So. My wife and I were looking at cars. Small, compact, yet "powerful" cars. Here's a list of what we might consider:

2008 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro
2007/8 Porsche Cayman
2007/8 BMW z4 3.0si Coupe
2007 Lotus Elise
2008 Corvette

Thouhts? Recommendations on other cars to consider? We don't want a VW or a Merc. Looking for a small 2 or 2+2 coupe. Car will be a DD. Discuss.

9/3/2008 1:01:42 PM

Honda Civic

its what women are supposed to drive

9/3/2008 1:02:28 PM

elise a DD? dont those things ride like ass on the street (i have no clue)

from the list:
TT
Z4

corvette? baller?

9/3/2008 1:09:53 PM

Strike the Audi from the list. it isn't even playing the same sport as the rest of the contenders.

the Elise would probably require a special owner to DD it.

if you want big performance, the 'Vette is the answer. the BMW and Porsche are really sweet rides, though.

9/3/2008 1:35:38 PM

what'd you do, hit the lottery? i thought you were struggling to finish your 944?

a vette is going to be the best performer out of the list. possibly the cheapest too depending on coupe/vert/z06 and what trim. other things are debatable i guess.

don't forget the infiniti g37.

9/3/2008 1:38:31 PM

oooh i didnt even think about the g37


this homebrew would go for a LS2 GTO

9/3/2008 1:49:05 PM

^^ lol no I didn't win the lottery. I'm not "struggling" to finish the 944 project per se, just finding it hard to dump ~$10k-$15k in parts when I can simply use that as a DP on a new sexy car (it's tempting). With that said, my wife and I realize we have quite a bit of disposable income and she and I both want a new car (yeah, I too was surprised to find out I could afford those cars...). Anyways, that's more enough regarding our financial situation.

My wife is a great driver, and less abusive on our cars than I am. She can handle my ~300wrhp, manual steering 944 and a lotus elise (yes we've both test driven an elise), so I have no doubt that she'll be fine with any of these cars. Don't go saying that the corvette is a "big car", it's only 4" longer and 4" wider than my 944 believe it or not. Granted, the hood is much larger... But yeah w/e

The audi is in there because it's sexy as hell, and has comprable power compared to the z4 and cayman, although it does weigh the most at ~3200lb (z4 coupe is ~3100 and the cayman is ~2800). That and the TT is a 2+2 which is nice just because it's more room.

oh yeah, I think the new miatas look wierd, so no, I don't want one of them.


I will say, i'm finding it hard to reason a lotus as a dd, though others do it and it's REALLY an awesome car. Plus the price is one of the highest. so maybe that shouldn't be in there.. but w/e

[Edited on September 3, 2008 at 2:31 PM. Reason : .]

9/3/2008 2:22:14 PM

those cars aren't even close to in the same class...
what style are you looking for???

I'd get the vette if i like the look/stigma of it or the Caymen if i didn't.

9/3/2008 2:25:59 PM

^ I guess I'm just looking for small powerful coupes pref. with RWD. I know the corvette is sorta out there, but we've included it because we love how it looks, it's good bang for the buck in terms of power, looks, and options, and I'm personally addicted to v8 power. and when it comes down to it, the corvette isn't much bigger than my current car, so that's +1. At the same time, we aren't looking for anything smaller like a smart car (with the lotus being an exception...). Anyways, this isn't something we'll buy soon, if ever really. My wife and I sat down and we talked about it for a while and we kinda came to the conclusion that all the cars were nice in their own ways. I'm hoping we'll go out and test drive them soon sometime.

I thought it'd be good garage talk to compare these cars, see how you guys felt about them, and if there were any other cars that could/would compare to what's already been listed.

9/3/2008 2:38:16 PM

None of the cars in the list are all that practical for a DD IMO, If you want something small ans sporty I would go with a new bmw 135i or coupe or conv. if she wants to roll with the top down. Otherwise I would go TT.

9/3/2008 3:00:30 PM

Okay, another thing. I feel that the TT, Cayman, and Corvette make nice eye candy. The c6 is hot, regardless of the fact that spotting one around town isn't too hard (in the Raleigh area that is). Same goes for the TT. As for the Cayman, all the Porsches have relatively the same design. While there really isn't anything "exotic" about them (because of all the Boxsters running around), they still make for nice eye candy imo. The z4 coupe is extremely appealing since most are roadsters. I've seen more Ferraris than Z4 coupes...

