EVO magazine's 100 Greatest Drivers' Cars Countdown
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Countdown 60-51
60 LAMBORGHINI DIABLO 6.0 VT
How can something so big, powerful and difficult to see out of be so generous, forgiving and easy to drive? The gearchange is almost laughably cooperative, the chassis balance peachy. But such is the torque of the V12, you can leave it in sixth all the time and still have more performance than you would ever need. And if the noise doesnt stop people in their tracks, the shape surely will.
Layout: Mid-engine, 4wd Engine: V12, 5992cc Power: 550bhp Top speed: 200mph 0-60: 3.8sec Years: 2000-02
59 GUMPERT APOLLO
The unstickable supercar? Well, youll be going some when you find out. Faster round the West Circuit than everything bar the Caparo, the Apollo is blessed with incredible traction and absolute body control. So secure does it feel that dizzying speeds and the ease with which theyre achieved can become routine. Want a wake-up call? Drive it on a bumpy B-road.
Basically its a roadgoing race-car. Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: V8, 4163cc, twin-turbo Power: 690bhp Top speed: 220mph 0-60: 3.0sec Years: 2005-
58 FERRARI ENZO
The Enzos naturally-aspirated, 650bhp V12 screams with the nape-tingling intensity of the single seaters. Its enough to convince you that its an even more serious attempt to recreate a fleeting taste of F1 than the Enzos predecessor, the F50, was. Everything appears to be designed to give the driver maximum input and gratification. Still one of the most exciting cars on the planet.
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: V12, 5998cc Power: 650bhp Top speed: 217mph 0-60: 3.5sec Years: 2002-05
57 ALFA ROMEO ALFASUD
A sea-change for Alfa, the Sud made a splash for being front-wheel drive, styled by Giugiaro and powered by a small boxer engine. Not especially quick in a straight line, its nevertheless mesmerising to drive with a smooth, free-spinning sewing machine of an engine, exquisite steering and miraculous levels of grip for something with such skinny tyres. Raised the bar for all subsequent front-drivers.
Layout: Front-engine, front-drive Engine: Flat-4, 1286cc Power: 75bhp Top speed: 105mph 0-60: 13sec Years: 1971-89
56 JAGUAR E-TYPE
The abiding impression left by the E-type is of the straight-sixs deep lungs and mechanical purity (the 4.2 S1 is best), unassisted steering thats heavy but dripping with feel and a chassis thats as eager to forgive as it is to drift. Its all very driver-centric. Palm the stubby, leather-frocked gearlever forward into first, ease out the meaty, progressive clutch and the Jag trickles off at idle without a murmur of dissent. Not a car you want to take by the scruff and hurl at a corner, but its effortless pace and good manners are beguiling.
Layout: Front-engine, rear-drive Engine: In-line 6-cyl, 4235cc Power: 265bhp Top speed: 145mph 0-60: 7.0sec Years: 1964-68
55 RENAULT APLINE A610
Frances plastic-bodied answer to the Porsche 911 is simply too quirky for most tastes. The tacky interior and velour trim didnt do much for sporting ambience when it was new and seem naffer still today. The striking styling and beefcake performance have aged more gracefully, though, but the heavy rear engine means fairly raw 911-esque handling traits and either a big dose of skill or caution in the wet. Get it right, though, and its a characterful and utterly absorbing drive.
Layout: Rear-engine, rear-drive Engine: V6, 2975cc, turbo Power: 250bhp Top speed: 160mph 0-60: 5.4sec Years: 1992-96
4 LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO
A decent straight and a couple of fast sweepers is enough. After that, resistance is futile. The Lambos speed across the ground and feel-good repertoire are all consuming, the full-on supercar experience. Thumb the Corsa button on the centre console to open up the throats of the exhaust pipes, crack the windows down a few inches and indulge: supercar heaven is but a few throttle-blips away.
Layout: Mid-engine, 4wd Engine: V10, 5204cc Power: 552bhp (LP560) Top speed: 202mph 0-60: 3.7sec (LP560) Years: 2003-
53 LOTUS 2-ELEVEN
The supercharged Elise-based track- day special has a power/weight ratio of 338bhp/ton. The upshot is that it feels almost hilariously rapid in a straight line, but its the way it corners and stops that takes your breath away. As in an Elise, the front of the car feels light and readable only more so. It allows you lean on a phenomenally grippy, poised chassis without fear of any unexpected nasties.
