$50K Question: Uber-Sedans and Super-Coupes

[YSSMAN]

So I've been reading my new Car and Driver, and after getting through the comparison test between the new Shelby GT500 and Corvette, I got to thinking...

Whats the best car for about $50K? Of course, we are going to have to have a bit of leeway with the price, but they only qualify if they are Uber-sedans or super-coupes.

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For me, it is a very, very tough choise. While on the one had, the Corvette and S4 are bruisers with punishing acceleration, the accuracy of cars like the M3 and CTS-V cannot be denied. The Chrysler and Dodge offer a good balance of sport and comfort, but the lack of a manual transmission as an option is a deal killer. Despite my hatred of Ford, I simply cannot ignore the greatness that is the GT500 either. Then there is the GTO, which is very cheap, pretty quick, and offers a good balance...

I think I've made up my mind... I'm going to have to break the bank, and go with the CTS-V, despite the fact that it is slower than the cheaper Corvette. Yes, it has a somewhat cheap interior, and yes it's driving dynamics are still tonned down a bit compared to the M3, but I like her, a lot...

 

[IMADreamer]

I actually voted other. Out of that group there isn't much appealing to me there. I like certain things about all of those cars but there isn't one standout car.

Just as a prediction, I think the M3 will win this poll. The younger crowd seems to have some unholy love for it.

 

[STLbarcelona5]

Well I'm pretty young (18 in a month), but I voted for the S4. The other cars are either A) Boring B) Not what I want C) Waste of $50,000.

But as far as the M3 is concerned. I think it would just be too cliché to vote for that. And lately, I've been liking them less and less. I guess ever since I saw the RS4 on Top Gear.

 

[YSSMAN]

...Keep in mind that it is NOT the RS4, just your standard $50,000 S4 with the regular grade 4.2L V8.

I was so tempted by the Mustang, but it just isn't what it should be even with 500 BHP. I really was dissapointed after I read the article... I thought it was going to be a monster... I mean, not to say that it is slow, but I figured that it would atleast BEAT the S4 and M3...

EDIT: IMADreamer: Is there another car that you would choose? I wanna hear some heated discussion in here... Some of these threads have gotten a little boring since Danoff's "Tolerance" thread...

 

[Tornado]

I voted other, because the normal, non-"S" Porsche Cayman is supposed to be around 50K when it comes out, and not be much slower than the Cayman S.
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[Master_Yoda]

Other... Nothing in there is somthing i want.. Ms looks best to me.. But I don't want one, to many were i live.

 

[GT4_Rule]

I voted GT500. Simply because that's the best Mustang ever. But I was stuck between CTS-V, GTO LS2, Corvette and GT500. Couldn't make up my mind for 2 minutes...

 

[LittleBahamut]

I picked the Mercedez-Benz C55 AMG.

I always loved the styling of MB and the luxury things they put on their cars. They may be a bit heavy, but it is backed up by comfort, luxury, and status. I don't really care much for bragging on the street to be the big dog or the fastest street racer. I want a car that can combine everything I ever wanted in a car, slapped together all in one package. I don't want a car that is strong on this and that category only. I want WELL-rounded! 👍

 

[SRV2LOW4ME]

M3

Sporty, stylish, and an all around amazing ride. At home on the street or the track, which is why it got my vote. 👍

 

[neanderthal]

its easy to pick on the M3 and deride it by saying something like "the younguns seem to think its made froms gods own (fill in the blank) and all that" but fact of the matter is that an M3 is a well executed vehicle. it may not have the most powerful engine, brakes, best steering, handling, luggage space, whatever, but its a great combination of performance. and it outhandles and outbrakes plenty of cars that out accelerate it. that is undeniable.

an M3 is not a numbers car. you arent going to win any comparisons when looking at stats. its a feel car. you can get in, and drive at higher limits than you thought you could almost right away. you cant do that in a vette. or 911. or RS4. or CTSv and so on and so on.

so pooh, pooh all you want, but it speaks for itself.


