1990s 145-150bhp cars...

[niky]

Well... if we're going stateside (sorry boys...), I'd like to nominate the 1993 2.0 Sentra SE-R (now called the "classic") a 2 door 2+2 based on the last of the independent rear Sentras.

0-60 in around 7.6 - 7.8, 1/4 mile around the same as the heavier Probe. Officially, it's 8 flat and 16, though. Really cool machine, very light and sweet handling (if a bit soft), and made even cooler by the availability of SR20DETs for transplant (200-250hp). Only downside is weak synchros on used cars, and the tendency for turbocharged cars (eherm, in the 300-500hp range) to eat gearboxes like other cars eat clutches.

Another car most people overlook (and yes, it was available here) is the Hyundai Coupe. The previous generation Coupe with a 2.0 MT was a light car with a quick steering rack (and a nervous rear end, according to some... which means it was nice and snappy) that could hit 60 mph in under 8 seconds with only 140hp. Heck... it's probably the quickest 2.0 for sale here, ever... that is, until someone times the current 2.0 Civic MT.

And, being based on the Elantra, the Coupe actually had decent rear seat space, much like the Lancer GSR (which is smaller). Only the dubious looks are a handicap, but the right wheels and kit can fix that.

With current secondhand prices being what they are, the old Hyundai Coupe could be the performance bargain that most boyracers are looking for as they scour the ads fitfully for engine-swapped Civics or the still-expensive Civic SiR (Si Sedans to Jun and other US-based tsikoteers).

And the new one is likewise impressive in interior accomodations, and I rank it as being more spacious and comfortable than other "sports cars" on the market, such as the Eclipse and the Z4.

[basti08]

kung 145-150bhp lang talaga...

USDM B13 SE-R din ako....

or USDM E36 BMW 318ti (138hp actually)

[basti08]

hehe sorry USDM kase source ko lage eh... Car and Driver mag...

[basti08]

yep, it looks good for me too.

[Flagg]

No problem with that sir AG4, to each their own. In real life, the Calibra I saw was not as cleanly proportioned as in your pix. Think Camry-like slab sides.

Anyway, I don't know for the life of me why I like the looks of the Espero. But the Calibra just doesn't do it for me.

Give me a Galant GTi anyday.

[theveed]

I like the Calibra, parang Subaru SVX...