M3 vs. EVO IX MR vs. S4 vs. C55 AMG vs. GTO vs. 300C SRT-8 vs. G35 Coupe vs. IS350

[kali1717]

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR
2.0L
Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
286HP
289TQ
6-Speed Manual
AWD
3290Lbs
MSRP- $35,200

2005 BMW M3
3.2L
6-Cylinder
333HP
262TQ
6-Speed Manual
RWD
3420Lbs
MSRP- $47,300

2006 Audi S4
4.2L
8-Cylinder
340HP
302TQ
6-Speed Manual
AWD
3870Lbs
MSRP- $46,400

2006 Mercedes C55 AMG
5.4L
8-Cylinder
362HP
376TQ
5-Speed Automatic
RWD
3540Lbs
MSRP- $54,400

2006 Lexus IS350
3.5L
6-Cylinder
306HP
277TQ
6-Speed Automatic RWD
3530Lbs
MSRP- $35,400

2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe
3.5L
6-Cylinder
300HP
260TQ
6-Speed Manual
RWD
3520Lbs
MSRP- $33,700

2006 Chrysler 300C SRT-8
6.1L
8-Cylinder
425HP
420TQ
5-Speed Automatic RWD
4160Lbs
MSRP- $39,900

2006 Pontiac GTO
6.0L
8-Cylinder
400HP
400TQ
6-Speed Manual RWD
3730Lbs
MSRP- $32,300

The Battle-
I previously owned a 1998 BMW M3. A very good car that I very much enjoyed and love, but I felt like with an increase in income and problems begining to occur on my 1998 M3, it was time for a new car. For three months I researched, drove, and stratigized on which car I should get. I figured I could afford a car up to the price tag of $55,000 and going off of what I found interesting and suitable to my tastes I dwindled my list down to eight cars. What about a C6 Corvette, or a 350Z, or even a Lotus Elise. Well to me, I needed more room and while I found the C6 Corvette an attractive buy, the need for more than two seats was a must. I am simply trying to explain my results and my opinions on a comparison of these eight cars and why I chose what I did.

Base Price-
2006 Pontiac GTO (8 Points)
The GTO was obviously the cheapest of the bunch, and I found that I actually could work deals that would get me the car for under MSRP.
2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe (7 Points)
Also an attractive price at MSRP, but with many options this car could easily go up in price, still cheaper than most of the cars on the list.
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR (6 Points)
I thought about a GSR or RS, but the 6-Speed on the MR was very attractive to me.
2006 Lexus IS350 (5 Points)
Good price, but I do think it is somewhat overpriced by a good $2,000 and most are selling for over $40,000 with options.
2006 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (4 Points)
Why not the Magnum SRT-8, well I like the look of the Chrysler more, amd still can be had for under $40,000 if you know where to look and how to work out deals.
2006 Audi S4 (3 Points)
Very nice, expensive though.
2005 BMW M3 (2 Points)
$47,300 MSRP is a pipe dream if you can find a new one, most are over $50,000 easily.
2006 Mercedes C55 AMG (1 Point)
Overpriced!!!

0-60-
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR (8 Points)
Purely going off of statistics and research here. The IX is the quickest to 60mph and I do not doubt this since it is able to achieve 1.7 60fts on street tires.
2005 BMW M3 (7 Points)
The M3 if you know how to do it, can achieve pretty decent launches.
2006 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (6 Points)
Pretty consistent and powerful. Automatic makes for uneventful easy launches.
2006 Pontiac GTO (5 Points)
0-60 in under 5 Seconds is definitly possible in this car, it's heavy, but has a lot of power.
2006 Audi S4 (4 Points)
Magazines put it at right around 5 Seconds, and I believe they probably are correct. AWD helps, but weight and gearing do not.
2006 Mercedes C55 AMG (4 Points)
I believe the magazines may be wrong, and this car can do 0-60 in under 5 seconds, but I do not have any accurate testing equipment to confirm this.
2006 Lexus IS350 (2 Points)
Definitly faster than I thought it would be.
2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe (1 Point)
I do feel like the IS350 is faster from a launch, but from a roll I think it is very close.

1/4 Mile-
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR (8 Points)
I've read about 12 Second IXs on the evolution forums, possible, yes in my opinion. The car feels faster than the 05 model I drove.
2006 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (7 Points)
These cars are very fast, I believe 425 horsepower may not be true and this car indeed makes more. This car can run 12s stock with a great launch.
2005 BMW M3 (6 Points)
Trap speeds suggest faster times than published magazine reports, and m3 forums members usually post stock times of 13.0 to 13.4.
2006 Pontiac GTO (6 Points)
A very good 1/4 mile car, and less weight would easily get this car into the 12s stock consistently.
2006 Mercedes C55 AMG (4 Points)
Not shabby at all in my opinion, better from a roll though.
2006 Audi S4 (3 Points)
This is not a drag car, but still fast in the 1/4 mile.
2006 Lexus IS350 (2 Points)
Low 14s in the 1/4 mile definitly possible.
2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe (1 Point)
Sorry but the IS350 just feels faster from a dig.

