Here's the direction that affordable performance cars are going in, like it or not. All are AWD econocars with a lot of power.

Group Shot

WRX STI

VW r32

EVO 8

This is at the Tire Rack who are doing a full compro test which will hopefully be written up soon

 

I didn't think the vw r32 was AWD?

 

I just cant get over that box look.........and the fact their imports.

 

We understand you're still trying to defend your purchase of the EVO ( ) but these cars are no more "affordable" than a 2002 Camaro SS was, when you consider the EVO and WRX are pushing $30,000....

 

I'm sorry, but when I think of "sports cars" I don't think of four-door vehicles.

 

Hey, if your idea of hot rodding is revving the SOB to redline and dropping the clutch to get even numbers with a naturally aspirated stock late model f-body, all the power to ya. For me, I like REAL power in the form of torque. Just look at the 5-60mph times for these new age econo boxes, boring (average). Without redlining with boost up, they then turn into the cars they truly are, quick but not fast low speed zippers. Just remember, horsepower sells cars, but torque win races.

 

yea, I've read a review where they noticed the EVO's power doesn't come on very linearly, as in certain x-y mph runs were a little slower than expected...

either way, these vehicles stepped up to the bar, and in some cases nudged the bar further up..

I'm sure a few easy bolt ons and a chip, for the Sti and evo will be nicely improve their performance on the street at least.


A few houses down, there is a heavily modded WRX.. The thing launches nicely on the street, spinning and clawing all 4 tires off the light.. He did a 12.1 in the quater mile.. is his daily driver.. dang

 

I don't care what the numbers are. A 4-door is not a sports car.

 

It is.

It will be interesting to see how the grand am/G6 competes in this segment. Isn't it going to be a $30,000 turbo AWD?

What will be even more interesting is how the grand am competes with the GTO. With minimal mods on a turbo 6, it should smoke the GTO.

 

Call them what you want; I wouldn't consider a Camaro a "sports car" either. Fact is, if someone is looking for a seriously sporty ride these days, these cars should be on their list.

 

::turns around and throws up::

 

They are quick little pocket rockets, but I'd rather stick with the tried and true formula of rwd V-8 power.


-Mike

 

You dont consider a camaro a sports car? I hate to see what you consider those then? Family Sedan Maybey

Camaro is definatly sports car
2 doors
very little rear seat room
Big engine
six speed
rear wheel drive
$$$$ insurance

 

Not bad rides.

We need to remember these cars are in a different class, and shouldn't be copmpared to f-bodies any more than a '96 Impala SS should be. Sure, some people (at times it seems like alot) will automatically think they have the fastest thing on wheels, and will end up spanked by cars with mountains of mid-range torque.

The point here is performance is back, and in a wider range of cars than ever. These cars are interesting, and exciting, especially to the younger crowd who will no doubt be influenced enough by these cars to buy cheaper Lancers, Imprezas, and Golfs (as well as the 1 kid per neighborhood able to pay $30 grand for a new car).

Not the cup of tea for most everyone here, but still performance cars. Nothing wrong with that.

 

I'd consider it a pony car or muscle car. When I think sports car, I go back to the traditional definition of 2 seats, rwd, nimble, quick, and preferably open-aired. For many, there is a distinction.

If "very little rear seat room" and high insurance premiums were factors, then you're back to arguing the compacts on this page are sports cars. But my point is not to get caught up in classifications and labels anyways. If something is a blast to drive, it's a blast to drive.