100 Greatest Drivers' Cars

[Devinda_Z]

100 TOYOTA MR2 MK1

Go on, let your imagination rip. it’s a baby Ferrari 328. Well, no it isn’t. But if you like the feel of a well-sorted mid-engined chassis and the sound of an urgent multi-cam engine less than a foot from your head, the first generation MR2 is just the ticket. It’s zippy, economical, comfortable, fairly refined and loves to go sideways in the wet. What’s not to like?

Two little-known facts about the MR2. The chassis development team included racing god Dan Gurney. And in France they dropped the ‘2’ because MR2 sounded like ‘merde’.

Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 1587cc Power: 124bhp Top speed: 121mph 0-60mph: 8.9sec Years: 1984 -89

99 FORD PUMA 1.7

Forget the hairdresser associations and Fiesta underpinnings (actually a big plus). Plain fact is, the Puma is one of the world’s most underrated drivers’ cars, delivering seat-of-the-pants finesse and drivetrain sweetness that are usually the preserve of far more exotic machinery. If you can’t have fun on a twisty road in this car see a doctor. The only Ford coupe that ever really nailed it.

Layout: Front-engine, front-drive Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 1679cc Power: 123bhp Top speed: 122mph 0-60: 8.6sec Years: 1997-02

98 VOLKSWAGEN CORRADO VR6

By bunging a massaged version of the wonderful 2.8 V6 from the Golf VR6 into the prettier, lighter Corrado coupe, VW created an instant, Porsche 944-eating, classic. There was something about the shape and size, a leanness that hinted at keen responses and exceptional performance. It was no illusion. The Corrado flew to 60mph in 6.4sec and handled more engagingly than many rear-drive rivals.

Layout: Front-engine, front-drive Engine: V6, 2861cc Power: 190bhp Top speed: 143mph 0-60: 6.2sec Years: 1992-96

97 FORD SIERRA COSWORTH

Flying the flag for all Sierra Cossies, the four-door four-wheel-drive Sapphire feels a bit crude today – the interior was cheap and plasticky even in the early ’90s despite leather Recaros – but an unmolested one still has a certain cool, and more to the point delivers an unadulterated hit of honest turbocharged thrust combined with secure but totally engaging handling. A true working class hero.

Layout: Front-engine, 4wd Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 1993cc, turbo Power: 220bhp Top speed: 144mph 0-60: 6.6sec Years: 1990-93

96 TVR CERBERA SPEED SIX

Less raw and savage than the earlier Cerberas, the Speed Six is nevertheless constructed from the right stuff and, so long as you don’t take too many liberties, will happily blow any junior-to-middle-ranking Ferrari into the weeds. Question is, just how brave are you feeling? Fast and uncompromisingly furious, prepare for the oversteer and it might just be the thrill of your life.

Layout: Front-engine, rear-drive Engine: In-line 6-cyl, 3966cc Power: 350bhp Top speed: 170mph 0-60: 5.0sec Years: 1998-04

95 JAGUAR XKR

The XKR presents a compelling argument for being the best pound-for-pound GT in the real world. Its combination of genuine luxury, continent-traversing speed, whispering noise levels and pile-driver punch between 100mph and 150mph is a bit special. And its chassis always manages to strike an uncanny balance between precision and pliancy that makes the miles melt engagingly away.

Layout: Front-engine, rear-drive Engine: V8, 5000cc Power: 503bhp Top speed: 155mph 0-60: 4.6sec Years: 2009-

94 BMW E60 M5

You can treat the M5 as a luxury saloon or you can run down an F430. It’s not just the 500bhp V10 but the way any type of tarmac is dispatched without a barrage of bumps and tyre roar. And when the need arises, it can call on reserves of grip that seem surreal in such a bulky car. While it never feels truly nimble, neither do you ever get the impression it won’t rise to the occasion.