1/4 Mile Speed-
2006 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (8 Points)
Trap speeds for the 300C SRT-8 are very nice. A recent drag strip visit also helped with my comparison, with stock one consistently trapping 107mph and higher, compared to stock GTOs running 104-107mph.
2006 Pontiac GTO (7 Points)
Not as fast as the 300C, but still fast. Not as consistent as the automatic Chrysler, but I have read and seen in person, 107mph traps.
2006 Mercedes C55 AMG (6 Points)
Magazine numbers, but after driving this car it felt as fast if not faster than the GTO. If indeed the GTO is faster, it's not by much.
2005 BMW M3 (5 Points)
feels slower from a roll than the C55 AMG and trap numbers support this.
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR (4 Points)
Feels a lot faster than the 2005 EVO VIII, but is it faster than the above mentioned cars, probably not. But it would be a better race.
2006 Audi S4 (3 Points)
Feels heavy and much slower than the C55 and M3, and I would bit money that it would struggle to beat both the IS350 and G35 Coupe in a race from a roll.
2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe (2 Points)
Well the G35 members say that this car traps over 100mph when driven correctly, perhaps, feels almost as fast as the S4 though.
2006 Lexus IS350 (1 Point)
Is the G35 Coupe faster, maybe, the IS350 has very linear power, which can make for deceptive acceleration. Would be a very good race with a G35.

Handling-
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR (8 Points)
Magazine numbers don't do the EVO justice, even though is still puts up the best numbers of the eight. Still drive the IX and it clearly is the best handling car. The control, the steering, and the grip of the tires and you could probably buy this car and take it autocrossing the same day and put up decent laps as is.
2005 BMW M3 (7 Points)
I like this car, even better than my modified M3. This why BMW continues to shine.
2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe (6 Points)
For the price, it's very nice. Man this car handle for a near luxury coupe.
2006 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (5 Points)
Maybe it's those big ass tires and wheels, but this car can actually handle pretty decent.
2006 Mercedes C55 AMG (4 Points)
Not as sporty I would have hoped, but still good.
2006 Audi S4 (4 Points)
Good control with the AWD, but man this car really needs to go on a diet. I know there are heavier cars, but this car just really feels heavy.
2006 Pontiac GTO (2 Points)
Also in need of a diet, but handles better than a lighter Camaro SS in my opinion.
2006 Lexus IS350 (1 Point)
Wow, disappointment, it seems like Toyota only worried about making more power and completely ignored handling and braking. Still good and most people won't notice unless you drive eight other sporty cars like I did.

Braking-
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR (8 Points)
These brakes are so f*ckin strong it's just amazing. Wow, just wow. I even had to make an emergency stop, and thank god I had my seatbelt on.
2005 BMW M3 (7 Points)
Very good brakes also, according to the numbers the G35 brakes shorter, but I felt like the M3 brakes were stronger.
2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe (6 Points)
Also very good brakes, with zero fade.
2006 Audi S4 (5 Points)
Better brakes this time from Audi. I've driven previous S4s before, and the 2006 has the best brakes yet in my opinion.
2006 Mercedes C55 AMG (4 Points)
Better than average.
2006 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (3 Points)
For a car that weighs over 4000lbs, the brakes aren't bad at all.
2006 Pontiac GTO (2 Points)
Pontiac could do a better job in this department.
2006 Lexus IS350 (1 Point)
Wow, Toyota, wow, sorry I like the power of this car, but what happend to the overall performance of the previous IS300. Once again disappointing.

Exterior Styling-
2005 BMW M3 (8 Points)
No question here, the M3 still continues to get the most stares. An absolutely beautiful car.
2006 Audi S4 (7 Points)
This car looks much better in person, pictures don't do it justice.
2006 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (6 Points)
One of the best looking domestic cars in years. This car just screams bling, bling.
2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe (5 Points)
From all angels this car impresses, it really sculpted well.
2006 Lexus IS350 (4 Point)
Looks sporty and actually better than the IS300, but kind of looks like a Solara sometimes. Still a very good looking car.
2006 Mercedes C55 AMG (3 Points)
I've always liked Mercedes, but there designs have been the same for years now, and to me, it is getting old and boring.
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR (2 Points)
Hey it looks better than the VIII and I like it's purposeful look. Some hate it and some love it, but it get's a lot of attention.
2006 Pontiac GTO (1 Point)
Looks better than the 2004, but still kind of bland styling.

