Crazy cool coupes

I’ve written about my first car before. It was a used but beautiful sports coupe that my mother had bought me for my 16th birthday. I recently test drove two cool coupes and it brought back a lot of fond memories of those gaudy teenage years.

But while the two-door may not be the most practical vehicle for me decades ago, it’s easy to understand its fast and furious appeal.

After all, buying a sports car often involves a midlife crisis. There may still be room, or Vroom!—My future is to become a sports star.

ford mustang ecoboost

$33,000

MPG: 22 city/33 highway

0-60mph: 5.6 seconds

Cargo space: 13.5 cubic feet

Strong Points: Moxy the muscle car. Secure handling. A cabin packed with technology.

Cons: Perfect back seat. Expensive option. Intra-model competition.

In short: Launched in 1964, Ford hoped to sell 100,000 Mustangs a year. But capitalizing on the boomer zeitgeist, almost 700,000 units were sold in the first model year. The Mustang is currently the automaker’s longest-running nameplate and the world’s best-selling sports car.

It was the original “pony car” with a highly tested engine, long hood, and affordable price. Fortunately, the latest Mustang, recently redesigned and now in its seventh generation, remains true to its roots.

It also has an EcoBoost engine. These turbos were developed 15 years ago as a greener powerplant and are often used in base models. The latest EcoBoost, available in more than six variants, delivers 20 percent more fuel efficiency and 15 percent fewer emissions than other Ford engines. The original made just 122 horsepower, but today’s Mustang’s four-cylinder EcoBoost puts out 315 horsepower.

The only disappointment is the lack of a manual transmission. For that, you need to dig deeper into your wallet. A Mustang GT with a 486-horsepower V6 costs $50,000. And Boffo’s dark horse trim level, which boasts a 500-horsepower V8, costs $62,000. These MSRPs have no options, so they add up quickly.

But the Mustang EcoBoost has a lot more features, including LED headlights, keyless entry, smartphone integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A range of driver-assistance features are all standard, including blind-spot monitors, rear parking sensors, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning with automatic braking.

The stiff interior has been replaced by a modern techno cabin with better upholstery and soft-touch surfaces. Different configurations of the digital instrument panel can be displayed at the driver’s discretion. The larger 13.2-inch infotainment screen is also user-friendly.

These upgrades remind us of the Mustang Mach-E. Purists initially scoffed at the use of the Mustang label on a four-door electric SUV, but the Mach-E became the fourth-best-selling EV last year. Similar in price and acceleration to the traditional gas-powered “Stang,” the Mach-E is definitely just as fun. But when you add in the retro cool factor, there’s no comparison.

Subaru BRZ

$33,000

MPG: 20 city / 27 highway

0-60mph: 6.6 seconds

Cargo space: 6.3 cubic feet

Strong Points: sporty. Zippy. Fits anywhere.

Cons: Minimum ground clearance is low. Bouncy. small trunk.

In short: The Subaru BRZ may not have the vibe of a Ford Mustang, but this compact coupe still has a lot going for it.

Styling typical of Porsche. Precision steering. Power with a punch. Pricing is also consistent, with the top-of-the-line trim level coming in at less than $37,000.

Despite the BRZ’s petite dimensions, which are one-third smaller than the Mustang, it still has more passenger room than its Miata rival. As a tall driver, I appreciated the unexpectedly large headroom and legroom in the front seats.

But trunk space is another matter. It has less than half the storage space of the Mustang, so don’t expect to carry more than a few shopping bags. While you literally have to climb into certain jumbo SUVs and pickup trucks, the opposite is true for the low-slung BRZ. These seats are so close to the chassis that it feels like you’re sitting in a go-kart. Luckily, once I bent down and climbed into the cabin, it didn’t take me long to get used to the seating position.

Available in three trim levels, all feature rear-wheel drive, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, and Subaru’s famous EyeSight package (adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking). Masu. Step up to the Limited version and you’ll get larger wheels, heated seats, plush upholstery, additional safety equipment, and a better sound system. The performance-oriented tS features a sport-tuned suspension, premium Brembo brakes, dark gray metallic wheels, and sporty interior stitching.

Only one engine is available. A very capable 228 horsepower 4-cylinder. My test car was also equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, which added even more power.

The short wheelbase means the ride is firm yet controlled. And keeping the weight down on the BRZ must have meant reducing the amount of insulation installed. After all, quite a bit of road noise is noticeable, especially on the highway. But on the other hand, you can also hear the constant rumbling and revving of the engine, which is music to the ears of sports car enthusiasts.