3rd Place: Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG
Big on speed, style, and price; small on emotion.

2nd Place: BMW M235i
A well-balanced rear-driver in need of options for pizzazz.

1st Place: Subaru WRX STI
Launch Edition: Loud, fast, surefooted, amenity-packed—it typifies fun.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz2wbc71pEZ

 

Ouch to the luxury boys. Outgunned by the stalwart and pleblian WRX STI, I love it

 

Yeah, honestly I was never with any Subaru before. Since the last test drive, I have to tell you that my mind was Blown by how fun the STI was, the current 2014 model. If I didn't know there was the 2015 model due in a few months, I would have pulled the trigger.

Could you imagine ? what the reporter said was exactly what happened to me

Boy Grin from ear to ear, fingers tingling, and heart beat raised.

I was totally surprised by how good it was, despite having owned a fully modified VR4 before @ 500HP and 450 lbs/ft torque at 3800 RPM.

The only thing I worried about was the reliability "Ring land" issue from the EJ25. But some people told me that I can replace the EJ25 ways cheaper than either the AMG or the M235 engine LOL.

Now, this curious me to see how the Lexus RC will perform. There is nothing better than if.....

Subaru hand the STI Platform to Lexus, and Lexus hand them the most reliable engine they can have.

I knew they did something similar with the 86

Either that, or they can ask Lexus to help them make better piston materials in their EJ25

 

Imagine FA25DIT making 350hp in the new body. It's gonna easily eat M3 for breakfast.

 

One can only dream, but for making 350 HP, stage 2 tune can do that too

 

Of course you can, but FA engine Stage 2 and upgrade parts, you probably look at around 400 hp.

 

Hey Op. just wanted to give you a heads up, theres a typo in the title, I think you meant CLA45 not CLK.

 

Good catch, yeah there hasn't been a CLK since 2009.

MODS COME FIXY !

 

I personally would pick the BMW.

Much better overall build quality and materials than Subaru for not much more $$$.
Engine can be easily tuned for more power.
RWD > AWD for pure handling

To me the standard WRX is more attractive bec its a much better value than STI without losing much in performance.

 

To be honest the 2-Series would be my choice to, purely because I think it looks the best looking of the three IMO

 

I'd have to take the 235i out of these three if I were buying.

 

I'd get the 235

that subie has a long *** front overhang

 

An STI can shred an ISF at the track, but which would you rather have?

 

Since I don't go to the track, I'd take the ISF.

 

V8 soundtrack no questions asked