Battle of the under $30k V6's: Auto POI's first Comparison Preview

So the inspiration for this comparison is an actual comparison that me and my friends are genuinely having to decide which coupe works best for a twenty something year old to upgrade to from a Honda Civic.  We are going to be testing all four of these cars, but are currently looking at the numbers.  So this post will incorporate our research and opinions and our final verdict.
We narrowed our search down to these 4 vehicles which we felt could match our criteria: sporty coupes, with the V6 option, for around $30k.  We have an American muscle legend and in my opinion, the best of the big 3 American muscle cars, the Ford Mustang.  We have a newcomer that has been winning praise from many, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.  Then we have two coupes from Japan, the Altima coupe and the Accord Coupe.
So where to begin?  Let's start with our criteria for deciding the best of these cars:

• Performance: engine response/power, steering feel, and handling feel.
• Fit and Finish: interior and exterior styling, and options included within the budget.
• Value: overall monthly cost, fuel efficiency

So here are the preliminary numbers.
In engine power and torque:

1. Ford Mustang 3.7L V6 - Horsepower: 305 hp @ 6500 rpm - Torque: 280 ft-lbs. @ 4250 rpm
2. Hyundai Genesis 3.8L V6 - Horsepower: 290 hp @ 6200 rpm - Torque: 264 ft-lbs. @ 4500 rpm
3. Honda Accord 3.5L V6 - Horsepower: 271 hp @ 6200 rpm - Torque: 251 ft-lbs. @ 5000 rpm
4. Nissan Altima 3.5L V6 - Horsepower: 270 hp @ 6000 rpm - Torque: 258 ft-lbs.@ 4400 rpm

So power wise, they seem pretty evenly matched, but if I had to order how I think each one of these cars will respond, I think they will rank as currently listed.  The Genesis is the heaviest with a curb weight of almost 3,800 lbs.  The Accord and the Mustang come in between 3,400-3,500 lbs.  And the lightest of the bunch is the Altima weighing in at around 3,300 lbs.

On the side of performance, this comparison really should be separated into two categories, the "sporty" coupes and the sports car coupes.  The front wheel drive Altima and Accord should be categorized apart from the Mustang and Genesis which are more pure sports-coupes; having rear wheel drive and more aggressive suspension, transmission, and braking setups.

The real test will come when we drive these things, so stay tuned for the results, which will include how they look in person and how they feel while in the driver's seat.  Also, lease options help to seal the deal for Auto_POI's first comparison winner.

Posted in: accord,altima,genesis,mustang