100% agree. For pure speed, sometimes the econobox-into-racer are definitely a thing. Curves as well as lines. I've driven tons of Mazdaspeed 3s and Neon ACRs that were fast enough to be scary and otherwise outstanding - but still economy cars.

But... I'm almost 50. I'd like a level of sophistication along with the horsepower and suspension engineering. It's Camaro vs. Corvette; M3 vs. 318i.

I love the lines of the Audis, but underneath they're still mostly VWs. I'm not sure that's enough, considering the amount of FWD and/or automatic involved. I don't have the maintenance budget for a BMW right now, and 90% of Mercedes do nothing for me (the 10%, I can't dream of affording). Porsche? Maybe, once I don't need a back seat. Maybe by then I can afford a Lotus. In 2029 when my daughter goes off to college, I bet that an Exige will still look otherworldly.

 

People may **** on me for saying this and i know its not the prettiest car in the world but How come no one has mentioned the Civic Type R?

On track day, the track was full of them, red lining to their hearts content. Happy drivers, not worrying about a thing. Handle great, definitely fast, reliable as honda always is and they dont use mods as a reason to void warranty. As a previous integra owner im not a fan of the looks and that the type r became a 4 door but i am a fan of the driving experience and reliability honda provides.

Its not luxury and for that obviously its no where in the same class as an m3 or an s4 but it IS in the class of the focus RS and the Subie. Personally, id trust the honda more than those two.

 

Bad news, Porsche is owned by VW too In fact, the Macan for example, is heavily based on the MQB chassis (ie GTI), right down to the 2.0 turbo and 7 speed dual clutch. A lot of the hardware, brakes for example, will bolt right up to the other cars.

Not to come across like an overt VAG fanboy, but outside of the A3/S3/RS3 and TT derivatives, Audi has pretty unique chassis, and really only share engines and transmissions. The A4 and up are all longitudinal engine/transmission configurations. Even in the case of the A3 vs Golf equivalents, the Audi models use aluminum more extensively, vs stamped in the VWs.

I'm getting closer to 50 too, and I agree, a car has to be more than just performance. I thought the STI and RS were overly cheap feeling inside. The R was the only car in that class to have interior quality on par with my G37. That being said, it's still rooted in an economy car, and that certainly can carry a stigma.

My oldest will be off to college in 2029 too

Probably because it's butt ugly

But seriously, track monster aside (and it certainly is), I really dislike FWD for street driven cars. I'd love to see an Acura version with their SH-AWD and a more luxurious interior.

 

All depends on your preference and what you value in an auto at whatever stage of life you are at. As a 29 year old, I can relate to your statement. I can also see how someone may consider them to be too boy racer or the interior being a deal breaker because they value fit and finish over track performance. Others may hate the way it sounds vs an I6 or V8. Again, all depends on what your current preferences are.

Hence, why I'm considering the RS as a possible choice in that segment. Great power, seem fun to drive, modest looks vs. the in your face of the CTR. The interior is decent compared to other cars in its segment but it's not comparable to say the S3 or Golf R; but interiors aren't a deal breaker for me personally.

A lot is going to depend on how I'm feeling in 2 years when the time comes to consider a replacement. My daughter would be going on 2, I'll be 31, two years removed from the Navy...maybe I get fat and lazy? I may not have the time to modify a car such as an RS to the point I'm satisfied with it. Maybe I want something ready to go off the lot like a used Gen 6 ZL1? Time will tell

 

^^^
If I were a 29 year old, I'd be seriously looking at the BRZ. I think feeling like you're going fast > actually going fast.

However, my lazy 55 year old frame surely would not like the BRZ. So I am where I am... with a modified G37 Sedan.

 

You all have to admit though, the fact that the G is this hard to replace and not feel like you are left compromising somewhere really shows what a fantastic car we all own

 

Very funny you say that because I was in fact considering one until I actually saw and got inside one. I'm not a large person (5'8", 185 Pds) and that car felt claustrophobic; even for me. Right now, my list is comprised of:

• B9 S4, 6MT - Getting rare to find one w/ less than 40k miles.
• E90/E92 M3, MT - In honor of Joyryde
• Focus RS - reasons already stated
• ATS-V, MT - Starting to really drop in price
• GT350 - Depends if the GT500 kills their value like some are predicting. not holding my breath
• W204 C63 - Only auto. Dream car of mine from college.

Seriously. Its a solid package all around and they are extremely affordable now. Not sure what really competes in the sub 20k market.

 

Haha, nice.

My list is still kind of where it's been for a while:

• Jaguar F-Type Coupe S 6MT
• Mustang Bullitt 6MT (in green)
• Lincoln MKZ 3.0 TT

That Lincoln still haunts me... old man car with power and style.

