This is not a classic car that you take on a leisurely Sunday drive; it’s a classic car that can destroy a lot of new sports cars at the line.

The 1976 to 1977 Porsche Turbo Carrera (930) arrived at dealers with an astonishing 234 hp with 253 lbs of torque weighting only 2635 lbs. It is powered with a turbo charged 2.7 liter flat 6 cylinder air cooled engine. With the impressive horse power to weight ratio, the Porsche Turbo Carrera (930) redefined the term “turbo lag”. The Porsche Turbo Carrera will rocket 0-60 mph in about 4.9 seconds. The turbo lag in this model is so predominant that it almost makes the vehicle dangerous. Great care must be taken in taming this beast.

The 1976 and 1977 Porsche Turbo Carrera (930) does suffer from some mechanical imperfections (as reflected in the market price of these models), so great care must be taken in selecting one of these historic vehicles.

Do you really need a 10 cylinder twin turbocharged station wagon? I think so, and Audi does too. Welcome the 2009 Audi RS6 Avant which is nothing short of spectacular in looks and power.

A welcomed more aggressive design makes this super wagon stand out from the crowd. The flared wheel wells and the sleek front grill makes the Audi RS6 Avant look like it is moving before it even gets into gear.

The 2009 Audi RS6 Avant is powered by an incredible turbocharged V10 engine that puts out an amazing 580 hp and 480 lbs of torque. Audi is boasting that the RS6 Avant will sprint 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and quickly reach its electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Audi has also improved its already well designed Quattro system to match enormous power with handling. The Audi RS6 Avant has a 6 speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel to allow manual up shifting.

The interior lives up to Audi’s uncanny ability to match style and class while maintaining functionality.

The Audi RS6 Avant is rumored to hit the showroom floor in Mid 2008 and the MSRP has not been disclosed.

Here is some video of the Audi RS6 Avant

Comparing a BMW M3 E46 and a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR may sound a little silly to some people. What you may be surprised by is that some think the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR is no match for the BMW M3 E46 and others feel just the opposite.

So what makes these two vehicles competitive?

1. They both cost about the same. The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR IX MSRP is around $36,924 ($36,299 MSRP and Destination and handling of $625 according to Mitsubishi’s website). As with any used car the condition largely dictates the price, but you should be able to acquire a relatively nice example of a 2001, 2002 or 2003 BMW M3 E46 for around the same price (with an aftermarket warranty) if not less (as of the publish date of this article).

2. Very similar performance numbers.

3. Similar audience except for a small age gap.

4. Both cars are relatively track ready for the weekend warrior.

5. Lastly, both vehicles represent benchmarks among their peers.

So let’s examine these cars in the following categories:

Performance:

BMW M3 E46 (2001, 2002, and 2003): The BME M3 E46 came stock with a 333 hp and 262 lbs of torque inline 6 cylinder engine. This rear wheel drive (RWD) sports sedan is able to push 0 to 60 mph in about 4.8 seconds and the ¼ mile in about 13.1 seconds at 106 mph.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR IX (2006): The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR has a turbo charged inline 4 cylinder engine that pumps out an impressive 286 hp with 289 lbs of torque. With a 143 hp per liter, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR is capable of going 0 to 60 in about 4.6 seconds and the ¼ mile in about 13.4 seconds at 104 mph.

Handling:

The Mitsubishi has the upper hand on the twisting back roads with its all wheel drive power train. This is not to say that the BMW M3 E46 has poor handling, just it requires more driving expertise to manage through the turns then the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR. The BMW M3 E46 advantage over the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR is at the higher speeds. The Mitsubishi Evolutions power is more pronounced at less than 100 mph, where the BMW M3 E46 has been designed for Autobahn high speed driving. Both of these vehicles have a somewhat harsh ride and could prove challenging on long trips.

Styling and Finish:

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR looks the part of the boy racer, with its large spoiler and the aggressive front end. The BMW M3 E46 on the other hand does have an aggressive look, but maintains BMW’s overall 3 series design. Hands down the BMW M3 E46 wins in the department of finish. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR has a rather dull interior with very little frills.

