The Most Fun Cars to Drive: A Personal Journey
From the iconic Ford Mustang to the quiet luxury of a Cadillac ATS, the joys of driving a car can be deeply personal and varied.
The Ford Mustang in My Heart
When it comes to the question of what car I consider the most fun to drive, it's not the Ford Mustang that takes the top spot. My current contender is an 88 Mustang 5.0 with a 5-speed manual transmission. However, it surely competes for the title with many others. My first experience with such a car was a 1988 5.0 model, which left me thoroughly impressed with its power and driveability. Although it was rust-prone, its performance is undeniably memorable.
Experiencing the Power of a 1968 Mustang
There are cars that stand out, like my 1968 Mustang with a Cleveland engine. This car was a real hoot to drive, thanks to its overwhelming power. Unfortunately, the car was prone to break down, often requiring me to stay the night at various local dealerships. Despite the reliability issues, the sheer power and excitement of driving this car make it a cherished memory.
A 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe: My New Favorite
When a car is bought new, it brings a special kind of joy to the driving experience. My 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe with a manual transmission is one such car that stands out. Purchased brand new, it is easy to see why this model takes the cake in terms of fun. But there's always that untold story of its 10-year history with me, which adds its charm. Rust and all, it elevates the experience of driving, making it a classic.
A 2013 Toyota Sienna: Dependable and Comfortable
My current car, a 2013 Toyota Sienna with all-wheel drive, might seem like an odd choice for a fun car, but it has its own kind of charm. The car is reliable, and its AWD makes it a comfortable choice for daily driving. If it were possible to put a manual transmission in this car, it would be the ultimate family car with a great driving experience. My neighbor's 66 Mustang, though a bit of a rust bucket, still offers a nostalgic and driving experience that is hard to beat.
Personal Experiences: From the 66 Mustang to a 1964 Corvette
My 1966 Mustang, 6-cylinder manual transmission, was a tough one. Although it was functional, it had its fair share of rust issues. My 1964 Corvette convertible, however, completely changed the game. I improved it with 4-wheel disc brakes and a 454 engine. These modifications elevated the performance to a whole new level, making it a true joy to drive. The 1967 Pontiac Firebird with a 389 engine and 4-speed gear was extremely fast off the line, but the corners were a different story. On the other hand, the 1969 Mustang was incredibly fast out of the corner but struggled elsewhere. It's always a balancing act, and combining the two may have created a truly unstoppable machine.
Other Drivers' Experiences: Opel Manta Gte and More
Looking at what others have driven, there are a variety of vehicles that stand out, such as the Opel Manta GTe and the Saab 900 turbo. The MG BGT was also a personal favorite, known for its fast road cam, fast road dizzy, and electronic ignition. Clippers like the C220 AMG estate offer quiet luxury and enhance the driving experience with a silky ride. The 2013 Toyota Sienna and its AWD system provide a comfortable and reliable ride, perfect for daily driving.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the joy of driving is highly subjective. While the Ford Mustang, particularly the 1968 model, is a classic that stands the test of time, other cars such as the 1987 Thunderbird, the 1964 Corvette, and even a 2013 Toyota Sienna can provide deeply rewarding driving experiences. Each car has its unique charm and driving characteristics, making the pursuit of the most fun car an endless journey of exploration and joy.