is there a car that you can't stand/dont care for in the normal trim, but are into the high perf trim?

for example:

VS

or

vs

 

Pretty much any of them that are offered in "standard" trim from anyone.

Sucks knowing the one you bought isn't as good as it could be - which is why I prefer cars that are purpose built and not modified to appeal to as many as possible - they'll never be special because they sell out (like the Mustang).

Exceptions of course lie in cars like the Porsche 911 and maybe even the Corvette.. although it again, sucks the when you pull up to a Z06 with better brakes, rubber, wheels, body, engine.. etc.

 

I pretty much agree, especially with the second paragraph. In a 5 second thought of sub 100K vehicles I cannot think of one special car that was not purpose built unless the supra shared chassis w/ the sc3/400

 

The Caprice vs the Impala SS. I hated the fat whale when it came out but somehow the Impala SS made it all OK.

Most of the time the issue is simply cost. It might not cost much extra to get a Contour SVT or Focus SVT vs base car (though each was a sizable bump in cost as a percentage). It cost quite a bit extra when you are talking about A4 vs RS4 or IS250 vs IS-F. It also of course depends on what you want out of the car. When I was younger I might feel I needed the high performance version of something like the A4 but now, not so much. I want the car to be competent but I'm just as concerned about comfort on the road and reasonable operating costs.

 

Several generations Evo's (and WRX's) come to mind.

 

depends on how you think about it.

Base impreza vs. sti or sti vs cosworth sti?


Base mustang vs. saleen?
or
Mustang gt vs saleen?

 

For me the OP gave a great example. I wouldn't want to be seen in a SLK, yet I would buy a reasonably priced SLK AMG in a heartbeat.

Another good example would be the Caddy CTS, you couldn't pay me to take it. But the CTS-V...I might would trade the S2000 for it.

 

Just the better wheel/tire package makes the Über Version look so much better!

 

2011 Mustang GT is a great performance car value, but not special enough to be lustworthy. I am really digging the Boss 302.

 

it's funny when it comes to wheel design. sometimes i wonder if the company is tellin it's designer "even though you know what a nice lookin rim would look like, draw us something kinda fugly for the base trim."