Best Sporty Cars for Handling and Balance: A Guide for Nick’s Next Ride

Nick is a car enthusiast who loves to race and drive on the open road. He recently sold his RX-8, which he used to race regularly before the pandemic. Now that he is relocating to North Carolina, he is looking for another sporty car that prioritizes balance and handling over horsepower. In this article, we will explore some of the best sporty cars for handling and balance that Nick should consider.

1. Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a classic sports car that has been around since 1989. It is known for its exceptional handling and balance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts. The Miata is a lightweight car that weighs only 2,341 pounds, which makes it easy to maneuver on the road. It also has a low center of gravity, which helps with stability and cornering.

The Miata comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. While this may not be the most powerful engine, it is more than enough to provide an exciting driving experience. The Miata also comes with a six-speed manual transmission, which allows for precise shifting and control.

2. Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ

The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are two sports cars that were developed jointly by Toyota and Subaru. Both cars are known for their exceptional handling and balance, making them popular among car enthusiasts. The 86 and BRZ are lightweight cars that weigh only 2,776 pounds, which makes them easy to maneuver on the road.

The 86 and BRZ come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. While this may not be the most powerful engine, it is more than enough to provide an exciting driving experience. The 86 and BRZ also come with a six-speed manual transmission, which allows for precise shifting and control.

3. Porsche Cayman

The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine sports car that is known for its exceptional handling and balance. It is a more expensive option than the Miata, 86, and BRZ, but it is worth considering if Nick is looking for a more luxurious driving experience. The Cayman is a lightweight car that weighs only 2,944 pounds, which makes it easy to maneuver on the road.

The Cayman comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This is a more powerful engine than the Miata, 86, and BRZ, but it still prioritizes handling and balance over horsepower. The Cayman also comes with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed PDK automatic transmission, which allows for precise shifting and control.

4. Honda Civic Type R

The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance version of the Honda Civic that is known for its exceptional handling and balance. It is a more affordable option than the Cayman, but it still provides an exciting driving experience. The Civic Type R is a lightweight car that weighs only 3,117 pounds, which makes it easy to maneuver on the road.

The Civic Type R comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is a more powerful engine than the Miata, 86, and BRZ, but it still prioritizes handling and balance over horsepower. The Civic Type R also comes with a six-speed manual transmission, which allows for precise shifting and control.

5. Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2

The Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2 is a high-performance version of the Ford Mustang that is known for its exceptional handling and balance. It is a more powerful option than the Miata, 86, BRZ, and Civic Type R, but it still prioritizes handling and balance over horsepower. The Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2 is a heavier car that weighs 3,705 pounds, but it still provides an exciting driving experience.

The Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2 comes with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. This is a much more powerful engine than the Miata, 86, BRZ, and Civic Type R, but it still provides exceptional handling and balance. The Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2 also comes with a six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic transmission, which allows for precise shifting and control.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nick has several options to consider when looking for a sporty car that prioritizes handling and balance. The Mazda MX-5 Miata, Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ, Porsche Cayman, Honda Civic Type R, and Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2 are all great options that provide an exciting driving experience. Nick should consider his budget, driving preferences, and lifestyle when choosing his next ride. Regardless of which car he chooses, he is sure to have a thrilling driving experience on the open roads of North Carolina.