Affordable sports cars

There's an old saying in the car business: Performance costs money

However a decent performance car has much more to offer than outright horsepower and speed, both of which are completely useless without capable handling, accurate steering and powerful brakes.   In fact some of the best driver's cars have relatively modest power outputs, but all of these important attributes are engineered to complement each other. This formula comes together on the road to produce a very satisfying, enjoyable experience.

And it doesn't have to cost a fortune - here are a few examples.

Peugeot 206 GTi180

The GTi180 has a 130 kW 2.0 litre four that's matched with a five-speed-manual gearbox. It weighs only 1100 kg.

So it's quick enough. The 2.0 litre is smooth and responsive; it likes a few revs and runs best from 5000 rpm to 7300 rpm. The light, precise five-speed complements it beautifully.

Lowered, stiffened suspension, upgraded ABS brakes and steering and 17 inch alloys with 205/40 Pirellis are included.

The GTi's dynamics offer go kart-like tactility, precision and control. The steering is quite heavy, though, and the ride is character building.

Cabin décor is pukka Euro hot hatch, with wall to wall black, racing shell style seats swathed in leather/mesh/fake suede, red stitching and a compact instrument/control layout.

Automatic air, a CD, front/side airbags and rain sensing wipers are included.

Tall drivers may find it impossible to get comfortable, quality can be patchy and back seat space is tight.

Subaru WRX

The WRX has been with us for ten years now. In any list of the best sports cars you can buy - irrespective of price - it still earns a place, as evidenced by its 2004 win in the Best Sports Car under $57,000 category in Australia's Best Cars.

The WRX's 2.0 litre turbocharged horizontally opposed four produces 168 kW at 6000 rpm; a five-speed manual is standard; a four-speed sequential automatic costs an extra $2500.

The Subaru goes like a bullet and handles with wonderful composure.

Air, Data Dot security, an in-dash six CD stacker and cruise are standard.

Subaru regularly releases limited edition WRXs, badged as Club Spec or Evo, with extra gear. 
 

Mini Cooper S Cabrio

The Mini Cooper S's supercharged 1.6 deserves to wear the "sports" tag and with a six-speed-manual gearbox. The Cooper S Cabrio offers roof down performance for relatively modest money.

The engine produces 125 kW of power, a wide, elastic band of torque and makes wonderful sounds as it moves up through the rev range.

It handles and steers like a go kart, with ultra sharp steering and powerful, responsive brakes.

It's quite uncompromising, though. The driver's seat is hard, the ride is firm and fussy and vision to the rear is dreadful when the power operated roof is raised.

If you don't want a convertible, the hardtop Cooper S is also good value as is the more generously equipped Chili version.

Alfa Romeo 156

Alfa Romeos are far from perfect, but they are always an engaging, entertaining drive.

The 156, which is due to be replaced next year by the larger 159, competes in a class that's dominated by BMW's 318i, Audi's A4 and the Benz C180.

It's a much sportier (and prettier) car than any of them, and excellent value.

The 156 has a 121 kW 2.0 litre JTS engine which delivers sparkling performance and great economy, albeit on premium unleaded.

A five-speed-manual gearbox is standard; the Selespeed semi-automatic transmission costs extra.

The 156 is front-wheel drive, with quite firm, short travel suspension. It doesn't like rough roads much, but this is easy to forgive because it is one of those cars that almost talks to you through the wheel, the seat and the pedals. Its dynamics are very agile and responsive.

You also get plenty of fruit, including lovely Momo leather upholstery, automatic air, 16 inch alloys, stability control and rain sensing wipers.

The Sportswagon is as per the sedan but with a bigger load area. It's a terrific family wagon that also happens to be a ball to drive.

Holden Commodore SV6

The SV6 - the new sports flavoured six-cylinder variant ? is the pick of the VZ Commodore range.

Its 190 kW Alloytec engine is more responsive and refined than the Executive's 175 kW version, especially when bolted to the sweet shifting six-speed Aisin manual gearbox, specific to the SV6.

A five-speed sequential automatic costs no extra; base model Commodores are still stuck with the old four-speed auto.

The usual Commodore handling tweak - firmer FE2 suspension, lower ride height, wider wheels (17 inch alloys) and sticky 235/45 Bridgestone tyres - makes the SV6 an agile, balanced handler, without overly compromising ride comfort.

The space saver spare is an unfortunate inclusion.

Air, cruise control, power windows, two front airbags and a single CD are also standard.

Add leather upholstery and side airbags and you have a comfortable, well equipped big six with enjoyable sports performance and handling.

Nissan 350Z

Nissan has a long tradition of building serious muscle cars, the wicked "Godzilla" Skylines being prime examples.

The rear drive, two seater 350Z is powered by a 3.5 litre V6 which produces 206 kW at 6200 rpm.

A carbon fibre reinforced single piece plastic drive shaft exits the six-speed-manual gearbox and is connected at the rear to a viscous limited slip differential. A five-speed auto on the Touring only costs extra.
The Touring also uses 17 inch alloy wheels, fitted with 225/50 (front) and 235/50 (rear) Bridgestone RE040 tyres.

The extra for the Track buys Brembo brakes, stability control, harder suspension, a more aerodynamic body kit and 18 inch alloys with 225/45 (front) 245/45 (rear) rubber.

The 350Z is fast, brutish and loud. The 3.5 hammers out the power right across the rev range, and uncompromising suspension tuning gets it faultlessly to the road, at the expense of a billycart ride in the Track.

The cabin is a bit plasticky, though the driver's seat is a beauty.

The long equipment list includes leather and Bose sound.
 
Article by Bill McKinnon, April 2005.