What's the Most Sports Car for $55K

jtrichel · 10-12-2003, 10:32 PM

I have $55K that I would like to spend on a sports car. I currently own a 2002 BMW 330ci that I will be selling. I have always thought about getting a BMW M3 SMGII. However, I have to admit my eyes have strayed lately to some other options. The S4 seems like a cool car. Although it does not have the sophistication, the Z06 is an awful lot of car for the money.... for that matter, the regular corvette convertible tricked out would be pretty nice.

I would love to get this board's opinion on the M3 vs. the S4 vs. the Z06. Also if there are any others I should be looking at for my comparison. Anything under $55K is fair game.... I want something that is fast, has style, etc.

thanks for your opinions!!

del · 10-12-2003, 10:43 PM

the z06 is a lot of car for $55k. cheap and generic interior for a $55,000 car but the rest of the car makes up for it.

NISSANSPDR · 10-13-2003, 12:14 AM

Yea...I mean if you just want straight fast/dont care about looks interior and exterior....you gotta look at the SVT Cobra and ZO6...

If you want great handling and speed...ZO6 and M3...but I suggest to get the manual not the SMG...I like it personally better

crayzayjay · 10-13-2003, 07:20 AM

The M3 and Z06 are more sporty than the S4. Personally i'd go for an M3 followed by the Z06, followed by S4, but it has to be said the Z06 is great value.

jtrichel · 10-13-2003, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NISSANSPDR

Yea...I mean if you just want straight fast/dont care about looks interior and exterior....you gotta look at the SVT Cobra and ZO6...

If you want great handling and speed...ZO6 and M3...but I suggest to get the manual not the SMG...I like it personally better

I do care about looks/interior.... I just dont like the idea of having my doors blown off by other cars.... seems like in the Z06, you are competitive with pretty much anything on the road....not sure you can say that about the M3.... also, do share more about the manual versus SMG. what makes you like the manual better? I am a purist too, but have been told that the SMG truly is F1-like...

crayzayjay · 10-13-2003, 10:02 AM

SMG is sh*t. The M3 is much better with a normal stick shift

YogsVR4 · 10-13-2003, 10:06 AM

None of the cars you listed will get their ‘doors blown off’ anymore then the other. If you come across a modded anything, you may win or lose. Stock vs stock, their numbers are within a few ticks of each other. I think you should evaluate what you really want out of the car. The vette will be faster then the rest, the M3 and S4 will get you there a bit slower, but with lots of comfort. Soon as you have your priorities in order, the cars will fall right in order for you.

On a personal note – I’d rather have the M3 out of the cars you listed.

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jtrichel · 10-13-2003, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crayzayjay

SMG is sh*t. The M3 is much better with a normal stick shift

I am intrigued. I have heard a lot of press both ways for SMG vs. Manual... I dont want to pay $2400 for something that is sh*t. Can you be more specific? Is it just the driving experience? Because in terms of track times, I think the two are pretty dead-even in the hands of experienced drivers... except that the SMG is supposed to shift a little crisper and be a couple seconds faster.

I do worry about it being expensive if something goes wrong with it and/or collectability as a "classic" or "pure" M3....ie. that SMG is a little gimmicky....

TatII · 10-13-2003, 12:54 PM

the SMG is very good at shifting. however the problem is launching. its hard for the computer to know how much clutch to feather etc. that is best left for an experienced driver to do. so a 6 speed m3 with a decent driver can out launch a m3 with a smg.

HotBoys09 · 10-13-2003, 12:57 PM

Sorry but for anything in the world under 55K...nothing beats a Z06 in any aspect.

NISSANSPDR · 10-13-2003, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotBoys09

Sorry but for anything in the world under 55K...nothing beats a Z06 in any aspect.

What about reliability, quality, resale value? Oh...I guess you didnt think about those...

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Mr Payne · 10-13-2003, 11:34 PM

The Z06 rapes all cars under 50K in stock performance(bar the EVO in some handling meaures.....).

crayzayjay · 10-14-2003, 04:34 AM

The SMG can be jerky, and no matter how advanced the electronics are, doing it yourself will always yield better results, not to mention bring more satisfaction when you heel and toe etc..

enzo1187 · 10-14-2003, 05:06 PM

Z06 Definetly wins this catagorie!

hakka · 10-15-2003, 03:17 PM

if you want a total package, why not wait a year and pick up a C6 Vette? Supposedly the interior will be world class (as well as the performance, of course). You can check out the exterior in Jan. By the way, est. base hp is 385-400 and weight should be around 3100lbs. If you have to have it now, go Z06.

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