^We don't need a lot of space. Groceries are the most we ever need to pack in the car, and that's no more than 4 or 5 paper bags on a big day. No kids is a plus, and our friends can drive themselves somewhere to meet up with us Otherwise, I'd just go for a Speed6 (if/when they come out with one again)

9/3/2008 3:14:32 PM

Get the vette... period

You like the looks (i'm iffy)
Its the best performing car
hell i bet on the interstate it gets the best gas mileage too.

[Edited on September 3, 2008 at 3:22 PM. Reason : p.s. did i mention i typically hate chevys but the c6 is a nice car.]

9/3/2008 3:21:57 PM

Quote :

"2008 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro ... We don't want a VW..."

uhm...

[Edited on September 3, 2008 at 3:49 PM. Reason : tag]

9/3/2008 3:49:12 PM

Quote :

"hell i bet on the interstate it gets the best gas mileage too."

yup.. i was able to get 30 on the highway on the way to maryland.. def great on gas if you're taking it easy

9/3/2008 4:00:46 PM

^^ Ha ha.

9/3/2008 4:06:52 PM

Quote :

"Okay, another thing. I feel that the TT, Cayman, and Corvette make nice eye candy."

plan on picking up chicks or something?

you sound like a 50 year old having a mid-life crisis....I keed.

get the corvette.

9/3/2008 4:08:48 PM

G37 coupe

wait for the 2009 model, they come with 7spd auto versus the old 5spd auto

9/3/2008 4:25:42 PM

Quote :

" "2008 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro ... We don't want a VW..." uhm... "

I know I know... Seems hypocritical. But the TT is nice. There was nothing in the VW line that we liked or cared to discuss. Sorry VW.

[Edited on September 3, 2008 at 4:32 PM. Reason : .]

9/3/2008 4:32:18 PM

^^^^^yep, my dad's mostly stock 6 speed car w/ 3.42's nets 28mpg on the highway fairly easy.

i still can bring down 25mpg in mine on the highway as long as i don't bring the converter out of lockup and keep the speed 70-75mph. even romping on it some while passing and/or much higher cruising speeds nets 20-21mpg. it's almost too much for me to believe, but it's consistently backed it up doing the manual calculations. that's hardly less than a bone stock a4. around town is another story though, the stall speed kills any chance at decent mileage. i'm happy with 12-13mpg at best.

anway, my vote is still for the c6. the 08's are even more car than the 05-07's are. build quality is still a little questionable compared to other things, but imo not too much of a concern unless you're really picky about that sort of thing.

[Edited on September 3, 2008 at 4:34 PM. Reason : .]

9/3/2008 4:32:54 PM

I'd say take a good look at a G37s Coupe. I've had the opportunity to drive one briefly and it was a fun car, plus it's a sexy design and has just about any option you could want for.

Also, any discussion of powerful 2-door cars currently seems incomplete without mention of the Audi A5/S5. Definitely badass, though I'm not sure if it's too big for you (or if it's even in your price range).

9/3/2008 4:50:37 PM

I'd test drive the Z4 Coupe, the C6 Z51, and a Cayman S. Going in I'd be favoring the Cayman and would pick it unless the Z4 blew me away.

Yeah TT looks good, but its performance isn't in the same league so forget that.

9/3/2008 6:00:53 PM

If you're even considering a 2+2 coupe how the hell does an Elise show up on the list.

You've never been in one have you?

Quote :

"a lotus elise (yes we've both test driven an elise)"

I'm still baffled.

[Edited on September 3, 2008 at 6:30 PM. Reason : .]

9/3/2008 6:28:47 PM

2008 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro classy

9/3/2008 6:32:15 PM

what you need is a 95 civic and finish the damn 944.

9/3/2008 6:33:40 PM

Quote :

"the Elise would probably require a special owner to DD it."

Just to throw out a couple of things. On the + side of being a DD

+If you get the touring pack, the suspension is a LOT softer and actually pretty damn comfortable as a DD (or Track Pack and then manually soften the rebound and raise the ride height).
+The Elise has a considerable amount more trunk space than the Exige. I've packed 6 bags of groceries in the Exige trunk. It ain't like throwing them in the back seat of a 4 door, but it works.
+Now that my throttle body has been replaced, I'm getting 28-31mpg in very mixed driving.
+With good performance tires, it performs extremely well in RAIN. Once I moved off the OEM AO48's, it was a dream to drive in a downpour when I got stuck out in one.
+Swapping out the speakers, head unit and putting in a subwoofer+amp gives you a really nice cabin sound experience. It's so small that you can really enjoy the music, even on the highway.
+The a/c is instantaneous for defogging, and cooling the cabin on a hot day. 20-30 seconds and you are on your way in comfort usually.
+It will have far less depreciation than any other car you have mentioned. The community is extremely tight knit and helpful. There are very few shitheads that drive these cars.
+Hands down the best dealership and warranty experiences of any manufacturer I've ever dealt with. Both pre and post purchase.

