Suggestions of a sporty ride at or less than $53K???

ExplorerXLT95 said:
This information puts the cars in the following order from first to last:



2003 Corvette Z06

2003 SVT Cobra

2003 WRX STi

2003 Honda S2000

2003 BMW M3

2003 G35 Sport Coupe

2003 Nissan 350Z Track

2003 MB C32 AMG

2003 Porsche Boxster S

2004 Audi S4

2003 Mazda RX-8

2003 Volvo S60R
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Without reading this entire thread, I'll post my opinion on your current list. First off if you have 50k to spend, the Z06 is my choice without any doubt whatsoever. I would be running to the Chevy dealership this second if I were in your shoes. There is NOTHING that can comes close to beating the Z06 for 50k or less in sports car looks, performance, and bang for the buck (new car). Damn those things are sick. Go to any Auto-x or track event and you will soon find out that those cars have made themselves a very good reputation. The last Auto-x I went to a stock Z06 was fighting it out between a National Champion CRX racecar and a formula go-cart for fastest time of the day!!!



IMHO, everything else on that list is weak compared to the Z06. The Cobra can't handle nearly as well, the interior is way too cheap, the seating position is not racey, it's heavy, and my car would give it a run for it's money with a slightly bigger turbo. But forget about the Z06, thats 996TT territory. I work at Subaru, and the STi is awesome, but isn't half the car the Z06 is, thats right, it isn't half. The STi looks a little boy-racer with the scoop and wing and the interior sucks (as compared to the Mitsu EVO). The performance comparison between the Z06 and STi is a joke. Man, I could go down that entire list and explain why I would take the Z06 over the others anyday, but I'll instead leave you with this last comment.



My Dad, who has been racing fast cars for 25+ years, took out his friends brand new 405hp and he came back silly. He said the car slammed his head to the back of the seat. I was like well of course, it's fast as sh!t. He said that he was going 120 when it happened. He floored it at 120 and the car lunged foward. The torque band is simply recockulous.:D
 
dUH, let me thinks a second. OH YEAH,

CORVETTE, CORVETTE, CORVETTE the great American sports car. This is the greatest car I have ever owned. I love it!
 
I just picked up a BMW e36 m3 and am loving every second of it. It may not be the fastest thing out there but it's no sloutch either. This car puts a smile on my face everytime i drive it. I can't say that about other cars i've had or driven.
 
Mantic6t9 said:
I just picked up a BMW e36 m3 and am loving every second of it. It may not be the fastest thing out there but it's no sloutch either. This car puts a smile on my face everytime i drive it. I can't say that about other cars i've had or driven.
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This is the truest statement to determining a great car for someone. It doesn't matter what the numbers are or what the magazines say about a particular vehicle....it's all about bringing a great big perma grin to the face of the driver everytime they get in the car. Subjective impressions are what makes a car great to drive, not statistics.
 
I definitely agree that the Corvette Z06 is an awesome PERFORMER. But that doesn't make it an awesome CAR.



For a $50K+ automobile, everything feels so CHEAP! The shifter feels cheap, the knobs feel very 90's GM, and there is more plastic inside than in Pamela Anderson. No doubt the car is one of the best performance buys on the planet... but it does not even come close to the level of sophistication as the German marques mentioned in this list.



Back to the original question... if you were very impressed with the Mustang Cobra, you will be thrilled by the Z06. You are obviously not looking for the best CAR, but rather the best PERFORMER. The M3 and S4 occupy a different place in this hierarchy you've listed... they will not perform as well as the Z06, but you will be able to appreciate the subtleties inherent in these cars that lie beyond the realm of horsepower.



-Bob
 
Very good reply dookiebob :xyxthumbs.



As I agree with your statement 100%, which is why I love german cars because they are the "complete" package (esp. Porsche :D), I was also giving my opinion based on ExplorerXLT95's gravitation towards the best performer, like you observed also. Of all the cars he listed, the german cars are the most complete, but I really think that the Z06 will put the biggest smile on your face because POWER=GOOFY A$$ SMILE, period. Now my second choice would be the M3 hands down, because that is IMO the most "complete" car on the list in terms of performance, style, quality, and luxury. And that SMG package is the shiz-nittle-bam-snip-snap-sack :p
 
I think you've got ExplorerXLT95's priorities right, and I agree that he ought to look at the Z06



I think you're underselling some of the Subaru's virtues though. For one thing, AWD is a huge asset. Corvettes are great on the track, but as the weather and surface move away from ideal, they really have problems.



I grew up in Illinois and I can remember one day when there was an unexpected snow and seeing my next door neighbor spend 20 minutes trying to get in his driveway (and this was pretty flat, just a little incline, but those fat tires and all that torque made it really tough).



So I'm not disagreeing with your statement relative to your goals, but it's got to be best car for what.



