Affordable 21st-Century Performance on BaT
About this episode
Exploring the realm of affordable performance cars from the 21st century, this episode dives into a variety of models that offer great value for enthusiasts. Hosts Alex, Randy, and Howard discuss standout vehicles like the C5 and C6 Corvettes, Bentley Continental GTs, and various Audis, highlighting their performance capabilities and current market prices. They also share personal experiences from recent car events and delve into the evolving automotive market, making a case for why certain models are underrated and ripe for investment. The conversation is lively, filled with insights and humor.
In episode 118 of the BaT Podcast, Alex, Randy, and Howard go over a brief event recap; a Saab record holder; the "full mileage discount"; how much raw performance can be had for under (or well under) $40k; scary prospects from the likes of AMG and Aston Martin; the ideal four-Porsche driveway for value seekers; and what's in store for the first-year Bentayga.
Follow along! Links for the listings discussed in this episode:
03:54 2025 SNOWBALL RALLY April 25, 26 & 27, 2025
04:00 Hagerty California Mille
04:30 Third Annual BaT Moto Gathering, May 17, 2025 at The Quail
04:54 Historic Grand Prix at Zandvoort 2025
06:19 WeatherTech Vintage Weekend with Brian Redman July 17-20, 2025
08:58 South Florida BaT Meet-Up—April 19 with K2 Motorcars!
09: 36 k2motorcars user page
13:38 Chevrolet Corvette C5 model page
14:04 First-gen Bentley Continental GT
17:12 BMW E63/E64 M6
17:50 Audi RS5
18:05 Audi B7 RS4
18:24 Nissan 370Z
20:02 First-gen Cadillac CTS & CTS-V
21:28 Mercedes-Benz W203 C55 & C32 AMG
24:41 BMW E89 Z4 Roadster
25:39 Dodge Neon SRT-4
26:51 Dodge Challenger (non-SRT, 2009-2015)
27:24 Chrysler Crossfire
29:06 Mazda NC MX-5 Miata
30:26 2001-2007 Subaru Impreza WRX
30:33 Volvo V70R
33:19 Mazdaspeed6
34:00 Mazdaspeed3
36:07 Porsche 986 Boxster
38:22 Ford Mustang Saleen S281
42:06 Porsche 955/957 Cayenne Turbo
47:06 Jaguar XKR
48:01 Panoz Esperante
48:20 Dodge Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab
48:51 Fiat 500 Abarth (2012-2019)
Got suggestions for our next guest from the BaT community or an idea for our next game episode? Let us know at [email protected]!
Lamborghini Kuntosh
"He brought a best car. He brought was a black Kuntosh gold wheels, which is probably the star of the show."
The Lamborghini Countach is a famous sports car that looks very unique and has doors that open upwards. It's known for being very fast and stylish.
The Lamborghini Countach is a legendary supercar known for its distinctive wedge shape and scissor doors. It was produced from the early 1970s to the early 1990s and is celebrated for its performance and design.
Renault 5 Turbo
"He brought a Renault 5 Turbo. Wait a minute. We'll color. Not an R5 like the."
The Renault 5 Turbo is a sporty version of a small car made by Renault. It has a turbo engine, which makes it faster and more fun to drive.
The Renault 5 Turbo is a high-performance version of the Renault 5 hatchback, featuring a turbocharged engine and a lightweight design. It was popular in the 1980s for its rallying success and sporty characteristics.
Saab 99 Turbo
"One guy had an absolutely phenomenal 78. Saab 99 Turbo that I was gawking over orange."
The Saab 99 Turbo is a small car made by Saab that has a turbo engine, which helps it go faster. It was popular in the late 1970s.
The Saab 99 Turbo is a compact executive car that was produced in the 1970s and is notable for being one of the first turbocharged cars. It features a unique design and is known for its safety and engineering.
BAT events
"BAT events. I've been at it a long time. The LA one hundred people was just man, it was people. And a lot of stuff I had never seen before cars. I had never seen before."
BAT events are car gatherings organized by a website called Bring a Trailer. They are great places for car lovers to see and talk about interesting cars.
BAT events refer to gatherings organized by Bring a Trailer, a popular online auction site for classic and vintage cars. These events often showcase unique vehicles and foster a community of car enthusiasts.
Alfa Romeo 1900
"Hoping to be driving an Alfa 1900 pin and freeing a coupe early early 50s alpha. So if that isn't the first one on the flatbed, then we'll be in good shape."
The Alfa Romeo 1900 is a stylish car made in the early 1950s. It's known for being well-designed and was one of the first cars to be built in a way that made it lighter and stronger.