Interior Styling-
2006 Audi S4 (8 Points)
I love Audi interiors, masterpieces.
2005 BMW M3 (7 Points)
The seats are to die for, and I've always enjoyed BMW business like interiors.
2006 Pontiac GTO (6 Point)
Wow, if Pontiac put these type of interiors in more cars, they would sell more cars.
2006 Mercedes C55 AMG (5 Points)
Nice, but still not on the level of the M3 or even the GTO in my opinion.
2006 Lexus IS350 (4 Point)
I like it better than the IS300. More business like and classy.
2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe (4 Points)
Good interior on par with the IS350.
2006 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (2 Points)
One thing is for sure, American cars are starting to have better interiors. I like the interior of the 300C, but kind of bland though, nothing special.
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR (1 Point)
A definite improvement over the VIII, and better than most $35,000 and lower cars, just not better than any of the cars in this comparison. very nise seats though.

Tuning-
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR (8 Points)
this may be the most controversial, but from what I have been reading, the IX may be the best EVO of all time. The potential to run 11s with only $1,500 or less worth of bolt on mods is there (if you don't believe me then I suggest you research). I find that simply amazing for a small 2.0L engine like the EVO.
2006 Pontiac GTO (7 Points)
There are plenty of parts out for this car and achieving good times for little money is not hard.
2006 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (6 Points)
I the long run this car may be one the best muscle cars to modified out yet, but as of now, products are not as plentiful as the GTO.
2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe (5 Points)
Decent bolt on potential, but forced induction is the way to go and there are multiple companies that offer turbo kits and supercharger kits for this car, may be expensive though.
2005 BMW M3 (4 Points)
The M3 is expensive to mod and the gains are not as impressive. Still getting into the 12s is not hard at all.
2006 Audi S4 (3 Points)
The previous turbo S4 was a better car to modified, but a chip on the S4 is one of the most attractive modifications for any car.
2006 Mercedes C55 AMG (2 Points)
Expensive, expensive, expensive!
2006 Lexus IS350 (1 Point)
I'm not sure if there is even an aftermarket for this car yet, but there will be one soon.

Test Drive-
2005 M3 (8 Points)
I love the M3, the best combination of speed, comfort, and styling. An absolute great daily driver. This is why BMW continues to remain a step above the rest.
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR (7 Points)
What the hell is an EVO, a race car or street car. This car is amazing on the streets and will probably get you in the most trouble. It just begs you to drive it hard. It's utterly amazing.
2006 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (6 Points)
This is great car and doesn't feel at all like it is pushing over 4000lbs. This car is great cruiser and you feel like a rapper or something driving one.
2006 Mercedes C55 AMG (5 Points)
If I was taking an extreme long road trip, this would be the car I would drive. It is a wonderful daily driver.
2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe (4 Points)
Still gets many looks from other drivers and is very easy to live with. I very much enjoyed my test drive with this car and would recommend it to anyone.
2006 Pontiac GTO (3 Points)
Feels heavy, but a very comfortable interior and powerful engine make this car a great daily driver. The exhaust note is also very nice, demanding attention and respect. A Ford Mustang GT wanted to try it out, while I was on the test drive, I played with the Mustang a little knowing I couldn't really open it up since it was a test drive and this is not my vehicle, but I knew that in an instance I could blow the doors off of that Mustang.
2006 Audi S4 (2 Points)
For a $45,000 to $50,000 car the S4 is over priced. Very nice car, but it really felt slower than the M3 and C55 AMG. The interior though is very nice/comfortable and the styling is attractive, but I would have expected more from Audi.
2006 Lexus IS350 (1 Point)
I hate to say this, but the IS350 was just overmatched in this comparison. Powerful yes, comfortable, yes, better than the IS300, definitly yes. Still it's nothing special, and not better than any of the cars in the comparison. The ride is quiet and comfortable, and at times I hate say it, down right boring compared to the rest.

2005 BMW M3 (61 Points)
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR (60 Points)
2006 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (53 Points)
2006 Pontiac GTO (47 Points)
2006 Audi S4 (42 Points)
2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe (41 Points)
2006 Mercedes C55 AMG (38 Points)
2006 Lexus IS350 (22 Points)

So this is how I rated the cars, the EVO IX which began as one of the cars I was least interested in, quickly moved up my interest level the more and more I researched it. The test drive also gave it great bonus points. It was a tough choice, I am comfortable with BMWs and no what to expect from them. But I was seriously impressed with how the EVO did in critical categories. So in the end, I did it, I bought a brand new EVO IX MR over a brand new M3, just kiddin' but I was very close to doing this. I stuck with what I know, and the M3 is what I know. It may not have the tuning potential of the IX MR, but it puts a smile on my face everyday stock. Still to the EVOs credit, it is one bad ass car, and if money was more of an issue I would not hesistate to buy it over an M3. I know a lot of you will not agree with my results, but if you really take the time to research all these cars and drive them you probably will come out with similiar results as I did.