Breakin' my heart a Subie employee saying stuff like that... ;)
 
Haha, well, I'm just an intern for the summer working at corporate but I wasn't bashing the STi. Don't get me wrong, my brother has a rex and the new STi kicks a$$, but you just can't compare it to the likes of a Z06 as far as a sports car goes. It's so funny to read opinion's at the Subie forums (NASIOC & i-club) and Evo forums, both sides are so biased towards their cars they really have a hard time picking out the better atributes of each one. The STi's engine/size is awsome and a lot better than the Evo's (can you say 300hp at only 14.5psi whereas the Evo has 270 at 19psi!!!), but I have sat in both the STi and Evo and the Evo interior is so much nicer ---> real Recaro seats.



But anyway, as far as an all season car, the Z06 really won't do the job nearly as well as an all-wheel drive car. But personally, I would take that sacrifice to own a sports car.
 
MaDAnT26x said:
but I have sat in both the STi and Evo and the Evo interior is so much nicer ---> real Recaro seats.
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I think you're the only person I've ever heard to say that the EVO has a nicer interior than the STi. I definitely agree that the EVO has much better seats and steering wheel, but the STi has a much much nicer interior overall. The EVO feels much cheaper inside than the STi does, IMO, and in the opinion of most people in the automotive world.



Otherwise, both are fantastic performance values and are very practical sporting machines. I prefer the STi over the EVO, but I'm a little biased :p



-Bob
 
Now I actually read the last 8 pages, and there are some great sugestions out there.



I'm not going to tell you what to do with your money...I think it's great that you want to have a sweet car, but I think you are going about it the wrong way. I also think it's great that you have learned the value of a dollar and you have saved for something - that's a character trait that most young people dont' seem to have.



I whole heartedly understand the want for a NEW car. It really is a great feeling to take delivery of a new car that is 100% yours.



Now, I understand that you like the price and the performance of the mustang....but think about it....at the end of the day, you still have just a Mustang (most people won't know that it's something special anyway)....for that kind of money, I'd like to have some kind of luxury. Plus, do you really want to take a girl out on a date with exhaust so loud you can't talk?!?! IMO, refinement is a trait that is way more important then going fast. I really think that it's a car that you would get easily tired of and would grow out of.



If it was me, I'd want a solid chassis, a bulletproof engine, and something that can be pretty doscile if need be.



That said, the E36 M3 is a great car. It's a BMW, so it will never look outdated IMO. The car has beautiful lines, a nice, fairly well appointed interior, and the aftermarket is endless.



Go find a low mileage CPO car (now you have warranty until 2005/100k). Then take the car right over to Dinan and get it supercharged. Now you have car that is very fast (360 HP should be enough to keep you happy), still warrantied, with precise handling, and a nice classy look all in a package that you would be able to take your grandma to the corner store for some milk in.



One other thing, you won't look like mommy and daddy let you borrow the car for the day. It's a shame, but that will be people's perception.



I just hate the thought of taking a new car out to the track and flogging it...it pains me.



Maybe you should think about getting two cars and working your way into the auto-x scene (I'm selling my Civic Si :D - low miles and owned by an Autopian...what more do you want!!! j/k)



BTW, the Viper is a terrible choice...not only is it one of the fastest POS that I've ever driven, it would be an aweful daily driver, and is so unfogiving when at the limit it would be a tough auto cross car (like they say, if you've never spun a Viper, you have never driven one hard).
 
rcurley55 said:
Now, I understand that you like the price and the performance of the mustang....but think about it....at the end of the day, you still have just a Mustang (most people won't know that it's something special anyway)....for that kind of money, I'd like to have some kind of luxury.
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I am definitely OK with owning "just a Mustang." I don't want strictly a luxury car because often performance and luxury are not found together without an astronomical price. And I would definitely prefer to err on the side of performance, rather than refinement or luxury.



Plus, do you really want to take a girl out on a date with exhaust so loud you can't talk?!?! IMO, refinement is a trait that is way more important then going fast. I really think that it's a car that you would get easily tired of and would grow out of.
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Well, I have two responses to that. First, I've been dating my girlfriend for more than 5 years and as much as I hate to admit it, there will likely not be another girl in my life. Wait, I don't hate to admit it. :D Secondly, I actually kind of want that good ol' American V8 low rumble. Call me a typical, pig-headed, macho guy, but I love that sound. Also, I may get tired of it, but after driving it, I really don't think that that would occur until well after I had sold the car.



If it was me, I'd want a solid chassis, a bulletproof engine, and something that can be pretty doscile if need be.
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Perhaps the chassis is not the most solid in the world, but it's not terrible and with just a little aftermarket stiffening, it could be great. Stock, the SVT Cobra (coupe) comes with 600lb front and rear springs as well as a 29mm stabilizer bar in front and a 26mm stabilizer bar in the rear. Not to mention the fact that on a skidpad, it outdid the E46 M3 by .01g. Yes, that is a very little margin, but at the very least, they are extremely similar in terms of handling, believe it or not. Don't get me wrong, I'm not claiming that the Cobra is anywhere near the M3 in terms of refinement, but in terms of performance, which is mostly what I'm looking for the two are very similar and because the Cobra costs less, I am leaning towards it.