[rant]i hate the bandwagon metality that seems to pervade here. love imports= hate domestics. love european stuff = hate everything else. today its the skyline, yesterday it was the evo, tomorrow it might be the aveo. everyone loves them. people think the corvette is overated, the 911 is overated, the M3 is overrated and so on and so on, simply becasue the competition is catching up. because there are cheaper alternatives, more powerful alternatives.

driving the cars in real life and comparing thier stats in road and track are two different things. motor trend cant fully explain what sensations you experience as you approach the limits in the cars. car and drivers editors arent you. thier preferances for everyday driving in the "performece sector" are biased because they get to drive new cars every week. testing a car for a day/ week is way different that owning one and getting in it everyday and mentally patting yourself on the back 3 years later because you made a good purchase.

power isnt everything. (control is!!!! ) features arent everything. stats arent everything. hating on the "top dog" is lame if its only for hatings sake. [/end rant]

 

[neanderthal]

ps, yes i voted M3

 

[Leonidae]

Other. S4 would be it, but it lacks performance despite being pretty heavy.. so, I chose a car that was within 50k€, has AWD, 2/4 doors etc.. and it's either Golf R32 or Subaru WRX STi'06. if I'm allowed to choose older ones, Pug 205 T16 would be nice. I take handling and traction instead of big power and shredded tyres, thank you very much.

 

[Vonie]

The GTO for me.
Not the best handler, best looker or fastest, but does all well.

And I like how it's sleeper-ish.

 

[Sage]

Dammit, YSSMAN, must you always reveal what the newest issue of C/D has in it before I receive it?

My vote: M3. For me, balance is very important in a car (I don’t mean balance between performance vs. luxury; I mean balance in terms of handling, power, etc.), and the M3 is about the most balanced package you can get. The horsepower wars are a bit silly – I find it way more fun to thrash a slightly underpowered engine versus barely using an overpowered engine. The M3 would be perfect for me: give me something light, with a zingy engine, bare-bones luxury, great styling, and telepathic handling.

Once the new M3 comes out, it’ll probably fall out of my favor: it’ll probably be too powerful, and I’ll undoubtedly hate the styling (the current M3 is, in my opinion, one of the most gorgeous cars in the world – I love the whole flat-faced pitbull look in cars).

 

[Raghavan]

I voted M3, but thinking about it, i'd rather land myself in an EXIGE!

 

[IMADreamer]

its easy to pick on the M3 and deride it by saying something like "the younguns seem to think its made froms gods own (fill in the blank) and all that" but fact of the matter is that an M3 is a well executed vehicle. it may not have the most powerful engine, brakes, best steering, handling, luggage space, whatever, but its a great combination of performance. and it outhandles and outbrakes plenty of cars that out accelerate it. that is undeniable.

an M3 is not a numbers car. you arent going to win any comparisons when looking at stats. its a feel car. you can get in, and drive at higher limits than you thought you could almost right away. you cant do that in a vette. or 911. or RS4. or CTSv and so on and so on.

so pooh, pooh all you want, but it speaks for itself.


[rant]i hate the bandwagon metality that seems to pervade here. love imports= hate domestics. love european stuff = hate everything else. today its the skyline, yesterday it was the evo, tomorrow it might be the aveo. everyone loves them. people think the corvette is overated, the 911 is overated, the M3 is overrated and so on and so on, simply becasue the competition is catching up. because there are cheaper alternatives, more powerful alternatives.

driving the cars in real life and comparing thier stats in road and track are two different things. motor trend cant fully explain what sensations you experience as you approach the limits in the cars. car and drivers editors arent you. thier preferances for everyday driving in the "performece sector" are biased because they get to drive new cars every week. testing a car for a day/ week is way different that owning one and getting in it everyday and mentally patting yourself on the back 3 years later because you made a good purchase.

