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.

The Porsche GT2 (996 model) defines what a super car should be able to do, go really fast for a long period of time. The Porsche GT2 is not a street car it is a track car that has been legalized for the road. Porsche took the already impressive Porsche 911 Turbo (996) platform and turned it into a super car.

It always amazes me how Porsche can make a 3.6 liter flat 6 cylinder engine produce such tremendous reliable horsepower. The Porsche GT2 packs an astonishing 456 hp and 457 lbs of torque which will rocket this race car from 0-60 in about 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 194 mph.

What makes the Porsche GT2 different than the Turbo? Well here are a few key distinctions:

• About 39 hp (Porsche 911 Turbo 996 has 415 hp).
• The Porsche GT2 has rear wheel drive and the Turbo has all wheel drive.
• About 350 lbs (the Porsche GT2 weights about 3150 lbs and the Turbo weights 3500 lbs)
• Lower to the ground. If you have a driveway with an incline or decline, you will probably rub if you attempt to pull a Porsche GT2 up or down it.
• 2 Seats (Porsche GT2 does not have rear seats like the Turbo)
• $65,500 difference in price (Porsche GT2 base MSRP was about $181,700 and the Turbo’s base MSRP was about $116,200)

With all of the above differences, Porsche created an absolute monster. Although the Porsche GT2’s are rare, current pricing is relatively reasonable (for a super car) since Porsche announced the release of the 997 GT2.

Some Porsche GT2 Video:

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

Mercedes is known for their luxurious interiors and they do not exclude their C series from this reputation. The Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon combines classic lines with a luxurious ride. It is powered by a 215 hp and 221 lb of torque 3.2 liter 6 cylinder engine. The Mercedes C320 Wagon comes with an automatic transmission and is able to go 0-60 in about 7.5 seconds.

Handling is crisp and the transmission is relatively smooth (except for a mild hesitation when you first step on the gas pedal). What makes the Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon so compelling is the luxurious accommodations and beautiful lines.

The rear wheel drive Mercedes C320 Wagon was produced from 2002, 2003 and 2004, but keeping with our $10K to $20K price range we could only include the 2001 and 2002 model years.

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 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8

So you are looking for something a little newer to choose from Fahrcar.com’s “Top Hot German Station Wagons” list. Then take a look at the 2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T. Audi combines a very functional yet stylish design into the Audi A4 Avant 1.8T.

The Audi A4 Avant 1.8T is powered by a 4 cylinder 1.8 liter turbo charged engine that produces 170 hp and 166 lbs of torque. The Audi A4 Avant will go 0-60 in about 7.8 seconds. Although the acceleration may not be at aggressive as the other station wagons on the list, the Audi A4 Avant’s real attribute is in its handling with the standard all wheel drive power train.

With the combination of relatively good fuel efficiency, first-rate handling and stand out styling, the Audi A4 Avant 1.8T makes the list. Although the Audi A4 Avant 1.8T has an available 5 speed automatic transmission, we feel that the manual transmission is much better suited with this turbo charged 4 cylinder engine. Pricing for the 2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T’s price range falls on the high side of the $10K to $20K. Again a pre purchase inspection is always a good idea with any used vehicle.

See the other Top 5 Fahrcar.com Sport Wagons:

2001 to 2002 Audi S4 Avant
1999 to 2001 BMW 540i Sport Wagon
2002 and 2003 Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon
2002 and 2003 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8

Beautiful styling and an aggressive power is the only way to describe the BMW 540i Sport Wagon. Its 8 cylinder 4.4 liter engine has 282 hp and a whopping 324 lbs of torque launching this family truckster 0-60 mph in about 5.9 seconds and does the ¼ mile in about 14.4 seconds at 95.6 mph. With the optional sport suspension the BMW 540i Sport Wagon’s handling is very unlike a typical station wagon. As with all 5 series BMW from this time period the BMW 540i Sport Wagon is rear wheel drive.

