What are some cars that have a sports car look, but not necessarily the power to back it up??

Question

I know this question seems weird, but I'm looking for a first car and everyone keeps recommending me nice conventional junker cars.

I realize it makes sense, but I want to drive something in style, and frankly, I'm into the sharp looks that a sports car would offer. I mean I was thinking of getting a Ford Mustang, a BMW 330ci, or a BMW 850i. I am obsessed with the design and the image it would give me. But what everyone keeps telling me is that I can't handle a car like that right now.

So I was thinking of looking towards sports cars with low performance or cars with a sharp look like that of a sports car.

The only car that comes to mind right now is the Mercury Cougar: http://www.dragtimes.com/images/9467-1999-Mercury-Cougar.jpg

Any more suggestions?

Assuming if I had enough to get a BMW 330ci, would that make a good first car? Or would it be too powerful?

I really do like the Mitsubishi Eclipse, but the interior, in my opinion, is very ugly and crappy. I also prefer leather seats, not only for the comfort, but the fact that they do not overheat the car as easily compared to synthetic materials.

(How do I know? Because I'm used to being driven in a Mercedes with leather seats, which is parked in the sun a lot for hours, and getting into it barely feels warm. But one time we had a rental Ford, and leaving it in the sun for about 15 minutes and getting back in it made it seem like an oven.)

Plus there's not much space for rear passengers.

That Mazda RX-8 has a rotary engine...don't they break a lot more easily?

Answer 1

Merc Cougar is basically a 2-door coupe based on the Contour / Mystique chassis. It's NOT a bad vehicle, as the platform itself is well proven, and it's not THAT underpowered, as it DOES have a 2.5L V6 making about 170 HP. It FEELS okay as the Duratec engine is quite torque-y. I used to have the Contour, the 4-door cousin. Check Contour.org for more info.

If you just want the looks, most of the Saturns except the VUE and the LS would probably fit your criteria. They look pretty sharp, and are not that expensive to insure.

How about a Mitsu Eclipse or a Mitsu Lancer?

EDIT: Wait, just remembered. Wait a few months until Saturn introduce the Astra, imported from Europe. The Astra looks really slick and was a bestseller in Europe, and GM realized it only fits under the Saturn brand.

Answer 2

The Porsche 912 looks just like the 911 but with a 4 cylinder engine in it instead...

When I was 19 I could get insurance from State Farm for a 912 that was the same as any other car, but I would have had to pay big bux if I had the 911.

Answer 3

The cougar is a good first car. Another suggestion would be a Honda Civic, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Acura Integra, Nissan 240 or 300, Toyota Celica. I think the Mustang would fall into this category if it was a V6.

Answer 4

The Pontiac Soltice is supposedly lacking in power but looks great. You don't want a Mercury Cougar, they fall apart but they're underpowered. BMWs seem sluggish until you get the rpms built up, too expensive though.
Saturn Sky is basically same as the Pontiac Soltice. Check those 2 out. They're probably underpowered, but would be fun to drive and they both look very sporty.
Mack

Answer 5

its not really a question about to mutch power its how smart or stupid the driver is. if you like a nice car then get a nice car. dont be scared by how much power the car has. you are the one driving the car so you chose how you drive it fast slow safe or dangerous thats on you. my brother has a 240sx with 512whp thats a hella lot from a 4 cylinder! faster than most corvettes porshes and so on but he is the safest slowed most call driver i know. i in the other hand have a 230 with half that power and just got a speedng tiket for 134mph

i guess my brothers the smart one :)

Answer 6

i'm gonna have to suggest the acura RSX. its got ample power, but not so much that you'll lose control of the car easily. and its an acura, youve got image and reliability in that. you want to sit 4 people comfortably, try the TSX. if looks is all youre going for, Mazda RX-8 all the way. get the automatic. to be honest, its not a racers DREAM car because of the output of the engine, but its looks will turn heads. be ready to maintain it though...and yes, the 330 is too much of a car. good luck

Answer 7

Chevy Cobalt SS super charged . 146mph