Best Handling Car

C.G.Mojo · #1 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 03:49 PM

The Cayman S was just named the best handling car in the world by a British car magazine. BUT if a car from the same manufacturer, with the same mid-engined configuration, same steering, same 18' wheels/tires, set up by the same suspension engineers was at least<u>88 pounds lighter</u>, wouldn'tTHAT car be (potentially anyway) the best handling car in the world?

I'm, of course, speaking of the base Cayman with 18' 'S' wheels and no heavy options. Yes, there are differences in acceleration (slightly) and braking (maybe on the track), but neither of these factors will reduce the car's handling. The Cayman driver will have to work a bit harder to keep the revs up and the engine on the power curve, but on a tight road course with few long straights the base Cayman should be just as quick.

Just though I would stir the pot a bit.

grant · #2 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 04:21 PM

Here's the video from that British mag (Autocar):

http://www.autocar.co.uk/popups/video.asp?ar=222412

Yes, I think the base Cayman could potentially handle even better...

Edited by - grant on 10/05/2006 10:22:36 AM

**Atlas_Croc** · #3 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 04:28 PM

Actually the base Cayman has slightly different spring rates and smaller anti-roll bars than the S......so it's not an apples to apples comparison. They both handle great with the base having a little better ride, but I think in an all out handling showdown the S would come out on top.

grant · #4 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Actually the base Cayman has slightly different spring rates and smaller anti-roll bars than the S......so it's not an apples to apples comparison. They both handle great with the base having a little better ride, but I think in an all out handling showdown the S would come out on top.

I think the S would have higher lateral acceleration, but maybe the base (with its lower weight wheels/tires/brakes) would feel more nimble. Handling is very much a subjective category (unlike objective roadholding measurements)...

John H · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 05:31 PM

Why do you think I have ordered a base model?

[img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/wink_smile.gif[/img]

C.G.Mojo · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 05:44 PM

Yep, slightly different spring rates and smaller anti-roll bars are probably not to compensate for 100<u>+</u> pounds. They are probably to provide slightly better ride quality, which should also provide better compliance over rougher road surfaces. It is apples to apples, but it's Macintosh compared with Winesap.

Moleculo · #7 (**permalink**) 10-06-2006, 02:58 AM

I've always held winesap in the highest regard. Hehe! [img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/wink_smile.gif[/img]