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Taking money factor into consideration what would you consider to be the best coupe to buy on the market today?

1. Porsche 997
2. Lamborghini Gallardo
3. Ferrari 430 Modena
4. Mercedes CLK
5. BMW 645
6. Infiniti G35
7. Other?
 

7. If the money factor is being taken into consideration then Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini are definitely out of the picture. I maintain, and I think nearly every other critic will agree, with those three brands you never get your moneys worth. Granted they all make great cars, you're still paying at least 30% of that price tag for the brand name. If we're going by the strict coupe definition then I'd say it's a tossup between the 05 corvette and BMW M3. Both pack a lot of power for your dollar and both do well on the skid pattern and what's really cool is, both don't cost the same as something that comes with 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. Plus, let's think resale, there's a lot more people willing to snag up a used M3 or Vette than there are looking for a used Gallardo or 997.
 

Those cars ain't so super, and half of em ain't sports cars.  They are all coupes, though.  Let's seperate em:

1. Gallardo against F430 -- $160,000, mid-engined, 3.X-second cars.  If you can afford one, you can probably afford both.  Go ahead and indulge.
2. Porsche 911 (let's not use Porsche's confusing 993, 996, 997 platform codes)...  umm, does this have any competition?  Viper and Corvette?  NSX?  Sure, why not.  Although Porsche is special cuz none of those other guys stuck their engine in the wrong end of the car.
3. BMW 6-series: alternatives would be Lexus SC430 and Jaguar XK8, I guess, which will probably put you to sleep.  For the record, brand aside, the Pontiac GTO would be right at home here: -- bloated, V8, foreign, sedan-based coupe.
4. Infiniti G35 and Mercedes CLK...  both challengers to the 3-series coupe.  The difference being that the Infiniti is inferior and underpriced, while the Mercedes is inferior and overpriced.
 

I'd go with the Porsche 997, it's getting rave reviews everywhere and seems to be the sportscar of the moment.  As long as it doesn't have the dreaded RMS (Rear Main Seal) leakage issues that have plagued the M96 engine.  

The Ford GT is faster than all those listed, and less expensive
 

The Ford GT lists for around 150K, that is in no way less than the BMW 645, Infiniti G35, or Mercedes CLK. And if you actually look at the real market price of the Ford GT right now, you're looking at $300K selling price, higher than all the cars on there except the Ferrari F430. Not to mention the Ford GT has had numerous major recalls on it already, including cracking suspensions, the Ford GT has become the laughing stock of the supercar market.

"Ford Motor Company has hit the "lucky seven" mark with their Ford GT - seven product recalls/advisories since the GT's launch in June 2004 that is. Confirming an earlier BlueOvalNews newsbrief, Ford Motor Company has acknowledged that Ford GT engines may contain a defective rear engine crankshaft main seal (rear main seal). The information was originally leaked to BlueOvalNews by a Roush source. In addition to the engine problem, BlueOvalNews has learned that Ford will also inspect all Ford GTs for defective seat belts.

Ford dealerships will inspect GTs for engine oil leaks when the vehicles are returned to perform a slew of advisories, including a suspension safety recall. Should a GT's engine exhibit a rear main seal leak, the dealer will remove the transmission, install a new seal, retainer and speedi-sleeve on the crankshaft.

Finally, Ford will instruct dealers to inspect the entire length of both driver and passenger seat belts for any "blemishes, marks or imperfections." Should either seat belt exhibit such conditions, Ford will replace the seat belt(s).

The latest advisories are certain to piss off GT owners who were told by Ford this past December "not to drive their vehicle under any circumstances." Ford GT owners will without a doubt, not be overjoyed about having their vehicles possibly taken apart for seven repairs that could range from engine, fuel, coolant, interior to suspension repairs.

Here is a list of Ford GT recalls and notices:
Defective chassis/suspension component recall.
Fuel / emission recall.
Power steering oil leak.
Rattle from upper steering column.
Engine crankshaft oil leak.
Engine coolant leak
Seat belt replacement."

http://www.automotive.com/2005/12/ford/gt/recalls/

Perhaps there is a greater sin at work here.

Says Car And Driver of the Ford GT: "Somehow, it could use more soul."
 

They also said "the Germans have taken the fun out of the 911 Turbo."  And since the NSX is slower than a Commodore 64, maybe only Ferrari can do an exotic right?
 