The Alfa Romeo 1900 is a classic car produced between 1950 and 1959, known for its beautiful design and advanced engineering for its time. It was one of the first mass-produced cars to feature a unitary body construction.
F1 circuit
"This year, which is super exciting at the F1 circuit in zandvort, which some people in the BAT community have driven and talked about and reached out to us."
The F1 circuit is where Formula 1 car races take place. Zandvoort is a specific racetrack in the Netherlands that hosts these exciting races.
The F1 circuit refers to the tracks used in Formula 1 racing, which is known for its high-speed, competitive events featuring the world's best drivers and teams. Zandvoort is one of the notable circuits in the F1 calendar, located in the Netherlands and known for its challenging layout and scenic views.
vintage race
"Well, that's a good segue into our big blowout event, which is going to be a vintage race in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. We're all three of us will going and we're Howard. I hope we'll be racing."
A vintage race is a type of car race where older cars compete. These cars are usually from a long time ago, and the races are fun to watch because they showcase classic designs and sounds.
A vintage race refers to a motorsport event featuring classic cars, typically those manufactured at least 20-30 years ago. These events celebrate the history of automotive design and engineering, allowing enthusiasts to see and hear these older vehicles in action.
Road America
"...the racing is pretty aggro there at the road America vintage event. You've been before Howard."
Road America is a famous racetrack in Wisconsin where many car races take place. It's known for its long track and beautiful scenery, making it a popular spot for racing fans.
Road America is a renowned road course located in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. It is known for hosting various motorsport events, including vintage races, and features a challenging layout that tests both driver skill and vehicle performance.
Ferrari 250 GTO
"Biggest headline there is the 250 GTO showed."
The Ferrari 250 GTO is a famous and very rare sports car from the 1960s. It's known for being fast and successful in races, making it extremely valuable today.
The Ferrari 250 GTO is a highly sought-after sports car produced in the early 1960s, known for its performance and racing pedigree. It is considered one of the most valuable cars in the world, with only 39 units made.
Le Mans
"Class 62 GT class winner at LaMose. I can't remember the chassis number."
Le Mans is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. Teams race their cars to see which can go the farthest in that time, making it a test of speed and endurance.
Le Mans refers to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an endurance race held annually in France. It is one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, testing both speed and durability of cars over a full day.
Audi B5
"Randy, we're talking about B5 Audis today is a 1.80 a performance car. Ready? That's a turbo on it."
The Audi B5 is a model of the Audi A4, a compact executive car. It was made in the late 1990s and early 2000s and is appreciated for its sporty feel.
The Audi B5 refers to the first generation of the Audi A4, produced from 1994 to 2001. It is known for its balanced performance and handling, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
turbo
"That's a turbo on it. It does."
A turbo is a part that helps the engine get more air, which makes it more powerful. It's like giving the engine a boost to make the car go faster.
A turbo, or turbocharger, is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. This enhances the vehicle's performance without significantly increasing engine size.
Saturn Sky Red Line
"Like for 15 grand is getting you into like still takes 15 to buy a nice saturn eye on red line."
The Saturn Sky Red Line is a small sports car that has a turbo engine, making it quick and fun to drive. It's a good option if you're looking for an affordable classic car.
The Saturn Sky Red Line is a sporty roadster that features a turbocharged engine, known for its performance and fun driving experience. It's part of a small class of affordable sports cars that were produced in the mid-2000s.
Mini Cooper S
"A nice 10 year old mini Cooper ass."
The Mini Cooper S is a sporty version of the Mini Cooper, which is a small and stylish car. It's known for being fun to drive and has a unique look.
The Mini Cooper S is a performance-oriented version of the classic Mini Cooper, known for its agile handling and distinctive design. It's a popular choice among enthusiasts for its fun driving dynamics.
Pontiac Solstice
"A nice 10 year old mini Cooper ass. I've got the Solstice sky kind of towards the end of my list. What's th..."
Chevrolet Corvettes
"...that first thing came to my brain. I don't know if it did you guys is Corvettes like C5 C6 Corvette, particularly C5. That's the first place I went."
The Chevrolet Corvette C5 is a type of sports car made by Chevrolet. It's known for being fast and stylish, and it was made from 2000 to 2005.
The Chevrolet Corvette C5 is the fifth generation of the Corvette sports car, produced from 1997 to 2004. It features a lightweight design and a powerful V8 engine, making it a popular choice among sports car enthusiasts.
Continental GT
"Let's start with 05 to 07 continental GTs. Oh, right. Hold on. What's the cheapest continental GT we've sold?"