power isnt everything. (control is!!!! ) features arent everything. stats arent everything. hating on the "top dog" is lame if its only for hatings sake. [/end rant]

I think this is directed towards me. Show me where I bashed the M3? I like the car, it does everything good but nothing great. My philosiphy in car ownership is that it's better to have multiple cars that do certain things great then to have one that is balanced. That's why I have a DD car that gets 32mpg, has 4 doors, and all that and I have been shopping for a sports car. Then there are no compromises. It always cringe when I see someone say "I'm getting a 350z when I graduate" or whatever. You are gonna drive that daily? It would get old, especially if you modify it which most likely will decrease the practicality of the car.

Honestly, I like the M3 but I don't think I was at all off base by saying it will win this poll. It's just about a fact that anyone in their lower 20s or teens that like imports has a fascination with the M3. Honestly if you are looking for a sports car the Corvette is a better choice. There I said it, the Corvette is better then the M3! Whether it's out of the box or for modding it's a better car. No it doesn't offer the luxary but damn it if I want luxary I'll buy a Benz or a 5 series BMW.

YSSMAN there's your controvery. Let the flames fly!

 

[IMADreamer]

I have decided my choice for "other" too. The Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6. 330hp, I like the styling, it rides like a lumber wagon but it fun as hell to drive. You can throw that thing around and the grip doesn't stop wiht those huge tires on the rear. It has zero practicality but that's ok with me. I do wish there was a manual tranny option. There is no need to spend 50k on a car these days. All the fun stuff (STi, Evo, SRT-6, 350Z, RX-8, Mustang GT, GTO) can be had around 30k or less. It's a great time to be a car guy!

Well that ought to get everyone stirred up pretty good.

 

[Carl.]

If I didn't have to deal with a few months of snow, it would have been the M3 without question. Since that's not the case I would take an S4 for me.

Besides, I think it's the prettiest sedan in the bunch, both inside and outside - even with the new grille. Can't help but stare at it each time I see one on the road.

 

[neanderthal]

I think this is directed towards me.

only partially. some of it was a preemptive attack on those who follow the leader, the unwashed masses, of whom plenty converge here. read my post carefully and it was directed mostly at them to get thier own opinions, and form thier own judgements instead of echoing the sentiments of those who have thier own agenda.

the vette is better. so what. as a dedicated track machine its definitely leagues ahead of the M3. as a daily driver id say the M3 is a better car. thats opinion. not fact. and thats based on my car usage. i often need more seat space than a vette offers.

heres the rub. i believe that while dynamically they are pretty much equals, the vette would need to be driven harder to appreciate it fully. thats where the BMW wins. my seat time in vettes certainly had me wanting more. but that was regular driving, not 10/ 10s stuff. M3 excursions have been satisfying, even on a food run.

ps not all can have more than one car. i do. but the penalty for that is one car is parked on the street. and between them my two cars have been vandalised/ burglarised 6 times in 8 years. each time parked on the street. im sure there are plenty of other reasons some cant have two or more cars.

 

[Poverty]

I think id go for the S4. It depends what we wanted the car for. I think the S4 is the best all rounder. As for what neanderthal said about people choosing cars because of paper figures being a bit off is that Id agree. Was on a M3 forum and many of those guys who drove 996's where saying how much better that car was in cornering etc and many of them switched to 911's when they could afford it, whilst still having major respect for the M3.

I voted other.

 

[JCE]

As much of an Audi fanman (I R no fanboy) that I am the Shelby GT500 just speaks to me in ways no other car can other than the Zonda or Carrera GT. I'd take the GT500 over the Ford GT in a millisecond if given either for free. I've driven an S4 (previous gen) and it's fan-freaking-tastic but...if I wanted a new Audi I'd save up the extra $$$ and buy an RS4.

P.S. The BMW 6-series is in the $50k's, wonder why you forgot to add it? It's still a great car for the money you spend.