Layout: Front-engine, rear-drive Engine: V10, 4999cc Power: 500bhp Top speed: 155mph 0-60: 4.7sec Years: 2005-

93 FERRARI F355 F1 BERLINETTA

An urgently needed return to form after the woeful 348, the 355 introduced five valves per cylinder to Ferrari’s stalwart V8, not to mention dry sump lubrication, titanium conrods and six-speed gearbox. It is also significant for being the first Ferrari to be offered with the F1-derived paddle controlled electronic shift system. Arguably, never has such a blend of Pininfarina beauty, scintillating V8 music and exquisite handling been poured into an entry-level Ferrari.

Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: V8, 3496cc Power: 375bhp Top speed: 183mph 0-60: 4.7sec Years: 1997-99

92 ASTON MARTIN VANQUISH S

If the regular Vanquish had a problem it was that its V12 engine didn't have the shove – huge and cleanly delivered as it was – to match the scalp-tingling magnificence of the sound it made. The more muscular and tautly-suspended ‘S’ takes care of that, the 60bhp hike in output rendering the momentum of the big car’s mass during a sustained banzai charge less obvious. The beefier brakes that come with the optional Sports Dynamic Pack are a must-have, too. A truly convincing Aston supercar.

Layout: Front-engine, rear-drive Engine: V12, 5935cc Power: 520bhp Top speed: 200mph 0-60: 4.9sec Years: 2005-07

91 BUGATTI EB110

The real point about the conceptual forerunner of the Veyron wasn’t its speed (fast but not that fast) but its outstanding usability. Not until the Honda NSX was there a supercar so user-friendly and exploitable. A contemporary of the XJ220, it doesn’t go or corner as hard, but it ends up being faster point-to-point because its performance is so much more useable. Extraordinary in every way.

Layout: Mid-engine, 4wd Engine: V12, 3500cc, quad-turbo Power: 552bhp Top speed: 212mph 0-60: 3.4sec Years: 1991-95

Source : http://www.evo.co.uk/features/features/239...be071e40617aa96

[Bugatti]

How come I don't see the 300Z here...

[Tikiri]

Very Interesting. tks

[Pericles]

How come I don't see the 300Z here...

Its still only 90-100. 89 more cars to go

[Devinda_Z]

How come I don't see the 300Z here...

patience patience - further up the ladder me thinks/hopes

[GuruG]

patience patience - further up the ladder me thinks/hopes

Go Dev!!! Long time no c..., da new coporate life must be keeping u busy...

[MasterDon]

hmm best drivers cars eh...i bet one of the lotus' or the carrera gt porsche or the golf mk1 comes out on top.

[Devinda_Z]

Go Dev!!! Long time no c..., da new coporate life must be keeping u busy...

it was keeping me busy - but i'm "back" as i'm on a "break" of sorts

[kotte mafia]

90 FORD ESCORT COSWORTH

Everything that was good about the Sierra Cossie condensed into a more compact, agile and accelerative all-drive package. Straight-line speed isn’t a match for today’s Focus RS but turbo-massaged torque and all-drive traction still endow it with formidable cross-country pace. Chassis balance on the limit is superb and there’s no torque steer, however hard you stamp on the throttle.

Layout: Front-engine, 4wd Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 1993cc, turbo Power: 227bhp Top speed: 143mph 0-60: 5.8sec Years: 1992-96

89 VW GOLF GTI (MK1 & 2)

The mk1 GTI changed our world in the late-70s, and the mk2 of 1984 simply refined the concept (alas, the lardier mk3 rather lost the plot). It’s not really quick, but it’s a perfectly judged package: punchy, rev-happy 16-valve engine; a chassis that blends keenness and agility with a degree of suppleness, and all wrapped up in a timeless and perfectly proportioned hatchback body. The definitive GTI.

Layout: Front-engine, front-drive Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 1781cc Power: 112bhp Top speed: 112mph 0-60: 8.1sec Years: 1979-84

88 JAGUAR XJ220

Jaguar’s only supercar was briefly the world’s fastest, and its raw-sounding but awesomely potent twin-turbo V6 still delivers an absolute haymaker of accelerative punch. Okay, it’s too wide for threading down your average back-road, but then most supercars are. Find the right road, however, and the XJ220 rewards with precise steering and a benignly adjustable handling balance.

Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: V6, 3498cc, twin-turbo Power: 542bhp Top speed: 213mph 0-60: 3.7sec Years: 1992-94

87 VAUXHALL VX220

The VX220 has never quite had the same cachet as its Lotus siblings-under-the-skin, partly due to its slightly workaday Ecotec four-pot motor, but it fully deserves its own entry in our evo 100. It’s that broad-tracked chassis’ fluent, fussless way of stringing together combinations of bends. And in turbocharged form it really can convince you that you’re driving a junior supercar.

Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 2198cc Power: 145bhp Top speed: 136mph 0-60: 5.6sec Years: 2000-04

86 NISSAN 350Z

The 350Z – and its 370Z successor – is a genuine character, and a bit of a throwback. A thumping great normally aspirated V6 engine, manual gearbox, two seats and rear-wheel drive. Not the last word in refinement, but that’s kind of the point. It’s a hairy-arsed drivers’ car in the best possible way, with a real propensity for power-induced oversteer – rare qualities these days, more’s the pity. 370Z brings Synchro Rev Control to the party – perfectly timed throttle-blips when you downshift. You can turn it off…

Layout: Front-engine, rear-drive Engine: V6 3498cc Power: 276bhp Top speed: 155mph 0-60: 6.1sec Years: 2003-06

85 AUDI QUATTRO

The Ur-Quattro’s combo of four-wheel drive and turbocharging might seem old hat today, but in 1980 it was a sensation, and the years have done little to diminish its powers, especially if you drive one of the later 20v cars (or even better, a Sport). The engine’s got real soul, and of course there’s bags of all-weather traction, while the pace of the thing feels barely dimmed. A true original.

Layout: Front-engine, 4wd Engine: In-line 5-cyl, 2226cc, turbo Power: 220bhp Top speed: 143mph 0-60: 6.2sec Years: 1980-91

84 LANCIA INTEGRALE

The car that eclipsed the Quattro, both on the road and WRC stage, the Integrale is the five-door hatchback with supercar levels of charisma. Power delivery is conspicuously turbocharged – real lag followed by a sweet rush of force-fed hurry-up – while the chassis, pliant and almost soft by today’s standards, manages to combine tiptoe agility with prodigious four-square grip. Still so desirable.

Layout: Front-engine, 4wd Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 1995cc, turbo Power: 215bhp Top speed: 137mph 0-60: 6.4sec Years: 1988-93

83 ASTON V8 VANTAGE N400

The pert V8 Vantage is one of our favourite Astons and in limited-edition N400 form (to celebrate success in the Ring 24hrs) it fully realises its potential. It’s taut, tight, precision-damped; a touch more responsive, the feedback more detailed. The robotised paddle-shift manual feels intuitive, and the bigger hit from the mildly reworked 4.3-litre V8 is accompanied by the full Brian Blessed. Glorious.

Layout: Front-engine, rear-drive Engine: V8, 4281cc Power: 400bhp Top speed: 177mph 0-60: 4.9sec Years: 2007-08

82 BMW E34 M5

A handsome, sharply cut saloon from an era when BMW M-cars were truly made of the right stuff. Few four-doors have ever offered such wonderfully pure interaction – every move telegraphed, beautifully balanced and supremely indulgent. Honestly, just how many luxury four-seaters give you the option of exiting a roundabout with 30 yards of opposite lock, straight-six howling?

Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: In-line 6-cyl, 3795cc Power: 340bhp Top speed: 155mph 0-60: 5.9sec Years: 1992-95

81 BUGATTI VEYRON

Awesome speed, awesome grip, awesome composure (in the dry, at least. Veyrons don’t like the wet). And it's all so absurdly accessible, in a way you'd never dream possible from looking at the bare stats. For a car that weighs 2022kg it feels unfathomably manageable, gripping, changing direction and stopping with a sense of unlimited resolve that gives you a huge shot of confidence.

