Best 2009 sports/performance (under $50,000)

Oct 19, 2009

Special to the Star

BEST: 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe

There wasn't much wrong with the last Zed car. Introduced in 2002, the fifth-generation Nissan Z car was a driving enthusiast's dream: two seats, rear-wheel-drive, gutsy V6, well-balanced weight distribution and warm-gum-on-the-asphalt handling. But for 2009, Nissan made it even better from the driver's seat, and a lot less expensive to get into.

Whereas the 2008 350Z Coupe started at $49,948, '09s can be had for as little as $39,998 – thousands less than similarly performing offerings such as the Chevrolet Corvette, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Porsche Cayman, or BMW Z4.

Powering the 370 Coupe is a 3.7-litre DOHC V6 engine that makes 332 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque.

There's an optional seven-speed automatic transmission available. But those looking for the most performance and control choose the six-speed manual transmission and its optional SynchroRev Match technology that blips the throttle for perfect downshifts.

Its steering has excellent on-centre feel and feedback. Brakes are solid and fade-free. On back roads, the Nissan sports car always feels nicely balanced. And – as you would expect in such a high-powered rear-driver – turn-in is crisp and responsive.

Inside, the Zed is a pure sports car: You sit suitably low. The view forward is all bulging hood. And while the last Zed's interior was swathed in economy car plastics, Nissan has upgraded the '09 model with more leather, soft-touch plastics and better fit and finish.

Sports car buyers are a fickle lot. So despite younger models absconding the spotlight, Mazda's RX-8 – a car that's entering its seventh year on the market – is still a sweetheart of a performance car.

Like the Zed, the RX-8 puts its power down as God and Gilles Villeneuve intended: via the rear wheels and a manual gearbox.

Unlike the Nissan, though, the Mazda is powered by a small (1.3-litre), rotary engine making only 232 hp and 159 lb.-ft. torque, and can seat a couple of friends in its +2 rear seats.

The best RX-8 for drivers is the $41,995 R3, introduced just last year. It adds such driver-oriented kit as a limited-slip rear differential, sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks, lightweight forged alloy wheels, and lightweight Recaro front seats.

ALSO CONSIDER:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution ($41,498): Almost idiot-proof handling; street-legal rally car.

Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works ($39,990): Supercar killer, but now with some rear leg and cargo room.

Toronto Star