3 series, but the problem is, it's only an auto. Plus the new BMW 3 series, like many new cars, has electrically assited steering. I don't want that, I'd rather pay the extra 1 MPG, and get hydraulic steering, it gives you a lot more feedback, and isn't that why people drive RWD sports cars? for the feel?

Also I don't mind small back seats, the BRZ fit me fine in the back, and I'm 5'9. Realistically I only use the back seats 2 or 3 times a year, I just want back seats over a pure 2 seater, in case I decide to have kids and need a baby seat.

As for the Q50 - Only Auto. I also drove a G37, and I don't like how heavy the car feels, it's not as a refined of a sports car as a BMW or BRZ.

This is my last chance to own a manual transmission car, it seems like, while still popular in Europe, most manufacterers are cutting out the option for North America. The Subaru BRZ might become my only option if this trend continues. I really hope Infinity and BMW change their mind so I at least have an alternative to the BRZ.

.....I think right now, my only alternate option is looking to be a Mazda MX-5, LOL.