So why doesn’t it finish higher? Because beyond the speed and the crushing ability, it lacks the kind of detailed interaction that fully engages the senses and slowly gets right under your skin. That doesn’t make it any less of an event. It’s just that you tend to remember the car rather than the drive…

Layout: Mid-engine, 4wd Engine: W16, 7993cc, quad-turbo Power: 1000bhp Top speed: 253mph 0-60: 2.8sec Years: 2005-

[Devinda_Z]

thanks for putting up the next 10 machan just thought i'd add the images as well -

90 FORD ESCORT COSWORTH

Everything that was good about the Sierra Cossie condensed into a more compact, agile and accelerative all-drive package. Straight-line speed isn’t a match for today’s Focus RS but turbo-massaged torque and all-drive traction still endow it with formidable cross-country pace. Chassis balance on the limit is superb and there’s no torque steer, however hard you stamp on the throttle.

Layout: Front-engine, 4wd Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 1993cc, turbo Power: 227bhp Top speed: 143mph 0-60: 5.8sec Years: 1992-96

89 VW GOLF GTI (MK1 & 2)

The mk1 GTI changed our world in the late-70s, and the mk2 of 1984 simply refined the concept (alas, the lardier mk3 rather lost the plot). It’s not really quick, but it’s a perfectly judged package: punchy, rev-happy 16-valve engine; a chassis that blends keenness and agility with a degree of suppleness, and all wrapped up in a timeless and perfectly proportioned hatchback body. The definitive GTI.

Layout: Front-engine, front-drive Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 1781cc Power: 112bhp Top speed: 112mph 0-60: 8.1sec Years: 1979-84

88 JAGUAR XJ220

Jaguar’s only supercar was briefly the world’s fastest, and its raw-sounding but awesomely potent twin-turbo V6 still delivers an absolute haymaker of accelerative punch. Okay, it’s too wide for threading down your average back-road, but then most supercars are. Find the right road, however, and the XJ220 rewards with precise steering and a benignly adjustable handling balance.

Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: V6, 3498cc, twin-turbo Power: 542bhp Top speed: 213mph 0-60: 3.7sec Years: 1992-94

87 VAUXHALL VX220

The VX220 has never quite had the same cachet as its Lotus siblings-under-the-skin, partly due to its slightly workaday Ecotec four-pot motor, but it fully deserves its own entry in our evo 100. It’s that broad-tracked chassis’ fluent, fussless way of stringing together combinations of bends. And in turbocharged form it really can convince you that you’re driving a junior supercar.

Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 2198cc Power: 145bhp Top speed: 136mph 0-60: 5.6sec Years: 2000-04

86 NISSAN 350Z

The 350Z – and its 370Z successor – is a genuine character, and a bit of a throwback. A thumping great normally aspirated V6 engine, manual gearbox, two seats and rear-wheel drive. Not the last word in refinement, but that’s kind of the point. It’s a hairy-arsed drivers’ car in the best possible way, with a real propensity for power-induced oversteer – rare qualities these days, more’s the pity. 370Z brings Synchro Rev Control to the party – perfectly timed throttle-blips when you downshift. You can turn it off…

Layout: Front-engine, rear-drive Engine: V6 3498cc Power: 276bhp Top speed: 155mph 0-60: 6.1sec Years: 2003-06

85 AUDI QUATTRO

The Ur-Quattro’s combo of four-wheel drive and turbocharging might seem old hat today, but in 1980 it was a sensation, and the years have done little to diminish its powers, especially if you drive one of the later 20v cars (or even better, a Sport). The engine’s got real soul, and of course there’s bags of all-weather traction, while the pace of the thing feels barely dimmed. A true original.

Layout: Front-engine, 4wd Engine: In-line 5-cyl, 2226cc, turbo Power: 220bhp Top speed: 143mph 0-60: 6.2sec Years: 1980-91

84 LANCIA INTEGRALE

The car that eclipsed the Quattro, both on the road and WRC stage, the Integrale is the five-door hatchback with supercar levels of charisma. Power delivery is conspicuously turbocharged – real lag followed by a sweet rush of force-fed hurry-up – while the chassis, pliant and almost soft by today’s standards, manages to combine tiptoe agility with prodigious four-square grip. Still so desirable.