On the - side of being a DD

-It needs to be garaged. Being in the rain is okay if you are out running errands, but it's not a car you park in the driveway to get rained and snowed on.
-Never, ever drive it in icy/snowy conditions. Ever. Never. If they salt the roads for snow, you shouldn't even think about driving it for a couple of months. Road salt will absolutely ravage the aluminum underbelly. It's an extremely dangerous car in ice and snow.
-It's loud as fuck inside on the highway (this might be a + depending on your tastes). If you don't get the touring pack, it will be twice as loud as fuck inside.
-The stock speakers suck ass. The stock head unit sucks ass.
-The air-conditioning doesn't like dealing with 95+ degree heat for long periods
-You will use the a/c a lot. The car loves to fog up on the inside. Maybe it's just me being in the northwest, but if it's wet outside, you will fog up the interior in a matter of seconds without it on.
-Small total aftermarket means mods are expensive. If you are looking at an 07, you still have at least two years of warranty left, so this shouldn't be a factor.

[Edited on September 3, 2008 at 7:00 PM. Reason : less spaces]

9/3/2008 7:00:00 PM

This is probably a little below the performance level you're after, but I recently got a 2005 Lexus IS300, and it's a freaking blast to drive. I actually look forward to driving to work in the mornings.

It's rear wheel drive, and compact.

[Edited on September 3, 2008 at 8:42 PM. Reason : ]

9/3/2008 8:41:53 PM

Well, generally the 2 seaters are fine. I just thought that a 2+2 setup wouldn't be bad. I've been in a lotus several times and driven then a couple times yes. I've never been in a z4 coupe (roadster yes), and never even looked at a TT before in person.

How are you still baffled Quinn? These are just different cars with a range of different characteristics and comparing the pros/cons of each one. The TT shows up in the list because it's stylish and compact. The Elise shows up because of the same reasons, plus it can perform.

haha gg optmusprimer If you "rice" out a civic, am I then "krauting" out a 944? HMMM

9/3/2008 9:21:34 PM

go for the cayman

9/3/2008 9:27:48 PM

Quote :

" I know I know... Seems hypocritical. But the TT is nice. There was nothing in the VW line that we liked or cared to discuss. Sorry VW. "

I'm just going to say it...The TT isn't an awful car, but it is a piece of shit compared to everything else in the list. It's just too dull. It's what housewives drive to their tennis lessons.

I'd rate the others as follows (in order by favorite):
Vette - For pure performance.
Cayman - Good DD, great looking, and a little more exotic than the Vette.
Z4 - If you don't mind sacrificing performance in exchange for cheaper maintenance, and relatively good reliability (by comparison to the Porsche.)
Elise - Awesome! If you can DD it. See Noen's post.

Honestly, I'd probably end up with the Z4 or the Vette. I like the Cayman more than the Bimmer, but I don't think I could deal with Porsche ass raping me once or twice per year. The BMW's looks have grown on me, I trust the 3.0 I-6, and there is good local support from shops such as Shadetree Garage. The Vette is just a beast and I'd love to own one.

[Edited on September 3, 2008 at 9:43 PM. Reason : l]

9/3/2008 9:40:33 PM

^ Now that was a post I was looking to read.

9/3/2008 9:49:28 PM

^^The Cayman is one of only 2-3 cars on the road now that I would seriously consider trading the Exige in for. Although I wouldn't honestly consider it a DD either.

I've not heard much in terms of glowing reviews of the Z4. It's 3000+ pounds with a 215hp engine, or an expensive 255hp alternative. It's still got marginal trunk space (9cf, to the lotus' 5), still a pretty harsh ride, and after options about the same price.

Just to throw out good DD alternatives, since you mentioned 2+2's. Have you looked at the Audi S4/S5? Very fast, practical, and in your price range. I think Audi has become the new yuppie shithead brand myself, but they do make beautiful and well built cars.

9/3/2008 10:13:38 PM

Why not save the money for retirement?

9/3/2008 10:28:19 PM

Some people would rather enjoy their money while young.