 

hate to be that guy but the B9 S4 isnt available in a 6mt, maybe you meant the B8/8.5? those are have alot of tuning potential, and the engine and DSG can withstand a ton of power. They made a few b9 A4's in standard tranny for only the '18 year. The ZF 8 spd in the B9S4 is lightning quick, but also the most smooth when flying through the gears (you dont realize how fast you are going until you look at the beautiful virtual cockpit, its so smooth and quiet inside (Prestige has double paned glass)). I know i've been touting the S4 a lot after taking ownership, but after driving an F30 M3 and the new C43 amg, i really fell in love with the S4. The Gt 500 looks killer for 2020.

 

Do you really think so little of the quality of newer American cars? Seems a little narrow minded, but maybe your eyeroll was due to some sarcasm in your statement? I've actually owned several different cars from both Audi and BMW and those have actually been by far the least reliable cars I have owned. Other than the recall on the Pentastar engine in our Jeep (that's what we get for purchasing the first model year) we have had VERY good luck with all 3 of three of the American cars that we currently own. But I will give you this, the customer service you get from the dealers of the American makes definitely aren't up to snuff with the Infiniti, BMW, and Porsche dealers have have dealt with in the past. We've gone through 2 or 3 different Chrysler dealers before we found one that is even decent to deal with and it's about 45 miles away... So if you are buying a car with a warranty that should definitely be taken into consideration. I also seriously doubt many people will be cross shopping the A4 and Charger R/T, especially considering the size difference between the two. But if you are someone that is cross shopping these cars or any other cars you should just make sure to test drive all available options so you can choose the right car for YOU.

Because it's a VW, man! Any we all know only teenage girls drive VW's.

I'm definitely with you you on the Jaguar F-Type, and I had a Mustang GT350 on order until I sold my place in line, so I can definitely appreciate your considering the Mustang. Well, until I just recently has a Mustang GT rental for 5 days this past weekend. After spending so much time in the car I can now say that I am REALLY happy I didn't buy that Mustang. Yes, the car sounds AMAZING, even with the stock exhaust... Best sounding car I have ever driven, in fact... and that alone is almost enough to make me still want one. Plus, the car is super fast... I think it took me around 4 seconds to go from 55 - 110 when entering the highway. I was truly surprised when I looked down and realized how fast I was going. But other than that, the car isn't as solid as I would think it should be after 18K miles and it also had a lot of wind noise in the hood/cowl area at freeway speeds... way more than than I think I could ever deal with on a daily basis. That combined with what's probably the cheapest (and most claustrophobic) feeling interior I have been in recently is just more than I can over look. But, driving it did really makes me question what I want for my next car. I really love the sound of a naturally aspirated V8, but also want something that is way more comfortable inside... Something more along the lines of a Lexus LC500 maybe.

 

Since Rochester said what I was going to said, yes, for the most part, I think so little of the quality of American cars. Especially the Charger.

Like you yourself said:

The entire pro Charger argument is 'it's got a Hemi and sounds bitchin'

But, for clarity, you said cars. Domestics are almost completely pulling out of the car market, and are focusing on SUVs and trucks, and in those applications, they make interiors that rival almost anything. And it makes sense, since most domestic cars kinda suck--and I'm specifically talking sedans here, and not the Corvette, Mustang etc. I've never driven a Ram, because I have no desire to own a truck, but I've been in the new one--and you're absolutely right, the interior quality and fit and finish is top notch.

If I wanted a V8, I'd go Chevy SS with a 6MT over any flavor of Charger.

+ eleventybillion

 

My list:

1: Jaguar F Type (6cyl 6spd manual)

2: 2009 maserati gran turismo (40k canadian with around 60-70k kms on them...bargain right there)

3: who am i kidding?.. keep the G and just keep dumping motors into her as she ages

 

You're 100% right. My mistake. Yes, the 8.5 is what I was thinking of. They can be had for a steal right now and, as you said, the tuning potential is endless. Plus, they appear to be pretty reliable as long as they are maintained. No quirky issues that I could find.

 

I thought so too; my torso is too long or something. It's not that the car is small (after all, I owned and loved a Mk1 MR-2 and half a dozen FB3S RX-7s) it's that it doesn't fit me. I'm 5'9" and 210 or so - width was fine, but my head was in the roof even with the seat all the way down. No way in hell I could wear a helmet in one, not that I'm tracking anything right now but I'd like the option. Was very disappointing because that car is supposedly the ***** to drive.

Re: Audi v. VW - I thought that the Audi's were mostly badge engineering at this point. I'd be really interested in something S4 sized with a manual... and the unicorn and flying pigs that would accompany it.

So realistic list, less than 10 years:
Hyundai G80
Stinger
(well used) M4 sedan
back to an SUV with a Land Rover
(very well used) Panamera
Mini Cooper 4-door

List for when I don't need a back seat:
Miata
BRZ-ish car
old Exige

List for if I ever make any real money:
haha, yeah right.

 

Also - were I still 30ish, the WRX/STI would be top of my list. Cost vs. Performance vs. utility.