In 2002 Volkswagen released their popular Passat Wagon with a 4 liter W8 engine. If you are scratching your head over the W8, it is basically two V4 engines side by side sharing the same crankcase.

The Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8 has 275 hp and 273 lbs of torque which will launch it 0-62 mph in about 6.5 seconds with the 6 speed manual transmission (about 7.8 Seconds with the 5 speed tiptronic manual transmission). The Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8 has a top speed electronically limited to 130 mph in the USA (155 mph in Europe).

Although the Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8 will not compete on the back roads with the more appointed Audi S4 Avant, its all wheel drive makes for stable and confident handling.

The Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8 is relatively rare due to its original MSRP (around $38,000) which was somewhat more than a lot of people where willing to pay for a Volkswagen. The Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8 was produced from 2002 to 2004. The 2002 and 2003 fall within the $10K to $20K price range. Again with any used car you should consider getting a pre purchase inspection.

See the other Top 5 Fahrcar.com Sport Wagons:

2001 to 2002 Audi S4 Avant
1999 to 2001 BMW 540i Sport Wagon
2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T Manual Transmission
2002 and 2003 Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon

So you are looking for German engineering and classic lines, well here is a short list of our top 5 picks for Sporty German cars between $10,000 to $20,000 (as of this publish date). We choose these cars for their performance and overall everyday drivability. Keep in mind that this list represents the opinion of the author. Keep in mind that prices can vary in different markets and the pricing was based off of edmunds.com “true market value” and listings available online on Autotrader.com and Ebaymotors.com.

(They are in no particular order)

1996-1999 BMW E36 M3 – If you needed one word to describe the E36 BMW M3, the word would have to be “handling”. The naturally aspirated inline 6 cylinder engine packs a smooth and sweet sounding 240 hp and 236 lbs of torque (USA version). Capable of going 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 145 mph (electronically limited). During its production the E36 BMW M3 was the benchmark for sports sedans.

In 1997 and 1998, BMW offered a 4 door version of this special sedan. Among owners and enthusiasts it is a common belief that the 4 door has a stiffer body. In 1998 and 1999 they offered a convertible version.

Prices range from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on condition, year, etc. As with any used car you should definitely consider having a pre purchase inspection (PPI) completed.

1978-1983 Porsche 911 SC – In 1978 Porsche released the 911 SC with a new more reliable power plant and a much needed galvanized body. Powered by an air cooled flat 6 cylinder engine, the Porsche 911 SC had 180 hp at 5500 rpm in 1978 and 1979, 188 hp in 1980 and 204 hp at 5900Rpm in 1981, 1982 and 1983. The Porsche 911 SC managed 0 to 60 mph in about 7 seconds and had a top speed around 135 mph.

Sporting the classic style that has defined Porsche since the 1960’s, this vehicle is absolutely stunning. Pricing can vary greatly due to condition, but there are definitely some good examples available for under $20,000. Make sure you find a good Porsche mechanic and you should absolutely get a Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI).

2000-2002 Audi S4 (B5) – In 2000, Audi released their answer to the BMW M3 in the USA (was available in Europe from 1997). Powered by a twin turbo charged V6, the Audi S4 (B5) has 250 hp and 258 lbs torque. The Audi S4 is capable of going 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds and is electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph. The S4’s real advantage lies in its all wheel drive system which has been the root of Audi’s identity since the 1980’s.

The Audi S4 was available in as a 4 door sedan and also as the Avant (wagon). Pricing ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on condition. The 4 door sedan in good supply, while the Audi S4 Avant is much rarer find. Again, as with any used vehicle a pre purchase inspection is a good idea.

1997-1999 Porsche Boxster – In 1997 Porsche released this beautiful roadster with a warm reception from the American public. This Porsche was priced within range of a much larger group of people than its 911 big brother. The Porsche Boxster is a perfect example of what a roadster is suppose to be; fast, fun and easy to drive. The Boxster is powered by a smooth 6 cylinder that generates 201 hp and 188 lbs of torque. The Porsche Boxster will run 0 to 60 mph in about 6.7 seconds.

A good example of a 1997 to 1999 Porsche Boxster and be purchased between $10,000 to $20,000. The years are chosen based off of the pricing, you may be able to find a 2000 Porsche Boxster under $20,000, but the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Porsche Boxsters are more readily available in this price range. Pre Purchase inspection is once again suggested.

1998-2000 BMW M Coupe- The BMW M Coupe definitely commands a second look. You will either love the look or absolutely hate it. Awkwardly beautiful is how I like to describe this sport coupe. Powered by the BMW M3’s 240 hp and 236 lbs of torque inline 6 cylinder, the BMW M Coupe will sprint 0 to 60 mph in about 5.3 seconds.

Handling is excellent and the sound is equally impressive. Pricing for a 1998, 1999 or 2000 BMW M Coupe is on the upper end of the 10,000 to 20,000 range. Once again a pre purchase inspection is suggested.

All of the aforementioned cars are somewhat specialty vehicles that can and do require expensive parts and maintenance to insure they continue to perform.

This is just a short list from a long list of awesome German vehicles. Please feel free to comment on your favorite German car in this price range.

In 1988 Volkswagen introduced a replacement for the cult followed Scirocco the Corrado. The VW Corrado was without a doubt a beautifully designed car. The 3 door 4 seat sports car was both elegant in design and memorable in performance.

The Corrado introduced the automatic raising and lowering rear spoiler to the masses. This feature is a dead give away to the upholders of the law.

The Corrado was offered with an option of either a 4 or 6 cylinder power plant. The best 0 - 60 was achieved by a later version of their VR6 power plant that sprinted the Corrado to 60 in 6.8 seconds (USA version, the European version achieved the same task at 6.4 seconds).

With production numbers over 100,000 throughout its 1988 to 1995 run, the Corrado is not terribly hard to find for sale. Be careful on your selection, these cars are and where a favorite of the modifying public, abused examples are easier to find than the pampered ones.

In 1986 BMW introduced a new race car to compete in “Group A” European Touring Car Championship racing. The only problem was that in order to compete, you had to have a road version on the car, hence the BMW E30 M3.

What makes the E30 M3 so special is that it was almost an exact replica of the race car used in competition. The engine was a high revving inline 4 cylinder that produced 192 hp and 170 lbs of torque (at 4750 rpm). From 1986 till 1991 the BMW E30 M3 evolved to remain competitive on the track. In the USA we only saw the 192 hp version, but in Europe they where privy to a 238 hp version (1990 E30 M3 Sport Evolution). They are extremely recognizable with their flared fenders to accommodate the oversized tires.

According to Car and Driver the USA 192hp version of the BMW E30 M3 sprinted 0 – 60 in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 141 MPH. The 238 hp European version made the 0 – 60 run in 6.2 seconds with a top speed just over 150 MPH.

Availability of these used production race cars is limited. Their performance is no secret so take caution if you are looking to purchase one of these machines.

Please see these other articles on BMW E46 M3 and the BMW E36 M3