What is the best handling car you have ever driven?

[flyingcarhands]

And how did it compare to your VW?
I have test driven the Golf GTI and needless to say, I want one.
However, I wouldn't say its the best handler I have ever driven, it's just now I am an old fart with kids so need some practicalities and outright speed is not the only criteria for buying a car anymore.
Best I have driven would be a tough call between a 1999 Mazda MX5 and a 1999 Honda Integra Type R.
Handling is also a subjective thing (stopwatches, g-meters and racetracks aside).

[Grover]

The best handling car that I have ever been in (by far) is my modified 2005 350Z Track. The Golf, by comparison feels soft and sloppy (almost dangerous and incapable). However, the trouble with cars that handle like go-karts is that they can be very uncomfortable for long distances (especially on our "goat track" roads here in Qld). The Golf is a nicer place to be when you just want to relax.

The Zed is a bit too hard-core for me these days as I am getting on a bit and have a preferrence for comfort although I still like to take her out on Sundays for a quick blast (when I am in the mood). The New Golf R (or even a GTI) sounds like a good compromise to me.

[goodfella]

Lamborghini Murcielago for me... sure it was a mates and I was being EXTRA CAREFUL, but a quick spin through the twisities around Warrandyte (vic) definitely showed how well tuned the beast is!

[Yevvy]

Lamborghini Murcielago for me... sure it was a mates and I was being EXTRA CAREFUL, but a quick spin through the twisities around Warrandyte (vic) definitely showed how well tuned the beast is!

Holy crap, a lambo?!!

For me would be Mischa's looow GT

[jamesatfish]

On a track the best I've driven would be the 997 GT3 - the grip levels are astounding (particularly with R-Spec tyres standard from the factory and some negative camber dialled in), the chassis is amazingly communicative and the steering is the perfect compromise between weight, feedback and accuracy.

You need to bring your A-Game to get the best out of the car but it's so rewarding when you get things right.

It's not really fair making the comparison to the VWs I've owned - the Polo is light and the stiff suspension and sticky tyres give great corner speeds, but it's a blunt instrument in comparison to something like the GT3. You can't control slip angles with the throttle (ref FWD) and beyond the limits of traction it's just an understeering mess.

That said, the Polo offers a pretty great bang-for-buck; I sold my track-prepped Boxster S for the Polo and I've not yet been to a track and wished I had the old car back.

[thestu]

B4 twin turbo liberty and an evo 8

[Dubdabest]

This is only my second car and I haven't driven any mods or track car but am quite happy with my Jetta TFSI. Comfy enough for the shopping trip (though hate Sydney potholes) but zippy enough for little spirited drive now and then... Once I beat an Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro even through a corner! My wheels were squeeling while the bast... had quattro working but I beat 'em!!

[DGen]

F355 Spider. My ex boss has one, got to drive it regularly until i quit.

Front end was well planted and the rear was lively enough to be fun but planted enough to warn you when you were getting close to the limit. The only thing better than its handling, was the sound of the engine... 8500 rpm was hit often, and i spent most of my time seeking tunnels to accelerate through.

At 22, driving a Fazz was amazing. The first time i drove it i remember i couldn't stop sweating and i was hardly pushing it.

After the first few times though, it was a joy to drive.

[AGO41T]

charade! best handling car made

[evorobin]

996 Carrera. Traction was superb

[G-rig]

bugatti veyron

[jamesatfish]

bugatti veyron

Best car you've driven (would surely be a no-brainer for me if I ever had the chance to drive one) or best handling (or both)?

I've always thought the Veyron's handling would suffer from the car's weight and AWD drivetrain, but this is just from reading / watching others who have driven one. Does it really feel like that to drive or does the power overcome those issues?

[goodfella]

actually, I'd like to revise mine, it was all the renters i've had. They were sooo good I never had to pay an excess or lose my deposit! They just stick when you throw it in!

[G-rig]

Best car you've driven (would surely be a no-brainer for me if I ever had the chance to drive one) or best handling (or both)?

I've always thought the Veyron's handling would suffer from the car's weight and AWD drivetrain, but this is just from reading / watching others who have driven one. Does it really feel like that to drive or does the power overcome those issues?

Just kidding sorry, I can't back that up .

Best handling I've driven would have to be my R32: H&R street performance c/overs, H&R Sways and Haldex Gen2.

Also had a DC2R that went pretty well, didn't suffer the same wheelspin as the GTI's and pretty balanced. Had aftermarket suspension too, but not sure what it was.

[jamesatfish]

Just kidding sorry, I can't back that up .

Best handling I've driven would have to be my R32: H&R street performance c/overs, H&R Sways and Haldex Gen2.

No worries - I'm sure someone on this forum previously mentioned that they drove a Veyron as part of the Melbourne F1 events - just figured that might have been you.