BMW M3 E46 Interior

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Interior

Ownership Costs:

The BMW M3 E46 can carry some expensive maintenance bills especially since it is a used luxury vehicle, but the Mitsubishi is also expensive to maintain considering is has Brembo brakes and its tires cost over $250 a piece to replace. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR carries a higher liability risk than the BMW M3 E46 resulting in increased insurance costs.

The Verdict:

When you spend $35,000+ on a new or used car it is nice to be reminded of your investment every time you go for a drive, with this in mind, I lean more towards the BMW M3 E46. Unfortunately the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR really lacks the fit and finish of the BMW M3 E46. The Mitsubishi does have aggressive acceleration and excellent handling, but the BMW gives you performance, handling all while maintaining fit and finish.

Please see also articles on the BMW E30 M3 and the BMW E36 M3

In mid 1989 Porsche introduced a dramatically reengineered version of their famed 911 called the 964. Porsche claimed that they had changed over 80% of the car from the previous model year. The new Porsche 964 had a slightly more rounded look, but maintained the classic overall shape of the Porsche 911. The real innovations were to the Power plant which was increased to a 3.6 liter air cooled flat 6 cylinder and the revolutionary all wheel drive Carrera 4.

The Porsche Turbo 964 which was released in 1991 did not receive the same advances to its power plant as the Carrera 2 and 4 (C2, C4) and was released with the relatively same 3.3 liter Turbo motor from the 1989 Porsche 930. The 1991 and 1992 Porsche 964 Turbo engine had 320 hp and 337 lbs of torque. With the 3.3 liter turbo motor the Porsche Turbo 964 went 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (according to the factory). The main advantage of the 1991, 1992 Porsche Turbo 964 was the power plant that had been in development for over 10 years and most of the kinks had already been worked out.

In 1994 (1993 for Europe and the rest of the world except USA) they released the Porsche Turbo 964 with a turbocharged version of the 3.6 liter air cooled engine. The turbocharged 3.6 liter engine pumped out an impressive 360 hp and 383.5 lbs of torque propelling this rare Porsche Turbo 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds (factory). The Porsche 964 Turbo is able to go 0 to 100 mph in an impressive 10.1 seconds and get to 113 mph in the ¼ mile.

The 1994 3.6 Liter Porsche Turbo is one of the rarest Porsches because of its very low production numbers. Production was limited because of the introduction of the Porsche 993 in mid 1994 and Porsche did not release another Turbo until 1996 (Porsche 993 tt (Twin Turbo)).

When you see a C in front of any Mercedes you typically think of their lower end models. If that is the case then the C63 has redefined what auto manufacturers on this playing field can release at this level.

Mercedes Benz sank a magnificent 457 hp 6.2 liter V8 under the hood of the C63 with hopes of spoiling the soon to be released competing new BMW M3. Capable of rocketing 0 to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds and a limited (electronically) top speed of 155 mph. With all of this brawn you think that handling would be sacrificed, but not so. Mercedes has matched its shear power to an agile body creating a real competitor among its competition.

As with any Mercedes the base price of $63,000 (targeted) is just a starting point that can easily be upped with an optional Sport package among other goodies that will be offered.

Imagine lining your Corvette up at a stop light next to this very large Mercedes Benz S600 reminiscence in size of the Cadillac your grandfather used to own and when the light turns green all you see are its tail lights.

In 2003 Mercedes Benz’s flagship full size sedan packed a twin turbo 12 cylinder power plant with 493 hp and 590 lbs of torque that will thrust this 4610 lb behemoth 0 to 60 in a mind numbing 4.3 seconds. What makes the 2003 Mercedes S600 so impressive is the refinement that Mercedes added to compliment this super car power. They made the S600 capable of smooth relaxing driving or neck straining acceleration.

The 2003 Mercedes S600 is very good at going straight and fast, but on the twisting back roads you will need to slow down a bit. The used car market for the S600 is few and far between since the limited numbers created (considering the original $130,000+ MSRP). If you can find one, they can offer you a way to move 5 full size adults (and their luggage) in luxury, comfort and blazingly fast. With this type of power and luxury come maintenance costs that could put the pleasure of ownership to the test, so purchase wisely.

