2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S
It’s our only rear-engine performance car in this review, and it’s one of the most iconic in the segment. The Porsche 911 evokes feelings based on its looks, its handling, its acceleration, and its exotic and quirky interior. It’s nimble, and fast, but it’s not the most comfortable car you can buy for nearly $200,000.
An H-67 3.8-liter twin-turbo engine makes 580 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque for a sprint to 60 in just 2.5 seconds. Top speed is 205 mph, which will do in a pinch I guess.
2017 Nissan GT-R Nismo
If all you’re looking for is a go-fast kind of car with decent handling, the Nissan GT-R Nismo is where it’s at. A whopping 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque bring the GT-R just under 3 seconds from 0 to 60. It’s from a front-engine, 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. So yeah, it’s fun to drive.
Suede and leather are standard, but there’s little else for stand-out refinement. It feels like you’re piloting a car in “Need for Speed.” An extremely capable, top performer? Yes. Nearly $200k and minimal luxury options? I’ll pass.
2017 Lotus Evora 400
If you want to experience a car unadulterated, there are extremely few that can stand up and hang with the Lotus Evora 400. A six-speed manual transmission lets you have the most input possible, and the word precise doesn’t do justice for the steering, brakes and throttle. It’s not the fastest in top speed (186 mph) or acceleration (0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds) but it’s thrilling driving in its basest form.
Part of the pinpoint accurate handling is thanks to only 3,212 lbs of weight, and the mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, 3.5-liter supercharged V6 powertrain does its part too. Expect the interior to feel like a kit car, though, with an aftermarket feel.
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