Best in class: Coupes
$21,000 to $35,000
By Terry
Jackson • Bankrate.com
This is where things start to get fun -- where style
and performance begin to meld to create some vehicles with serious
sex appeal. As with most coupes, these are primarily two-seat cars
with a backseat that's strictly for emergencies or hauling groceries.
Mustang GT
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Ford Mustang GT: Read
our full review of the all-new 2005 Mustang (it's one of Bankrate.com's
10
to Watch in 2005), but for purposes of this list, suffice it to
say that Ford has recaptured the magic of the very first Mustangs
in a package that's thoroughly modern. Available in a slick fastback
design, with a convertible arriving this spring, even the base version
is exciting. Its 202-horsepower, four-liter V6 is peppy enough to
provide a fun driving experience, and a well-equipped version can
be had for a little over $22,000. The muscular 300-horsepower V8 GT
model, which starts at about $25,000, is the star of the show, providing
awesome performance and handling. For anyone who appreciates a two-door
coupe that delivers fun on almost any level, it's hard to beat the
new Mustang -- which is a statement that made the original 1965 Mustang
such an icon.
Acura RSX
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Acura RSX: For
drivers who want an experience decidedly different than what's
available in a V8, rear-wheel drive Mustang, the front-wheel drive
RSX is the top pick. Wrapped in a slick hatchback coupe body,
the RSX uses a two-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 160
horsepower in base form and 210 horsepower in the flagship Type-S
model, which is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Both engines like to rev, which makes this a car that begs to
be driven. Sticker prices for the base model -- available with
either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission
-- start at about $21,000. A Type-S will set buyers back about
$25,000.
Infiniti G35
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Infiniti G35: This
is the car you really want instead of the Nissan 350Z. It's every
bit as stylish and has the added advantage of useable rear seats.
For 2005, Nissan has even upped the performance ante to the point
where an average driver won't notice much difference between the
G35 and a Z as they speed away from a stoplight. The new Sport Coupe
model includes a new sport-tuned suspension, limited-slip differential,
19-inch forged alloy wheels and drilled aluminum pedals. All G35
coupes get horsepower increases from their 3.5-liter V6 -- now 280,
up from 260 last year; models with six-speed manual transmissions
get 298 horsepower.
-- Posted: Feb. 15, 2005
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