I've ridden in a friend's NSX and also gone on Sunday drives with him, me in my E46 M3, and that car is by no means slow. It's a very responsive and fun car, and I think it looks fabulous. I do believe Ferrari make the most competent sports cars, but I think there are many many great super sports cars out there. I think the Lamborghini Gallardo in particular is a great "affordable" supercar.

 

A pre-97 NSX does 0-60 in 5 seconds.  Tortoise territory.  Ferrari F430: 3.5.

Then again, an NSX is only $90K instead of $170K.
 

StompSoCal wrote:

A pre-97 NSX does 0-60 in 5 seconds. Tortoise territory. Ferrari F430: 3.5.

Then again, an NSX is only $90K instead of $170K.

I have one of the 2002 Collector's Edition of the TransAm.  It performs very well, and I am sure it could well compete with MOST of the cars listed.  Of course I baby this one, always garaged and in the 4 years has only 6800 miles.  Even though, as I found out recently, the tires are rated for 186 mph, I never get it over 78.  I say 78, because that is my age.  I bought this car and am now in my second childhood (well twenties anyway).  As many of you will know, we in the 1940's to 50's at an average working man could not afford this type of luxury vehicle, but now at my age I am trying to relive the glory of those days in the way I wish they were.  

I think I can agree with everything crunchycookie has wrote.  except for the reason why porsche is special.  I think a mid engine car is more special than a rear engine car.


Thread starter:  You are comparing cars that can't be compared.  

But if i were to choose one on the list I would go with the gallardo.  

i would have to agree with wstang....the NSX is an awsome car.  YEa it's slower than the Ferrari, and the Lambo, and etc, but its Honda Engineering at its finest.  It handles very nicely and it has a great kick to it.  If you've seen "Best Motoring" videos, they always use the NSX in races with the ferraris and the lambos.  As soon as the nsx starts to hit the twisties, it gets right on the tails of those ferraris and lambos.  Taking the money consideration into factor, NSX is the way to go, plus, putting repair into consideration, is it cheaper to get honda parts for the NSX, or is it cheaper to get Ferrari parts for the ferrari?  I REST MY CASE!  

You didn't really give any clarification on what makes one of them the "best". If we are talking performance and bang for the buck, nothing will touch the C6 Z06 for performance/price. Vettes have never been particularly comfortable, usable or convenient so if those are in the "best" equation it would loose out to several cars above in that respect.
As far as paying for a name, thats true to a point. But for some people there is value in the cars history, heritage and the community of people involved with that car. A previous poster said that you are paying 30% for the Porsche name. I disagree. You are paying for a lower volume vehicle that doesn't use components from 15 thousand dollar economy cars. You are also paying for technical development. Compare a Z06 and a GT3. They are a very even match on a track, yet a Vette uses 7 liters to do the same job as a 3.6 liter Porsche, that is value to people who are fans of not only automobiles but also automotive engineering.
For Lambo's, you are paying for exclusivity and wow factor. I would never buy a Lambo, but to some people the true value of a car is measured in the valet line.
Ferrari, half way between Lambo and Porsche. You are getting the "hey look at me" with performance to match. They do require a ton of maintenace, so most people are hesitant to really put a lot of miles on them.
Mercedes CLK, hey some one has to make a car for orthodontists....
BMW 645, I have driven a few of them, and I don't see the appeal. They are a nice car, but the backseat is completely useless. They are quick, but not fast, comfortable to a point, but don't hold enough to make them a good road trip car. I guess I don't see the point in buing on of these over a nice sedan that is actually useable. you get all the inconvenience of a small car without the exhilirating feel.
Infiniti G35, I don't get it, maybe I'm not metrosexual enough. Every person I see driving these has perfect hair, 200 dollar jeans, and subscription to Maxim. So I take a Z, throw extra weight in it, and put an infiniti badge on it and I get a what? I don't know, like I said I just don't get it.

OK for me, best bang for the buck out there!?! A Lotus Elise/Exige. It will keep up or beat any of the cars listed above on the track. Is between 40 and 50 grand, and it just might be the last true sports car built. No extra stuff, just bonded and riveted aluminum goodness. No navigation, no climate control, all performance. Being able to lap an 8.3L Viper with a 1.9L Exige is a beautiful thing.