There's been quite a bit of discussion here on "other" cars to use a daily driver in place of the GT. In fact, it seems that the Viper is a very popular stablemate to the GT, although I wonder how many of those are DD's.
I consider myself an enthusiast through and through and, as such, more heavily weight the driving experience over looks and what others may think. (I have to put this up-front, because if you can't identify with this perspective, you'll never understand my dd!)
In the past my daily drivers have included an '88 M5, a '91 M5, a supercharged NSX (400 HP), Lexus GS400, and an Integra Type R. However, my dd for the last 14 mos. has been a Subaru STi. 300HP/300lb-ft TQ.... but now about 350/350 with minor mods (<$1500).
The STi is, by far, the best dd I have ever owned. It is really an incredible machine and a huge value for the money. I know, I know, I'm not a fan of its looks either, and it's kind of getting old to have every 16 year-old kid you see giving you the thumbs up. BUT, from a driver's experience the car is really fantastic. It is faster than snot and, perhaps more importantly, the power is all down low. The car's power range allows it to be very "squirt-able". In contrast, was the blown NSX. A very nice car that I enjoyed immensly. I owned it for eight years - longer than any car in my life. Although more powerful, all the power was in the high-end (5500rpm - 8000rpm). Although I don't often engage in street antics, the NSX would necessitate that you continued an "engagement" until 70-80 MPH before it could prevail. The longer/higher MPH of the skirmish, the better. Therefore, a strict avoidance of the temptations. The STi is really the opposite. Roll-on from any speed to another and the STi is always there, always ready and just friggen' POUNCES!
As for the handling, the STi AWD makes a motal driver look/act like a pro. Running down a 270 degree sweeping freeway on-ramp in a 4-wheel drift is child's play. Easy. Really. (You'll do it every time you have a chance, it's so easy.) 4-doors so the whole family can partake in my mad driving, so it's fun for the whole family! (Not sure they would always agree, however!)
The GT is so cool in that it is both a very sexy "looker" and simultaneously a driver's car. The STi is a driver's car - always rewarding to drive, always ready to leap at a moment's notice. It's bad looks will keep much of the "mature" crowd from ever experiencing how truly wonderful this car is. That is unfortunate.
Since my post is kind of long already, let me toss a few word in about the GS400. I bought one new in 2000. Frankly, I didn't like it from the get-go. It is just too perfect of a chamber. I spiff'd it up with wheels/tires and a more aggressive exhaust. It was obviously super reliable, super comfortable, reasonably good-looking.... and an absolute bore to drive. I found myself adapting to it's culture - driving like an old man. Wonderful car. Not for me.
Let's hear about your dd and why.
I consider myself an enthusiast through and through and, as such, more heavily weight the driving experience over looks and what others may think. (I have to put this up-front, because if you can't identify with this perspective, you'll never understand my dd!)
In the past my daily drivers have included an '88 M5, a '91 M5, a supercharged NSX (400 HP), Lexus GS400, and an Integra Type R. However, my dd for the last 14 mos. has been a Subaru STi. 300HP/300lb-ft TQ.... but now about 350/350 with minor mods (<$1500).
The STi is, by far, the best dd I have ever owned. It is really an incredible machine and a huge value for the money. I know, I know, I'm not a fan of its looks either, and it's kind of getting old to have every 16 year-old kid you see giving you the thumbs up. BUT, from a driver's experience the car is really fantastic. It is faster than snot and, perhaps more importantly, the power is all down low. The car's power range allows it to be very "squirt-able". In contrast, was the blown NSX. A very nice car that I enjoyed immensly. I owned it for eight years - longer than any car in my life. Although more powerful, all the power was in the high-end (5500rpm - 8000rpm). Although I don't often engage in street antics, the NSX would necessitate that you continued an "engagement" until 70-80 MPH before it could prevail. The longer/higher MPH of the skirmish, the better. Therefore, a strict avoidance of the temptations. The STi is really the opposite. Roll-on from any speed to another and the STi is always there, always ready and just friggen' POUNCES!
As for the handling, the STi AWD makes a motal driver look/act like a pro. Running down a 270 degree sweeping freeway on-ramp in a 4-wheel drift is child's play. Easy. Really. (You'll do it every time you have a chance, it's so easy.) 4-doors so the whole family can partake in my mad driving, so it's fun for the whole family! (Not sure they would always agree, however!)
The GT is so cool in that it is both a very sexy "looker" and simultaneously a driver's car. The STi is a driver's car - always rewarding to drive, always ready to leap at a moment's notice. It's bad looks will keep much of the "mature" crowd from ever experiencing how truly wonderful this car is. That is unfortunate.
Since my post is kind of long already, let me toss a few word in about the GS400. I bought one new in 2000. Frankly, I didn't like it from the get-go. It is just too perfect of a chamber. I spiff'd it up with wheels/tires and a more aggressive exhaust. It was obviously super reliable, super comfortable, reasonably good-looking.... and an absolute bore to drive. I found myself adapting to it's culture - driving like an old man. Wonderful car. Not for me.
Let's hear about your dd and why.