The Continental GT is a fancy car made by Bentley that is designed for long, comfortable drives. The models from 2005 to 2007 are especially known for being powerful and luxurious.
The Continental GT is a luxury grand tourer produced by Bentley, first introduced in 2003. The 2005-2007 models are known for their powerful W12 engine and opulent features, making them a popular choice among luxury car enthusiasts.
Porsche Carrera GT
"You want an 05 Wrangler for 20 or do you want an 05 CGT for 22?"
The Porsche Carrera GT is a supercar made by Porsche, famous for its speed and design. It was produced in the early 2000s and is considered a very valuable car today.
The Porsche Carrera GT is a high-performance sports car produced by Porsche from 2004 to 2007. It features a mid-engine layout and is known for its exceptional handling and speed, making it a sought-after collector's item.
Jeep Wrangler
"You want an 05 Wrangler for 20 or do you want an 05 CGT for 22?"
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough vehicle designed for off-road driving. The 2005 model is known for its ability to handle rough terrain and is popular among adventure seekers.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road vehicle known for its ruggedness and versatility. The 2005 model is part of the TJ generation, which is popular among off-road enthusiasts.
Z06
"It's like got the fixed roof in the shortback window, but it's not a Z06."
The Z06 is a special, faster version of the Chevrolet Corvette. It has more power and better handling than the regular Corvette models.
The Z06 is a high-performance variant of the Chevrolet Corvette, known for its enhanced power, handling, and track capabilities compared to the standard models. It typically features a more powerful engine and performance upgrades.
Z51
"Nice little Z51, but a stripper."
The Z51 is a package for the Chevrolet Corvette that makes it perform better, especially on race tracks. It includes better brakes and suspension.
The Z51 is a performance package available for the Chevrolet Corvette that includes upgrades to the suspension, brakes, and cooling systems, enhancing the car's handling and performance on the track.
six-speed
"They're all six speeds."
A six-speed means the car has a transmission with six different speeds to choose from. This helps the car go faster and use fuel more efficiently.
A six-speed transmission refers to a manual or automatic gearbox with six different gear ratios, allowing for better acceleration and fuel efficiency compared to fewer gears. It is commonly found in performance vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz S550
"...for more like luxury cars, stuff like older Panameras and S550s, even like the 0708 S..."
The Mercedes-Benz S550 is a high-end luxury car that offers a smooth ride, lots of features, and a powerful engine. It's one of the top models from Mercedes-Benz.
The Mercedes-Benz S550 is a luxury sedan known for its advanced technology, comfort, and powerful performance. It is part of the S-Class lineup, which is renowned for setting standards in the luxury automotive segment.
Porsche Panameras
"...for more like luxury cars, stuff like older Panameras and S550s, even like the 0708 S..."
The Porsche Panamera is a fancy four-door car that is designed for both speed and comfort. It's like a sports car but with more space and luxury inside.
The Porsche Panamera is a luxury four-door sedan that combines sports car performance with the comfort of a grand tourer. It features a range of powerful engines and a high-quality interior, making it a popular choice among luxury car enthusiasts.
Mercedes-Benz R230
"I was looking at R230s, like all of the V8 folding hardtop Mercedes. Again, 15k, 12k."
The R230 is a model of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, which is a luxury sports car with a roof that can fold down. It was made from 2001 to 2011 and has powerful V8 engines.
The Mercedes-Benz R230 is the internal designation for the SL-Class produced from 2001 to 2011. It features a folding hardtop and is known for its luxury and performance, particularly with its V8 engine options.
Audi RS5
"...talking about Audi S5 RS5, which is a very cool car."
The Audi RS5 is an even sportier version of the A5, built for high performance. It has a more powerful engine and better handling, making it great for driving enthusiasts.
The Audi RS5 is the high-performance variant of the A5 lineup, featuring a more powerful engine, sport-tuned suspension, and aggressive styling. It's designed for enthusiasts who seek both luxury and track-ready performance.
Audi Rs4S
"I was looking at RS4s, the 0708 RS4s. And those are cheap."
The Audi RS4 is a fast car that is part of the Audi A4 family. The versions from 2007 and 2008 are known for being powerful and fun to drive.
The Audi RS4 is a high-performance variant of the Audi A4, known for its powerful V8 engine and sporty handling. The 2007-2008 models are particularly noted for their blend of luxury and performance.
Nissan 370Z
"09, 370 Z6 speed. Got them on my list."
The Nissan 370Z is a sporty car that is fun to drive. The 2009 version has a manual transmission, which means you can change gears yourself.
The Nissan 370Z is a sports car known for its agile handling and strong performance. The 2009 model features a 6-speed manual transmission, which enhances the driving experience.
