These 10 Classic Cars Are Pure Fun To Drive
By: Jan Millard Lacuna (HotCars)
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
These 10 Classic Cars Are Pure Fun To Drive
As the saying goes, old but gold. We can't think of a better way to describe these classic drivers' cars.
Cars have come a long way in terms of looks, safety, and technology compared to just 20 years ago. The level of sophistication and build quality of cars have never been higher than they are right now, and this trend is bound to continue for years to come. In fact, in the near future, not only will cars have a different way of propulsion, we might even actually see these cars able to drive themselves.
Which leaves us to this argument, that today's automobiles have somewhat become boring, or too easy to drive, and too driver-friendly. In other words, cars have become too digital, and doesn't feel organic anymore in terms of driving experience, because advanced technologies like driver aids take care of the driver's shortcomings in critical driving situations.
As far as nostalgia goes, we take a look at some of the classic cars that are renowned for providing the purest driving experience.
10. Mazda MX-5 NA
Mazda MX5 MK1 - Front view - lights up - BRG
The first generation Mazda MX-5 Miata, commonly referred to by enthusiasts as the NA chassis, had all the makings of a classic British roadster, but was engineered to perfection by the Japanese manufacturer.
CarThrottle's Phil the MX-5
The result was a reliable, cheap, and fun roadster that punches way above its weight class due to its nimble handling. It didn't come out of the factory packed with technical wizardry because it doesn't need it, as the chassis provides plenty of feedback to the driver.
9. MINI Cooper
Arguably one of the greatest cars to ever come out of Great Britain, the classic MINI Cooper was the weapon of choice for rallying back in the 60s.
It had the perfect blend of agility, balance, and size that allowed it to obliterate much bigger competition, and its solid handling further proved the point that you don't need a lot of horsepower to have fun in a road car.
8. BMW M3 E30
The BMW M3 E30 was a homologation special, built to compete in the Group A class of the late 80s to the early 90s. This was the German car manufacturer's most successful touring car ever made.
BMW M3 (E30) driving.
A naturally-aspirated, high-revving four-cylinder engine, 5-speed dog-leg manual gearbox, near 50-50 weight distribution and no driver assists. These are all the ingredients that make up for such a great car that embodies its brand's slogan for giving the "Ultimate Driving Experience".
7. Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1
Golf 1 gti
It was a car that revolutionized the 'hot hatch' category due to its practicality blended with sports-car like capabilities, which made it such a huge hit to the masses back when it was introduced 30 years ago.
VW Golf GTi Mk1 - Rear Quarter - white
The Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 had a punchy 110 hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine borrowed from an Audi, and a curb weight of just 840 kg, which allowed it to have a pep in its step from the get go, and had a 0 to 60 time of just 8 seconds.
6. Toyota Corolla AE86
Okay, the Initial D manga/anime series may have played a huge part as to why the AE86 Corolla became an automotive icon, but in its own right, it had all the makings of a proper lightweight sports car.
AE86 GTS
The fact that it is a Toyota, means it's simple, reliable, balanced and a fun car to have, plus it's coupled with a potent 1.6-liter 4AGE motor that has one of the most satisfying induction noises you could ever hear from an internal combustion engine.
5. Lancia Delta HF Integrale
1992 Lancia Delta HF Integrale In Black And Pristine Condition
The Lancia name may be forever associated with rallying, as the Italian marque has enjoyed unparalleled success during its participation in the World Rally Championship.
Lancia Delta Integrale EVO II - Front Quarter - Red
Their last WRC car, the Delta HF Integrale, holds the record for the most victories, as it was practically unbeatable from the end of the Group B era in its S4 guise until the early 90s of Group A rallying with the HF Integrale. The lightweight four-wheel-drive hatchback was a homologation model, meaning it was a rally car that was only converted to be road-legal.
4. Datsun 240Z
The Datsun 240Z is one of Japan's greatest classic sports cars ever made. It had a straight six-engine with plenty of low-down torque for highway cruises, and a driver-focused interior that makes the driving experience all the more impressive.
In fact, much of the DNA of the original Z car was carried over to its succeeding models, and is the main reason why the nameplate remains one of the most sought after sports cars to ever come out of Japan.
3. Porsche 911
via Singer
The basic layout of rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive, flat-6 motor and lightweight chassis continues to be the main features of the 911 experience, even after almost 60 years in production.
Porsche diligently stuck to a proven formula over the years that made the 911 such an iconic sports car. The handling provided by the unorthodox drivetrain layout gives a unique and visceral experience, that makes it fun for the people who could tame this wonderfully engineered car.
2. Honda CRX
We really miss how Honda made wonderful handling cars that were very simple, like the CRX. The ingredients were as straightforward as it gets — a peppy 1.6-liter VTEC motor, double wishbone suspension, and a stiff but lightweight chassis.
Its communicative nature and pin-sharp handling made it such a fun car to drive, even in stock form. Plus, the high-revving nature of the VTEC engine found in the CRX means it has to be driven hard in order to make the car come alive, and when you do, it's a fantastic experience to have in such a small and cheap Japanese car.
1. Ford Escort RS1600
Intended to rule the world of rallying, the RS in the Ford Escort RS1600 stands for RallyeSport. While it looks like an unassuming entry-level model, that thought is completely obliterated once the famous BDA engine springs to life.
The most powerful version of the car's BDA Cosworth engine made over 240 bhp, and its glorious wail at full song dominates the experience of driving the RS1600 at the absolute limit.
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The only one of those cars I ever owned was a VW Golf convertible that I bought for my 2 kids to share. I think that the only time I ever drove it was to test drive it when I bought it.