The Best "Reasonable" Roadster (formerly "Affordable")

[YSSMAN]

I love a good debate, and this should get some people talking:

Q: What is the best "affordable" roadster available on the road today?

A: At the very core, it is a very tough question to answer. On the one hand, I'm drawn twards the home-team with the Solstice and Sky (Opel GT as well), but on the same token I can't completely write off the S2000 or the Z4. In my heart of hearts, I want to say the MX5, but they have yet to offer a modified version similar to the Mazdaspeed Miata... Of course, if I had money I'd be looking at cars like the Wiesmann, Boxster, or Elise...Hell, maybe I'd get Shelby on the line and order up a Cobra 289...?

What say you?

Pontiac Solstice GXP: 170HP 2.4L (base), 260HP 2.0L DI Turbo

Saturn Sky Red Line: 170HP 2.4L (base), 260HP 2.0L DI Turbo

Opel GT: (see above, essentially the same as Saturn Sky Red Line)

BMW Z4 M-Roadster: 330HP 3.2L I6

Porsche Boxster-S: 280HP 3.2L F6

Mazda MX-5: 170HP 2.0L I4

Honda S2000: 240HP 2.2L I4

Caterham SV: 185HP 2.0L Ford Zetec I4 (SVT Focus)

Lotus Elise: 180HP 1.8L Toyota VVT-i (Celica, Maxtirx XRS, Pontiac Vibe)

TVR Tamora: 330HP 3.6L I6

Shelby CSX8000: Around 300HP (depends on options) Ford 4.7L (289ci) V8

Wiesmann Roadster: 330HP BMW 3.2L I6 (BMW M3)

 

[Jay]

Smart Roadster

"Most affordable" around here, but as for the "best affordable" I would go for the MX5.

Then I would say the great S2000, but S2000 and Z4 are too expensive here (aswell as Boxsters, Elise etc)

BTW we dont get Kappa based cars here so I can't comment on them, although I wonuldn't be suprised if a badge engineered Holden Roadster (Kappa) turned up. We almost got the VX220 as a Holden a few years ago.

 

[amp88]

Best "Affordable" on your list I'd say was the MX-5. The one I'd choose for myself, though, would be the Boxster S.

 

[YSSMAN]

I came ever so close to voting for the MX-5, but the Solstice ended up with my vote.

It is such a tough category to pick just one winner, really because there are so many great models to choose from. To put it simply, I chose the Solstice on the combination of good looks, good performance, and good pricing. I'm in love with the Envious Green model with the tan/black seats...

If I had money however, I'm going with the Shelby CSX8000. You can't beat small-block power under the hood of a small roadster, s-loads of fun!

 

[MistaX]

S2000, being the only one on the list I've driven. You can't judge a car without driving it, after all.

 

[Sage]

Ah, this is obviously some strange usage of the word “affordable” that I wasn't previously aware of. (With apologies to Douglas Adams.)

If we’re talking, say under $30,000, then the Mazda MX-5 wins in a heartbeat. Above that price range, I’d go for the Honda S2000 – the Lotus Elise is close, but I’d want something reasonably comfortable for less-spirited driving. The Honda S2000 is still extreme, but not as extreme.

 

[Wolfe]

I took some liberties with the application of the word "affordable" in the title and picked the Porsche Boxster S...there is no substitute.

Really, everyone always says that for pure driving thrills, the confidence-inspiring Boxster is the way to go....although my heart really lies with the M Roadster...

S2000, being the only one on the list I've driven. You can't judge a car without driving it, after all.

Well, you just judged every single other car on the list without driving them, by picking the S2000.

Judging without driving is almost a necessity around these parts, simply because we won't have a chance to drive most of the cars we talk about, and only talking about cars we have driven would get pretty boring.

 

[Slicks]

MX-5. Hands down. Plus, you can buy a used one for a bargain and there is an ever-growing aftermarket for them.
The fact that I've driven older ones may or may not have influenced that, too

 

[YSSMAN]

I used the term "affordable" in as somewhat of a loose term to describe pricing.

Cars like the Corvette, Viper, Ferrari F430 Spyder, Lamborghini Gallarado Spyder etc were left out due to their higher prices by comparison. I suppose the Boxster is stretching that definition of "affordable" a bit, same with the Elise, but I still think they are within the grasp of most average folks out there...

EDIT: Maybe the term "reasonable" would have been a better word...

 

[MistaX]

Well, you just judged every single other car on the list without driving them, by picking the S2000.

Judging without driving is almost a necessity around these parts, simply because we won't have a chance to drive most of the cars we talk about, and only talking about cars we have driven would get pretty boring.

Well you know what I mean. I can't judge the rest of the cars, but I can say 100% for sure that the S2000 is a great car.

