WestSideBilly

I was thinking about performance value ("bang for the buck") when looking at new cars recently, and I thought I'd formulate a list for some discussion. Not listed in any particular order, just as I thought of them.

1. Chevrolet Corvette Z06
2. Subaru Impreza WRX
3. Honda S2000
4. Ford Focus SVT
5. Toyota MR2 Spyder
6. Hyundai Tiburon (the ugly one)
7. Acura RSX type S

On the horizon...
1. Nissan 350Z
2. Mazda RX8
3. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo7
4. Hyundai Tiburon GT (the less ugly one)
5. Subaru WRX Sti (hopefully)

Gone but not forgotten
1. CRX Si (either generation)
2. BMW M3 (E36)
3. Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX (AWD turbo)

Any others? Feel free to comment (the flame suit is on ).

mav

2001 E46 M3. For about $55K, you get a car with very agressive modern styling, performance comparable to a Porsche 911 (car mag did a comparison - very close), and a F1 shifter (SMG 2). I think it's a good performance value.

2003 Ford Mustang Cobra. No idea how much but DAMN 390 HP!!!

Toyota Supra Turbo. Can still get one used and its a MONSTER of a car. Personally if I had some extra dough, I would absolutely love to buy a used one and have it as a project car.

flava

I second that recommendation on the M3! If I had the money, that'd be my choice. For the price, you are getting 911 performance, plus it seats 4 and can carry some stuff.

CG

On the first list I would add the Mazda Miata.

On the second list I would add the Mini Cooper S.

Also is the SVT Focus in the showroom?

WestSideBilly

E46: I think the E36 was a far better "bargain" than the E46 is. Don't get me wrong, the E46 is a great car, I just don't think its performance is that phenomenal, given its $52k price.

Miata: I think the MR2 offers superior performance at a similar price. Miata is still a good performer though.

Cooper S: I've yet to see much on how the US spec version will perform. On paper it doesnt look that great, IMO.

SVT Focus: I think it is. A friend of a friend has 15000+ miles on his, so...

Harry: Sorry, early 70s was before my time! Guess the 914 belongs in the gone but not forgotten group.

AVXs2000

are the list of car only for US?

there are many other value performance car in Europe and Japan.
like TVR Tuscan S, Ariel Atom, Tommy Kaira Gto....

W6DAN

Yeah - you have to include TVR - outrageous performance for the money.

WestSideBilly

Now if only we could get them here (legally and reasonably priced).

S2K_CLS

I dont think the SVT Focus is out yet... C&D had a mention of it a couple of issues back and that car was a pre-production model...

Your friend might have a ZX3 though...




[QUOTE]Originally posted by WestSideBilly
[B]

SVT Focus:

CG

[QUOTE]Originally posted by WestSideBilly
[B]
Miata: