Where is the 3/30/300 perfect car?

[Indydriver]

With today's technology, it shouldn't be that difficult to build the perfect car:

3 thousand pounds
30 thousand dollars
300 horsepower

And of course, it must be RWD. Where are they?

 

[NHGUY]

You forgot one thing....government regulation and meddling.

 

[InhalingBullets]

The only thing I can think of that even comes close is a Subie WRX...but it falls a little short on the MPG's.

 

[dparm]

Nissan 370Z coupe. $29,990 base price, 332hp, 3270lb.




Also close:
Mustang V6 coupe (excellent $ to HP ratio, but overweight)
BRZ/FR-S (good price and low weight, a bit underpowered)

Honorable mention:
Golf R (300hp and $30k, but overweight due to AWD)

 

[NHGUY]

I would settle for a new $13000,100hp,4 door wagon,35mpg,5 passenger room (not for people,but carrying stuff),at least 140 ft/lbs torque.Under 2800 lbs.The dream would be WITHOUT ABS/airbags/Stability control/OBDII/Body control modules/heating control modules...etc But we know that will never happen.

 

[dparm]

Originally Posted By: NHGUY
I would settle for a new $13000,100hp,4 door wagon,35mpg,5 passenger room (not for people,but carrying stuff),at least 140 ft/lbs torque.Under 2800 lbs.The dream would be WITHOUT ABS/airbags/Stability control/OBDII/Body control modules/heating control modules...etc But we know that will never happen.


Nissan Versa Note (and similar cars) are not far off. Has all the safety/tech underneath, but is still a simple vehicle with ample room and MPGs.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: NHGUY
I would settle for a new $13000,100hp,4 door wagon,35mpg,5 passenger room (not for people,but carrying stuff),at least 140 ft/lbs torque.Under 2800 lbs.The dream would be WITHOUT ABS/airbags/Stability control/OBDII/Body control modules/heating control modules...etc But we know that will never happen.


If you find one, let me know!

But - The Versa / Note is about as close as you will get! I really like those cars (it's probably obvious as I post that a lot).

NO power windows, no power locks, no fancy radio, manual HVAC.

 

[hattaresguy]

Used Corvette or Mustang fits right in their.

What makes this combo perfect?

 

[dparm]

Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
Used Corvette or Mustang fits right in their.



We're talking about new cars here. In the used market, there are tons, yes...Cayman S, Vette, etc.

 

[hattaresguy]

Well for new you have to spend more, light weight costs money.

So put your $30k down on a new C7 and your payments won't be terrible, what do they sticker for around $60k?

 

[dparm]

The $30k limit is what makes this almost impossible. The average new car price these days is north of $30k -- Camrys can be had in high $30k range, for God's sake. People are just demanding a lot of standard equipment like satellite radio and leather.


Also, Genesis 2.0T Coupe is under the $30k mark, 274hp, RWD, but still about 3300lb (may as well get the Mustang).

 

[Kestas]

3000 lbs is a tough target. My Volvo S40 is considered a compact car, and weighs 3700 lbs.

With enhanced and additional safety devices, plus consumer demanded items, the days of 3000 lb cars are gone, unless you want to consider micro cars for the perfect car.

 

[ls1mike]

It is why I always wondered why people will say an F-body is heavy. Curb weight on my 2000 WS6 was 3397. On the scales where I used to work with me and a full tank of gas it was 3640.

Are we talking dry weight or with all the fluids?

I rememeber I weighed my 98 Bonneville when I had it on the same scale. Full fluids and me it was exactly 3800 lbs.

 

[bdcardinal]

Why limit yourself to 300hp? A new Mustang GT has 420hp, and to make a all new V8 with just 300hp would be huge steps backwards.

 

[dparm]

Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
Why limit yourself to 300hp? A new Mustang GT has 420hp, and to make a all new V8 with just 300hp would be huge steps backwards.



Except that it weighs about 3600lbs.

 

[whip]

It can't happen. The safety and luxury equipment weighs too much, so the cost of lightening the other parts will balloon the price way past $30,000. The Corvette, the best bang for the buck car, still weighs a few hundred pounds over.

 

[dparm]

Originally Posted By: whip
It can't happen. The safety and luxury equipment weighs too much, so the cost of lightening the other parts will balloon the price way past $30,000. The Corvette, the best bang for the buck car, still weighs a few hundred pounds over.


3444lbs from what I can see. That's still impressive given the big engine and other equipment.

 

[Vikas]

Why not add "3 pedals" to the requirement?

 

[Rolla07]

Originally Posted By: dparm
Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
Why limit yourself to 300hp? A new Mustang GT has 420hp, and to make a all new V8 with just 300hp would be huge steps backwards.



Except that it weighs about 3600lbs.


The additional 120hp should handle the 600lbs over the 3000lb limit..

 

[Rolla07]

Considering a Corolla is 2800lbs... yeah unless you get a tiny or small 2 door sportscar, and even than its likely over 3000 lbs..