These choices are made based on being realistic. As soon as I graduate with my engineering degree, I will probably purchase one of the listed vehicles. Just haven't decided yet.
1) C6 Z06 (2006- present)
My #1 choice right now is the C6 Z06 Corvette. This American Muscle legend always turns heads no matter where you go. In 2006, this car came with a 7.0L V8 that produces 505 horse power without any kind of forced induction. It's also relatively light and highly aerodynamic, which contributes to its mid-20's for gas mileage. The unique styling, which is most apparent on the rear, is European styling.
2) Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2004-2007)
The Subaru has a special place in my heart because I've proudly owned one. I had a 2003 WRX and it was a BLAST! My #2 choice comes equipped with a 2.5L H4 turbocharged engine. The unique design of the boxer engine (unique to Porsche and Subaru) gives this 4-cylinder a sound that separates it from the rest, while also lowering the car's center of gravity. The functional hood scoop allows fresh cool air to pour on the intercooler that supplies the turbocharger. The Rally Blue in the picture above is a three layer paint that appears to change colors in different light; you can see two of the shades from front to back above, and the other is almost purple and reveals itself at night under certain lights. Subarus are also All-Wheel Drive providing a safe drive in any weather, is fun in the snow, and puts all the power to the ground.
3) 03-04 Cobra "Terminator"
This car was given the code name "Terminator" by the SVT crew at Ford. It comes factory with an Eaton supercharged 390bhp V-8 and a very durable T-56 transmission. The above picture is a 2003 Torch Red 10th Anniversary Edition. The Cobra yields the quickest and cheapest route for massive horse power, with only leaving you with the question of how to get that power to the ground (as traction becomes a problem). Out of the list, this car probably sounds the best to my ears with the combination of the unique Cobra rumble and the screaming supercharger.
4) Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
I've always loved All-Wheel Drive cars. After all, I had a Subaru WRX and currently drive an Audi A4. A buddy of mine drove one of these for awhile and I had the pleasure of performing all of the maintenance. It's powered by a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder with a turbocharged forced induction. The handling is impressive and the turbo hits hard when approaching the power band. They are highly modifiable and can be VERY powerful and still be street legal. Due to the technology of computers today, with the flip of a switch, the car is also capable of getting about 30 miles to the gallon.
5) Nissan 370Z
The 370Z is the newest of the top five. This car, only rivaled by the vette, wins the sex appeal award of the top five. The model I would be interested in is the one shown in the picture above: NISMO 370Z. The NISMO edition comes equipped with a 355hp engine and a 6-speed SynchroRev Match transmission that "blips" the throttle when shifting to the correct revolution speed for a smoother ride. This transmission is the world's first of its kind. The only reason the Z ranks number 5, is because it is naturally aspirated, meaning no supercharger or turbocharger. Lacking forced induction, makes additional horsepower expensive and hard to come by. And unlike the C6 Z06 sitting in the pole position above with a mouth-watering 505 horsepower, the 370Z has a modest 355hp.
