[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by DougLikesBMW

Can't figure out why a Mustang is on the list though.

The car is putting down SERIOUS numbers and is going to be very tunable for very reasonable money. It's not hard to figure it out.

[DougLikesBMW]

Originally Posted by jeremyc74

The car is putting down SERIOUS numbers and is going to be very tunable for very reasonable money. It's not hard to figure it out.

Meh....American + Ford = No care.

[ki__]

Originally Posted by jeremyc74

That's not blunt, it's simply ignorant.

I'm considering about the exact same list, with the exceptions of the Lotus and Cayman and that's only because I've tried them and ruled them out. Why should a person shop for cars within some set catagory? The fact that I can get by with two seats doesn't mean I shouldn't even consider something that has four?
Buying a car in this price range is all about weighing benefits, not about fitting some specific form factor.

Op,
I'm in the same boat, and I'm leaning toward the Z06. The new GT500 is pretty damn impressive, but I've always been on the GM side of that war and I'm not sure that after years of considering Mustangs the enemy I can get in bed with one, no matter how good she is.

I'm with the others on the Lotus. I test drove one before buying the 135i and I could live with it as a daily driver. The Cayman doesn't offer a lot of "bang for the buck" for what I'm going to use it for, and is outrageously expensive to modify. That applys to the M3 as well, but I might be able to leave it alone.

The Z06 is just a monster. I almost bought an '06 a few months ago, and things at work weren't looking great so I backed off. You're not getting a great interior, but my God the damn thing is fast. It's also cheaper to maintain than most of the others and there are dealerships everywhere. If you don't like the one you're dealing with, you have options.

At this point I'm sort of waiting to see the numbers on the M1 before I do anything, but I'm not sure it's going to sway me from the Vette. I'm also planning on taking a look at a couple of used 911 Turbos.

Thanks dude, i like to keep every option available that is a coupe. I was looking at the M1 also, but considering as i just had a 135i and that it had many mods to it at one point, i want a different look inside and out. I doubt i will get the S5 anyways, just thought it would be a good add. But yea i'm thinking about a 07'-08' 911 turbo too, my friend just bought a new one. It's Hot.

And the Z06 is a monster, but the interior doesnt make it for me, maybe once i drive it though.

[ki__]

Originally Posted by Boost Gomez

I'm guessing the OP's parents are purchasing the car for him.

I wish buddy

[ki__]

Originally Posted by bavarian beauty

OP....go out and take each vehicle for a nice drive and spend some time with each vehicle. Dont worry about the members who are taking shots at you for your choice selection....buy a car that you like!
good luck!

Thanks

[ragingclue]

I'd wait to see what Roush does with the 5.0 before getting the GT500.

[SantaPimp27]

Originally Posted by Boost Gomez

I'm guessing the OP's parents are purchasing the car for him.

Why?

[BMWGator]

Originally Posted by BlacknRedi

Thanks dude, i like to keep every option available that is a coupe. I was looking at the M1 also, but considering as i just had a 135i and that it had many mods to it at one point, i want a different look inside and out. I doubt i will get the S5 anyways, just thought it would be a good add. But yea i'm thinking about a 07'-08' 911 turbo too, my friend just bought a new one. It's Hot.

And the Z06 is a monster, but the interior doesnt make it for me, maybe once i drive it though.

If you're considering a 2007-2008 997 TT, game over...that is the car to get. Not sure how you're going to get it for < $80K, though (at least one without any 'stories').

[ki__]

Originally Posted by BMWGator

If you're considering a 2007-2008 997 TT, game over...that is the car to get. Not sure how you're going to get it for < $80K, though (at least one without any 'stories').

The only reason i haven't put more thought into it is because it's used. What would a low price be on a 07 turbo?

[SantaPimp27]

Originally Posted by BlacknRedi

The only reason i haven't put more thought into it is because it's used. What would a low price be on a 07 turbo?

Head over to 6speed and ask there. I believe a very nice one could be had for $80K right about now.

[ghosthi32]

you could get a used 2007 gt3 as well.

[b0bab0i]

If you are getting a used car, Aston Martin V8 Vantage

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by DougLikesBMW

Meh....American + Ford = No care.