[DinanM3_S2]

Another win for the M3, welcome to the forums. What options did you get?

[VAD0R]

What, no love for Scoobys?

But seriously though, the Subaru WRX STi should be considered since it doesn't only have allot in common with the EVO in concept but also more differences in nature. Sure, even though it may seem slower than the EVO on the track, its slightly higher displacement engine makes it pull through on top in the 1/4. Also, the main reason for the STi losing to the EVO on the track because of its tires, but those tires do much better on snow and any other weather than the EVO's. Its interior and suspention are also designed to make it a slightly better daily driver. And did I mention its cheaper?

Also if you are considering the 300C SRT-8 why not the Charger? And if you don't have a problem with fuel economy there is also the RX-8, with handling that can rival an M3 as well as luxury that matches an Infiniti at a price which you can find whole lot cheaper.

But I see you will most likely choose the BMW, and I can't argue with on it being not a good car. Either way I hope you appretiate your ride.

[NISSANSPDR]

Dont suggest the RX8...it's a good looking car inside and out but it performs bleh! The G35 Coupe probably could whoop it in every category performance wise.

[VAD0R]

Originally Posted by NISSANSPDR

Dont suggest the RX8...it's a good looking car inside and out but it performs bleh! The G35 Coupe probably could whoop it in every category performance wise.

Except skidpad and overall handling. Also like every rotary seems to do the performance actually improves over time.

[NISSANSPDR]

Yea the RX8 does have good handling w/the 50/50 ratio and lower weight than the G35 Coupe but I am sure w/coilovers and sticky rubber...the Coupe could make it interesting...lol.

[VAD0R]

Originally Posted by NISSANSPDR

Yea the RX8 does have good handling w/the 50/50 ratio and lower weight than the G35 Coupe but I am sure w/coilovers and sticky rubber...the Coupe could make it interesting...lol.

But what if you apply the sam mods to an RX-8, adding aftermarket parts to car comparisons has a tendancy to throw it off. Also those mods applied to a 350Z to become a contender against the RX-8 for handling, but I have some of my doubts with the G35. Like how some people say about displacement in power others can apply to weight distribution in handling, even though there are exceptions. I have not looked into the RX-8 aftermarket much but there are currently two supercharger kits out.

[NISSANSPDR]

There's also a turbo kit by GReddy I think for the RX8.

But that's also applicable to the G35...there's two supercharger kits and I think two turbo kits available.

[clawhammer]

Good informative thread. Personally I would have picked the Evo, but that's because I'm only 19, and don't mind the boy-racer image, and don't need to act like a professional yet.

[kman10587]

The Evolution IX and the M3 aren't really in the same class. It comes down to what would you rather have: a Porsche slayer that only costs thirty-five grand, has more uneducated fanboys than any car on the road, and is from a company that could be succinctly described as a "sinking ship"; or an overpriced luxury-sports coupe that has "snob" written all over it? I'd take an STi over either one. It's got all the performance and affordability of the Evolution IX, without the fake warranty or the 2 Fast 2 Furious appearance. Sure, it's not as luxurious as the M3, but it'll keep up with it easily for almost half the price. If I want a fast car, I'll get an STi. If I want a luxurious car, I'll get a Lexus. If I can't make up my mind, I'll buy an M3 and proclaim the greatness of "Germany's flawless engineering".

[DinanM3_S2]

Originally Posted by kman10587

The Evolution IX and the M3 aren't really in the same class. It comes down to what would you rather have: a Porsche slayer that only costs thirty-five grand, has more uneducated fanboys than any car on the road, and is from a company that could be succinctly described as a "sinking ship"; or an overpriced luxury-sports coupe that has "snob" written all over it? I'd take an STi over either one. It's got all the performance and affordability of the Evolution IX, without the fake warranty or the 2 Fast 2 Furious appearance. Sure, it's not as luxurious as the M3, but it'll keep up with it easily for almost half the price. If I want a fast car, I'll get an STi. If I want a luxurious car, I'll get a Lexus. If I can't make up my mind, I'll buy an M3 and proclaim the greatness of "Germany's flawless engineering".

"snob"? I think you meant awesome

[kman10587]

I'm not even going to try to defend my view; I'm through with that approach. I'm a Japan fanboy, and everyone here knows it already.

[fairladyz_gt-r]

i personally prefer G35coupe (skyline GT350 actually...we get JDM here in Thailand)...sorry there is one around my house and....man....soo sexy...

[SuperHighOutput]

I'll go in a different direction. I like the GTO, I know it's not luxurious, or a great handling car, but it has a bad to the bone, outlaw persona.

[JLad10687]

Yea, I was surprised you ranked the GTO so low. By the way, if you didnt want a 2 seater why did you test drive the G35 coupe, isnt that 2 seats? I know the Z is so I assumed that was.