| 280z/300zx |
10-17-2010 10:40 PM |
Unfortunately the sports car market isn't what it used to be; we don't have as many options as we used to. On the import side the 370z is about the only car worth talking about. Sure the EVO and STI are nice but in today's market they are far behind the times. As an ex suby owner I frequent the boards every once and a while and there are tons of posts where people are complaining that Subaru needs to increase the power. Basically the STI hasn't changed in power much since it's debut in 2004. The EVO is no different. Sure with mods these cars will scream but I'm talking from the factory. Toyota and Honda stopped trying altogether. The Genesis isn't a bad start for Hyundai but just isn't competitive with the 370z. Mitsu no longer has a coupe sports car like the 3000GT or old starion. So essentially you have the 370z, which while very good all the way around is starting to lose it's edge with the new arrivals of 400+hp cars.
On the domestic side you have the new 5.0 GT stang which pretty much is king right now in the 30-40k range of cars (imports included). Fastest acceleration times and handles nearly as well as the Z. The Camaro is just heavy but otherwise a step up from the previous gen. Capable of running high 12's stock and can still take corners rather decently, but it's weight is heavily apparent. The Challenger really isn't even worth mentioning. Between the 3 muscle cars it has the slowest times and corners the worst. This may change however with the new motor and slightly tuned suspension rumored to be coming fro 2011 or 2012. The Vette is a no brainer but is in a price category above the rest of the cars mentioned. This can be solved by simply getting a used version which isn't hard to do if you don't mind getting a used sports car. Another thing to consider is that in the price range you mentioned you are looking at mainly 2005-2006's which in the Vette world is the least desirable. They are known to have some minor flaws ( rear diff grinding the most common) which require a dealer visit. Not to discourage you, they are easy to fix but can be a headache to have to worry about. I encourage you to research before getting a Vette. Also, the 2008's are when the Vette had some tweaks to get rid of the annoying issues from previous years as well as a tuned suspension to get rid of the numbness so many complained.
Aside from that there are used M3's of previous gens that can be had for low 20k or previous gen Z06 Vettes for the same price. You could always look at used 335i's as well.
In the end the 370z and Mustang are the king of each market if looking for brand new. Between the two it comes down to 2 things: looks and preference of speed or corners. Both will accelerate and take corners well but one is better in each category than the other. Looks are a personal preference. The reason your having a hard time finding an alternative to the 370z is simply because there are less options than compared to back in the 80's and 90's
Just so you can see where I'm coming from I currently have a 280z, 300zx, 370z, and the girlfriends camaro SS. Previously have owned a C6 Corvette, WRX, 2001 Trans Am, S14 240sx, and 73 Ford Maverick 302. Cars I've had the privilege of driving, racing, or racing against in both drag and or auto-x with friends: Last Gen M3, S2000, SRT-4 neon, STI's of several gens, EVO X, Genesis coupe V6, Ford T-bird 5.0. As you can see I enjoy both import and domestic and have owned both, so my description of the above mentioned is without bias.
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