2nd place: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8
Admittedly, this second-place finish for the Challenger SRT8 took just about everyone by surprise. True, the much more retro-looking bodywork turned every single head while the sublime power and captivating sound of the engine gave goose bumps to our test-drivers -- and probably bystanders, too!
Still, no one expected the Dodge to be the first runner-up. Surprisingly, comfort is one of the top attributes of this car. Considering its size, the interior offers ample room. Meanwhile, the comfortable bucket seats provide excellent support and a perfect driving position. From that standpoint, it’s actually well ahead of competitors.
Of course, the exceptional performance delivered by the roaring V8 engine also has a lot to do with the car’s success. While the Mustang posted faster times under hard acceleration, the Challenger SRT8 adds a remarkable braking system for a sporty muscle car experience.
The nostalgic approach by Dodge designers made fans among our crew but, having said that, the dashboard looks fairly plain while fit and finish are sub-par.
On the road and the track, the drivers did question the sharpness of the steering and the enormous size of its wheel. Driving precision is affected as a result and, although some liked the understeer tendency of this big American coupe, others who are less experienced behind the wheel had quite their hands full.
Power, styling and comfort are the story of the Dodge Challenger SRT8. Unfortunately, it’s also the most fuel-thirsty model out of the whole bunch.
"It captures the essence of the ‘70s car while taking full advantage of the latest technologies to crank performance up to a new level."
Bertrand Godin
1st place: 2009 Nissan 370Z
Our overall winner is a car with some serious bite. The Nissan 370Z may not have dominated any particular aspect of this comparison test, but it always finished among the leaders. Such exceptional balance and all-around performance are the reasons why it earned top marks.
The team raved about the newly-redesigned exterior of the Z. It’s even sleeker and more aerodynamic than before (if that’s even possible), and the headlights are so prominently defined that they resemble a pair of eyes. Inside, styling is equally remarkable, but it’s build quality and material selection that especially impressed our jury.
This Nissan is a true racing machine both on the track and the road. The front wheels are so lively and responsive that drivers enjoy incredible control in corners. The Z is borderline tail-happy but, fortunately, oversteer is easy to correct with the help of the throttle. That’s because there’s plenty of power available across the usable rev range.
Everything’s not perfect, though. Visibility poses a problem, particularly from the rear three-quarter angle. In addition, fuel economy is a bit disappointing even by sports-car standards.
The interior could also use better sound-deadening materials. On washboards, road noise was so invasive that it was nearly impossible to maintain a conversation.
All in all, the comfortable seats, unique styling, strong character, precise handling and fabulous power of the Nissan 370Z allowed it to return home with the distinction of being the best sports coupe in our comparison test.
"The 370Z is a brutal race car. It sends your heart racing and your adrenaline flowing at all times. Drivers always feel the urge to push it a little closer to the limit."
André Deslauriers
photo:Philippe Champoux, Matthieu Lambert
Admittedly, this second-place finish for the Challenger SRT8 took just about everyone by surprise. True, the much more retro-looking bodywork turned every single head while the sublime power and captivating sound of the engine gave goose bumps to our test-drivers -- and probably bystanders, too!
 |
| Power, styling and comfort are the story of the Dodge Challenger SRT8. |
Still, no one expected the Dodge to be the first runner-up. Surprisingly, comfort is one of the top attributes of this car. Considering its size, the interior offers ample room. Meanwhile, the comfortable bucket seats provide excellent support and a perfect driving position. From that standpoint, it’s actually well ahead of competitors.
Of course, the exceptional performance delivered by the roaring V8 engine also has a lot to do with the car’s success. While the Mustang posted faster times under hard acceleration, the Challenger SRT8 adds a remarkable braking system for a sporty muscle car experience.
The nostalgic approach by Dodge designers made fans among our crew but, having said that, the dashboard looks fairly plain while fit and finish are sub-par.
On the road and the track, the drivers did question the sharpness of the steering and the enormous size of its wheel. Driving precision is affected as a result and, although some liked the understeer tendency of this big American coupe, others who are less experienced behind the wheel had quite their hands full.
Power, styling and comfort are the story of the Dodge Challenger SRT8. Unfortunately, it’s also the most fuel-thirsty model out of the whole bunch.
"It captures the essence of the ‘70s car while taking full advantage of the latest technologies to crank performance up to a new level."
Bertrand Godin
1st place: 2009 Nissan 370Z
Our overall winner is a car with some serious bite. The Nissan 370Z may not have dominated any particular aspect of this comparison test, but it always finished among the leaders. Such exceptional balance and all-around performance are the reasons why it earned top marks.
 |
| This Nissan is a true racing machine both on the track and the road. |
The team raved about the newly-redesigned exterior of the Z. It’s even sleeker and more aerodynamic than before (if that’s even possible), and the headlights are so prominently defined that they resemble a pair of eyes. Inside, styling is equally remarkable, but it’s build quality and material selection that especially impressed our jury.
This Nissan is a true racing machine both on the track and the road. The front wheels are so lively and responsive that drivers enjoy incredible control in corners. The Z is borderline tail-happy but, fortunately, oversteer is easy to correct with the help of the throttle. That’s because there’s plenty of power available across the usable rev range.
Everything’s not perfect, though. Visibility poses a problem, particularly from the rear three-quarter angle. In addition, fuel economy is a bit disappointing even by sports-car standards.
The interior could also use better sound-deadening materials. On washboards, road noise was so invasive that it was nearly impossible to maintain a conversation.
All in all, the comfortable seats, unique styling, strong character, precise handling and fabulous power of the Nissan 370Z allowed it to return home with the distinction of being the best sports coupe in our comparison test.
"The 370Z is a brutal race car. It sends your heart racing and your adrenaline flowing at all times. Drivers always feel the urge to push it a little closer to the limit."
André Deslauriers
| RX-8 | 370Z | Challenger | Camaro | Genesis | Mustang | |
| Styling | 80.8 | 84.2 | 76.0 | 75.2 | 80.4 | 75.8 |
| Accessories | 77.3 | 81.5 | 78.0 | 71.0 | 80.8 | 78.2 |
| Space and access | 80.7 | 65.4 | 78.7 | 64.7 | 77.3 | 77.5 |
| Comfort | 81.2 | 78.9 | 82.3 | 75.0 | 75.6 | 74.4 |
| Performance | 72.5 | 81.9 | 77.1 | 77.7 | 67.9 | 78.3 |
| Driving Dynamics | 87.9 | 86.3 | 76.7 | 76.2 | 74.4 | 69.8 |
| Safety | 75.8 | 78.8 | 75.0 | 64.4 | 77.5 | 78.8 |
| General Appreciation | 81.7 | 85.0 | 81.7 | 75.0 | 75.8 | 78.3 |
| RX-8 | 370Z | Challenger | Camaro | Genesis | Mustang | |
| Final Result | 78.1 | 80.5 | 78.2 | 72.6 | 75.8 | 76.2 |
photo:Philippe Champoux, Matthieu Lambert
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