V8 Car Cookout: Bratwurst (Audi S5), Beef Teriyaki (Lexus IS-F) or Bacon Cheeseburgers (Challenger SRT-8)?

Horsepower. Raw, tire-melting horsepower. Every man worth his chest hair can’t deny it’s one of the first criteria for buying a car powered by a V8. Typically, the more the horsepower and the lower the MSRP, the more attractive it looks. It was the formula that made the muscle car era a piece of American history. But nowadays, American automakers aren’t the only ones making rear-wheel-drive radial roasters; Japan and Germany have also gotten in on the unmitigated horsepower wars, albeit with a little more luxury and refinement.

We recently had a Bridgestone bar-b-que with three fire-breathing, rear-wheel-drive V8s representing each of the three respective automaking countries.
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DexDiamonds - 12/3/2008 10:19:40 AM

+9 Boost

I'd have to say this is a unique comparison. It's funny that the car with the most HP is the slowest to 60. I guess it needs to lose some weight. I think they hit the nail on the head for each car. All have different audiences. SRT-8 for those that need attention lol (or true muscle car fans). S5 for the professionals. The IS-F for the in-between crowd (sport vs luxury). They picked the IS-F. Between the 3 personally I'd go for the S5. It has a sexiness that can't be denied. I could just imagine how the RS5 would fair.

LexusKindaGuy12 - 12/3/2008 10:20:44 AM

+9 Boost

agreed, that S5 (referring to the picture above) looks so gorgeous!...in black

AmazonPrinceIS350 - 12/3/2008 2:11:13 PM

-1 Boost

The S5 has a body that looks a little slow & heavy when compared to the G37 or even the 3 coupe which have a more sleek and trimmed down figure that looks more youthful and faster.

JCH335i - 12/3/2008 10:32:55 AM

+2 Boost

just picked one up in black with tuscan brown interior. the 09's have the optional drive select, it is a must for the car. Comfort vs. Dynamic is night and day.

Agent63 - 12/4/2008 2:24:38 PM

0 Boost

It means people don't agree with you so they deboost you. It's the most I've seen in the last little while, sorry to say.

I'll take an S5 over any of these. IS-F too much of a rice rocket type look, appeals to the younger kids. SRT-8 too retro for my liking and quality issues taint the Chrysler Group.

222max - 12/3/2008 10:42:00 AM

+4 Boost

Make mine an A5 please.

LACMAN - 12/3/2008 5:49:45 PM

+1 Boost

Im TOTALLY with you. Make mine the S5. I dont like bratwurst, but thats what I will be eating today! IS-F probably would have been my pick but the more I look at it, the more it resembles a Toyota when I picture it without its badges. This is sad because I know its a great car.

(...then again, maybe I think that because its a Toyota division...)

Nah!!! Like I said, S5 for me!

david999 - 12/3/2008 11:27:33 AM

+5 Boost

No doubt the IS-F is a great combination of sport and luxury. The S5 and Challenger would also be great to have in one's stable.

hao420 - 12/3/2008 5:05:17 PM

-3 Boost

Sushi r tasty........<

recca7 - 12/3/2008 11:36:18 AM

+2 Boost

IS-F is being compared to the S5 and Challenger now?? What happened to the almighty M3 killer? The car who some lexus fans claim to over throw the m3 when it wasn't even out yet.

BMW4me4ever - 12/4/2008 1:53:24 PM

-1 Boost

that is cause the IS-F is 0 for 8 vs the M3 in comparison tests ..

222max - 12/3/2008 11:52:26 AM

+5 Boost

The Lexus just looks kooky. Bulbous proportions and lots of tacky, add-on pieces. The S5 is a whole other level of sophistication in terms of design.

bintintin - 12/3/2008 12:09:36 PM

+3 Boost

Hmmm....all "rear wheel drive?" I think not. But interesting comparison. S5 for me please!

toyfan - 12/3/2008 1:09:40 PM

+3 Boost

Excuse me for being a guy, but the chooses are easily related to what kind of girl you want:
Challenger: Brittney Spears (You're not quit sure how naughty she is but you know she is, yet sexy all together. You know you're not going home to mommas with her)
S5: Sophie Marceau (Classic beauty in a stunningly modern package that just makes you go "WOW!!!. . .WOOOOW!!!! You want to go to mommas with her but not sure its real and wanna make sure it is before you do)
IS-F: Not quite sure, but since it has 4 doors, take them both, and you still have room for one more. Eventually you'll get to mommas but you're having too much fun to know when.

toyfan - 12/3/2008 1:18:51 PM

0 Boost

quick thought. . .

Challenger/Brittney: Short term only! Too many headaches and issues in the long run. Only fun while your young.

S5/Sophie: You want it forever but its too good to be true. High maintenance and depreciation, might end up costing more then its worth

IS-F: Since it's so flexible, good long term, great residual,low maintenance. . . it's a keeper

veyron1001 - 12/4/2008 1:20:43 AM

0 Boost

What kind of logic is that? The Challenger is the most ordinary of the 3 as its a revival.

JustaCar - 12/3/2008 9:30:09 PM

+4 Boost

When the reviewer stated that all three cars have RWD, he lost all credibility. An entertaining article with not much value.

bustamove - 12/23/2008 2:56:11 PM

+1 Boost

Good observation. We corrected the article and documented the change in the comments section for the review.

challengerownage112 - 6/25/2009 8:15:46 PM

+1 Boost

i go with the challenger ( u could modify it and bam! you would blow by everyone.)