P.P.S. If you did a $30k's poll like this I'd choose the GTO LS2 faster than the speed of light.

 

[niky]

Gads... what a difficult choice.

I'd be inclined to say BMW M3... if this were four years ago... but until a new one comes out, I can't honestly say this would be my final choice. Of course, in the real world, if I were actually moneyed enough to afford any of these cars, I'd take it without hesitation.

I'm more of an "Other" boy, myself (Lotus Exige, please... no supercharger... just give me an airconditioner and the stickiest rubber available), but as that won't affect the outcome of the contest between the other cars, I'll let that hang, too.

Oh, fug it. My vote goes to the M3.... with the Corvette coming in second only because that's the way I feel it goes. I'd consider the Mustang as a third, and the Dodge (not really a fan of the 300's styling... or maybe it just makes me feel too... old ) or even the CTS-V in fourth.

 

[Jim Prower]

I'm sorry. You're lookin' at a die-hard Mopar fan who don't give a damn about interior quality. You're lookin' at a guy who likes big, V-8-powered 4-doors. Charger SRT8 for me, in Evernham Red.

2nd place goes to the 300C (in silver), while 3rd goes to the M-B E55. (In AMG black)

the GT500 would make a great 2nd car in Gray Metallic/Black. Everyone's got a Corvette, the GTO, no rear doors, the CTS-V, not quite big enough, (STS-V, that's more my size) M3, fabulous, the six is just not my style, S4, too small, not enough power.

EDIT: aaaaand, Crap...I just changed my mind...

Because, I just realized...you can get a '69 Charger, with a 383 or 440, in driveable condition, for under the $50,000 mark.

I think it fits the criteria. (sub-50,000 coupe) No, it doesn't handle well unless you make some changes. no, it doesn't have a civilized interior. no, it doesn't make 500hp. (gets damn close, though) Yes, it needs a bit more maintainance than those modern decompression pods that most drivers know nothing of how to maintain.

But, i'd like a car i can get involved with. My grandpa has a '51 Chrysler Windsor. You cannot fall asleep at the wheel: stiff pedals, manual steering, bias-ply tires, non-assisted brakes. and, yet, it's fun as hell to drive. that's what i'd like. sure, the '69 Charger's a bit more modern than that,(power steering/brakes, and i'd install radials) but it's no EFI, ASC, TCS, 6-speed auto car either. The 3-speed Touqueflite is much more engaging, but i'd take a 4-speed stick, or install a 5-speed stick with overdirve.

 

[Wolfe]

M3. Sexy looks, audiorgasmic straight-six scream, poise and control that few can match, RWD for some fun "loss-of-control"...then, it can also carry groceries and a few of your friends, and most cops can't distinguish it from an ordinary bimmer.

Sure, it's overrated, but not nearly to same extent as any Japanese favorite. Also, it's more of a "GT-R style" of overratedness than a "Trueno-style" of overratedness -- there's some true performance behind that praise.

I just realized...you can get a '69 Charger, with a 383 or 440, in driveable condition, for under the $50,000 mark.

I think it fits the criteria. (sub-50,000 coupe)...

Too bad it isn't a new car.

 

[IMADreamer]

Because, I just realized...you can get a '69 Charger, with a 383 or 440, in driveable condition, for under the $50,000 mark.

I think it fits the criteria. (sub-50,000 coupe) No, it doesn't handle well unless you make some changes. no, it doesn't have a civilized interior. no, it doesn't make 500hp. (gets damn close, though) Yes, it needs a bit more maintainance than those modern decompression pods that most drivers know nothing of how to maintain.
.

Charger+440+modern tires=stupid fun. I think most people who are younger have no clue how fast old muscle cars are. They look at mag times that show a 14 second quartermile and say "my civic can do that." Well, strip off those old two plys and put some modern rubber on all four corners then see what happens. Old muscle cars in good shap are still some of the best buys you can get if you want tons of power and fun.