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 1796cc, s/c Power: 252bhp Top speed: 150mph 0-60: 3.8sec Years: 2007-
52 PORSCHE BOXSTER S
Porsches biggest thrills may be 911-shaped, but the sweeter moves belong to the Boxster. Its chassis responses feel amazingly pure and accurate, its damping beautifully judged. This makes it easier to get a feel for its point of balance, that narrow band of neutrality just after understeer stops and before oversteer begins. The Boxster tells you precisely how hard you can go.
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: Flat-6, 3436cc Power: 306bhp Top speed: 170mph 0-60: 5.3sec Years: 1999-
51 SUBARU IMPREZA STI
Because you can use nearly all of the STIs more than generous performance most of the time without scaring yourself silly, the effectiveness quotient is off the scale. Theres an immediacy and urgency that draws you in. Blistering mid-range pace, shedloads of all-drive grip, even a decent helping of on-the-limit adjustability. Even more so if its a hardcore Scooby like a Spec C.
Layout: Front-engine, 4wd Engine: Flat-4, 2457cc, turbo Power: 276bhp Top speed: 158mph 0-60: 5.3sec Years: 2005-07
60 LAMBORGHINI DIABLO 6.0 VT
How can something so big, powerful and difficult to see out of be so generous, forgiving and easy to drive? The gearchange is almost laughably cooperative, the chassis balance peachy. But such is the torque of the V12, you can leave it in sixth all the time and still have more performance than you would ever need. And if the noise doesnt stop people in their tracks, the shape surely will.
Layout: Mid-engine, 4wd Engine: V12, 5992cc Power: 550bhp Top speed: 200mph 0-60: 3.8sec Years: 2000-02
59 GUMPERT APOLLO
The unstickable supercar? Well, youll be going some when you find out. Faster round the West Circuit than everything bar the Caparo, the Apollo is blessed with incredible traction and absolute body control. So secure does it feel that dizzying speeds and the ease with which theyre achieved can become routine. Want a wake-up call? Drive it on a bumpy B-road.
Basically its a roadgoing race-car. Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: V8, 4163cc, twin-turbo Power: 690bhp Top speed: 220mph 0-60: 3.0sec Years: 2005-
58 FERRARI ENZO
The Enzos naturally-aspirated, 650bhp V12 screams with the nape-tingling intensity of the single seaters. Its enough to convince you that its an even more serious attempt to recreate a fleeting taste of F1 than the Enzos predecessor, the F50, was. Everything appears to be designed to give the driver maximum input and gratification. Still one of the most exciting cars on the planet.
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: V12, 5998cc Power: 650bhp Top speed: 217mph 0-60: 3.5sec Years: 2002-05
57 ALFA ROMEO ALFASUD
A sea-change for Alfa, the Sud made a splash for being front-wheel drive, styled by Giugiaro and powered by a small boxer engine. Not especially quick in a straight line, its nevertheless mesmerising to drive with a smooth, free-spinning sewing machine of an engine, exquisite steering and miraculous levels of grip for something with such skinny tyres. Raised the bar for all subsequent front-drivers.
Layout: Front-engine, front-drive Engine: Flat-4, 1286cc Power: 75bhp Top speed: 105mph 0-60: 13sec Years: 1971-89
56 JAGUAR E-TYPE
The abiding impression left by the E-type is of the straight-sixs deep lungs and mechanical purity (the 4.2 S1 is best), unassisted steering thats heavy but dripping with feel and a chassis thats as eager to forgive as it is to drift. Its all very driver-centric. Palm the stubby, leather-frocked gearlever forward into first, ease out the meaty, progressive clutch and the Jag trickles off at idle without a murmur of dissent. Not a car you want to take by the scruff and hurl at a corner, but its effortless pace and good manners are beguiling.
Layout: Front-engine, rear-drive Engine: In-line 6-cyl, 4235cc Power: 265bhp Top speed: 145mph 0-60: 7.0sec Years: 1964-68
55 RENAULT APLINE A610
Frances plastic-bodied answer to the Porsche 911 is simply too quirky for most tastes. The tacky interior and velour trim didnt do much for sporting ambience when it was new and seem naffer still today. The striking styling and beefcake performance have aged more gracefully, though, but the heavy rear engine means fairly raw 911-esque handling traits and either a big dose of skill or caution in the wet. Get it right, though, and its a characterful and utterly absorbing drive.
Layout: Rear-engine, rear-drive Engine: V6, 2975cc, turbo Power: 250bhp Top speed: 160mph 0-60: 5.4sec Years: 1992-96
4 LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO
A decent straight and a couple of fast sweepers is enough. After that, resistance is futile. The Lambos speed across the ground and feel-good repertoire are all consuming, the full-on supercar experience. Thumb the Corsa button on the centre console to open up the throats of the exhaust pipes, crack the windows down a few inches and indulge: supercar heaven is but a few throttle-blips away.