Layout: Front-engine, 4wd Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 1995cc, turbo Power: 215bhp Top speed: 137mph 0-60: 6.4sec Years: 1988-93

83 ASTON V8 VANTAGE N400

The pert V8 Vantage is one of our favourite Astons and in limited-edition N400 form (to celebrate success in the Ring 24hrs) it fully realises its potential. It’s taut, tight, precision-damped; a touch more responsive, the feedback more detailed. The robotised paddle-shift manual feels intuitive, and the bigger hit from the mildly reworked 4.3-litre V8 is accompanied by the full Brian Blessed. Glorious.

Layout: Front-engine, rear-drive Engine: V8, 4281cc Power: 400bhp Top speed: 177mph 0-60: 4.9sec Years: 2007-08

82 BMW E34 M5

A handsome, sharply cut saloon from an era when BMW M-cars were truly made of the right stuff. Few four-doors have ever offered such wonderfully pure interaction – every move telegraphed, beautifully balanced and supremely indulgent. Honestly, just how many luxury four-seaters give you the option of exiting a roundabout with 30 yards of opposite lock, straight-six howling?

Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: In-line 6-cyl, 3795cc Power: 340bhp Top speed: 155mph 0-60: 5.9sec Years: 1992-95

81 BUGATTI VEYRON

Awesome speed, awesome grip, awesome composure (in the dry, at least. Veyrons don’t like the wet). And it's all so absurdly accessible, in a way you'd never dream possible from looking at the bare stats. For a car that weighs 2022kg it feels unfathomably manageable, gripping, changing direction and stopping with a sense of unlimited resolve that gives you a huge shot of confidence.

So why doesn’t it finish higher? Because beyond the speed and the crushing ability, it lacks the kind of detailed interaction that fully engages the senses and slowly gets right under your skin. That doesn’t make it any less of an event. It’s just that you tend to remember the car rather than the drive…

Layout: Mid-engine, 4wd Engine: W16, 7993cc, quad-turbo Power: 1000bhp Top speed: 253mph 0-60: 2.8sec Years: 2005-

Source : http://www.evo.co.uk/features/features/fea...tdown_9081.html

[kotte mafia]

no problem boss .... i was trying to put the pictures by myself even but imageshack wasn't allowing it ... it would look much more better with the pictures no dought ... sorry if i jumped the gun on your post mate ,,,

[Devinda_Z]

no problem boss .... i was trying to put the pictures by myself even but imageshack wasn't allowing it ... it would look much more better with the pictures no dought ... sorry if i jumped the gun on your post mate ,,,

theres an easier way to add images which are online machan

use imageshack only for images your uploading yourself from your computer

for those on websites - you can simply link the image and add a source showing where you got the image from

all you need to do is type

Ex : http://photos.evo.co.uk/images/front_pictu...o_322498_25.jpg

no issue machan - glad someone remembered to add the next 10

[MasterDon]

whaaa??...the golfs are out already?...damn!...honestly thought they would come atleast in the top ten.

[Devinda_Z]

whaaa??...the golfs are out already?...damn!...honestly thought they would come atleast in the top ten.

given the British motor columnists fascination with the GTI's i'd have thought the same

[GTAm]

The XJ220 ahead of the F355 and the EB110 ???

First time I've heard this..................... Is this a vote by Evo readers?

The XJ was a big disappointment when it arrived because it was way over its weight target and got a wheezy V6 instead of the promised V12!

[Devinda_Z]

First time I've heard this..................... Is this a vote by Evo readers?

not too sure GTAm - may have been pieced together by the editorial staff or contributors to the magazine...

[ucscsades]

The XJ220 ahead of the F355 and the EB110 ???

First time I've heard this..................... Is this a vote by Evo readers?

The XJ was a big disappointment when it arrived because it was way over its weight target and got a wheezy V6 instead of the promised V12!

Was just thinking the same! Not that much of a looker either...

