sports car

NIN881 · #1 11-03-2004, 10:16 PM

What is the best sports car under 50k? Give me your opinion.

I like the Vette, 350z, and RX-8.

Andydg · #2 11-03-2004, 10:22 PM

I really like the 350Z too. It seems like a great all around car.

MexSiR · #3 11-03-2004, 10:39 PM

M3...Maybe its a little more expensive.

NISSANSPDR · #4 11-03-2004, 11:12 PM

If we are talking strickly sports car for the track and weekend jaunts around the mountains and back...hands down...Lotus Elise...weighing in around 1800 lbs...probably the best handling car to come stateside in a long time...long time coming for us to get this beaut.

Now if it had to pull duty as a daily driver...I would say the new Corvette...the LS2 is supposed to be marvellous...better than the LS1 so I've heard...if that's too pricey...look into a used ZO6 (LS6 engine IIRC)...405HP and 1.00 g's....very nice...you get Porsche 911 Turbo speed and handling for half the price....less obviously since ZO6's are now used

kman10587 · #5 11-03-2004, 11:14 PM

The best value in this segment, in my opinion, is the Chevrolet Corvette. Re-designed for 2005, the new Corvette is just as strong as last year's Z06 model. However, it's $5,000 cheaper, it handles even better, and the interior is much improved. If you're looking for maximum performance, look no further than the Corvette.

Then there's the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The Evo is a lot cheaper than the Corvette, and it performs nearly as well. It's also more practical in the real world, seeing as how it has decent-sized back seats and doors to go with 'em. However, it's got a lot less potential than the Corvette since it's so highly tuned out of the factory, and all-wheel-drive is a mixed blessing depending on what kind of performance you're looking for. There's also the Subaru Impreza WRX STi, which is a similar type of car as the Lancer Evolution. It's less hard-edged, but it's also a bit more user-friendly. If the STi is still too much for you, consider the Volkswagen R32. It still has a performance-tuned AWD system, but rather than a turbocharged four-banger, it uses a 3.2-liter version of Volkswagen's stout VR6 engine. It's also a hatchback rather than a sedan, though the rear seats are still acceptably roomy. The R32 is certainly not as quick as the STi or the Evo, but it's a lot easier to live with on a daily basis.

There are some other good values if AWD turbocharged sedans don't tickle your fancy. The Nissan 350Z is very quick for the money, and it uses a much more traditional sports car setup: two seats and rear-wheel-drive. There's also the Mazda RX-8, which is unique in a couple of ways. The most obvious deviation from the norm is that it uses a high-revving, 1.3L rotary engine, and is the only car on the U.S. market to do so. Also of note are the two additional "suicide" doors that provide easy access to the decently roomy back seats. It's definitely low on power compared to other sports cars in its price range, but it's very fun to drive, the handling is top notch, it's got an undeniable uniqueness factor, and it's much more practical than the 350Z.

There's one other car that I feel is worth mentioning: the Honda S2000. This is very much a love-it-or-hate-it type of car. There really isn't much I can say about it, other than that it makes 240 horsepower from a 2.2-liter engine without using forced induction, it makes all of that power at well over 7000 rpm, and you press a small red button to start it up. The 2000-2003 versions are even more hardcore, using a higher-revving engine and a more spin-happy suspension.

My Personal Picks (all 2005 models):
1. Chevrolet Corvette
2. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR
3. Subaru Impreza WRX STi

racefreak · #6 11-04-2004, 02:35 AM

The best car for 50k stock I'd say a vette,lotus elise or a m3 but modded I'd say an evo8 mr,sti or a 350z. I'm going for one of the last three.

NIN881 · #7 11-04-2004, 02:41 AM

Well, my favorite car is the corvette. Combine a sports car and a muscle car=my dream.

The evo and sti sound like great cars but I don't like the styling at all. it is almost factory rice, btw I did say almost.

The 911 is more refined but it is alot more costly and lack the torque that i love in a muscle car.

NIN881 · #8 11-04-2004, 04:58 AM

Right now I have a modded mustang. I was going to just pump money into it as I got it and realized how much I wanted a sports car. I suppose that I could make a stang handle well and would be cheaper but thats not my dream.

mason_RsX · #9 11-04-2004, 07:05 AM

I would throw an Audi S4 into this as a great sports car for just under 50k...its fast with a nice 340hp V8, and throw in the 6 speed...its practical with 4 doors and awd and in my opinion it looks fantastic

clawhammer · #10 11-04-2004, 07:30 AM

I'm going with the corvette as well. In this months Car and Driver they compared it to a Porsche 911, and it beat it in every category. And the price difference is 25000. It's the best bang for the buck. If you're a strict numbers person, go with it.

Andydg · #11 11-04-2004, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NISSANSPDR

If we are talking strickly sports car for the track and weekend jaunts around the mountains and back...hands down...Lotus Elise...weighing in around 1800 lbs...probably the best handling car to come stateside in a long time...long time coming for us to get this beaut.

I totally agree with that...change my choice from the 350Z to the Elise!!!

kman10587 · #12 11-05-2004, 09:42 AM

Hehe, I forgot to mention the Lotus Elise. I'd still rather have the Corvette, but the Elise is definitely worth mentioning.

NIN881 · #13 11-05-2004, 04:56 PM

Totally agree, considering that the elise has a new toyota motor that puts the power that it lacked to the wheels. If I had a track I would buy one.

jcsaleen · #14 11-05-2004, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MexSiR

M3...Maybe its a little more expensive.

54$ starting but hey I'd go with the 05 vette. If your willing to push it buy a NOBLE M12 GTO for 54,500 its amazing!!!!!!And I mean amazing!!!!!

Car of the year! 0-60 3.8 secs!! top speed of 170 + its a looker!

va-un4given · #15 11-06-2004, 01:36 PM

I bought a 02ss camaro for 19k with only 21k miles on it...stock i was running 13.1's in the 1/4..i bested 162mph after removing limiter. has 4spd auto to boot....my vote the 02 camaro...cheap buy..big bang for buck..lots of potential for improvment, styling and areo is decent. mid 90s vettes are a good buy too, under 15g and can contend with alot of this years so called fast cars

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