Best Cars For Gearheads

‍7 Best Cars For Gearheads

Cars are a necessity for most people, but some people are in love with cars. They have a passion for cars and the mechanics that go into them. There is no denying that gearheads are a special breed of car enthusiasts who appreciate what makes your car tick.

When it comes to buying a new car, gearheads always have their eyes on the future. They want to know what the next big thing will be to make sure they're getting the best bang for their buck.

There are many different cars out there for gearheads, but some features make it easier to pick out the best one for you. A good vehicle for gearheads should have enough power to keep up with the speed at which they drive.

The cars on this list are all excellent choices for gearheads, but they vary in their level of performance. Continue reading below to see the seven best cars for gearheads and why you can find your next vehicle here.

1. 2011 BMW 335i Sedan

The 2011 BMW 335i Sedan is a V8-powered car with a peak torque of 400 lb-ft. It has an automatic transmission or manual six-speed transmission option, both of which produce 300 horsepower when paired with the V8 engine.

The rear-wheel-drive 2011 BMW 335i Sedan has an 0-60 MPH speed of 5.4 and 5.6 seconds, depending on the transmission type. You can also expect 300 horsepower and 5,800 RPM with excellent power and handling.

This car is perfect for enthusiasts who want a luxury ride with all the performance of a sports car. It has an adjustable suspension, a stiffer body, and more power than its predecessor. The interior of the car is also very comfortable and luxurious.

The 335i sedan is fast, fun, and has excellent handling. You can also expect an affordable price tag depending on wear, tear, and total mileage too. It's a powerful and luxurious sedan that has a lot of features that are perfect for someone who loves to tinker with their cars.

The 335i has a turbocharged engine, an eight-speed transmission, and adaptive suspension - all of which make it perfect for driving on the track or on a road trip around the country.

2. Fourth-Gen Volkswagen GTI

The fourth-generation GTI is one of the best cars for gearheads. It was released in 1997 as a notchback version vehicle with excellent speed and handling. The GTI's functionality, accessibility, and affordability make it a good car for drivers of all types.

While it doesn't have a ton of horsepower, this car is one of the best options for gearheads because you perform tons of modifications at low costs because parts are cheap and easy to find.

The GTI’s performance and excellent handling make it an ideal car for driving enthusiasts who want to get a lot of bang for their buck. This car also has plenty of features to keep the driver entertained.

Plus, there are plenty of aftermarket parts available to help you personalize your ride. This fourth-generation model was released between 1997-2003, and an extended production was granted until 2008 in some countries because of its popularity.

3. 2011 Ford Mustang V6

The 2011 Ford Mustang V6 is an excellent car for gearheads who want a powerful engine without breaking the bank. Everything about this vehicle is appealing, including the all-black 19-inch wheels.

The 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 305 horsepower is more than enough to make this car fly, and it's still an affordable option compared to some of the other cars on the market. The interior is spacious, well laid out, and comfortable.

The engine is powerful and fuel-efficient, giving the car an excellent combination of speed and efficiency. It has a sleek design featuring modern touches like LED headlights, projector beams, and chrome accents.

4. Acura Integra (1994–2001)

Despite being out of production, the Acura Integra is still a great car to buy. Recent news suggests it will be making a return in 2023, though, and it is known for a simple frame design that provides sporty handling and speed.

The asking price on an Acura Integra has seen a considerable rise in recent years, so be sure to get one while you still can. But the investment is worth it because it tends to be easier to customize and lasts for many miles.

The engine is a four-cylinder 130 horsepower in perfect condition, and most models also come equipped with front-wheel drive. With new 2023 models still being released, these classics will only continue to grow in value over time.

If you are looking for a fantastic car that is reliable and affordable, the Acura Integra should definitely be at the top of your list.

5. Nissan 300ZX (1990–1996)

The Nissan 300ZX is an older model that offers lower cost and higher performance. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fast car on a budget. However, you should expect a higher modification budget because some of its features are outdated today.

This sports car is one of the most iconic cars of the 1990s. It features a sleek exterior design with wide fenders, an aerodynamic body shape, and an aggressive front fascia with a prominent grille.

Nissan's 300ZX has a different gearbox from other vehicles which allowed for better performance at higher speeds, but also came with some disadvantages such as the need for more maintenance and repairs.

The 300ZX is known for its sharp handling and performance, but the engine isn't the only thing that makes it special - its design is also very unique. It was also not a mass release, with only a few thousand domestic sales each year from 1990 to 1996.