That said, the E36 M3 is a great car. It's a BMW, so it will never look outdated IMO. The car has beautiful lines, a nice, fairly well appointed interior, and the aftermarket is endless.
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I couldn't agree with you more. But at this point in my life, I am not so sure that I want something that refined.



One other thing, you won't look like mommy and daddy let you borrow the car for the day. It's a shame, but that will be people's perception.
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I would definitely look at a 22 year old kid driving a BMW and think that they borrowed mom and dad's car for the day, rather than a 22 year old kid driving a Cobra. But maybe that's just me.



Maybe you should think about getting two cars and working your way into the auto-x scene (I'm selling my Civic Si :D - low miles and owned by an Autopian...what more do you want!!! j/k)
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I won't be doing anything to the car, like taking it to the track or auto-xing it, until it has passed through what I deem to be a proper break-in period (about 5K miles).



I want a car that is a performer. I am not too concerned about it's refinement at this point in my life. As I get older, I will, no doubt, be wanting a car with a little less performance and a little more refinement, but hey, I'm young.



Perhaps my most compelling reason to buy the Cobra is that it is an American car. Call me crazy, but I would like to keep my money right here in the United States. Perhaps not the greatest reason, but a valid one, nonetheless.



Bottom line, I am not ready for an extremely refined car yet. At the moment I want a good looking, mildly understated, yet proven performer. As far as I can tell from research and from test driving it, the Cobra fits that description at a price that I am slightly more comfortable with than that of an M3.



BTW, thanks a lot for taking the time to read the thread and thank you for taking your time to respond, rcurley55. Also, thanks a lot for the compliments. I appreciate it.
 
ExplorerXLT95 said:
BTW, thanks a lot for taking the time to read the thread and thank you for taking your time to respond, rcurley55. Also, thanks a lot for the compliments. I appreciate it.
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Sure thing....oh and the american muscle thing....I understand completely. Between my dad, my brother and I, we have 3 early Chevy's - and I love the sound of how they lope along....but why oh why do you have to get a ford!!! You're killing me!!! J/k :D



Just make sure you test drive absolutely EVERYTHING that's out there before you buy. Those are my last words of advice - also, don't forget to post pics once you get whatever it is.
 
Not to mention the fact that on a skidpad, it outdid the E46 M3 by .01g. Yes, that is a very little margin, but at the very least, they are extremely similar in terms of handling, believe it or not
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Handling is much more than just a skidpad number. How the car feels in everyday brisk driving is more important (to most people) than a few hundrenths of a G under controlled conditions. Does the car invite you to take curves and corners faster, or does it seem more nervous the more you push it? How does the steering feel? Does it let you know what the car is doing (some call this "road feel"), or does it remind you of an old arcade game? There is much more to handling than one can put in one post, but it cannot be summed up in a skidpad number.



However, if you substituted the word "grip" in your sentence, I could understand that. :)



I have not driven a new Cobra or M3, but I suspect that they would provide somewhat different handling from each other.



Good luck with whatever car you choose--you seem to be putting a lot more effort into the research than most people do. :up
 
ExplorerXLT95 said:
Perhaps my most compelling reason to buy the Cobra is that it is an American car. Call me crazy, but I would like to keep my money right here in the United States. Perhaps not the greatest reason, but a valid one, nonetheless.
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Perhaps you have not been keeping up with whats going on in the automotive industry ;). GM and Ford have recently been pushing more jobs into China in an attempt to make more profit from the lower wages, at the cost of American jobs. On the flip side; Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are building plants in AMERICA and still making profits and increasing their market share. They are doing this by working with suppliers in order to improve processes and product design. Ford and GM are taking the easy way out and trying to "save" their way into profit :nono. People will start to catch on :rolleyes:
 
how about something that weighs less and has more HP than a 360 modena.



Something that can out-g about anything on the road.



Something that is extremely reliable and good looking.



How about a Corvette Z06????



-Tom
 
Hey, I'm going to be real disappointed if Explorer doesn't test all these cars like he originally said. His last post was sounding kind of defensive toward the Cobra, which the first and ONLY car he said he drove!



He needs to at least drive a Vette, M3, and STi. That way he can check out the classic American sports car (as opposed to the Cobra, which is probably the classic American hot-rod), a well-rounded German car, and an over-the-top Japanese 4WD rally car. (Triple WOW on all these cars, I would have ALL of them in my garage at once and drive them equally if I could)



The differences in these examples are profound, and important! To be a better driver, rather than just a cool car owner, you've got to experience as much variety as possible!
 
i know this one is way less than 50k but the 350 Z is very nice... and with what u save u can make many mods and make it even nicer... i think its a very sweet ride
 
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