Layout: Mid-engine, 4wd Engine: V10, 5204cc Power: 552bhp (LP560) Top speed: 202mph 0-60: 3.7sec (LP560) Years: 2003-
53 LOTUS 2-ELEVEN
The supercharged Elise-based track- day special has a power/weight ratio of 338bhp/ton. The upshot is that it feels almost hilariously rapid in a straight line, but its the way it corners and stops that takes your breath away. As in an Elise, the front of the car feels light and readable only more so. It allows you lean on a phenomenally grippy, poised chassis without fear of any unexpected nasties.
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 1796cc, s/c Power: 252bhp Top speed: 150mph 0-60: 3.8sec Years: 2007-
52 PORSCHE BOXSTER S
Porsches biggest thrills may be 911-shaped, but the sweeter moves belong to the Boxster. Its chassis responses feel amazingly pure and accurate, its damping beautifully judged. This makes it easier to get a feel for its point of balance, that narrow band of neutrality just after understeer stops and before oversteer begins. The Boxster tells you precisely how hard you can go.
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: Flat-6, 3436cc Power: 306bhp Top speed: 170mph 0-60: 5.3sec Years: 1999-
51 SUBARU IMPREZA STI
Because you can use nearly all of the STIs more than generous performance most of the time without scaring yourself silly, the effectiveness quotient is off the scale. Theres an immediacy and urgency that draws you in. Blistering mid-range pace, shedloads of all-drive grip, even a decent helping of on-the-limit adjustability. Even more so if its a hardcore Scooby like a Spec C.
Layout: Front-engine, 4wd Engine: Flat-4, 2457cc, turbo Power: 276bhp Top speed: 158mph 0-60: 5.3sec Years: 2005-07
Countdown 50-41
50 PORSCHE 968 CLUB SPORT
The end of the line for Porsche’s enduring front-engined family. By this time, the 968 (formerly 944) had been honed to something approaching dynamic perfection and, in stripped-down Club Sport guise, it’s better still. If any transaxle Porsche deserves its place in the hall of fame, this is surely the one. Not as desirable as a 911, but there may never be a better handling Porsche.
Layout: Front-engine, rear-drive Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 2990cc Power: 240bhp Top speed: 149mph 0-60: 6.1sec Years: 1993-95
49 PORSCHE CARRERA GT
From the moment you depress the clutch pedal, slot first and feed in the power, you immediately sense its intensity, its focus. The V10 is so responsive to throttle inputs, you don’t so much drive the CGT as play it like an instrument. It jiggles over bumps, but when you ask everything of the front-end the distractions fade, leaving you with an explicit flow of information. Bites at the limit, mind…
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: V10, 5733cc Power: 604bhp Top speed: 205mph 0-60: 3.8sec Years: 2004-06
48 HONDA NSX
Provided you can get comfortable in the NSX (not guaranteed if you’re over six foot or object to having the steering wheel in your lap) you’re in for a good time. Perfectly reflecting the two sides of Honda’s character, it melds hardcore driving virtues with ease of use and impeccable engineering. The frenzied VTEC and brilliantly crisp dynamics more than offset the slightly inert electric power steering.
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: V6, 3179cc Power: 276bhp Top speed: 168mph 0-60: 5.5sec Years: 1990-2005
47 NOBLE M400
Here representing all of the M12-generation Nobles, the M400 drives like a high-energy Esprit. Seismic power delivers a gale-force rush of boost from behind and yet even if deployed mid-corner it never threatens to understeer, the front end maintaining grip and sensitivity despite the forces acting on it. Amazingly friendly at the back given the midships engine location and pared-back, whip-crack chassis. Flawed driving position, but enough pace and ability to embarrass exotics.
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: V6, 2968cc, twin-turbo Power: 425bhp Top speed: 185mph 0-60: 3.5sec Years: 2004-06
46 PORSCHE 911 TURBO
The 911 Turbo has always been a special car in the 911 range, with a unique set of talents and characterisics. Representing the breed, we’ve selected the 993 version, which has almost all of the speed and ability of the later iterations, but with a shot more character and sex appeal.
The real joy of the 993 Turbo is the astonishing reach of its ability; the relentless neck-twanging acceleration, the inimitably hungry and hollow exhaust note and the almost spookily communicative steering. And it remains one of the finest examples of precision engineering on four driven wheels. Peerless all-weather point-to-point ability. Formidable and beautiful, and still dropping jaws to the floor.
