I am just wondering what everyone's opinion is on what car is the best bang for the buck.

IMO, I think the Nissan Sentra S-ER spec V is probably the best bang for the buck car out there. It is chaep and afordable, and has the performance characteristics of a car that's comparable to Celica's and RSX's. (175hp Spec V)

So, what do you guys think?

 

at the moment if bang for the buck were the only criteria then I would have to chose the Neon SRT-4

 

Are we talking strictly new cars here?

For sheer performance per dollar, it's hard to beat a 98-02 LS1 Chevy Camaro Z28 or Pontiac Firebird Formula. These cars crank out ~280 rwhp stock (that's ~330 crank hp, they're underrated at 305 hp) and will run 12-second 1/4 mile times easily with no mods but cat-back exhaust and a pair of drag radials. They also handle MUCH better than most import fans realize.

Of course, then there's the boatlike length, horizontal Reflect-o-Matic windshield, obnoxiously cheap interior, bizarrely misshapen cargo area, unusable backseats, ridiculously loooooong doors, and way-too-fragile rear end, but hey, we're talking about performance here, right?

 

2003 daytona blue, nissan 350z, track model. 'nuff said

 

285hp, 274lb/ft torque, front and rear strut tower braces, carbon fiber driveshaft, brembo brakes, lightweight forged alloy wheels, viscous limited slip, all for 34k. or you can get the same thing for 26k on the base model, except for the brembo's, the lightweight forged alloy wheels, and the limited slip. they handle superbly well in cornering, great acceleration, awesome exhaust note, and it's definetly a head turner. it'll take on a porsche for half the price. sounds good to me, where do i sign up...

 

The 2004 Subaru WRX STI has 300 hp/300 lbs, 6 speed tranny, AWD with DCCD (Driver Control Center Differential), electronically controlled limited-slip differential in front and a mechanically actuated limited slip in the rear, 17-by-7.5-inch BBS aluminum alloys, four piston Brembo calipers in front and two piston versions in back along with an Electronic Brakeforce Distribution system and a Super Sport Antilock system that controls lock up on individual wheels according to lateral G-forces.

Not too mention an incredible suspension, HID lights, and it looks great IMHO. MSRP is approximately $32K. There are already dealerships selling at MSRP and if you wait a bit, buying at MSRP won't be a problem.

In my opinion, the STI is much more favourable to the 350Z.

 

for sheer outright stock performance for the money I have to agree with this choice

 

Still... bang for the buck? A couple of months ago (March issue, I think), C&D published a comparison test with the 350Z in it, and a road test of the Neon SRT-4 a few pages later. The Neon OUTRAN the 350Z, 0-60 mph and in the 1/4 mile! Also, what about a slightly used LS1 SS Camaro? 285 hp AT THE WHEELS, 330 lb-ft of torque, 6-speed, wider wheels and tires than 350Z, all for 15k. At the dragstrip and on most road courses, the SS should chew up and spit out a 350Z, and it has much cheaper speed parts, too!

Yes, 350Z's are cool cars, but if you're talking sheer bang-for-the-buck, IMHO they don't quite make the cut. They're not significantly faster than a SRT-4 or WRX, and they're significantly slower than a mildly used Z28 or Cobra, but they cost a lot more than any of the above.

 

I'd say a motorbike, practically any motorbike. Now that's cheap speed.

In terms of cars, either a neon srt or an echo. i can't remember which one is faster, but I remember a C & D comparo of the two. Once my scanner and digital camera are fixed, I will post track slips, dyno slips, and pictures of both.

I have also heard that the corvette Z06 is one of those wicked bang for the buck cars.

 

I second that...

Under 20K, NO DEALER MARK UPS, 220hp stock and pretty nice styling and colors.

 

I think turboge has some 'nice things' to say about his Spec V, which has now been traded in for a Mazdaspeed

 

I think the STI and Lancer are more dedicated performance vehicles that the 350Z.

 

Im confused, is reliabilty figured into the "Best Bang for your Buck"? How is the Dodge Neon in terms of reliablitly? Comfort? Etc?

Unless "Best Bang for your Buck" only consist of price and power, than I would reevaluate your choice .

 

in the context of the intial post I consider "opinion is on what car is the best bang for the buck" to mean something you can buy right now that is going to be real fun to drive either in an autocross or on the track (and, if you're into it, street racing).

I would say that I agree with the used high end Camaro or Mustang, but I'm still going with the SRT-4. For under 20k that's not a lot of "bucks" for a whole lot of "bang"

 

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the SVT Cobra. 390hp, and with minor bolt-ons, and I do mean minor, you can be deep into the 12's if not high 11's with a little more work.

You certainly can't overlook the ZO6 either. Terrific all around performance matched only by cars priced 20-40k more.

Used cars? Any late model F-Body with an LS1...even an LT1. Don't forget about the C4 Vettes either. World class drivetrain, and good handling, right out of the box. Performance parts are readily available, and not too expensive.