2001 MR2 Spyder vs. 2002 Honda S2000 vs. 2004 Nissan 350Z?

Question

Buying a car to tune to match the performance of my father's 2006 Cayman S.

I need: 0-60 in 4.9s, 1/4 mile in 13.1, and this thing needs to be able to handle! If I can't keep up in turns I need to be able to close the gap bit by bit in the straits.

Which of the above will be able to be tuned to this performance level providing a good balance of cost input for performance upgrades, and long-term reliability? (Of course I'm not demanding bullet-proof reliability, it's a tuner).

Answer 1

I'd think the 350Z would be your best bet - it's the only one of the above that I've heard making 1000hp or more.

The MR2 would be the worst choice since they are considered sluggish though they handle great.

The S2000 may or may not be a good choice. They are nice stock considering they make 60hp per half liter cylinder but I have doubts on it's ability to hold up under boost.

Answer 2

The S2000 is out.  I drove a students S2000 earlier this year at an autocross school I was teaching.  Brilliant handling car but I wouldn't say it had an abundance of power.

The MR2 Spyder is another one I've had a stab at on the autocross course.  An interestingly balanced car especially considering the aft engine placement - unlike a Miata I could not get it to oversteer to save my life. Extremely well balanced. Again though, not a lot of power there.

The 350Z is really your only choice.  This is one I've never experienced at the track though I did work for Nissan when these came out so I have a little street driving experience with them.  This is probably the only car on your list with the combination of power and balance that will provide a proper starting point for you.  

Answer 3

not sure, but for me the only one of those 3 i even fit into is the nissan 350 Z.  if you have any size to you, (i'm 6'2 and 230) you may want to look into that.