This is funny actually as i love my american muscle.

honda in fact puts out more hp per liter than any manufactor out there today. That says something dont it.

Plus why not have the same power as a v8 or even v6 when getting a 4cyl as it cost less to maintain. any way you look at it.

Now say you cant make big hp numbers with 4cyl and than i really get to laugh at you being my eagle talon was up to about 450 hp on pump gas daily driven. And could still drive around in the snow.

The average person couldnt handle the price tag of over 200k for a r8 get real. Most people coulsnt afford my A6 4.2 v8 model. but used i got a great deal with a warrenty to 100k.

You've been smoking again haven't you

I have an STi & have driven a Lightning also & there is no chance - not even a glimmer of hope that your truck will corner better than an STi. You MAY get to 60 faster if I stuff the launch but once we're at a corner it's bye bye truckie

The STi has a lower COG, better brakes, better gearing in a manual box, awd, better tyres...your dreaming

I have to agree on this have driven both and the lighting is not going to get enough traction to take a sti from light to light maybe in the real long haul over 1/2 mile.

you can make big numbers,but from what i've seen 1000hp is severly taxing anything as small or smaller than a V-6,and last time i checked,there wasnt anything that will top a 6000HP top fueler is there? now i have no problem with jap cars my bro has a 500+ HP 240Z with 16 grand on the motor alone, but its easier to make big numbers with a V-8,my 462 pontiac is at 550HP for 2500$,my .02--josh

just a joke,i wasnt serious.i really dont advise buying anything new anymore to begin with.just a jk.--josh

stock to stock id say truck for 0-60 just for brute torque (on good tires) and STI for cornering (on good tires) its all about useable HP and the trucks down low where an STI is top end.and you really cant factor in factory tires as certain dealers us different tire/rim combos.--josh

My vote goes to GM. Their business model may not have been the best, but they made good cars for the most part. In particular, anything with the 3800 series II engine ('96 and later). I am speaking from experience, I've owned (for 6 years) a now 15 year old Bonneville that's <300 miles away from 200K. :smile:

A lightning, while fast, has NO chance against an STI stock for stock.

Sorry linc, that's reality...

I don't feel like getting in a huge car debate, but I have to address one thing that's really bothering me.

You say Ford is the best truck out there? I highly...highly doubt that. Yes, they may have the biggest following, but just cause a ton of people buy them it doesn't make them good. When we went to look a trucks, we drove a Ford, and it felt terribly underpowered and the transmission was TERRIBLE. Shifts were laggy and jerky and it even bounced off the rev limiter under full acceleration (what automatic tranny lets you bounce off the rev limiter!?).

Plus, for 2009, Ford came LAST in the edmunds comparison test for full size pick-ups. That says something. Back in 2003, it tested third. Ahead were Dodge and Nissan. At one point Ford may have been the best, but not anymore...

Anyway, back on topic:

Brian, of the two cars, I would go with the speed. Yes, the turbo and related systems add complexity and also repair cost, but if you plan to leave it stock, then the warranty should cover it. I think the Speed is a sick car, my only gripe is the front wheel drive (can't launch hard).

A car you should really consider getting is the Hyundai Genesis Coupe (yes, it's a Hyundai, I know...) but my brother's friend got a base 2.0T model and it really is an awesome car. The amount of standard features is nuts! I think you you can get away with a 3.8 V6 model for about the same price as a MazdaSpeed, and it will be just as fast (if not faster).

dont trust edmunds,just look at consumer reports,i havent seen the one for ford trucks,but no comparison is better than the average guys.and which truck did you drive? the general rule for trucks is drivability,towing,useable torque,pick any 2--josh

P.S-- IMHO GM makes the best trucks,nothin beats a duramax or a vortec,dodge and nissan = lots-o-rust

I'd choose the Speed also...

Can you buy a Nissan Stagea in the US?

http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/du...te/5742340.jpg

You might also want to check insurance cost on the Mazdaspeed (if it's a factor).

never seen one,guess its kinda like holden in that its just a different body on a typical frame and not sold in the U.S like commodore VS GTO ,but the nissan looks like its a stretched sentra?--josh

It's from the Skyline/GTR platform

My wife has one. We call it a sports wagon in Australia, they come in as grey imports from Japan but I suspect the emissions are too high for the US??

Anyway, V6 turbo, awd, 5 speed goes very well 0-60 in 6.5 & carries the kids to school in true sleeper style. Great RC carrying potential...

nice!,if i was to ever own a ricer it would be a skyline GTR,bad arse 6 bangers right there! and id venture to say it isnt the emission but competition in there own company,cant have too many models flooding the market,which is whay GM is now GOV't motors--josh