Tailpipe's Top Ten Performance Cars

[tailpipe]

Hi everyone,

Was having a think about my favourite cars and decided to put together a totally subjective top ten list. I was surprised at the number made by the VAP Group. Here goes:

01. Ferrari 458 Italia
02. Ferrari California
03. Audi S4
04. Porsche 911 Carrera S
05. Range-Rover Vogue SE
06. Bentley Continental GT
07. Volkswagen Golf R
08. Mercedes-Benz S-500
09. Audi A7
10. Audi A1

Yes, the Ferrari 458 is the most desirable car money can buy. The California comes a close second, because it just oozes a magical mojo restoring magnetism. But, since I haven't yet won the Lottery and need to live in the real world, where we have mortgage, 2.2 kids, no job security and the need to carry suitcases, a dog and the mother-in-law, for my money, the Audi S4 Avant offers the very best combination of pace, space, comfort, practicality, desirability and value. So capable in so many situations, it is a hard car to beat when buying on a budget. Once financial constraints are removed, things like the Bentley Continental GT with a 4.0 litre V8 TT start to look mighty appealing. At the other end of the spectrum, the A1 has an appeal that's hard to resist. I just love the Range-Rover too. Uneven build quality and dodgy design in places, but overall, it just trounces every other SUV for style, off-road ability and sheer on-road presence. Golf R is a truly wonderful machine, in a way that the S3 isn't, surprisingly (fingers crossed for the RS3, then.) The Mercedes-Benz S-500 is still the uber-saloon for presidents, prime ministers, movie stars, porn stars and CEOs. The A7 is cool in a way a Panamera will never be. Finally, the deeply flawed 911 with its engine in the wrong place and snap lift-off oversteer still somehow draws you towards it to offer something so intangible it defies all rational explanation.

So what have I overlooked. What doesn't belong here?

[The RS6]

Performance cars? I think at least half of those don't belong on the list...

[AndyBG]

I would rather say this is your dream garage when you won lottery, not a top list of performance cars...

[Ruergard]

I thought I'd see the latest GT3 RS on that list?

Hell of a car.

[Benman]

I thought I'd see the latest GT3 RS on that list?

Hell of a car.

Ditto that!

I see about 4 of those needing to come off the list.


So what have I overlooked. What doesn't belong here?

Well, since you ask, the S500. A8 is a better "uber saloon.
The 911 (as already correctly pointed out by Ruergard).
The California, it does nothing as well as the 458 so why have it?
Change A7 to S7 and I'll give you that one.
Ditto with A1.

I only say this since your thread title says "Tailpipe's Top Ten Performance Cars"

It is your list afterall, so you are entitled to any car you want!

Ben

[tailpipe]

AndyBG,

Yes, you're quite right; this is more of a fantasy garage than a true performance top ten. Benman, I rode in an S500 the other day and was blown away by it's speed and composure. I didn't think something so big and heavy could be so agile. As for the Ferrari California, you are 100% right. The 458 is better in every area, true, but you need to be a better driver to extract the maximum from it. With the California, it is easy to drive it fast. And that roof. It is also easier to live with on a day-to-day basis. In fact, it has an emotional quality that I just love.

Less about what I like. I want to know what other cars RS6.com members rate. Yes, 911 GT3 is remarkable. I should be terrified to drive one.

[Benman]

The 458 is better in every area, true, but you need to be a better driver to extract the maximum from it. With the California, it is easy to drive it fast. And that roof. It is also easier to live with on a day-to-day basis. In fact, it has an emotional quality that I just love.

Less about what I like. I want to know what other cars RS6.com members rate.

Did not realize it was a better "daily driver", never thought of it that way I guess.

So, is this list basically a top ten fantasy wish list? We win the $100M Lotto?

Ben

[Ruergard]

Ditto that!

Definitely one of the cars that I'd like do try out the most at the moment. On pair with the GT2 RS that is.

I'll see if I can put together a top 10 fantasy list later this day...

[Erik]

Your list differs from mine, but yours is very realistic. Mine's not unfortuntately, it's more of a I wish this dream came true list...where Nr1 means win the lottery.

[Joker]

I only need three cars in my list. A daily driver, a car for when the mood takes me and a trackday special.

So for me I want a Cayenne Turbo, a R8 5.2 or 458 and a Radical.

Anything more is just showing off.

[Z07]

Off the top of my head:

Veyron SS
Zonda Tricolore
Zonda R
McLaren F1 LM
599 GTO
Senna's Williams Renault
Jaguar XJ13
Techart GTstreetRS
Ruf CTR
Ruf CTR3

[Benman]

Z07, pretty nice list!

Joker, 3 is plenty for me as well, but there is more than one driver in my house, so 3 won't fly.

Ben

[Lmg]

Mine would be (in no particular order):

Porsche 911 (997.1) GT3 RS (for maximum fun)
Porsche 911 (997.1) Carrera S/4S (for more daily use)
Ferrari 458 Italia
Audi R8 V10
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4
Porsche Cayman S
Golf (V or VI) GTI
Porsche 959
Audi Sport Quattro
Honda NSX

And I predict that the new 911 and the production version of the Quattro concept (if it will ever be produced) will be part of this list as well.

[FLACO X3]

My list:

Porsche Cayenne Turbo
Porsche 911 Turbo (997)
Audi R8 v10
Audi RS 5
Mercedes Benz E55 AMG Kompressor
Maserati Granturismo
Ferrari 599 GTB

[Joker]

Z07, pretty nice list!

Joker, 3 is plenty for me as well, but there is more than one driver in my house, so 3 won't fly.

Ben

Well there is another driver in my household as well but since it's the wife that doesn't count.

[Benman]

Well there is another driver in my household as well but since it's the wife that doesn't count.

OHHHHHHH.... BURN!!!!!!!!!!!

[Joker]

OHHHHHHH.... BURN!!!!!!!!!!!

Guess who's on a sex ban after reading that post.

[Benman]

Haha... my wife doesn't read these forums.