Seventh: 2011 Volkswagen GTI
Highs: Progressive, easy-to-explore limits; supportive seats.
Lows: Inability to turn off stability control holds back this car’s true capabilities; spongy brakes.
The Verdict: Asking the driven wheels also to steer isn’t the best recipe for handling.
Sixth: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Highs: Huge grip, mightily potent brakes, balanced chassis; it’s a track-day animal.
Lows: Woefully inadequate seats; unnatural steering and a general
The Verdict: True driving satisfaction unfortunately happens only at the track.
Fifth: 2011 Nissan GT-R
Highs: Heroic capabilities, strong brakes, an all-wheel-drive system that knows its way around a hot lap.
Lows: Lack of steering feedback, snaps at the limit, two-ton curb weight.
The Verdict: Inspires universal awe and respect. But not much love.
Fourth: 2011 BMW M3
Highs: Stable, confidence-inspiring, rides extremely well, comfortable seats.
Lows: Mass compromises agility, steering is light and lacks tactility, persistent understeer.
The Verdict: The most well-rounded player here but only midpack in this company.
Third: 2010 Mazda RX-8 R3
Highs: Fluid, athletic chassis; excellent steering; about as balanced as they come from the showroom.
Lows: Restrictive seats, slight brake-pedal dead zone.
The Verdict: A great chassis in need of more engine.
Second: 2010 Lotus Elise SC
Highs: Ultralight weight, world’s best steering, unmatched purity.
Lows: Tramlines, unspectacular lap times, will hurl its rear-heavy posterior, loose-fit seats.
The Verdict: A radically precise apex filleter that’s a couple of bad habits away from perfection.
First: 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder
Highs: Amazing poise and stability, enlightening steering, simply unflappable.
Lows: Brakes go soft with extreme use; a seatback-angle adjustment would be nice.
The Verdict: Quite possibly Porsche’s best car currently for sale, ergo, the best-handling car in the U.S. for less than $100,000.
http://www.caranddri...omparison_tests