 

[Impala65]

GTO or Corvette !

 

[McLaren]

P.S. The BMW 6-series is in the $50k's, wonder why you forgot to add it? It's still a great car for the money you spend.

Well, 1st, it's for $50K....
2nd, the 650Ci Coupe starts at $71,800.

However, both the M Coupe and Roadster are at $50,000.

 

[exigeracer]

Lotus Exige,

Lotus Elise+Touring if you're a sissy schoolgirl,

Porsche Cayman if you're a sissy schoolgirl's mother...

 

[Wolfe]

Charger+440+modern tires=stupid fun. I think most people who are younger have no clue how fast old muscle cars are. They look at mag times that show a 14 second quartermile and say "my civic can do that." Well, strip off those old two plys and put some modern rubber on all four corners then see what happens. Old muscle cars in good shap are still some of the best buys you can get if you want tons of power and fun.

Uh...14 seconds is fast for a Civic. Unless you're implying that the kid has modified it, which is relatively unlikely these days.

Well, the BMW M3 CSL is shod in some pretty modern rubber (track rubber, actually), and it's pretty close to the Charger's power-to-weight, only having to carry about a third of a pound less per horsepower.

Basically, it's got great tires and has a bit of a power-to-weight advantage. The CSL sprints to 60mph in a bit less than 5 seconds, and reaches the quarter mile in the low 13's. With modern rubber, but the same noodle chassis and parasitic drivetrain losses from the whole designed-in-1969 thing, I'd expect the Charger to do 60mph in about 5 seconds or so, and the quarter in the high 13's, at best.

That's not slow by any means, but the tires aren't going to drop an entire second from the quartermile time.

 

[YSSMAN]

...Glad to be back after a few days w/o the internet...

Anway, I apologise for the lack of the Lotus twins, but I thought the Exige started north of $50K here in the US? Anway, I suppose the Elise (which is near $45K, no?) would have been a good ad, oops...

I have to admit, I was so tempted by the M3, it really confuses me. If you would have talked to me about the 3-series even two years ago, there is a good chance I would have drop-kicked you in the throat for even meantioning the car... But after riding and driving a few 3-series', I have changed my mind substantially.

[short story]There is a dude who has an '05 with the competition package just around the corner from where I work. Every day that I see that car I have a very, very hard time not trying to go steal it. The car is simply perfect to look at. Jet black paint, big competition aluminum wheels, black leather with carbon fibre interior... It makes my pants get all tight and stuff[/short story]

Anyway, I went with the CTS-V, as it is something different. Only on numbers, it doesn't necessiarily "smash" all records posted by both the M3 and S4, but it does give them a beating no less. Sure, it is $51K brand new, without any options, but that is exactly the way I would order mine. Probably in Stealth-Grey with the Ebony leather/suede interior... But I am tempted to buy the extra performance suspension (at $1,260 it isnt too bad...)

I think the obvious choise for second is the Corvette, as I am a die-hard Corvette fanboy (fine, I'll admit it... Like you didn't know allready!). The price/performance ratio is simply unmatched at any price, and I am still amazed by the car even two years after it's introduction as the C6.

Third, well, third is the toughest spot to pick. It is pretty much a three-way shootout between the GT500, GTO, and M3. If I was a tight-fisted Dutchman (like I allready am) I would go with the GTO... If I was a Euro-loving snob (like I allready am) I would go with the M3... If I was a NASCAR-watching, red-meat eating, member of the GOP (like I allready am) I would probably go with the GT500...

Its a tough one, but I think I would probably continue to GM-streak and go with the GTO. I still like the looks, and the performance as well, and you really cannot beat the $30,000 price tag. Performance may be lacking in comparison to the M3 or the GT500, but with the extra $20K in my pocket, that can be changed very easily... Maybe I should get SLP on the line?