Best-engined car for under £10k?

[rainmasterb]

So I'm in the market for a weekend car and the budget is £10k. Can't really decide what I want in terms of body style, but the crucial factor for me is the engine. I want a car that is dominated by it's engine - it's got to be powerful and sound amazing. Suggestions? Can't be a TVR - I'm just not brave enough! E39 M5? Monaro? Old Corvette?

[lestershaw]

Supercharged v8 jaguar maybe
Although I think you would be mad to rule out a 5 litre tvr

[SammyW]

As something a bit different to a V8, how about an E46 M3 or tuned R32/3/4 Skyline?

[BigBen]

A lot of AMG Mercs with the 55 engine could be had for under £10k, sadly excluding the SL but you won't get a better engine dominated car that one of them for the money IMO.

[Codswallop]

You can get all manner of V8 engined Mercs for that budget (CLK55, CLS500 etc.), Alpina B10 v8, RS Audi etc.

Left field - MG ZT v8 or some sort of bike engined kit car (there's a nice bike engined Smart car for your budget in the classifieds...).

[rainmasterb]

Yeah wouldn't mind an AMG for sure. Do you think the SLK55 will ever come under £10k? CLK55 very tempting.

How good do these sound? Certainly look the part!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3768642.htm

[Heathwood]

Something a bit different? Maserati 3200 for £9,995.

[AmitG]

How about a Mercedes-Benz S55?

A 5.4 litre supercharged V8, in an S-class. 500 BHP, over 500 lb/ft of torque and 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. Mind blowing.

There is a 2003 model with 98K and FSH on AT right now for 9995.

[Pig Skill]

e46 M3

[dm46]

r36 passat, r32, m5, rx8, 911, dodge viper

[theironduke]

Not brave enough for a TVR but ok with an E39 M5....hahaha

[CampDavid]

Heathwood said:

Something a bit different? Maserati 3200 for £9,995.

Twin Turbo V8

10 man points per Turbo and 30 for a V8 giving a man score of 50

Nice

[theironduke]

Heathwood said:

Something a bit different? Maserati 3200 for £9,995.

God, 10k... last time I looked dogs were still 15.... Pleasssssse keep falling!

Such utterly pretty cars

[rainmasterb]

Yeah the Maser is very tempting, great looking car and best engine configuration ever for me (turbo'd V8) but aren't they a bit delicate? E46 M3, is the engine really that good? 911 in budget likely to be a 996 needing engine work, Dodge Viper in budget? Prove it please!

[cerb4.5lee]

rainmasterb said:

Yeah the Maser is very tempting, great looking car and best engine configuration ever for me (turbo'd V8) but aren't they a bit delicate? E46 M3, is the engine really that good? 911 in budget likely to be a 996 needing engine work, Dodge Viper in budget? Prove it please!

E46 m3 engine is awesome but it doesnt sound much on the standard exhaust set up & sounds like a 320 on tickover...get a V8 thats the way forward.

[rainmasterb]

Clio V6?

[GroundEffect]

Going to be hard to beat an M engine:

E36 M3
E46 M3
E39 M5

The F20C in the S2000 is pretty great too.

[gaz1234]

probably an M car or audi quattro