Meh.....ignorant elitist + baseless opinion = no care.

[ghosthi32]

Originally Posted by jeremyc74

Meh.....ignorant elitist + baseless opinion = no care.

plastic and duct tape

[NYC6]

I vote Corvette

[11Past9]

This is a fruit basket, not only are you comparing apples to oranges but bananas to grapes but here is my 2 cent's considering I have had seat time in almost all of them.

M3:

I am assuming you meant E90 or E92. This is a very well rounded car, but bang for buck compared to the ZO6 it doesn't hold a candle to. In order to take this car over a C6 Z you best be damn sure youre not going to want more power because with the M3 it's just not going to happen without shelling tons of cash and even then the Z06 is going to crush it in every way performance wise.

S5:

The most well rounded car in the bunch if you take into consideration the crappy weather seasons where rain and snow are inevitable. There is nothing worse than having a really nice car that though it's not snowing you still can't play with because you can't hook up. Again, make note... you best be damn sure you are content with around what the power levels are at in stock form because youre not going to get much more out of it

Lotus:

Not a very livable car at all, a great track day car or few times a weeker but other than that it's a car sized go kart. Daily driver it is not unless you think youre hard

Cayman S:

Great car but you'lle always be that guy that didn't have the 911.

GT500:

Power, power, power. But a one trick clown. Big brakes yes, live rear axle... yes. One thing the previous generation Cobra had on this at least was IRS which made it kind of handle ok. Fit and finish is trash, but if you want a cruiser and some bonus points for exclusivity then sure I guess it fits on this list.

C6 Z06:

The car is a monster, some in fact can stick 10's stock with slicks... it is one of the fastest cars ever built. The interior fit is very livable unlike most two seaters this things pretty good. It is comfortable, easy to drive and does everything in the performance sector amazingly if not better than most anything on the road even CLOSE to its price. This is a car that will blow a load on a Lambos face for a 3rd of the price in every way.

Make note however, fit and finish is sub par at best, the interior does not age well at all either. It feels rather rental car-Ey but if youre a performance enthusiast it cant be beat. Now if youre a gran touring kind of guy or aren't going to even come close to using this car to its potential then check elsewhere...

Moral of the story:

If performance is your main concern none of these cars belong on the list with the Z06... NONE! No I didn't studder. NONE! run away BMW fanbois

If you want a well rounded, not slow, do all kind of car and you don't need sickening amounts of power then I'd say the M3 and then the S5.

[Nikolas]

Originally Posted by ZJP

Used 997TT

Almost along these lines! get a 996TT, better block than the 997 and far less expensive. It will outperform and have more luxury than any of the cars you listed. It will also cost about the same or less than every option.

[flyinb501]

Since it will be your daily I have to say M3 or S5. Otherwise Z06 for sure. I just don't think you'd want to drive it every day. The Lotus would be a terrible idea, but I do really like the idea of the 997TT if you can find one in your price range.

[b0bab0i]

Lotus EVORA

[blue2fire]

Originally Posted by 11Past9

This is a fruit basket, not only are you comparing apples to oranges but bananas to grapes but here is my 2 cent's considering I have had seat time in almost all of them.

Cayman S:

Great car but you'lle always be that guy that didn't have the 911.

So will the 335 guy that does not go for the M3

So will the Gallardo Owner

So will the 458 Italia Owner

You have to judge a car on it's merits and a Cayman is the best of both worlds in this comparison. Racier than an M3, better built than the Z06 and more comfy than the Exige.

[amgthis]

Originally Posted by bavarian beauty

Footie...why do you have to be a douche? Do you suffer from little man disorder? taking shots at other members make you feel like more of a man?
go read another car manual!
What a douche!

You call someone a douche then proceed to insult him. Hmmm. Whos taking a shot at other members again?

[MediaArtist]

Originally Posted by blue2fire

So will the 335 guy that does not go for the M3

So will the Gallardo Owner

So will the 458 Italia Owner

You have to judge a car on it's merits and a Cayman is the best of both worlds in this comparison. Racier than an M3, better built than the Z06 and more comfy than the Exige.

I have no disrespect towards the Cayman, even as a 911 owner. However, if you're over 5'11, I think the car would be too hard to live with.