Best Sports Car Over $57,000

As we said last year, it would take a pretty special car to topple the BMW M3 Coupe in this category and, for the third year in succession, it is the Best Sports Car Over $57,000.

It was a clear winner ahead of the Mercedes-Benz CLK320, while the Audi TT quattro registered a close third behind the Benz.

The M3, with its 3.2-litre double Vanos straight six engine, may be understated in appearance but its credentials are quickly confirmed on the blacktop.

The silky, smooth engine sings sweetly at full stretch, emitting a beautiful note as you take the M3 up through the gears.

Gearshifts in the six-speed manual box are slick and positive, and ratios do justice to the gloriously ‘torquey’ engine.

As you would expect of a winner in this class, it top scored in the critically weighted criteria of performance, handling and braking, and though suspension is unashamedly biased towards the firm side, the M3 is one of those rare sports cars that is easy to live with on a daily basis.

Quite simply, the M3 is a thoroughbred performer.

Running a credible second behind the BMW is the Mercedes-Benz CLK 320. Though not having the same agility and performance as the M3, it still is a very enjoyable car to drive on open and twisting roads.

The Benz outscored the M3 on depreciation cost, ride and smoothness and quietness, while trailing in the critical areas of performance and handling. Otherwise, the CLK 320 scored solidly across most of the criteria, with high running and repair costs being the only real blemish.

The Audi TT quattro finished a very close third behind the CLK 320.  In fact, during final back-to-back testing, the Audi proved to be something of a surprise package. Despite lacking a little in low-speed torque, the sweet, turbocharged, 1.8-litre engine’s seamless operation was impressive.

Though TT's handling scored a mark down on the M3, it was still very proficient and, with all-wheel-drive, the car is quick point to point.

Final Scores (Out of 5): M3 4.0, CLK 3.78, TT 3.75.

Full Details: www.australiasbestcars.com.au.