yeah, it would be real close to the cobra and lightning, but i think i heard a lot mustang guys saying it's cheaper to buy a gt and add your own power adder

 

I would not buy any of the cars on that list, however if I had to choose one it would be the m3 as long as there was enough money left over to turbo it.

SilvEclips that last statement doesn't seem like you were thinking.
a) Lighting and cobra are not close.
b) Adding a blower to a stock GT might be less exspensive than getting an 03 cobra and leaving it stock, but that's about it. Leaving out a ton of relative issues on that one.

 

well like said, depends on what you want. for an all out straight line monster, get the 03 cobra. with basic bolt on, s/c pulley and a good dyno tune, your looking upwards of 500 to the wheels. there's a few people running 9's in the 03 cobra, and they are doing so on the stock IRS and without removing the valve covers. the KB upgrade puts 617 to the wheels on a bonse stock cobra at 15psi. ask UNCLEBENZ, im sure he can tell you more than i can. the thing about the lighning, is remember its heavier, a 4spd auto, and although it's the 5.4 mod engine, you'll get better times from the cobra. the fastest stock time ever recorded was 12.43, done by an editor of a quarterly 5.0 mustang magazine. if you want to stay in the import scene, either the EVO or the STI. both have advantages, the STi has 2.5 litres and a 6 speed, while the evo is a 2.0 and a 5spd. despite disadvantages in displacement and gearbox, its my understanding the lancer handles better, but im not sure about that. there's lots of other comparisons to be made, but if i were you i'd test drive them both, and then decide.

 

RX8 - I'd wait maybe another year before i buy one of these. especially after mazdaspeed gets it's aftermarket going...
EVO 8 - great out of the box. i just feel that this platform is approaching the end of the line. the motor is so worked over improvments are getting VERY expensive. i'm not sure how much more life is in the 4g63.
03 Cobra - best handaling and fastest mustang ever. nuff said. responds VERY well to mods.
STI - Just like the EVO it's great out of the box. haven't ridden in either one of the cars so i really can't do a good comparo. i think there is alot ot improve upon in the STi. i believe the 2.5 flat-4 to be the superior engine.
GTI - great as a DD. very flexible, mods are plentiful for the 1.8T. they take VERY well to mods and it won't take much to make it a very fun car to drive.
95-96 m3 - one of the best handaling cars on your list. mods are out there just VERY expensive. Alpina and Dinan can make some brutish M's.
Lightning (for goat) - Most practical one on the list. a great performer, and it has a utilitarian aspect the others just don't have.

suprised with this list there wasn't the addition of the 350Z or an F-body. either would be a great choice, F-bod due to great performance and extensive aftermarket, and the 350Z for a great future ahead and a awesome tuner car.

 

lotus elise

 

03 Cobras can make 1000 whp on a stock long block. How is a lightning easier to mod now?

And for me it would be a toss up between a 03 Cobra and an STi, but i think the Cobra would come out on top.

 

GTi - 180 HP and 31 MPG with a turbo... good combo...

 

03 Cobra. That's an easy one.

 

I heard the RX8 was being re-called for false advertising about the hp it puts out, well not re-called, but somethign like that.

I'd get the 03 Cobra. Definitely.

 

Why are you comparing cars thaat aren't even in the same price range? An 03 cobra is $35k base and a 96 M3 is about $15k.

I'd say look for a 2000 e46 M3 for the same $35k