$30K (Super!) Sport Coupe Shootout!

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Which $30K Coupe Would You Take?

  • Total voters
    90
YSSMAN

YSSMAN

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YSSMAN
YSSMAN
In case you've been living under a rock, I'll let you know that there are nice cars coming. Very, very nice cars. A lot of them appear to be stickering for $30K, use a RWD layout, and are powered by high-output V6s and strong V8s. There are some game-changers on the horizon, this is where we make our decisions.

$30K Super-Coupe Shootout!​

The Players...

2009 Nissan 370Z "Base" - The Comeback Kid
medium_3033641298_8b73bcc969_o.jpg

* 332 BHP 3.7L V6
* MSRP: $29,930

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track - The Joon Ree Master
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* 312 BHP 3.8L V6
* MSRP: $29,500

2010 Ford Mustang GT - The Seasoned Veteran
medium_3040083266_6674e275a0_o.jpg

* 315 BHP 4.6L V8
* MSRP:$27,995

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T - The Wrestler
medium_2771134325_a597f0be15_o.jpg

* 376 BHP 5.7L V8
* MSRP: $29,995

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - The Thunder from Down Under
medium_2796890330_82598d60d9_o.jpg

* 422 BHP 6.2L V8
* MSRP: $30,995

===

Have at it, this should be fun. Poll included!

...I think we all know what I voted for...
 
Same here. What a fantastic car, and its made by GM(which is my favourite). I would love one of those.
 
As much as the Camaro is a bargin and Holden had their mits on it, I went with the 370Z. I never was a huge 350Z fan but this 370Z is such an improvement over the 350Z and Nissan's focus seems to have gone in a right direction (Lower weight for one), it is really warming to me.


For the Camaro if you can get the Manual LS3 for the same price then at is crazy.
 
I think the Camaro, Challenger and Mustang GT are all fantastic looking cars. I'd have any of them, But Camaro is made by GM so i'd have that one, that's why I voted for the Camaro over the other V8's.
 
Damn it, Brad, you stole my next thread idea. I was waiting for each car to go on sale.

Of course, my $25k winner is the Genesis, but with over 400 horsepower, the SS is hard to ignore. If it comes with an LSD and gets decent mileage, it'd be an absolute no-brainer.

I'd pick the Mustang if it was designed with IRS and an Ecoboost engine.
 
I know the price for the SS is official, it's just so hard to believe. Within the GM stable, it's a few grand less than what the GTO sold for, and 10k less than the G8 GXP. Its also more than 5 grand less than what Terminators sold for, while looking to be the muscle car that finally beats it. It's tremendous value.

Though I'm not quite attracted to the design, the mid 12 quarter miles and straight line speed are pretty tempting. I just don't know if it will be enough to sway me from the 370Z. For me, this is a decision best settled with a test drive, and not internet speculation.
 
NO Brainer...370Z. Not a very hard choice when going up against a Ford,Chevy,Dodge and a HYUNDAI...HYUNDAI!!! Mocking Hyundai' new Commercials.
 
I'd go for the Challenger if it looked something else, because the engine in it is such an awesome piece, the new HEMI is a monster, but the car is horrid, I'd also go for the Camaro if it looked something else, I never liked the damn car. I dunno, I wouldn't take any. hahaha.
 
Philly
Leave it to Brad to bump the Camaro up another trim/engine level for an extra grand or two...
Click to expand...
You're right. I sense bias. But that's okay, because that's as high as the Camaro goes. If we want to play that hundred-horsepower-for-only-a-grand-more game I'll gladly switch off the cable and turn the thermostat down to 65 in order to pay for this...

10shelbygt50011hr1280sn3.jpg


And I'll park it front and center in Brad's driveway.

But I'm voting for the Hyundai. It seems more old-school tuner, somehow, than the Nissan. More my style. The only exception I'll make to my staunch anti-Appalachian-Americanism would be for that GT500. Might even inspire me to grow a mustache and wear Aviators.

20070925-reno-911%20cops.jpg


As a matter of fact, that's a Mustang they're standing in front of. Stereotypes FTW.
 
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I'm a lightweight balls-out handling street-track performer, and none of the above really stack up to my performance car ideal. But it's pretty obvious as to which cars deserve any sort of recognition, credibility or benefit-of-the-doubt. Mustang's got just too much of a porker lifestyle for too many years to garner any attention, Challenger has little-to-no decent all-around experience to earn any recognition (and backed by the motoring press), Camaro the same, and I lived just a couple km from the original birthplace of many-a Camaro/Firebird.

This leaves the two Japanese options. The notorious Datsun/Nissan powerhouse or the entirely newcomer, Genesis Couper? Although the shoulder lines of the OG Zedcar is an envy of mine as much as any other performance car enthusiast, the latest round of Zees (in fact, even before the 300Zee-eks) have left me with the lust for a true car with soul.

