Top Sports Cars on MSN Autos Porsche 2 times

[911S Targa]

compiled by MSN Autos

The most popular sports cars on MSN Autos, based on visits to the site's vehicle pages during the third quarter of 2004.


Porsche Carrera GT
Ford Mustang
Chevrolet Corvette
Nissan 350Z
Ford GT
Ferrari Enzo
Porsche 911
Lamborghini Murcielago
Dodge Viper
Ferrari 360 Modena



Containing the likes of Nissan's legendary Z, Chevrolet's iconic Corvette and Porsche's venerable 911, the latest list of most popular sports cars on MSN Autos confirms automaker aspirations to retain a connection to historical roots while planting a foot firmly on the road ahead.

This list of the ten most popular sports cars on MSN Autos is based on visits to the site's vehicle research pages during the third quarter of the year.

1. Porsche Carrera GT
A mid-engine two-seat roadster, this sculpted supercar from Porsche fittingly debuted in concept form at the Louvre during the 2000 Paris Motor Show and finally hit the streets as a 2004 model. It features many cutting-edge technologies including magnesium wheels and the first use of a ceramic composite clutch in a production car. The Carrera GT boasts a 605-horsepower 5.7-liter V10 engine that blasts from zero to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds and to 100 mph in less than 7 seconds.

2. Ford Mustang
In 2004 Ford celebrated 40 years of the Mustang, the car credited with starting the segment that became known as "pony cars." The Mustang is all new for 2005, powered by a 210-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine. Although immediately recognizable as a Mustang, the latest version offers thoroughly modern performance with powerful engines and a three-link live axle with a Panhard rod rear suspension for its rear-wheel-drive platform. A 300-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine powers the Mustang GT.

3. Chevrolet Corvette
A true American icon, the Corvette was introduced in January 1953. The sixth-generation Corvette debuts for 2005 with a new design immediately recognizable as that of a Corvette. It sports a new LS2 6.0-liter small-block V8 that produces 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, with either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. Three suspension systems are offered, and the convertible has an optional power-operated soft-top.

4. Nissan 350Z
Almost immediately after it went on sale, the 350Z rocketed to the top of our most popular sports cars list. The 350Z is powered by a 287-horsepower V6 engine mated with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. The 2003 350Z debuted as a two-seat coupe, followed by the 350Z Roadster for 2004, which has a power-operated soft-top, a glass rear window and a lightweight tonneau cover.

5. Ford GT
Known as "the pace car for an entire company," Ford's new mid-engine two-seat GT sports car has a retro/modern design inspired by the legendary Ford GT40 race cars of the 1960s. The GT40 swept the top three positions at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. This modern reincarnation of that racing heritage is powered by a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 that produces 500 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, with a top speed verified at over 200 mph.

6. Ferrari Enzo
When it comes to exotic sports cars, Ferrari is often the first name that comes to mind. Named as a tribute to the legendary Italian automaker's founder, the Enzo is the latest special edition supercar from Ferrari and possibly the most sought-after exotic in the market. Powered by a 660-horsepower V12 engine with a reported top speed in excess of 200 mph, only 399 examples of the Enzo were produced and they were quickly snapped up by Ferrari aficionados.

7. Porsche 911
The current iteration of another classic sports car, the redesigned 2005 Porsche 911 comes in seventh on the list. More than 40 years old, the 911 continues to evolve as one of the most desirable sports cars for another generation. The 911 Carrera is powered by a 325-horsepower 3.6-liter horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder engine, while the Carrera S sports a 355-horsepower 3.8-liter horizontally opposed 6-cylinder unit. The new design features the return of oval headlights and separate turn signals in the bumper.

8. Lamborghini Murcielago
Lamborghini is always a favorite with MSN sports car enthusiasts, and the mid-engine V12-powered Murcielago is the current flagship of the Lamborghini line. The Murcielago Roadster with its removable hardtop was unveiled at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show.The Roadster has its own aggressive appearance, and chassis components have been redesigned to ensure torsional stiffness, including a special stiffening lattice for the engine compartment.

9. Dodge Viper SRT-10
The high-performance flagship of the Dodge line, the second-generation Viper SRT-10 gets its power from a 500-horsepower 8.0-liter V10 with a 6-speed manual transmission. For 2005 the SRT-10 is available in Viper Race Yellow. Late in the model year, Copperhead Orange will be offered with an interior package that includes black leather upholstery with contrasting orange stitching and shift knob accents.

10. Ferrari 360 Modena
The 360 Modena is Ferrari’s mid-engine V8 sports car, offered in both coupe and spider versions. The first mid-engine V8 Ferrari was the 308 GTB which became one of the most popular Ferrari models of all time. With roots harking back to the 308, the 360 Modena has a rigid, lightweight chassis accomplished through the use of aluminum for the chassis, body shell and suspension components.