During two days in Monterey, California at the Western Automotive Journalists media day recently, we had the chance to drive five different unabashedly performance-oriented cars all priced in the mid-$30,000 range.

Since these cars are as much about track performance (or at least the promise of it) as about daily-driver use, we were fortunate to get some laps on Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca as well as spins through the hills around Monterey. Though we wouldn’t claim that this constitutes an exhaustive comparison, here are our first impressions of all five:

Though Mitsubishi has rounded off some of the edges, the new Evo is still as ungainly on the outside, and boring black on the interior, as its predecessor. But proponents would argue that this car isn’t about looks; it’s about performance.
On the track, we had the opportunity to drive the MR with the new paddle-controlled twin-clutch sequential-shift transmission, which delivers spooky-fast shifts as fast as you can think of them.

A few days later, we were able to spend some time on the street with the GR-S (shown in the pictures), equipped with the old five-speed manual transmission. We were very impressed with the new tranny, which we think may be the wave of the future in performance cars, and would opt for that for either track or street use if it didn’t cost an extra $3300. Either way, the turbocharged two-liter engine putting out 295 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque delivers plenty of power and acceleration, but handling leaves something to be desired.

Though the all-wheel drive negates wheel spin and there’s a soupbowl full of alphabet stuff to keep the car pointed forward, the new Evo still has excessive body roll on fast corners. It will be a great track car with a little owner tuning, such as adjustable camber plates, different anti-sway bars, and possibly adjustable shocks, but shouldn’t an Evo already be totally track-capable right out of the box?

This second-generation WRX is a much more integrated design than its predecessor, without the look of glued-on crackerjack-box go-fast accessories, but just sitting in it says its still all about performance. It has an excellent driver’s seat, short-throw six-speed shift, and no-nonsense interior trim. The high-revving 305-horse engine and purposeful handling doesn’t bely that initial impression either, though the clutch is quite heavy by current standards. As a competitive track car with boulevard good looks, it will make performance-oriented owners quite happy, but anyone expecting to relax, physically or mentally, when driving this hot five-door should be warned to look elsewhere.

Mazda discovered the modern small sports car market before anyone else, so it’s no wonder that they can produce the best of the genre with the Miata and the RX8. Best in the under-$40k price range is where we rate the RX8. The outside look of the 2009 version is a clean combination of forceful and graceful, like a champion gymnast, and the interior is even better. Opening the suicide doors affords the full effect of the Cosmo Red and gray interior, in harmony with the Metropolitan grey exterior, This attractive color and trim combination is exclusive to the “40th Anniversary Edition” we were driving.

Sitting in the snugly bolstered seat, with the short six-speed shift knob right under the right hand, an enthusiast is in performance heaven even before firing up the free-revving 232-horspower rotary engine. Other cars in this range might be slightly faster off the line, but in the hands of a good driver the overall performance capability of the RX8 produces quite competitive lap times, and at the end of the day, those other cars will still be unattractive. The Wankel engine is only rated for 16 city and 22 highway miles per gallon, which is the lowest in the group, but only by a mile or so, so even the car’s weak points aren’t that bad.

Stretched five inches compared to its predecessor, the second generation TT looks much more like a poised cheeetah and much less like a fast turtle, which is all to the good. On the other hand, it sports the oversized new signature Audi grille, which must make even some died-in-the-wool Audi fans unhappy under their anything’s-better-than-BMW veneer.

But not to worry, the interior of the TT is far and away more stylish, and yet just as performance focused, as the Bimmers. Just plan on sitting low in the saddle under that rakish roofline, especially if you’re tracking the car wearing a driving helmet.
On the track, there are a lot of things to like, including the driving position, ergonomics of gearshift, gauges, and controls, and quick, responsive handling. But, though fun to drive, with 250 horsepower in a 3000 pound car, the TT is outgunned by all but the RX8 in our sample, so it wouldn’t make our short list of potential track day cars. If you do buy one, be sure to elect the magnetic ride suspension option that allows you to soften the suspension. Without it, the ride on typical streets and roads is just too harsh for most passengers to put up with for long.

This special edition of the aging 350Z definitely gets the award for the car most likely to attract the attention of the highway patrol, with its lowered stance, 18/19 inch wheels, enormous rear spoiler, and paint-bucket-sized dual exhausts. Even flowing with traffic, you’d be the one cut out of the herd by the flashing lights.

At least you could take comfort in the interior while you waited for your license and registration to be checked. The gauges, controls, pedals, soft trim of the Nismo Z are quite attractive while still very functional. The driving position – with the short shift lever and even a knee bolster for your accelerator leg – is excellent for enthusiastic driving.

On-track performance is every bit as satisfying as the appearance would suggest. Unlike many other manufacturers, Nissan didn’t hitch up more horses when it built this track wagon; instead the tuners beefed up the brakes, stiffened the body, and upgraded the shock absorbers and sway bars. This Z is absolutely fierce in the corners.

Not that we’re complaining about the power. Rated at 300 horsepower and 3350 pounds, power to weight is competitive with most everything in this price range, and the sound out of those huge tail pipes is very satisfying.

Unfortunately, this all comes at a price beyond the roughly $40,000 MSRP. Off the track, over any stretch of bumpy road, the car just pummels its occupants. Let’s hope that all those suspension upgrades are adjustable.

Words and photos by Gary Anderson

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