DSCOTY '08: Coupes under $40k Options

[clarkma5]

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

Ford Mustang Bullitt
Base MSRP: $31,075
Available Engines: 4.6 liter SOHC 24-valve V8 with 315 HP and 325 ft.-lbs. of torque.
Available Transmissions: 5-speed manual transmission
Available Drivetrains: Rear wheel drive
EPA Fuel Economy: 15 City/23 Highway (Spec for standard Mustang GT model)
Curb Weight: 3356 lbs.








Honda Accord Coupe
Base MSRP: $21,860
Available Engines: 2.4 liter DOHC 16-valve inline-4 with 190 HP and 162 ft.-lbs. of torque, 3.5 liter SOHC 24-valve V6 with Variable Cylinder Management (5AT only) and 268 HP and 248 ft.-lbs. of torque.
Available Transmissions: 5-speed manual (N/A on V6) or 6-speed manual (optional on V6 only) or 5-speed automatic transmission (standard on V6)
Available Drivetrains: Front wheel drive
EPA Fuel Economy: 22 City/31 Highway (2.4 5MT), 21/30 (2.4 5AT), 19/28 (V6 5AT), 17/25 (V6 6MT)
Curb Weight: 3221-3569 lbs.







Nissan Altima Coupe
Base MSRP: $20,670
Available Engines: 2.5 liter DOHC 16-valve inline-4 with 175 HP and 180 ft.-lbs. of torque, 3.5 liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with 270 HP and 258 ft.-lbs. of torque.
Available Transmissions: 6-speed manual or CVT
Available Drivetrains: Front wheel drive
EPA Fuel Economy: 23 City/32 Highway (2.5 6MT), 23/31 (2.5 CVT), 19/27 (3.5 6MT), 19/26 (3.5 CVT)
Curb Weight: 3052-3271 lbs.







Volvo C30
Base MSRP: $22,700
Available Engines: 2.5 liter turbocharged DOHC 20-valve inline-5 with 227 HP and 236 ft.-lbs. of torque.
Available Transmissions: 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting mode
Available Drivetrains: Front wheel drive
EPA Fuel Economy: 19 City/28 Highway (6MT), 19/27 (5AT)
Curb Weight: 2970 lbs.

[b0mb3r]

even though mustang is RWD, its hard to pass up refinement of the honda. I sat inside the new Accord coupe and it is a very impressive package. Altima coupe is pathetic, it feels like two different cars have been glued together and there is no continuation to the design at all... and volvo is nice car but its too plain for my taste.

[Ozi]

that volvo looks hot. It certainly has my vote. It looks really unique and the price is affordable.

[clarkma5]

I went for the Bullitt but honestly all cars have an appeal here.

[dukenukem]

I am torn between the refinement of Accord and the sheer appeal of the Mustang.

[UserDrew]

The Mustang really appeals to me. I love how it looks in those shots you provided also. I like how it is more accessible with a manual than both the Nissan and the Honda. I like the interior of the Honda more, I like the price more, and I am willing to sacrifice a little power for the refinement of the Accord's engine. I have this hangup with the 4.6 liter engine. I feel that 315hp seems a little underpowered for it's size, as if the engine were "under-engineered". I also think the interior of the Accord is way nicer than the Mustang. That flat dash-board irks me. I work in this area with a lot of dealerships, one of those being a honda dealer which is across the street. I went to check out the new Accord Coupe on the lot. It was a an awesome blue color with a spoiler that seemed to fit it seamlessly. I absolutely loved it. I hadn't felt that way about a car since I test drove my cougar years ago. But the Mustang still gives you more power at a better price in the long run. It was about 29k. I voted for the Mustang.

1) The Mustang
2) Honda Accord
3) Volvo C30
4) Altima Coupe.

[Vadvagool]

I voted for the Accord. Its just i can't vote the mustang as the best because of what Drew said. The Mustang is more expensive and "under-engineered" and the new Accord just takes the cake here.

[clarkma5]

Yeah the Mustang's more expensive, until you realize that when you order up the V6 manual in the Altima and the Accord, or a good sporty version with a couple options in the Volvo, they all cost about the same.

[moe]

I went with the Volvo. It's a sporty drive, looks good inside and out, is well-built, and reasonably affordable too.

[McKhaos]

I went for the Mustang for sheer badass factor.

[mung35]

I've always had a secret crush on the Accord. Gets my vote!

[Bjorn]

The Volvo for me...it is a new, and pretty cool concept.

The Accord and Altima coupes are always driven by 40 year old women in my neck of the woods, and immediately loose their cool factor, and the Mustang is too damned expensive...also I have an immediate bias against special edition things (the RS60 Boxster was too cool looking however to not vote for).

[Synesthesia]

The Accord and Altima coupes are always driven by 40 year old women in my neck of the woods, and immediately loose their cool factor

And Volvo's aren't? Never thought this would happen, but I'm voting the Volvo here. It looks really crazy (love those wheels), love hatches, and it's pretty light. Interior is pretty drab though...