For scenic weekend drives, do you all like classic cars or modern sports cars better? I've never owned a classic car and I'm discovering that it is a blind spot in my car experience.
I got a chance to drive my dad's 1963 Porsche 356 this summer and found it equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. As a result, I'm hankering to explore older cars (anything pre-2000's) to see where the sweet spot in driver involvement is for me.
My enjoyment of the 356 pretty much boiled down to the "it's more fun to drive a slow car fast" argument. Trying to keep up with modern traffic in the 1963 Porsche is no small feat, especially when hills are involved. And managing the carbureted engine (which sounds great!), the long and imprecise shifter, the "classic" brakes/tires and the heavy manual steering was a rewarding and involving challenge. I came away enjoying my at-the-speed-limit drive much more than I would have in any other car.
(I wrote
1500 words about the drive here.)
A point which was proven when I jumped into my friend's 2021 MX-5 Miata, doubled the cautionary speed limit through the corners, and still found myself comparatively bored by the numb steering and refined engine.
The back-to-back experience has me thinking I should explore some 1980's BMWs and Porsches, to see if I can mix the challenge, feedback and involvement of the Porsche 356 with more confidence inspiring brakes, transmission and engine.
Do you all have a favorite 1970s - 1990s car you'd suggest I try? I'm in Northern California, so something that works well on mountain roads is what I'm looking for.
Thanks!
Mike
