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In 2,5 years working as an automotive journalist, I have more or less extensively driven the following performance cars, amongst others:
Audi RS2
Audi RS4
BMW M3
BMW M5
Lotus Elise 111S
Lotus Elise 120 Mk2
Mitsubishi Evo VI
MG ZS 180
Porsche 911 (996) Carrera 4 Cabriolet
Saab 9-3 Viggen
Seat Leon Cupra 4
TVR Chimaera 4.0
Volkswagen Beetle RSI
Of the saloon/GT cars in this nice array, I can only say of the Evo VI that it's probably ahead of the game in comparison to any modified Saab c900 in terms of raw excitement, by virtue of its trancendental handling. It looks and feels like a cheap sh*tbox inside, though, and I can imagine you would not want to be seen in one. Both current M-series are compromised IMO by their heavy-handed, soft übersaloon nature which doesn't exactly inspire confidence, and the M3 isn't that fast anyways. The Viggens low-speed, low gear cornering behaviour as stock is simply indisputable in this company and as with the Beemers, the steering lacks precision and feedback. The MG is actually quite close in feel to a stock 900T16S, a 'grown up' kind of GTI, but its interior lacks quality. I found the Porsche to be 'nice', but not outstanding in any way from a driver's standpoint. Audi's RS2 is raw, exhilarating and extremely capable but can be frustrating due to its major turbo lag. The RS4 is hugely impressive, but its weight, BIG wheels and slightly clinical overall feel make the experience a little 'detached'.
Of the out and out sports cars I both love the Lotus and TVR for different reasons, but neither are beyond crticism that make them a less 'all round' performance package. I'd really like to drive Skyline GT-R or Morgan Aero 8 some time, though...
So from this representative sample of current heroes, I feel a well modified c900 could provide performance & handling up with the best of them. Mind you, it will always plow at the limit due to FWD and standing start accelerations never will be a forte either, but it makes up for that in other areas: rock-solid cornering stability paired with agile & precise handling and breathtaking midrange acceleration. The areas you will most want to work on -apart from improving overall grip and power levels- are throttle response, especially at low rpm (hence my 2,1 litre conversion & lightened flywheel; also consider detailed changes in fuel and ignition management and getting the chassis balance a tad more towards neutral.
It can definitely be done. Took me nearly eight years and $$$ with Saabine, but I'm getting there. If only I got stable boost...
Happy Saabing,
Eric
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