I'm in the market for a new car, but since there are so many amazing cars out there, I'm having a tough time choosing. Out of all the cars I've driven were the 370z, Evo X MR, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and GTR.... but lets not get into the GTR hehe. I wasn't able to drive an s2000 unfortunately since no one has one available and if I'm looking into getting a new one, then it would have to be pulled from out of state. I've found a nice stretch of dealerships that had all cars that I wanted to purchase so what's great about that is that there were a series of turns and bends off I-75 that I could get a good feel of the cars and all salesmen were happy to let me rip on some of their demo cars.

The main reason I'm posting this is because I'd like to get some feedback as to what you guys would prefer as far as a car. I know it's a little bias on this site due to being an evo site, but I want to get everyone's opinion. I like the Evo X a LOT, but I need some motivation to choose it over some other cars -- unfortunately, I can't get an opportunity to get a ride in a tuned Evo X since I don't necessarily know anyone in South FL with one. If you do, let me know -- I'd like to get a ride to see if I'd be set on getting the X. Definitely want to get an enthusiasts point of view on how they like the X.

The 370z was the first car I had my opportunity to drive in. Overall it was a great car and was my initial choice from the beginning. Exterior is great, looks amazing in all colors; interior has a nicer finish due to the soft texture of the dash and center console. Seats were pretty firm and comfy for me and I had no problem getting adjusted to the blind spots and rear view. While I actually got on the car, it had very solid acceleration. While the clutch and gas felt a tad soft, it pulled through every gear and it kept a smile on my face. On a couple of bends, the car definitely gripped the hell out of the road; at one point the salesmen told me to go easy on the bends (third time going around) and as I was about to make the turn... I downshifted, got onto the accelerator, and he uttered, "oh god". I felt bad for the man since he was about 60 years old, but he said I really kicked his *** on the ride. Only gripes are the fact that I can't get the color I want and shifter/clutch/gas pedal don't feel as solid as I expected them to. Some people mentioned the engine note sounding horrid after 5k, but I thought it was lovely.

LOOK AND FEEL: 4/5 - need to do something about the front
ENGINE: 5/5 - not boosted, but amazing for N/A
HANDLING: 5/5 - amazing road holding capabilities, destroyed the turns
PRICE: 3/5 - could be a bit cheaper, but hey I'm cheap!

OVERALL: 5/5 - I love this car... I feel it's the one I want to buy.

The genesis coupe 3.8 and 2.0 were definitely not on my list for cars to drive, but I felt I should check them out. Dealership was dead, gentleman that helped me said he'd convince me to get the 3.8 over the 370z any day. He brought his 3.8 out that was fully loaded and told me to hop in the passenger seat. He surprised the hell out of me when he was taking his turns and sliding through the corners; I felt a need to show him that he wasn't going to one-up me. Turns were great, felt just as good as the 370z; shifting was great with the paddles since it has an amazing manufacturer building the AT transmissions. Acceleration was good for a V6, but the chassis felt heavier than it needed to be. I'd say this car is a step down compared to the 370z... I could imagine a blacked out gen coupe with Volks and LED tails would look great. Only difference on the 2.0 is that it felt weaker, I went WOT and it was not going fast at all... when shifting, the RPM's would hang for a second or two and then drop (I know there is a fix for this but still...)

LOOK AND FEEL: 4/5 - it would have a 5/5 if it had the 370z's ***
ENGINE: 3/5 - could feel the heaviness, RPM's hanging, not as fast as 370z
HANDLING: 4/5 - heaviness and it wasn't road holding like the 370z, felt the rear slip a lot since I was really getting on it.
PRICE: 5/5 - 2.0t is such a bargain and the 3.8 is still very good

OVERALL: 4/5 -If I wanted a cheaper 370z, this would be it

As I drove away in dismay since 3 Honda dealers had NO s2000's whatsoever -- I drove off to two Mitsubishi dealerships. First one had an MR, but since it was dead and they praise that car like it's Allah, they would not help me at all (horrible service Bill Seidle's Mitsubishi). Second dealership had a Graphite Grey MR left on their lots and already started the car for me. First thing is first, I LOVE ME SOME BOOST! While it didn't kick in until 2.5k - 3k RPM's, the turbo definitely put a smile on my face. He showed me some back roads where I really got a chance to push myself in the seat and boy was it fun; I hate turbo lag on the other hand... Turns were definitely different as I could do turns at crazy speeds and the AYC / AWC would do everything for me, not something I necessarily like since it doesn't challenege me. Car looked good and put a nice grin on my face when I got on it. Salesman offered me the car for 34k with the 2k rebate, so I'm still deciding on that. It really has come down to the Evo X and 370z...

LOOK AND FEEL: 4/5 - interior was so-so, exterior was very aggressive
ENGINE: 5/5 - turbo and "push me back into my seat" feeling, even better with a tune
HANDLING: 4/5 - it does everything for me, but at the same token I want to be challenged
PRICE: 3/5 - 34k after rebate... meh

OVERALL: 5/5 - this is THE car I am comparing to the 370z plus it has 4 seats!

Right now I'm still debating on both cars as I like them both equally, but for different purposes. The 370z has an exotic look to it along with nicer refinements; it's also cheaper than the Evo X MR. I'm still leaning towards the 370z since it's been the car I've wanted for a while and because it has a great NA feel to it. The Evo X MR is great mainly because of it's aggressive looks, boost, and AWD nature. I'll be going back tomorrow to check them out, but as of right now I think I still like the 370z. Only reason I haven't listed the s2000 is because I haven't test driven one recently and it's going to be hard to allocate one...