 

[a6m5]

I gotta go: Lotus Elise > Honda S2000 > Mazda MX5. But if the question is really about the affordability, it's gotta be the Mazda.

 

[Wolfe]

Well you know what I mean. I can't judge the rest of the cars, but I can say 100% for sure that the S2000 is a great car.

I think a lot of the cars on this list are great cars, but yes, I know what you meant.

 

[gibus]

I voted for the Z4 M, but it is truly sexier in the coupé version...

 

[ferrari_chris]

I had to go with the S2000.

While I was puzzled at your term 'affordable', I just chose my preferred car from the list.

I think I can honestly say that if presented with the choice of any of those cars, I would drive away in the S2000. It was a toss up between that and the Elise, and while I like the Elise I thought the S2000 would be overall more practicle and potentially more reliable. While I can't comment on the reliability of the Elise, I think that Honda's are the most reliable cars on the road.

I acknowledge the Elise will be a faster car overall, but I'm prepared to sacrafice some track speed for practicality, reliability and sensibility. I envisage the S2000 as a daily-driver - I can't see that with the Elise.

Honda S2000 for me.

 

[Poverty]

I voted TVR. We should put some tumbnails into this thread of each car plus torque,hp, weight and price, actually scratch the price,

 

[Dave A]

I had to toss (a coin) between the S2000 and the MX5, the Tamora is a faster car, more powerful and probably the fastest in that list on a track, but I don't consider it affordable in the same sense that I consider the S2000 and MX5 affordable. The Tamora is 36k, cheap for the performance you get, but that's a clean 10k over what I'd consider an affordable roadster. The Boxster S is more expensive still and if the average earner was to buy one it would take 3 years of spending nothing, nothing on food, property, utilities etc, not a penny on anything but tax for 3 years.

The S2000 can be had for 25k and the MX5 for as little as 15k, in terms of what's the best value for money, it's a clear win for the MX5, but I just like the S2000 a lot more in terms of looks and it's got better performance. So it narrowly win's.

 

[lmracer]

i had to vote the mx-5 because i think its the only one on that list i might be able to afford if i suddenly was compelled to pick up a sports car.

 

[TurboSmoke]

The Vauxhall XV220 and Lotus Elise are both lightening quick cars, i have driven both and you can get either one second hand for around 15 grand if you shop around...

smokes any MX5 eaaaasily.

 

[Dave A]

Well if we're talking second hand as well, I'll pick up a great condition Tuscan Speed six second hand for 25k.

 

[TurboSmoke]

Well if we're talking second hand as well, I'll pick up a great condidion Tuscan Speed six second hand for 25k.

yep, great car....less that 20k actually..

wanna buy mine?


http://www.compucars.co.uk/vehicle-...ansmission=&intMax=&intMin=&RSPage=3&ID=92469

 

[Dave A]

I would if I could .

 

[YSSMAN]

EDIT: Photos added in post #1 with horsepower ratings. All prices on the cars are less than $100K USD, I belive the msot expensive going to either the Wisemann (I have not been able to find a full price) or the Porsche (just shy of $60K USD).

 

[Dave A]

The Weissman will probably be the most expensive car in that list by far, they don't come cheap over here, let alone in the US.

 

[Wolfe]

Hey YSSMAN, your photo of the Lotus Elise "was hotlinked from www.sandsmuseum.com. Please copy the image to your own server and host it there".....

 

[YSSMAN]

Oops, let me fix that...

EDIT: All better... A better picture as well!

 

[Joey D]

I like the S2000 quite a bit but really the Saturn Sky Redline is one of the nicest looking cars I've ever seen, I gotta vote for it.

 

[Max_DC]

EDIT: Photos added in post #1 with horsepower ratings. All prices on the cars are less than $100K USD, I belive the msot expensive going to either the Wisemann (I have not been able to find a full price) or the Porsche (just shy of $60K USD).

The Weissman will probably be the most expensive car in that list by far, they don't come cheap over here, let alone in the US.

NO and NO... It hurts my eyes WIESMANN

 

[JCE]

I like the S2000 quite a bit but really the Saturn Sky Redline is one of the nicest looking cars I've ever seen, I gotta vote for it.

+1 The Saturn Sky Redline is absolutely my choice. I prefer the exterior look over most of the other listed with only the Shelby and Lotus being almost as good looking.

 

[BMWteamPTG]

Z4 - its a BMW, its got great stats, and it looks the best. hands down

 

[Swift]

For affordablitiy: MX-5 hands down.

For Best in this group all things considered(cost vs performance vs usability) I'd have to say the Lotus Elise. It's just sweet, even with the Toyota motor.