5 Car Brands You Would Have Bought If You Didn't Buy a Porsche
Porsche is a very unique brand that some say doesn't really have any competition. But if you had to buy another brand instead, here are 5 that you might consider.
1. Audi
Audi and Porsche produce very different cars - for the most part. But if you're looking for a super powerful four door that can fit the whole family inside, Audi's RS7 is a suitable substitute for Porsche's Panamera. The RS7 is a real beast, with a 605 hp 4.0 V8 that propels the car from 0-60 in 3.3 seconds and all the way to a 190 mph top speed. The Panamera, on the other hand, pumps out 570 hp in Turbo S trim, which is good enough for a 3.6 second 0-60 run and a top speed of 192 mph. Likewise, the Audi R8 has proven to be a real competitor for the 911, especially in current form.
2. Mercedes
Like Audi, Mercedes is a very different beast than Porsche, but they produce at least one car specifically designed to compete with the 911 - the AMG GT. The GT even has sleek styling that almost mimics the 911's out back, paying homage in a way to its legendary predecessor. Beneath that great looking exterior is track capable beast with a 4.0 liter, twin turbo, 503 hp V8 (in S trim) that propels the car to a 3.7 second 0-60 time and a top speed of 193 mph.
3. Jaguar
Jaguar, once a brand synonymous with wooden dashes and poor build quality, has reinvented itself in recent years. Jag began its turn around by producing a car that was squarely aimed at the 911 - the F-Type. A stunning car to look at, the F-Type can be had with as much as 575 horsepower in SVR trim, which propels it to a stout 3.5 second 0-60 time and a 200 mph top speed (hardtop).
4. Nissan
Nissan only makes one car that can truly compete with Porsche, but oh what a car. The GT-R costs as much as a Carrera S, but has the performance of a 911 Turbo. Available with as much as 600 hp in NISMO trim, the GT-R rockets from 0-60 in 2.9 seconds and a 191 mph top speed. It may not have the soul or character of a Porsche, but the GT-R is a world beating performance bargain.
5. BMW
Long known for their excellent handling characteristics, BMWs of late have gotten a little bit bloated. But the new M2 and even the stalwart M3 are still excellent cars that offer fantastic performance for the money. The new M3's are a lot bigger than the old ones, but can still be had with a high revving, twin turbo V6 that produces 444 horsepower and epic handling. If you want something that is closer to the M3 of old, check out the M2. The smaller coupe is a bit of a performance bargain - running the same 4.0 second 0-60, as its bigger brother for around $10,000 less.
For information on maintenance and repairs, visit our How-To section here in Rennlist.com!