As of the current economic situation, as well as the car market for the last several generations, there has been little desire for a sporty RWD Asia-coupe. You've gotta admit that 4 years ago, the last brand you'd expect to be dropping a 300+hp RWD coupe would be Hyu. But suddenly, not only are they following through with their promise, but they also delivered a model-trim specifically-unoptioned for custon and track junkies. The stripped-out, delete-laden R-Spec will leave you ready for your stripping, customization and full-fledged track prep, all approved and blessed by the OEM themselves. good on yah Hynudai, now I'd wish I'd see all of the others follow suit with track options and absolute luxury delete options.
 
I'll go with the Nissan. I sat in one recently and it was just such a nice place to be. For me it completely eclipses the outgoing 350Z in terms of styling too. The Camaro is a close second, but you can't get them here.
 
VERY interesting results so far!

Yes, the Camaro does surpass the $30K target by just a bit, but it wouldn't be a comparison test without at least one car that breaks the rules. Plus, its only a thousand bucks, right? Who doesn't have that stashed away in their mattress anyway?

I think my secondary choice would ultimately be the 2010 'Stang GT, mainly because of the vastly improved performance figures and the rather-cheap $28K pricetag. That, and I like the powder blue color. A lot. Too bad for the Challenger, really. Its been completely overshadowed within a year of its release. Too, too bad.

My little secret: The Hyundai would be my third choice, and I'd opt for the turbo before the V6. Shhhhhhhhhhhhh.
 
I love the Mustang, I really do... But I think I'll take the Datsun.

EDIT: Also, Brad, your Datsun pic is the Touring model.
 
I voted for the Camaro, actually, but it was a tough call between it and the Z. Its one of the situations that requires a test drive, but without one I'm going with the car with 100hp extra and a V8. :sly:

Edit: Also, I just realized that being a 2+2 really helps the Camaro...I'm not sure if I could have a two seater as a DD.
 
Going out on a limb...

Other.

The Camaro SS is pretty tempting, but for some reason, none of those cars really appeal to me that much. I think a four banger of some sort sounds like more fun...
 
Genesis Coupe here. It looks good, priced right, and is different. The Z would be my second pick with its improved looks and shorter wheel base, and well, the Americans are all, erm, kind of meh.
 
I would have chosen the Nissan if it didn't rev-match by itself and look like a guppy. And no, I don't care that you can turn that feature off; just the fact that it has it is bad enough.
 
You all expected me to vote Mustang GT and I almost did. Infact if I hadn't heard those videos of the Genesis Coupe V6 I would have. Sorry, the Hyundai gets my vote. My god could a coupe be more sexy for that kind of money.
  • 370Z: Looks like ass. Hate every inch of the exterior. FAIL
  • Camaro SS: I love it, just not as much as I'd like. I don't like LSx engine exhaust notes much...I prefer other V8's as a matter of fact.
  • Mustang GT: Oh hell yes. But I'm disappointed that they only stuck an intake on it to get a putrid +15bhp. Yes its fast and handles better than people give it credit for...I just want more power.
  • Challenger R/T: Everything is a plus...until you open the door and see the interior. Mega FAIL
Its really a no-brainer for me. Looks, quality, drivetrain (6spd manual FTW), price and noise make this the clear winner. Plus I imagine the interior in the Hyundai being the best of the lot to be honest...

Keef
You're right. I sense bias. But that's okay, because that's as high as the Camaro goes. If we want to play that hundred-horsepower-for-only-a-grand-more game I'll gladly switch off the cable and turn the thermostat down to 65 in order to pay for this...

10shelbygt50011hr1280sn3.jpg


And I'll park it front and center in Brad's driveway.

But I'm voting for the Hyundai. It seems more old-school tuner, somehow, than the Nissan. More my style. The only exception I'll make to my staunch anti-Appalachian-Americanism would be for that GT500. Might even inspire me to grow a mustache and wear Aviators.

20070925-reno-911%20cops.jpg


As a matter of fact, that's a Mustang they're standing in front of. Stereotypes FTW.
Click to expand...

I have manlove for you. Nice snake--picture. :lol: Seriously, drop a Eaton roots supercharger on the Modular V8 and that makes everythnig else moot. Unless the Tau V8 gets stuffed into the Genesis Coupe. I'll have wet dreams about that one...
 
That V8 in a Coupe is going to be a recipe for destruction b/c you know it's gonna go zero to supernova with 500+ horses from the factory.
 
From the (Exterior) Looks I am a fan of the Challenger. The Camaro looks good too... But from what I read and heard they are both too heavy. Sadly... And the Challenger is very ugly from the inside...

I don´t kow this Hyundai, I will search a bit for it. But I am not sure if we can get in Germany. The 370Z is from the data better than the 350Z, but I don´t like its exterior.

So, I have chosen "other". The Mazda RX-8 is a nice one for example.
 

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