Layout: Rear-engine, 4wd Engine: Flat-6, 3600cc Power: 408bhp Top speed: 180mph 0-60: 4.3sec Years: 1995-98
45 MERCEDES CLK63 BLACK
Quite simply the most thrilling and involving Merc in years (and no, we haven’t forgotten the SLR McLaren). The Black is owner of one of the most playful and placeable rear ends ever. Just turn in and, when you’re ready, give the throttle a nudge. A tight LSD, super-stiff frame and taut suspension means an armful of oppo is yours for the taking. It’s pretty fine in a straight line, too, and can even be driven neatly and precisely. But not in the wet. Oh yes, and it’s got great Recaros, and sounds wicked too.
Layout: Front-engine, rear-drive Engine: V8, 6208cc Power: 500bhp Top speed: 186mph 0-60: 4.2sec Years: 2007-
44 ASTON VANTAGE V12
We were beginning to doubt Aston had the know-how to deliver an absolutely solid-gold drivers’ car. And then along came the V12 Vantage. The small body, big engine combo is tempting enough, but it’s the way the V12V rewards so richly on so many levels – communicative steering, indulgent handing balance, feelful brakes – that makes it the most memorable Aston of the current generation.
Layout: Front-engine, rear-drive Engine: V12, 5935cc Power: 510bhp Top speed: 190mph 0-60: 4.4sec Years: 2009-
43 TOYOTA MR2 ROADSTER
Everything a Toyota isn’t (usually). Impractical, fluid and fun, it’s enormously playful and exploitable close to the limit without ever becoming intimidating. That’s chiefly because, at 975kg, it weighs bugger all, so 138bhp is adequate and the chassis has a lightness of touch that not even the mk2 MX-5 can match. Want to find out about mid-engine/rear-drive handling? The MR2 Roadster drives like a slightly more civilised Elise, and praise doesn’t come much higher than that.
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 1794cc Power:
138bhp Top speed: 130mph 0-60: 7.2sec Years: 2000-06
42 TVR GRIFFITH
A big engine in a small, light car is always an exciting mix (any wheelspin on a wet road can be a little too exciting). In the dry and provided you’ve opted for the sensible 50 front/55 profile rear tyre option, it’s hugely entertaining, involving and fast. Front engine balance means you can indulge in primeval tyre-smoking power-slides out of roundabouts without too much trouble…
Layout: Front-engine, rear-drive Engine: V8, 4988cc Power: 320bhp Top speed: 167mph 0-60: 4.8sec Years: 1993-2001
41 PORSCHE CAYMAN S
Perhaps even more so than the Boxster, the Cayman is arguably the sweetest handling of all current Porsches if not the most beguiling or exciting. Sat centrally in the wheelbase, you’re perfectly placed to make the most of the mid-engined layout and charismatic, torque-rich flat-six engine. Sweet, sweet steering allied to a forgiving chassis and supple suspension make it hugely exploitable. The way it takes the sting out of rough roads has to be experienced to be believed.
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: Flat-6, 3436cc Power: 315bhp Top speed: 172mph 0-60: 5.2sec Years: 2006-
50 PORSCHE 968 CLUB SPORT
The end of the line for Porsche’s enduring front-engined family. By this time, the 968 (formerly 944) had been honed to something approaching dynamic perfection and, in stripped-down Club Sport guise, it’s better still. If any transaxle Porsche deserves its place in the hall of fame, this is surely the one. Not as desirable as a 911, but there may never be a better handling Porsche.
Layout: Front-engine, rear-drive Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 2990cc Power: 240bhp Top speed: 149mph 0-60: 6.1sec Years: 1993-95
49 PORSCHE CARRERA GT
From the moment you depress the clutch pedal, slot first and feed in the power, you immediately sense its intensity, its focus. The V10 is so responsive to throttle inputs, you don’t so much drive the CGT as play it like an instrument. It jiggles over bumps, but when you ask everything of the front-end the distractions fade, leaving you with an explicit flow of information. Bites at the limit, mind…
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: V10, 5733cc Power: 604bhp Top speed: 205mph 0-60: 3.8sec Years: 2004-06
48 HONDA NSX
Provided you can get comfortable in the NSX (not guaranteed if you’re over six foot or object to having the steering wheel in your lap) you’re in for a good time. Perfectly reflecting the two sides of Honda’s character, it melds hardcore driving virtues with ease of use and impeccable engineering. The frenzied VTEC and brilliantly crisp dynamics more than offset the slightly inert electric power steering.