9/3/2008 10:42:39 PM

The A5/S5 is horse of a different color, nothing like any of the other cars mentioned in this thread (TT comes close though).

Also, I didn't notice that the BMW in question isn't the M Coupe. That being said, Cayman all the way. And if you don't want to deal with the maintenance, then C6.

9/3/2008 10:54:00 PM

Audi R8!!

9/4/2008 12:20:11 AM

the audi should even be considered

9/4/2008 1:23:35 AM

Quote :

"How are you still baffled Quinn? These are just different cars with a range of different characteristics and comparing the pros/cons of each one. The TT shows up in the list because it's stylish and compact. The Elise shows up because of the same reasons, plus it can perform."

The problem is its so freaking small and doesn't 32,000$-40,000$ used going rate perform.

I think there are many better options than an Elise. Everyone WANTS to want an elise. I did. Then i got in one....

Quote :

"Why not save the money for retirement?"

So you can buy a z(integer) bmw or lexus sc(integer) and regret you're not 23?


[Edited on September 4, 2008 at 8:10 AM. Reason : .]

9/4/2008 8:02:40 AM

Quote :

"Everyone WANTS to want an elise."

What?

9/4/2008 9:26:16 AM

z4 M coupe with the hard top. 337hp right?

9/4/2008 9:56:06 AM

Quote :

"haha gg optmusprimer If you "rice" out a civic, am I then "krauting" out a 944? HMMM "

not a lot of kraut left in the 944, problem is you installed a better powerplant and now somehow its less reliable... finish it, paint it, and drive it! you have made it this far, trust me, you will be happier in the long run if you follow through.

9/4/2008 10:08:14 AM

^OT, but yeah. The engine is good to go for now. *knock on wood* No idea why the ign. coil went bad (it was new...) but oh well. The headers suck and they've leaked since day 1. So a full length header will be in the works in the future... There's just so much to do it's overwhelming (got 1 big thing out of the way, now I just have a billion small things...)

[Edited on September 4, 2008 at 10:22 AM. Reason : ,]

9/4/2008 10:21:24 AM

To me, overwhelming would be facing the kind of monthly payment you are looking at with any of these vehicles. If you really have the disposable income, dont buy a new enthusiast vehicle that you will be making payments on, and will be modifying in the slightest- buy as little car as you can that still serves you well and will not be a financial burden later. For me, I decided that a toyota pickup truck was best- it would serve me well, has great reliability, maintenance is easy, and to keep me satisfied its a six speed sport model. I DID buy new because it was only a couple thousand more than a 1-3 year old truck and I paid it off extremely quickly. Also, I did spend some money on upgrades for it, but basically have since went back to stock because I decided that money was better spent on one of the more important projects that I really care about.

9/4/2008 10:34:53 AM

oh hell no. I wouldn't mod a new car. Especially since I already have a car for that purpose. Overwhelming was a nice way of saying "a lot to do." It's not stressful if it came off that way.

^ ha, you sound like my dad and his 08 Taco

[Edited on September 4, 2008 at 11:46 AM. Reason : .]

9/4/2008 11:40:01 AM

well, that is what i bought. i could have had a nice c5 or any number of other cars i have drooled over in the past for the same money, but I use the truck a lot, its comfortable, looks good, and i hardly ever see another truck thats just like mine.

9/4/2008 12:08:56 PM

is there an official "which car?" thread? i have the same question. i just don't want to hi-jack this one

9/4/2008 12:54:56 PM

^Feel free. I don't mind.

9/4/2008 1:28:28 PM

You should still buy the elise

9/4/2008 1:32:08 PM

Ok, looking at a newer car too.

2-3yo Audi A4 Quattro
1-2yo WRX
New or 1yo Legacy 2.5i

Looking for a powerful, awd, 4-door sedan, roomy, reliable, decent mpg, $18-22k

[Edited on September 4, 2008 at 1:42 PM. Reason : ,]

9/4/2008 1:42:03 PM

If you are looking at WRX's, go look at the Saab 9-2X. It will be several thousand dollars less, with fewer miles, way more luxurious interior and it's an Impreza.

Best kept secret in AWD sedans, and I'm outing it just for you

9/4/2008 3:53:11 PM

did they stop making it? i can't find a new saab 9-2x, but i can find 2006 models...

the problem is i REALLY like the new styling and features of the 2009 WRX and Impreza... they really stepped it up a notch this year....

9/4/2008 5:26:13 PM