6. Mazda Miata (Any)

The Mazda Miata is one of the most popular cars on the market, with an even 50/50 weight ratio. It's a low-key car that's simple, easy to drive, and affordable. The Miata has a focus on drivability rather than performance or raw power.

You'll want to look for a Miata from the late 1990s to the early 2000s to save some money. Newer models are still effective, but the price tag adds up quickly. The motor swaps in the Miata offer some insane power-to-weight ratios for an affordable price tag.

This car has become iconic over time due to its versatility and affordability. It offers an affordable price point with powerful performance while maintaining its sporty driving capabilities.

With its lightweight design and impressive power output, it’s no wonder that this vehicle has been one of the most popular sports cars on the market over the past few decades.

7. Honda Civic Si (Any)

The Honda Civic Si is a good car for gearheads. The engine is solid and pumps out 160 horsepower. It's reliable, so parents should feel comfortable with this car as their first purchase for the young driver in their life.

The interior of the Honda Civic Si is also very comfortable and user-friendly, thanks to its modern design and high-quality materials used in its construction. The seats are spacious, supportive, and have power adjustments for your driving pleasure.

Honda Civics gained tons of popularity for gearheads because of movies like The Fast & Furious and the presence they had in these films. Since that film was released, the Civic consistently ranks near the top of any list for gearheads.

The Honda Civic Si is a perfect example of a car that can be customized in an infinite number of ways. It comes with an extensive list of customizable accessories and parts that allow you to create your own unique vehicle.

What Makes A Good Car For Gearheads?

There are a few essential things to consider when looking for a good gearhead car. The availability of parts is critical, as is the time it takes to fix a problem. A car is a significant investment, and these factors vary based on the driver.

Some gearheads like cars with a manual transmission, and others might prefer an automatic one. You also can look for an older sports car while others would opt for something more practical.

Consider these factors about the vehicle below to ensure you find a car you can count on. Gearheads are a unique community, and the vehicles they buy have specific features that make them stand out from others.

Fun To Drive

A good car for gearheads has the power to handle the speed and torque of a powerful engine. This makes it fun to drive and includes features like a manual transmission, an independent suspension, and a large engine displacement.

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about cars for gearheads is an older classic muscle car. You want your vehicle to have an engine with sufficient displacement to generate torque at high RPMs.

However, the exact vehicle type can vary. Anything that can generate high speeds and allow a fun driving experience would suit a gearhead.

Simple Layout

When looking for the best car for a gearhead, you want to find a vehicle with a simple layout and design. The vehicle should be able to provide the engine with enough power and torque to meet the driver's needs.

The car should be simple and easy to use. The gearhead should be able to focus on driving and modifications and not worry about putting a complex vehicle back together. This is especially true for beginners too.

You want something that is easy to maintain and modify but also provides plenty of performance in terms of speed and handling.

Highly Customizable

When finding the best car for a gearhead, you want to find a highly-customizable vehicle with many modifications. A car with lots of aftermarket parts will allow you to make it your own and make sure it fits your needs.

Cars like these are usually found in the performance category of vehicles. However, some cars in the luxury category also have similar features because they are more expensive than their performance counterparts.

These modifications can include performance upgrades and aesthetic changes. You can choose from a wide range of brands and models, but some brands have better customization options than others.

Affordable

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a car, but if you have the budget, then you should consider buying a used car. It is best to search only for relatively cheap and affordable cars.

We tend to recommend a budget of around $10,000, especially if you are new to project cars. This takes away the risk and gives you more freedom to tinker with the body and under the hood.

Since you are searching for a used car, this budget can get you a reliable vehicle with lots of potentials. You should also look into what the aftermarket parts cost for the vehicle you are interested in.

Verdict: What’s The Best Car For Gearheads?

The BMW 335i Sedan is the best car for gearheads. It has a powerful engine and a sleek body, and it is easy to customize. However, the Honda Civic Si (Any) is the most versatile to customize.

The Civic Si is a perfect car for gearheads that need to stretch and budget. The 335i Sedan, on the other hand, has a powerful engine and outstanding performance, but it is slightly more expensive too.

However, both of these vehicles are affordable compact cars that offer drivers a lot of options for customization. It comes with a number of standard features, but it also has the capability to be tweaked and developed by enthusiasts.

If you prefer something with a sports car feel, the 335i is the no-brainer choice. But if you prefer to skip over the fancy features and opt for something that you can tinker around with a lot, the Civic Si is the best choice.