Giant Killer

[3000ways]

It must really suck to own very expensive sports car and then one day while driving to work get your ass handed to you by a car that cost half as much as your car. The guy in the Porsche or Ferrari or BMW just ran into a Giant Killer- cars that offer awesome bang for the buck and these cars can routinely smoke cars that cost twice as much. Which of these cars do you think is truly the best Giant Killer? Think about your answer, is the car you choose really a Giant Killer or just a good bargain?

2004 Chevrolet Corvette ZO6

2005 Ford Mustang GT

2004 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

2004 Ford GT

2004 Dodge Viper SRT-10

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution RS

2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR

2004 Dodge Neon SRT-4

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

[kman10587]

I voted for the STi. The SRT-4 isn't that big a deal since most people know about it, and there are faster cars that don't cost that much more. The reason I voted the STi over the SVT Cobra is because the average American (I realize that not everyone voting in this poll is from America) knows that the Mustang is a fast car, but not very many have even heard of the STi. The Evolution is a good giant killer too, but the STi is the better car for drag racing (thanks to a bigger engine) and it's not quite as well-known.

[syr74]

I voted for the Cobra for a couple reasons. First of all my Ford bias likely influenced me as it influences most folks.

But in honesty. A real 420hp car priced in the mid thirties is incredible. The fact that for about 1000 dollars more you can push that number well over 500hp (think more like 550hp-600hp at the crank) without losing any driveability is unmatched in today's world.

If you are willing to drop another 3-4 grand over that you can have a 800+hp car that runs those numbers on pump gas and has better than stock driveability. And, that is without spray. An 800hp car on pump gas with better than stock driveability for under 40,000 dollars....No other car on that list can make the same claim

The Cobra does have a reputation, but this is largely because it regularly stomps those big money cars. And that only reinforces my choice.

[kman10587]

Yep, there's no doubt in my mind that the SVT Cobra is a better drag monster than the STi, but just imagine pulling up to a Japanese economy sedan with a big wing and a loud exhaust in your $100,000+ sports car...and losing? There's nothing like it.

[Polygon]

My vote has to go the Evo RS. It is by far one of the best handling cars on the list, it isn't that expensive, and it can me made to go very fast in a straight line for not a lot of money. It was a close second for me with the Cobra. I just don't think that the Viper or the Vette are really monster killers since they are more the monsters around here in the states. I just don't see Ferraris or Porsches or really any nice European sports cars around. Then again I do live in Utah. Not exactly the performance car capitol of the west.

[mason_RsX]

I see vettes as more of a monster killer, but not the Viper...I personally would take the Evo MR... it bumps up the hp and torque, throws in a 6 speed, better shocks...it looks all around ricer to confuse the dude in the expensive car, and enough go 2 ruin him

[Sean_S]

Yeah, the GT and rt/10 don't really belong in that list since they both could be considered monsters themselves.

Corvettes are too respected here in the states, so they don't really have that sleeper apeal.

With that being said, I would have to take an MR or the SRT-4. The MR since, despite the racing effects, it still looks like a compact car. As for the SRT-4, well it's a Neon. No one outside real car enthusiasts respect it.

[kman10587]

Yeah, I think the list needs to be: SRT-4, STi, Evo MR, and SVT Cobra. The 'Vette, Viper, and GT are already high-end, and the Evo RS is unnecessary with the MR on the list (I know it's cheaper and lighter, but the MR is still better).

[Pavlo]

skylines

[kman10587]

First of all, almost anyone who sees a Skyline knows how fast it is (and they probably think it's faster than it really is, too). Second of all, Skylines are very rare and expensive, so I'd consider it more of a giant than a giant killer. Third of all, it may be pretty fast, but it's still not as fast as a lot of other cars that cost as much or less than what it does; the Corvette Z06, the Supra Twin Turbo, and the Mustang SVT Cobra, just to name a few.

[3kgt8]

ok lets not start with the skylines please.

[kman10587]

I didn't start it this time...and I didn't bash Skylines either. I made three valid points explaining why they aren't giant killers. I could make a bunch more why they aren't even giants, but I'm not in the mood for that argument again.

[3kgt8]

i agree with you skylines are nice cars but i dont consider them giants either.

[Muscletang]

I think the new corvette c6 is going to be something you don't mess with. The cost has dropped to $40,000 and it has better performance stats than an 04 zo6. It is still a bit expensive but its a better performance machine that more people can get their hands on.
My vote though has to go to the svt. The thing just begs for mods and responds so well to them its insane.

[DinanM3_S2]

I'd go with one of the EVO VIIIs. I just read the most recent C&D 10,000hp shootout, and the Vishnu EVO placed 2nd, and cost about the same price as the base price of all its competition (CTS-V, M3) and cheaper then others cars in the test (CL55, RS6). The closest car in that test in price and place was the VW R32, which brings me to my next point.

One car not on that list that I would put there would be the VW R32. This is a less well known car, capable of a hell of a lot. HPA Motorsport's TT R32 is simply amazing. I recently read an article on VWVortex.com from a RSX-S driver that didnt know anything about VWs. He saw what he thought was a basic Golf or GTi and wanted to mess with it. Couple seconds later his concept of reality was shaken.