DSCOTY 08: Performance Saloons Options

[clarkma5]

Before people bitch about me about the name of this category, the word “saloon” has historically been applied to 2-doors for a long time...for example, the BMW M3 coupe was a saloon racer right from the get-go. These cars are either 4-doors or 2-doors with legitimate back seats and ties to proper sedans, so they can fairly be considered saloons. Most of all, of course, I was restricted by having to create good categories, which is a balancing act where I seek to get between 4 and 7 cars that are similar in both price and intent to compete with each other. Sometimes I can't make the categories I want to make and I have to settle for larger differences in intent and price between cars than I would like. Such is the case in this thread, but please help me roll with it. Thanks.

For more on the DieselStation Car of the Year '08 competition, please see this thread.

Audi A5/S5
Base MSRP: $39,900
Available Engines: 3.2 liter direct-injection DOHC 24-valve V6 with 265 HP and 243 ft.-lbs. of torque, 4.2 liter direct injection DOHC 32-valve V8 with 354 HP and 325 ft.-lbs. of torque.
Available Transmissions: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
Available Drivetrains: All-wheel drive
EPA Fuel Economy: 18 City/26 Highway (A5 6AT), 16/26 (A5 6MT), 14/21 (S5 6MT), N/A (S5 6AT)
Curb Weight: 3384-3594 lbs.







BMW M3 Coupe/Sedan
Base MSRP: $54,575 (Sedan), $57,275 (Coupe)
Available Engines: 4.0 liter DOHC 32-valve V8 with 414 HP and 295 ft.-lbs. of torque.
Available Transmissions: 6-speed manual or 6-speed dual-clutch sequential manual transmission (late availability)
Available Drivetrains: Rear wheel drive
EPA Fuel Economy: N/A
Curb Weight: 3704-3726 lbs.







Infiniti G37 Coupe
Base MSRP: $34,500
Available Engines: 3.7 liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with 330 HP and 270 ft.-lbs. of torque.
Available Transmissions: 6-speed manual (sport model only) or 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting mode
Available Drivetrains: Rear wheel drive
EPA Fuel Economy: 17 City/26 Highway (6MT), 18/24 (5AT)
Curb Weight: 3616-3668 lbs.







Lexus IS-F
Base MSRP: $56,000
Available Engines: 5.0 liter DOHC 32-valve V8 with 416 HP and 371 ft.-lbs. of torque.
Available Transmissions: 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting mode Available Drivetrains: Rear wheel drive
EPA Fuel Economy: 16 City/23 Highway
Curb Weight: 3780 lbs.

[Bjorn]

If the IS had a proper manual, this would have been harder, as it stands I have to go with the M3, so much beautiful history, such a great looking car.

[moe]

I went with the M3 as as well. The S5 had me tempted because it's simply gorgeous, and so did the IS-F for being a successful first stab at making something for the enthusiast by Lexus. Having actually seen the G37 at this point, I can say, no thanks. The styling is definitely a step backwards from the G35 coupe (though the new sedan is definitely a step forwards), and despite a much improved interior, and a great engine...it really takes away a lot of the car's appeal.

[clarkma5]

I went for the A5/S5, mostly for the S5, though the A5 also makes a strong case for itself. Basically with the S5, you've got an even better version of the S4's V8, which is probably the best engine I've had any personal experience with, in a lighter chassis with better weight distribution (than a car that already handles really really well) and looks amazing. At $50k, particularly considering how much stuff you get in terms of features, it's a frickin' bargain of a car no matter how you slice it.

[Bjorn]

^I haven't seen one in person, so I might change this opinion when I do, but I don't think it's very pretty.

Also, and I don't know how much of this is true, and how much of it is hyped by the press, but I'm ever-so-slightly discouraged by the fact that despite it's one of the first Audi's to have a bulk of the engine's weight behind the front axle line, Audi tuned it to feel like this wasn't the case.

[duality]

M3 for me. I've seen various M3s here...and each time I take out my headphones to listen to that glorious engine. I like the interior...the exterior is a bit on the conservative side, but still looks gorgeous (especially in dark/steel grey). The S5 is impressive, especially visually, but its not in the same league as the M3.

If you had added the C63...then it would be another story

[Synesthesia]

Without ever driving any of these cars, this is a tough one. They're all very appealing in different ways. I've decided to vote for the IS-F. While it might not be the car I'd buy after test drives and much thought, I give it my vote for being so different from what we're used to.

[LeviM]

I like the interior of the infiniti and Lexus the most, but I love the exterior looks of the Audi and BMW a lot. In the end I went with the BMW but it was a really tough decision.

(If I was considering price as a big issue I would have voted for the audi)

[redlinehappiness]

I've always preferred the S4 over the M3, so I'm guessing the S5 won't be any different.

[moe]

Wow, the M3 is winning. A BMW beating out a VAG product...that never happens at DS. Where'd all our fanboys go?

[clarkma5]

Wow, the M3 is winning. A BMW beating out a VAG product...that never happens at DS. Where'd all our fanboys go?

When it comes to an M product, there's plenty of fans here at DS.

[Frederf]

M3

[b0mb3r]

I was going to vote M3, but then I saw the A4 (not even the S5) at the auto show... That car won me hands down. The interior is driver oriented, the seats are great, well made.... I was a BMW M-series fanboi for ever, but these new Audi products are starting to win me over...

[350Z]

M3 Coupe wins it.

[goota]

I hate them all equally, so I picked the M3. But change it to the G37.

[clarkma5]

I hate them all equally, so I picked the M3. But change it to the G37.

changed.

[Synesthesia]

I hate them all equally, so I picked the M3. But change it to the G37.

Why the G37?

Wow, the M3 is winning. A BMW beating out a VAG product...that never happens at DS. Where'd all our fanboys go?

Someone please change my vote to the S5. This is best car of the year, not most interesting car of the year.

[goota]

Why the G37?

because i saw a G35 yesterday and it sounded nice.

[clarkma5]

Someone please change my vote to the S5. This is best car of the year, not most interesting car of the year.

Changed

[clarkma5]

According to Edmunds, the MSRP of the M3 Sedan is $54,575 and the Coupe's is $57,275. I've edited the original post to reflect this, in case anyone was going off of my original estimate of $65k.