Which makes the better track car

[Gtiracer]

In the the summer I am looking at getting into track days and getting a car for tracks day use only, would be trailered to and from so purley for track usage.

The considerations are;

106 Gti
Civic Type R (EP3 I think around 2003ish)
Leon Cupra R 225


Obviously these are very different types of cars, the Leon has a turbo but in standard guise (it won't stay standard for long but want to start with the best base for handling and brakes) which would be better for track. Are turbo cars better for track or NA?

Any help or other suggestions welcome but Im pretty set on one of either these three cars, obviously the 106 Gti's go for much cheaper so more could be spent on upgrading it I guess so If that makes it worth it, its worth mentioning


Cheers

 

[Gtiracer]

Kind of confirmed what Ive been thinking, I really like the look of the leon but the 106 gti is cheap as chips now so can get a good base for 1200 ish and spend the rest on upgrades, a lot have been cammed already

One more thing, 106 gti or saxo vts then as they are practically the same car do they handle exactly the same and have the same brakes?

 

[Gtiracer]

Given that you have the flexibility to use anything you want (doesn't even need to be road legal) I think they are 3 rather boring choices for a dedicated track car, but out of the three I think I would prefer the 106.

if they are boring, what sort of car would you suggest that is exciting then, I was under the impression from a lot of people and reviews that the 106 is a hoot for a small cheap car

I do like stuff like the 200sx as well though but i know far more about peugeots than i do nissans plus as already mentioned turbos can encounter more complications

 

[Gtiracer]

I think the 106 GTi has claimed it really or maybe a clio 172, thanks for the help.

Lopez I see your point but with cars like that and are 100% custom Im just outta my depth would prefer to stick with something I can just jump in and go and know how to work on if it goes wrong.

 

[Gtiracer]

Just to pint outstock for stock the ep3 is quicker on track than an lcr and a 106 gti

Although once you start modding it's a different ball game

Lcr would be great (I have on and yes it's been on track) but it's going to cost a small fortune to run and maintain

Some suggestions instead

205 gti either with a 8v or a gti6 transplant
Mk2 golf with an ABF lump fitted or a 20vt

Or for just out and out fun for not much down get a saxo vts

Had a 205 Mi16 Before, lovely car had mine for ages but just want something a bit different. 106's seem to get a lot of hype

Mk1 Fiesta with nicely tuned engine.
Here is my mates round oulton park

http://www.youtube.com/user/mk1mad#p/u/3/SlNKb1iibs4

Would prefer a newer chassis to avoid the rot issues that comes associated with fords, as cool as retro cars can be though

 

[Gtiracer]

DC2 looks tempting option, which in standard guise would do the quicker lap times and be more exciting, involving to drive.

I don't want something that is unneccesarily hard work to drive, just get in and enjoy type car. Im guess the teg is better but its £2k that could be spent on the pug for throttle bodies or something etc?

 

[Gtiracer]

Have you set yourself a budget yet?

I would rather spend 3k on a car and do 5-6 trackdays (£400 a day budget) than 5k and only do 1 trackday.

The costs on track will rack up quite quick even if you only use fuel and tyres.

To be honest it just how much i have spare at the time, you have made a very good point, could pick up a slightly modified 106 gti and just jump straight in.

Looking forward to summertime and Ive got plenty of time to look for the right car as well as 106's are quite common and freely available its easy to say no to a bad one

 

[Gtiracer]

Seriously, is there any particular reason why you seemingly aren't giving MX5s any thought?

Hard to say really, are they that good in standard guise, Im just not a fan of them at all and it would take a really inspiring drive from one to convince me otherwise, I have never driven RWD before yet I am very familiar with FWD hatchbacks and know them best so to change to RWD would be a big step as i would be taking it straight to track i thought better to go with something im more used to.

I know this might sound a bit out there
but how about a ford puma, the engines are very nice and revvy, the handerlings excellent due to the lightweight engine up front.

Hard to say without ever having driven one but they seem to get good reviews so I will bear it in mind. Cheers for the suggestion (Only the racing Puma though)