Been quite inactive lately..but saw this thread while bored at work and it excited me. Especially because I found a 86 MR2 that is beyond clean (very low miles, immaculate condition..wish it were a supercharged version though) and have also been looking at a Corrado VR6 and am quite tempted with the MR2. But the whole reason I started looking at cars was because the 20 year old E30 doesn't make the best daily driver... so I guess going for an even older (yet amazing) MR2 wouldn't make much sense! To make matters worse, then I see this beautiful white 1971 240z (with a 260z engine and 5sp tranny) and a 74 Alfa GTV (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1391836920.html if it hasn't been sold yet) for sale. So hard to talk sense into myself when these older classics are so much more fun (and affordable) than any modern day cars!

I'm also a huge fan of seeing real world examples of legendary cars. Here's another favourite of mine that's on this 100 Best list (Lancia Delta Integrale) for sale in my area if anybody is interested in taking a peek-

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/1400833791.html

[Devinda_Z]

Was just thinking the same! Not that much of a looker either...

Been quite inactive lately..but saw this thread while bored at work and it excited me. Especially because I found a 86 MR2 that is beyond clean (very low miles, immaculate condition..wish it were a supercharged version though) and have also been looking at a Corrado VR6 and am quite tempted with the MR2. But the whole reason I started looking at cars was because the 20 year old E30 doesn't make the best daily driver... so I guess going for an even older (yet amazing) MR2 wouldn't make much sense! To make matters worse, then I see this beautiful white 1971 240z (with a 260z engine and 5sp tranny) and a 74 Alfa GTV (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1391836920.html if it hasn't been sold yet) for sale. So hard to talk sense into myself when these older classics are so much more fun (and affordable) than any modern day cars!

I'm also a huge fan of seeing real world examples of legendary cars. Here's another favourite of mine that's on this 100 Best list (Lancia Delta Integrale) for sale in my area if anybody is interested in taking a peek-

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/1400833791.html

GTAm might be able to share some first hand information about what an MR2 as daily run about is like

If i were you i'd probably be brave & go with the Z - if its anything like the new ones i can safely say that it works as a daily drive

[MasterDon]

GTAm might be able to share some first hand information about what an MR2 as daily run about is like

If i were you i'd probably be brave & go with the Z - if its anything like the new ones i can safely say that it works as a daily drive

yep uscascades,you couldn't have picked two better people to ask this question,as dev and gtam both use a 300z and a mr2 as a daily drive(but bare in my mind that both are not married)...if i too may add my 2 cents here,i say go for it dude,life is too short to be concerned about fuel economy and practicality...atleast to a certain extent.

the mr2 is the safer choice but if it was me i'd go with the 240z as well.

[MasterDon]

The XJ220 ahead of the F355 and the EB110 ???

First time I've heard this..................... Is this a vote by Evo readers?

The XJ was a big disappointment when it arrived because it was way over its weight target and got a wheezy V6 instead of the promised V12!

i know!

some the usual suspects to win like the f355 and the golf gti's are out...cant wait to see the winner now...i'm betting on one of the carrera's...we'll see.

and yeah me not much a fan of the new xj either...it is too obvious.it fits in perfectly for just kind of people who would buy it...no madness or spark to it at all.

[Devinda_Z]

as dev and gtam both use a 300z and a mr2 as a daily drive(but bare in my mind that both are not married)

...as of late i'm the only bachelor

[Devinda_Z]

and yeah me not much a fan of the new xj either...it is too obvious.it fits in perfectly for just kind of people who would buy it...no madness or spark to it at all.

i think GTAm was referring to the Rover Metro rally car engine on the xj220 bro

[MasterDon]

i think GTAm was referring to the Rover Metro rally car engine on the xj220 bro

oopsie my bad!...still dont like the xj though...but wouldn't say no to the convertible...heehee...me is a sucker for anything thats topless...lol

[MasterDon]

...as of late i'm the only bachelor

ah well...it wouldn't matter either way...i'm betting the lucky lady is a car freak as well.

[Devinda_Z]

oopsie my bad!...still dont like the xj though...but wouldn't say no to the convertible...heehee...me is a sucker for anything thats topless...lol

...hmmm thats an interesting theory... though it would certainly explain a lot given my general lack of interest in most convertibles - anything on an off chance that i even may so much as want is likely to be far beyond my station