Chevrolet Camaro
"The 83 Camaro beneath it's sold for 17, 5."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a popular sports car that has been around for many years. The 1983 version is known for its powerful engine and stylish look.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that has been in production since 1966. The 1983 model is part of the third generation, known for its sporty design and performance.
Infiniti G37
"The other thing in the 370 Z family, which I always liked, was a nice G37 coupe, 6-speed."
The Infiniti G37 is a luxury sports car that offers a comfortable ride and good performance. It's designed for people who want a stylish car with a powerful engine.
The Infiniti G37 is a luxury coupe that combines performance with upscale features. It is known for its powerful V6 engine and sporty handling, making it a popular choice among luxury car buyers.
Volkswagen R32
"And you know, like, 04 R32s are still pretty strong for a nice one."
The Volkswagen R32 is a sporty version of the Golf car that has a strong engine and all-wheel drive, which helps it handle well in different conditions. It's popular among car fans.
The Volkswagen R32 is a high-performance version of the Golf, known for its all-wheel drive and powerful engine. It was produced in limited numbers, making it a sought-after model among enthusiasts.
Volkswagen Golf
"But you go to, like, an 08. The second gen. So what's a 04, mark 4 or 5? Yes, the mark 5 is just cheap."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that many people drive. The Mk5 is just a way to say it's from a specific version made between 2003 and 2009.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that has been produced in various generations. The Mk5 refers to the fifth generation of the Golf, which was produced from 2003 to 2009.
Cadillac Ctsv
"The first, I always like these. The first generation CTS-V, which is a cool V6. And a 6-speed and 400 horsepower or whatever."
Cadillac XLR
"...e than the sedan. But you can get like a mid mile XLR for like 14. Which is, I think essentially a C6 c..."
Mercedes-Benz Cclass
"I have a really weird list, but none of these crossed over. Another one that's really cheap that I was looking at are the C-Class Mercedes Erats, really 2000s, that's both the Supercharge V6 or the V8 AM."
Porsche 911 GT3
"...e price point a little bit like a non-R, 15 to 17 GT3, 15, those are getting cheap."
Aston Martin DB9
"Yeah, cool car. Or you can get like a later like DB9 vert, Vellante 078. And that's still kind of 25."
Dodge Neon Srt4
"...stices are under 10 grand. Yeah, it just got me a neon SRT4, man, that's still cool. No mufflers."
Chrysler Crossfire
"Chrysler. Crossfire. I was just looking at what..."
Jeep Cherokees
"Yeah. O5 crossfires and O1 Cherokee's needing an 185 reserve is a fast track to not suddenly."
Mazda Miata
"...truth bombs. One car we haven't brought up yet is Miata. NCs are probably the buy."
Mazda Speed
"Right. What's a great O4 Mazda speed? That might be 25."
Nissan 350Z
"You know what I mean? That was like a 350Z motor, but sideways. More Chubaka."
Nissan Juke
"...1. I think I more frequently jumped in the Nissan Juke 6 speed, which was a delightful car."
Honda S2000
"... pregnant with her first kid and I had to sell my S2000, I was like, Hey, take a look at this car."
Aston Martin DB7 Vantage
"... ones kind of get lifted by the same forces. 0203 DB7 Vantage Coupe 6 speed. I think that's a car."
Ford Mustang
"Yeah, right. S-281, Celine Mustang. Is that good?"
Ford Gt350S
"...ar you say that the flat plane crank Mustang, the GT350s are cheaper because I've always really liked thos..."
Hyundai Satellite
"...ow, 2024. And it's like $200,000 for some special satellite. And then you're like $90, $8,300 for a $2,000 bo..."
Porsche Boxster
"Yeah. Very different way that you could get a boxster for that or she could get her Macon service. Four..."
Jaguar S Type
"Oh, yeah. The one that was the same platform as a Jaguar S type and a Ford Thunderbird. The V8 Thunderbird, retro..."
Ford Thunderbird
"...s the same platform as a Jaguar S type and a Ford Thunderbird. The V8 Thunderbird, retro Thunderbird, a car tha..."
Panoz Esperantes
"You missed. Hi, my old Panos Esperantes. And what else did we miss to them?"
Fiat Abarth 500S
"your listenership. Please send any feedback or additional, uh-oh, A-Barth, 500s. That's a cool looking car."
Mercedes-Benz SL
"...t's on the same depreciation curve as those, like SL 65s and S 65s or 18 V8 bentega. Look out."
Hyundai Genesis
"...packages, but it was a lot. Or just buy a Hyundai Genesis SUV in it. Base bill looks like it."
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