In 2003 Mercedes Benz added what is considered by many to be a true muscle car for the 21rst century. With a hand built Supercharged V8 packing 469 hp and 516 lbs of torque, it is no wonder that this 4 door sedan is capable of going 0 – 60 in 4.5 seconds. The top speed of this mega sedan is electronically limited to 155 mph.

In the creation of this super sedan Mercedes Benz took great care in maintaining the comfort and luxury, which has and currently defines them, in the E55. Included in this luxury package is an revolutionary adjustable air ride and an smooth 5 speed automatic transmission among other Mercedes specific amenities. With all of these considerations into ride and comfort this monster sedan with cruise effortlessly at its top speed. This was a sedan that is definitely built for the Autobahn.

Mercedes has stopped producing this sedan and replaced it with a faster E63. The used car values of these special Mercedes have held relatively strong. Recently though the 2003 model is coming down to a broader affordability range. Bear in mind that if you plan to purchase a used super sedan that the maintenance costs must definitely be considered.

Video:

Here is a commercial for the Mercedes E55:

What happens when you take Audi’s 4.2 Liter V8 (Audi RS4 power plant) and put it into a small light sleek AWD package? Well you get one fast and agile sports car, the Audi R8.

From 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds (manufacturer) and top speed of 187 mph; this all wheel drive, mid engine, 420 HP sports car is quit impressive. With 317 lbs of torque and 3439 lbs of weight to move, the Audi R8 will definitely be an experience to remember. The R8 will come standard with a 6 speed manual with an optional R Tronic transmission. Audi will be releasing the R8 on a limited basis, producing no more than 20 a day during production.

The design is nothing short of spectacular with a distinctive Audi flare. Styling is not to be confused with the Audi TT, the R8 stands out from a crowd.

The Audi R8 is suppose to hit the dealers in late 2007 with a price tag starting somewhere near $110,000. There are rumors already that Audi will offer the Lamborghini V10 (same power plant in the new Audi S8) as an option in the near future, which will put this car on the super car platform.

Yes they did it, they took a Lamborghini V10 5.0 Liter engine and bored it out to 5.2 liters then dropped it into an A8 body. Thus is born, the new Audi S8.

So with 450 Hp (at 7000 RPM) and 398 pound of torque (at 3500 RPM) on this AWD platform this large sedan gets to 60 in under 5 seconds (claimed).

Audi introduced this large rocket ship to compete with the other titons in its class (the new V10 BMW M5 and the Mercedes E63). Althought the Audi is noticelby slower on the 0-60 times the AWD platform takes its handling to a different dynamic.

The Verdict: Another plain clothes monster sedan. The real question I have is when are they going to have the V10 Turbo Diesel as an availible option.

According to Sport Compact Car (August 2006 Issue), Porsche’s new 997 Twin Turbo will be seriously challenged by the secretive release of the also much awaited 2008 Nissan Skyline (the rest of the world should have it in 2007, it is expected in the USA in 2008).

So lets compare what is speculated to be included with the new Skyline and the Porsche 997 Twin Turbo.

2008 Nissan GT-R Skyline
480 hp V-6 Twin Turbo
500 lbs of torque
AWD with all wheel steering
Price: Est. $70,000 US

2007 Porsche 911 (997) Twin Turbo
480 hp Flat Six
450 lbs of Torque
AWD with Porsche’s excellent suspension and braking they have become legend
Price: between $130,000-$140,000 US

Okay so without driving these cars you can see the similarity in raw numbers and setup, but what I think will really separate these machines will be the buyers. A Porsche Twin Turbo buyer will probably never truly feel the absolute power of the legendary twin turbo Porsche, whereas the Skyline’s buyer will probably put it on a track at least once.

Keep in mind that both of these manufacturers have been producing these cars for some time. Porsche has been producing a turbo 911 body car since 1976. Nissan has been producing a Skyline since 1964 and first turbo charged it in 1987.

Look out America, the Japanese are finally bringing their monsters.