If you guys have any comments to my test drives or want to offer some opinions, please feel free to share them!

 

I was looking at a 370z untill the reality of it being a 2 seater kicked in. With the 370 you can take your girl out for a ride, out to dinner etc, You CANNOT go with 3 of your friends to the mountains to snowboard or to the beach to hang out. The X is a 4 seater, powerful, do-everything machine. I bought mine while 4 people told me I would regret it, here I am 8 months later, 550$ monthly payments, and I do not regret it for a second.

Oh, and I have seend 3 X's since Ive purchased mine, and two of them are my friends, You see 370's and 350's all over the place. This car is much more unique

 

I recently drove the Genesis at a Hyundai event. They had a very short autocross course set up. I drove the V6 variant in auto and manual. The genesis had decent acceleration, but coming from a tuned Evo X (and a tuned IX and stock S2000 before that) it was not enough to really grab my attention. Where the Genesis failed in my opinion, was cornering. Though similar in weight to a X, the Genesis felt more massive and simply could not hold to the pavement like the Evo X (and certainly not an S2k). The rear seats were obscenely small; at 5'9" my head was mashed into the headliner while my legs were being compacted by the drivers seat. If you don't drive with people often, then no biggie. Overall I think the Genesis is a good first effort at a sporty car but it needs 1-2 generations of development plus more development in the tuning/aftermarket arena.

I would HIGHLY recommend you find a local meet where you can drive a tuned Evo. It will totally reshape your thinking.

You may also want to look at the STI and 135i. (flamesuit on!)

 

Hmmm i'm comparing same cars too, similar price ranges, though the genesis will yield you the most additions for the cheapest cost.

Also the genesis is far more practical than the 370z with actual back seats and a decent sized trunk. Granted it's probably the least skilled performer.

we'll have to see...

 

I think you'd be silly NOT to drive an STI, unless you just hate how they look or something. Lots and lots of cars in this price range.

Have you driven a 135/335i? Me, personally, I loathe RWD cars after owning far too many Subarus and Evos, but since you liked the 370Z, but wanted a back seat, might be worth looking into.

Do you plan to mod the cars at all? If so, the Evo is a clear front runner.

 

Mmmm... I already planned on getting KW V3's with some flat black te37's on the 370z. I wouldn't see why I wouldn't mod the evo x :P . I have to find someone with a tuned X to see if I'd like it.

 

How could you loathe RWD? I love AWD but RWD is more fun. Really if you live in a climate that get's no snow RWD is the way to go.

I think the OP should get the 370Z because it seems like he's wanted one for a while and getting the EVO instead may lead to regrets down the road just because you will always have the 370Z in the back of your mind. I doubt that you would like the S2000 better as it doesn't make a great daily driver as it rides very rough and power delivery is on the weak side if you are stuck in the mid to low engine revolutions. The new STI for me was pretty underwhelming.

 

I disagree on the practicality of the rear seats in the Genesis. They were extremely small. Not built for average size adults.

 

EVO FTW! wait what are we talking about

 

I'm sure it's a mix of never owning a "good" RWD car (Z28 and a 4.6L GT don't rate too high, and I'm fine to admit that), but the control aspect of the AWD has always appealed to me. The "lol let's go into this with minimal fear of breaking loose" is something I like, personally.

You'll get a big chunk of power simply from a tune, let alone any further modding on the Evo. +60whp/wtq isn't unheard of from a drop in filter + tune.

 

Does practicality matter to you? If you just want a fun car to drive, i say get a 370Z.

Personally, I love RWD cars, I came from an RWD car and after the Evo I am going back to an RWD car. There is nothing like going to a track event and letting it all hang out with white smoke pouring out the back of the car =D. Rainy days are fun too hehe.

If you want a more driver-oriented car get the 370. The Evo X in my opinion has been toned down a bit, but it is very practical and still a blast to drive, just not as edgy or raunchy as something like a 370.

Power wise, the Evo probably has more potential being that it is boosted, so you have lots of options there.

If you don't care about drifting and whatever and just want something thats blatantly fast, the Evo it is.

 

Man, I got into this debate when i got my evo.
I was into 370z but it just came out and didn't have too much room to negotiate the price.
When the difference was 5000 dollars, i chose the evo.

Pros about 370z is that it is very powerful, more powerful than stock evo!! and it shifts like a dream....and interior feels nicer.
too bad it doesn't have the practicality i needed after i got married.

few things i do not like about the evo is the built quality overall, the rattles just started recently and they drive me crazy. the trunks are really small, I can't even fit a medium side cooler (igloo) and make it face up. The 5 speed shifter feels way too notchy. The brand is weak, too many mitsubishi went out of business and the dealers are a ***** to talk to. If you can bear with some of these problems and you don't mind seeing them everyday, and you want the practicality. Evo is your choice.

 

You have a tough choice. All the cars are so different.

 

All the mentioned cars are good, but I'd get the Evo as it is practical/family-friendly, superior handling, all-season rain-or-shine AWD, and modability potential. People can say stock-for-stock it won't outgun the 370z... we all know the stock tune sucks. Spend under 400 bucks for a professional tune and guarantee it will wake the car up & easily keep up (or outrun) the other 2 on the track. A tune with gains of 60-80whp is just what this car needs... no bolt-ons yet!

 

Its what your intentions are like Tipoytm said, practicality the evo x hands down, plus its a pretty fun car and modifying it to get some good power is not too expensive, where as the 370z can be pricey, also the 370z doesnt have too much of an aftermarket product support yet but it will. I personally have an Evo and a S14. Its a tough call man, AWD or RWD.