The BMW 540i Sport Wagon is only available with a smooth 5 speed Steptronic automatic transmission with the ability to manually up shift or downshift. The comfortable and spacious interior lends itself to long trips. The exterior has classic lines with an aggressive overtone.

This body style was produced from 1999 to 2003. A 1999, 2000 or 2001 should be readily available in the $10 to $20K price range. As with any used vehicle you definitely should have a pre purchase inspection completed.

See the other Top 5 Fahrcar.com Sport Wagons:

2001 to 2002 Audi S4 Avant
2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T Manual Transmission
2002 and 2003 Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon
2002 and 2003 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8

So you are in the market for a family truckster, but the car enthusiast in you won’t let you buy a minivan or large SUV. Well her are a few suggestions that will satisfy the both you and your family.

For many years the station wagon was slowly replaced by the SUVs and Minivans. In recent years we have seen the reemergence of station wagons. German car manufacturers, especially, recognize the need for both space and performance in one well designed package. So here are a few options in the used sporty station wagon market from German car manufacturers in the $10k to $20k price range. Please keep in mind these top station wagons are the opinion of the author and represent a short list from a long list of excellent vehicles.

2001 to 2002 Audi S4 Avant – Housing the same power plant as its sedan brother, a twin turbo 6 cylinder engine, the Audi S4 Avant is truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Putting out 250 hp and 258 lbs of torque the Audi S4 Avant is able to sprint 0-60 mph in about 5.9 seconds. Utilizing Audi’s legendary Quattro all wheel drive power train this wagon is capable of handling the twisting back roads with ease.

The interior of the Audi S4 Avant is elegant yet functional making this sports wagon a pleasure to travel in. The Audi S4 Avant is available with either an automatic or 6 speed transmission.

The Audi S4 Avant typically is priced on the upper end of the $10K to $20K price range (as of the publish date of this article) depending on condition and mileage. As with any used car a Pre Purchase Inspection should be must.

See the other Top 5 Fahrcar.com Sport Wagons:

1999 to 2001 BMW 540i Sport Wagon
2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T Manual Transmission
2002 and 2003 Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon
2002 and 2003 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8

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

Louder, lighter, barer and a little faster than the Carrera 2, is a pretty good description of the Porsche RS America which was produced in 1991, 1992 and 1993. In 1991 Porsche released the RS America into the USA market in hopes to answer a demand from enthusiasts yearning for the RS available in Europe at that time.

The RS of Europe was virtually a race car for the weekend warrior. Unfortunately the Porsche RS America fell short of its European cousin because for US laws regulating the release of new cars into the USA market. For a car to be approved for the roads in United States they are required to be crash tested and pass strict emissions (among many other things), so what makes the RS of Europe truly great could not be fully adopted by the RS America.

The RS America is essentially a lighter version of the Porsche Carrera 2. The RS America did come stock with a stiffer suspension and an upgraded set of wheels (which where both options for the Carrera 2 and 4) and the brakes are from the stock Carrera. The appearance inside and out is slightly altered. The Porsche RS America came standard with a fix mounted whale tale and an aluminum hood. The interior boasts 2 Recaro seats, removed rear seats, less sound dampening, pull strap inside door handles and thinner side glass. The modifications to the Porsche RS America lightened it by about 80 lbs and lowered the original sticker by about $10,000 (less than the Carrera 2). Their where only 4 options available on the Porsche RS America; Limited Slip Differential, Air Conditioning, Radio and a Sunroof.

The Porsche RS America has a 3.6 liter air cooled flat 6 cylinder engine that powered the Carrera 2 and 4. With 247 hp and 228 lbs of torque the Porsche RS America goes 0 to 60 in about 5.4 seconds (factory).

To many enthusiasts, this special edition brought Porsche back to a more functional time. Due to its limited production numbers, the Porsche RS America is rather rare and typically demands a price accordingly.

For more information on the 1991, 1992 and 1993 Porsche RS America please visit RSAmerica.net (Porsche RS America Registry)

See also the new 2007 Porsche GT3 RS

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)).