I've tried to think of some alternatives to a GTA or A610 Turbo. Mostly coupes of roughly the same vintage (late 80's - mid 90's) and in the £5K to £12K maximum price range.
Mazda RX-7 (engine wear? accomodation?)
Lotus Esprit (pricey, cramped?, a bit angular?)
older Porsche 911 (still pricey)
Porsche 944 Turbo (is it better than a GTA though?)
E36 BMW M3 (seems a good choice but the styling doesn't excite and they're everywhere)
VW Corrado VR6 (good car but slighty ordinary?)
Audi S2 (ditto)
Toyota Supra Twin Turbo (heavy, a bit macho / naff )
Nissan Skyline GT-R (hugely capable but ordinary looking)
Mitsubishi GTO (boulevard cruiser?)
Nissan 300ZX (a touch of the Supra/ GTO issues)
Lancia Delta Integrale (lust! ... but steering wheel 'over yonder', good ones pricey)
Subaru Impreza / Mitsubishi Evo (not keen on the looks / image)
I haven't owned or even driven that many interesting cars in my 25 year driving history but I can't think of much that I would replace a GTA with. I considered an M535i and 944 Turbo before buying a GTA but I bought a GTA because that's what appealed the most. Corrados and Integrales and the twin turbo Supra have been tempting to me but I think if I stopped procrastinating and took the plunge, I'd still want a GTA as well (which sort of defeats the point of change
).
What else have you enjoyed driving as much as or more than a GTA or A610?
Is there anything else sensibly priced that could tempt you away?
Do we overrate these cars while the world in general seems to underrate them?