speedster/spyder pros and cons

I've owned a Beck Spyder and CMC Speedster....  Both had similar HP.....  After driving the Speedster for a while, I missed the handling of the Spyder and the acceleration....

The Speedster actually had less driver leg room and the car had less usuable "luggage" space. (Remember this is a CMC. Other makes seem to be much better in this department.)....

The Spyder had to be sorted out when bought in 2002 (not from Special Editions) and the Speedster required a complete work up on the body, running gear, electrics, etc. as it had been neglected for many many years...  Mechanically I'm familiar with both types and can say that the Spyder is by far the easiest to work on and responds to alteration more acutely....

The Spyder's more nearly neutral handling, requires re-learning when and where to hit the gas / brakes when negotiating twists and turns....  The cars lighter weight will make the brakes seem better than the same package on a Speedster....  (I heartily recommend 4 wheel disc brakes on either one.)

I was 5'10" when I bought the Spyder and the car fit well....   The CMC needed a little more leg room for me on long hauls....

Hope this helps...

I do like roll up windows and a convertible top for driving in less than perfect weather. 

The Spyder is very enticing, and perhaps in California I would consider one, but a Speedster (at least my IM) gives you more opportunity to drive regularly.

Many Spyders don't have a provision even for an emergency top. They are easier to work on though.  I love the coolness (look) of the Spyder but getting in is very difficult for old folks like me -- getting out is even harder (so tempting to use the windshield frame as a boost handle).

You know, I'd really like a Spyder to go with my speedster and my '64 panel bus. I'd also like a Ghia. An early 912 with a Polopolis 911/4 or big Type 4 would be the mack-daddy

... but I like being married, too. A man's got to know his limitations, and left to my own inclinations, I'd be the air-cooled cat-lady of the plains. I think I may already be.

The spyder is definitely for fair-weather driving when there is no rain or hot sun beating down on you. The Speedster has that wonderful top for protection against rain and sun, but think of the top as an emergency feature. True sports car enthusiasts don't usually drive around with the top up. Also. the Speedster has a bit more cabin room for all your "stuff." Then again, the Spyder's engine is easier to get to, but....it's an apple/orange deal here.

I would rather take long trips in a Speedster than a Spyder because of the greater convenience and small comforts. But.....to each his own. I owned two Spyders.

Owned 2 vintage spyders.  Current car is IM conv D.  These cars are completely different animals.  Anyone trying to decide 356 vs 550 really doesn't know what they want.  550 is a toy for beautiful days on back roads.  Its complete impractical.  Its a pure adrenaline rush.  Definitely the most fun I've had on 4 wheels.  356 in my opinion (with the exception of some of the IM6's) is not a performance car.  Its a comfortable car with some creature comforts.  Particularly with a conv D its a gentleman's sports car.  I think about my 550's all the time.  I really miss the performance.  The 356 just adds so much more driving time throughout the year.  Its going to be in the 20's tomorrow and I'll be out in my 356.  I'll never be without a 356.  But I would like to add a spyder one day.  They just have completely different missions.

I had a Beck Spyder for 7 years (and two real 356s in years past - a 60 roadster in '67 and a 65 cabriolet from 1974-93).  My ladyfriend had spent years with the Horseless Carriage Club - driving around in it wasn't so different from a Model T - just a whole lot faster....she was supportive enough to join me on drives and at one early point, loan me part of her garage to store it.   After years of driving TO and FROM events with no windows, radio, heat or ac, and not much of a top (mine actually had one - but it was pretty minimal) - and getting an aging back and knees into the tiny door opening into a low seat got to be a bit too much.  I toyed with the idea of a replica Speedster or Roadster, but opted for a Boxster (09 'S' -).

.

The Spyder gets incredible attention - and it's from car people and non car-people - The PCA folks tend to look down on replica 356's but even they gush over the Spyder replica.  The feel of the lightweight (1300 lb) car with ~ 160 hp is incredible - the sound of the lightly muffled engine noise is also.  The car's a real hoot - but I'd never have considered it if I lived in a 'normal' climate - Northern California allowed driving it most any time - only got caught in (light) rain once or twice.

.

the heat, windows, top in a Speedster or Roadster (or Coupe) make for a much more usable car, but the Spyder is very special if you have a climate that allows you to use it often enough to make you happy.  Wouldn't have traded the 7 years with my Spyder.

.

RickJ

Hey Rick - Its been a while! Hope all is well. 

I have never owned a Speedster but have driven MANY and sat in the passenger seat of all of them as well, top up, down, rain shine, all of it.

I'll go out on a limb here and make a statement: I may have the most used and weather equipped Spyder NOT in California.

As Rick and others have stated, there is no comparison. The driving experience, if the Speedster has a volume knob set at 9, the Spyder will crank it up to 12!

I have mine outfitted with a top, side curtains, and killer thermostatically-controlled heat and defrost. With the top up it is deafening, wearing ear plugs is a necessity, but you'll be warm and reasonably dry. I drove it several times to the Pumpkin run in the cold rain, 280 miles. Arrived tired but warm and dry.

Top-down it is visceral and immediate and raw. A car I don't want to ever give up.

Years ago I almost bought an IM but it didn't drive like my Spyder. I also had a 911 long-hood project that I sold, my heart wasn't into it.

I have found my automotive home, and will continue to modify and tweak it as time goes on. But they aren't for everybody....

Ya gotta drive what ya luv.

Howdy Rick!

Good to hear from my closest neighbor.

-=theron

Howdy back, MusbJim and Theron -

Theron - how bout we get together for golf

and/or EuroSunday run sometime....RickJ