I have an itch I need to scratch...350HP RWD

Then I'd almost definitely say GTO. Like forzav said, the '05-'06 were 400hp stock. Even the '04 had 350hp stock, and it's much cheaper. You could get a really clean stock '04 for probably $13-$14k US. The '05-'06 will run a few grand more. If you want a few simple bolt on mods, you can quickly push those HP numbers up. I sold my '04 GTO last summer. Mine had some serious engine and suspension mods. It had about 400rwhp and much better than stock handling. I think it sold for between $16-$17k IIRC.

The GTO is also very livable as a DD. It's real comfy and easy to drive smooth. Even fuel mileage wasn't bad. The only thing I didn't like was the trunk was really tiny.

I personally like the CTS-V more vs the GTO, much more angular lines. Since both cars are similiar, but one is (IMO) more luxurious without any downsides, I know which one I'd take. You can get '05 CTS-V's up here for only $18k with 130,000kms (75,000 miles).

What about a Maserati coupe? They can be had for that price.

Bigger picture should be HP to weight. For instance a 250HP car that comes in under 2500 pounds is just as thrilling as any 350HP 3500 pound plus American car. That's why I like my TR8s so much.

That's why I like my TR8s so much.

I want to read the back-to-back comparo written by someone cross-shopping TR8's and CTS-V's.

tho over budget i suggest this http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=299954649&dealer_id=66293221&car_year=2011&systime=&doors=&filter_change=no_results_inc_max_price&model=MUST&search_lang=en&only_photo=1&start_year=2011&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=0&min_price=&rdm=1310674473625&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=y&fuel=&keywords_display=&sownerid=55557770&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=y&make2=&certified=&engine=8+Cylinder&dma=TULSA&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&only_price=1&body_code=0&transmission=Manual&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&color=&address=74012&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=27500&make=FORD&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=1477&standard=false

this is why http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/1010_2011_2011_ford_mustang_gt_vs_2011_bmw_m3_comparison/index.html

I would be torn between the General's offerings for that price.

It does not matter what flavour you partake.. Luxurious rapid transport in the CTS-V. True Sports car heritage in the Vette, or the sleeper of this decade in the GTO.. all will be enjoyable and easy on the wallet

Of the three.. the Vette will probably be the cheapest to run. The Caddy has more electronic systems to break and wear out, the GTO is no longer imported, but the vette has a heritage going back almost 6 decades

I'm going to echo the C5 sentiment. Then in a few years if you decide you want 450 or 500 RWHP it comes pretty easy in that car.

HiTempguy wrote: I personally like the CTS-V more vs the GTO, much more angular lines. Since both cars are similiar, but one is (IMO) more luxurious without any downsides, I know which one I'd take.

No downsides to the CTS-V? So you don't consider grenading differentials, diff bushings guaranteed to go bad, wheel hopping, cracking radiators, weak motor mounts, 6-lug hubs, or flaking interior paint to be downsides, huh?

This CTS-V owner says buy the GTO.

what's wrong with the 6 lug hubs?

personally, I did always wonder why the car had them. Even the vette only has 5 lugs

How about a BMW 335i with a $600 piggyback ecu. Easy 400hp at the crank.

mad_machine wrote: what's wrong with the 6 lug hubs?

Aftermarket wheel and rotor availability/price. Also, if you put in wheel studs, as I did, you get to buy another package of them.

Will wrote:

HiTempguy wrote: I personally like the CTS-V more vs the GTO, much more angular lines. Since both cars are similiar, but one is (IMO) more luxurious without any downsides, I know which one I'd take.

No downsides to the CTS-V? So you don't consider grenading differentials, diff bushings guaranteed to go bad, wheel hopping, cracking radiators, weak motor mounts, 6-lug hubs, or flaking interior paint to be downsides, huh? This CTS-V owner says buy the GTO.

My best friend got a 1st gen CTS-V a couple of years ago and has not had any issues with it so far. Granted he does not do "drag" launches because of the diff but that car is a beast on the road, very nice.

Here's one out of left field...

MKiv Supra Turbo?

350hp is a boost controller of your choice away. And they'll handle it. Forever.

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: Here's one out of left field... MKiv Supra Turbo? 350hp is a boost controller of your choice away. And they'll handle it. Forever.

My friend ran one into a ditch the day after he got it. It didn't handle it anymore.

N Sperlo wrote:

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: Here's one out of left field... MKiv Supra Turbo? 350hp is a boost controller of your choice away. And they'll handle it. Forever.

My friend ran one into a ditch the day after he got it. It didn't handle it anymore.

LOL!

Ok... the CAR will handle it, i can't speak for the drivers.

I have the '11 Mustang GT and find it to be a pretty good package. Though I'm reluctant to keep tracking it; it eats tires and brakes like you read about.

You could almost get a 135i for that price. It's only 300hp, but it is smaller and lighter than a lot of the stuff you're looking at. Dinan tune claims 384hp and 421 torquies!

mr2peak wrote: You could almost get a 135i for that price. It's only 300hp, but it is smaller and lighter than a lot of the stuff you're looking at. Dinan tune claims 384hp and 421 torquies!

Nothing about claims, it handily annihilated the 4 door 2010 M3 at the track the other day. Watching that thing come out of the long sweeping 180* corner at 90km/h and LAUNCHING onto the back straight was COOL

Other random ideas. An old muscle car? Jaguar XJS (the V12 has 290bhp in Euro tune and there would be tons of money left over)?

Historic or vintage stock cars are always fun, but a bit on the heavy side. I like the Miata with the LS swap idea. Small car - tons of power. Great way to get some white knuckle seat time.

Audi S8?

I vote C5 Z06. Stock it runs mid 12's in the 1/4, gets over 25mpg highway, corners as if on rails, and an extra 50 rwhp is a set of long tube headers, cold air intake and tune away. It is comfortable lugging around town and when it hits 4k on the tach all hell breaks lose.

I've checked out a few Caddy's, not really doing it for me. The GTO is nowhere to be found in Canada (rather not go through trying to import a car now). Corvettes are still in the running, but I really think I need four seats.

I really like the 135 BMW, but I think they are running above budget for me. There is an XJS with a manual with 150K km for 8K near buy, but that would be way down on power to weight I think. The road race stock car has always intrigued me. Lots of JDM options up here with the15 year rule, need to look at that.

I guess I need to think this one over a bit more.