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: V6, 3179cc Power: 276bhp Top speed: 168mph 0-60: 5.5sec Years: 1990-2005
47 NOBLE M400
Here representing all of the M12-generation Nobles, the M400 drives like a high-energy Esprit. Seismic power delivers a gale-force rush of boost from behind and yet even if deployed mid-corner it never threatens to understeer, the front end maintaining grip and sensitivity despite the forces acting on it. Amazingly friendly at the back given the midships engine location and pared-back, whip-crack chassis. Flawed driving position, but enough pace and ability to embarrass exotics.
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: V6, 2968cc, twin-turbo Power: 425bhp Top speed: 185mph 0-60: 3.5sec Years: 2004-06
46 PORSCHE 911 TURBO
The 911 Turbo has always been a special car in the 911 range, with a unique set of talents and characterisics. Representing the breed, we’ve selected the 993 version, which has almost all of the speed and ability of the later iterations, but with a shot more character and sex appeal.
The real joy of the 993 Turbo is the astonishing reach of its ability; the relentless neck-twanging acceleration, the inimitably hungry and hollow exhaust note and the almost spookily communicative steering. And it remains one of the finest examples of precision engineering on four driven wheels. Peerless all-weather point-to-point ability. Formidable and beautiful, and still dropping jaws to the floor.
Layout: Rear-engine, 4wd Engine: Flat-6, 3600cc Power: 408bhp Top speed: 180mph 0-60: 4.3sec Years: 1995-98
45 MERCEDES CLK63 BLACK
Quite simply the most thrilling and involving Merc in years (and no, we haven’t forgotten the SLR McLaren). The Black is owner of one of the most playful and placeable rear ends ever. Just turn in and, when you’re ready, give the throttle a nudge. A tight LSD, super-stiff frame and taut suspension means an armful of oppo is yours for the taking. It’s pretty fine in a straight line, too, and can even be driven neatly and precisely. But not in the wet. Oh yes, and it’s got great Recaros, and sounds wicked too.
Layout: Front-engine, rear-drive Engine: V8, 6208cc Power: 500bhp Top speed: 186mph 0-60: 4.2sec Years: 2007-
44 ASTON VANTAGE V12
We were beginning to doubt Aston had the know-how to deliver an absolutely solid-gold drivers’ car. And then along came the V12 Vantage. The small body, big engine combo is tempting enough, but it’s the way the V12V rewards so richly on so many levels – communicative steering, indulgent handing balance, feelful brakes – that makes it the most memorable Aston of the current generation.
Layout: Front-engine, rear-drive Engine: V12, 5935cc Power: 510bhp Top speed: 190mph 0-60: 4.4sec Years: 2009-
43 TOYOTA MR2 ROADSTER
Everything a Toyota isn’t (usually). Impractical, fluid and fun, it’s enormously playful and exploitable close to the limit without ever becoming intimidating. That’s chiefly because, at 975kg, it weighs bugger all, so 138bhp is adequate and the chassis has a lightness of touch that not even the mk2 MX-5 can match. Want to find out about mid-engine/rear-drive handling? The MR2 Roadster drives like a slightly more civilised Elise, and praise doesn’t come much higher than that.
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 1794cc Power:
138bhp Top speed: 130mph 0-60: 7.2sec Years: 2000-06
42 TVR GRIFFITH
A big engine in a small, light car is always an exciting mix (any wheelspin on a wet road can be a little too exciting). In the dry and provided you’ve opted for the sensible 50 front/55 profile rear tyre option, it’s hugely entertaining, involving and fast. Front engine balance means you can indulge in primeval tyre-smoking power-slides out of roundabouts without too much trouble…
Layout: Front-engine, rear-drive Engine: V8, 4988cc Power: 320bhp Top speed: 167mph 0-60: 4.8sec Years: 1993-2001
41 PORSCHE CAYMAN S
Perhaps even more so than the Boxster, the Cayman is arguably the sweetest handling of all current Porsches if not the most beguiling or exciting. Sat centrally in the wheelbase, you’re perfectly placed to make the most of the mid-engined layout and charismatic, torque-rich flat-six engine. Sweet, sweet steering allied to a forgiving chassis and supple suspension make it hugely exploitable. The way it takes the sting out of rough roads has to be experienced to be believed.
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive Engine: Flat-6, 3436cc Power: 315bhp Top speed: 172mph 0-60: 5.2sec Years: 2006-
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What a great thread Mikey! 
What a great thread Mikey!
Thanks JA. I wonder if we should sticky it.
only if you're allowed to clean it up and remove all the comments between posts lol
I could do that. But I will wait until I am done posting the list.
Stop cheating (evil)
LASERBLUE135
Registered Pimp
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Oh-augar-ooops, dang it, I looked. I just couldn't help myself. I ejaculate prematurely as well...
