These Are the 9 Best Cars I've Ever Driven
Doug DeMuro · 2026-07-12
💡 Quick Take
1. Audi B5 RS4 Avant – balanced 400 hp turbo‑V6, precise chassis, fun wagon.
2. Lamborghini Countach – iconic sound and emotion, heavy clutch/steering, vintage charm.
3. Pagani Zonda – mid‑engine, excellent manual transmission, more driver‑focused than the Huayra.
4. Honda S2000 – razor‑sharp shifter‑clutch, high‑rev balance, pure road‑car feel.
5. Mazda FD RX‑7 – rotary engine smoothness, lightweight handling, striking design.
6. McLaren P1 GTR – only automatic on the list, balanced despite extreme power, superb steering and sound.
7. Porsche 992 911 ST – limited‑edition, flawless clutch‑shifter, precise dynamics, premium price.
8. Porsche 991 911 R – similar to the ST but more understated, excellent driver engagement.
9. Porsche Carrera GT – mid‑engine precision, upgraded suspension/tires, legendary shifter‑clutch feel.
10. Ferrari F50 – top‑ranked, lightweight, rare, unmatched shifter‑clutch experience.
11. Shifter‑clutch feel is the core metric Doug uses to rank driving enjoyment.
12. Preference for mid‑engine, well‑balanced cars that aren’t over‑powered.
13. Cars & Bids platform offers higher market value than dealer trade‑ins for enthusiast cars.
14. Dealer trade‑in offers typically undervalue specialty cars.
15. Ford GT – great straight‑line performance, reliable daily driver, but not a top‑driving experience.
16. Porsche 911 Turbo – practical family car, reliable, not in the top‑driving list.
17. Buying advice: weigh emotional appeal, balance, and practicality when choosing a performance car.
📊 Detailed Explanation
1. Audi B5 RS4 Avant – Doug praises the B5 platform for its “great steering responsiveness” and “overall chassis” that feels “a light year newer” than his earlier RS2. The turbo‑V6 delivers roughly 400 hp, providing “the right amount of power” and “engine smoothness.” It isn’t the fastest or the most precise handling car, but it hits a sweet spot of predictability and fun, making it “one of the all‑time great wagons.” Compared to rivals, it offers more balanced dynamics than many early‑2000s sport sedans while retaining wagon practicality.
2. Lamborghini Countach – Despite “heavy clutch” and “heavy steering,” the Countach wins on pure emotion. Doug says no modern car matches its “carbureted‑Italian noise,” calling it “the most emotional vintage driving experience.” It lacks modern amenities (tiny wood‑rimmed steering wheel, lap belts only, no radio), yet those quirks add to its charm. Compared to Ferraris or American muscle of its era, its raw, unrefined character makes it uniquely thrilling.
3. Pagani Zonda – The Zonda’s manual transmission and “shifter clutch” are highlighted as “excellent.” Its mid‑engine layout provides “great balance,” unlike the later Huayra, which Doug finds “too big, too aggressive, too powerful.” The Zonda is praised as a true enthusiast car, delivering a more “dialed‑in” sports‑car feel than its hyper‑car successor.
4. Honda S2000 – Doug loves the S2000 for its “wonderful balance,” “incredible steering,” and especially its “shifter clutch” that makes “working at high revs fun.” He contrasts it with the NSX, noting the NSX’s clutch feels “a little bigger.” The S2000’s “relatively powerful” engine paired with a “predictable chassis” creates a “magic” driving experience that rewards driver involvement.
5. Mazda FD RX‑7 – The FD is described as “a more Miata” – lighter, more powerful, and with a “rotary power” that offers “unbelievably smooth” revving. Its design is called “the most beautiful Japanese car of all time,” adding an emotional layer beyond the Miata’s ubiquity. Compared to contemporaries like the 3000GT, 300ZX, Supra, or NSX, the RX‑7 delivers similar performance but with lower weight and superior handling feel.
6. McLaren P1 GTR – The only automatic on the list, the P1 GTR still feels “balanced” despite “over‑wrought and unnecessary” power. Doug highlights “amazing steering,” “exhaust and intake sound,” and a “visceral” driving feel that surpasses other hypercars such as the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Its price of “3‑4 million $” makes it a “personal roller coaster” for the ultra‑wealthy.
7. Porsche 992 911 ST – A limited‑edition model that “delivers the experience” with a “great clutch, shifter, balance, and right level of aggressiveness.” Doug laments owners who flip them for “double the sticker price” ($650‑$750 k) but believes the driving experience justifies the premium. It stands out among modern cars for its pure driver‑focused dynamics.
8. Porsche 991 911 R – Slightly more subtle than the ST, the 991 R offers “similar good car” qualities with a “better look and ethos.” It is praised for its “precision” and “driving experience,” making it a close competitor to the newer ST.
9. Porsche Carrera GT – Doug emphasizes its “mid‑engine, balanced” nature and “surgical preciseness.” After upgrading to “modern suspension” and “modern tires,” the car’s earlier criticisms (original suspension, tires) are mitigated. The “shifter clutch” is described as “buttery smooth, easy, just perfect,” and the lack of a flywheel enables rapid rev‑matching, creating a “perfect rev‑matched downshift” that epitomizes driving perfection.
10. Ferrari F50 – Ranked #1, the F50 is “lightweight, nimble” despite a “carbon‑fiber body” that looks “over‑wrought.” It shares the “greatest shifter clutch feel ever” with the Carrera GT. Its rarity (“four times rarer”) and emerging market appreciation make it a “special driving experience” that even the Carrera GT can’t surpass.
11. Shifter‑clutch feel – Throughout the video, Doug stresses that a “great shifter clutch” turns a good car into a “magical” one. He cites the S2000, Zonda, Carrera GT, and F50 as examples where the tactile feel elevates the entire experience.
12. Preference for mid‑engine, balanced cars – Doug repeatedly notes his love for “mid‑engine cars” and “well‑balanced overall cars,” avoiding overly powerful or “lazy” vehicles. This criterion underpins his rankings.
13. Cars & Bids platform – The video opens with a promotion: selling enthusiast cars on Cars & Bids yields “market value” versus dealer trade‑ins, which “leave you with less cash.” The platform shows recent sales that compare favorably to trade‑in offers.
14. Dealer trade‑in undervaluation – Doug highlights that “trading in your car to dealers means you aren’t getting market value,” reinforcing the benefit of using specialist marketplaces.
15. Ford GT – While not in the top‑driving list, the Ford GT provides “great straight‑line car,” “good through corners,” “iconic look,” and “daily‑able supercar” qualities, making it a versatile addition to his garage.
16. Porsche 911 Turbo – Mentioned as a practical family vehicle: “reliable, easy, practical,” but not a contender for the pure driving experience rankings.
17. Buying advice – Doug’s overall message: consider “emotion, balance, shifter‑clutch feel, and practicality” when selecting a performance car, rather than focusing solely on horsepower or straight‑line speed.
🎯 Automotive Expert Opinion
From a value‑versus‑experience standpoint, the list showcases a spectrum from affordable, driver‑focused machines (S2000, FD RX‑7) to ultra‑exclusive hypercars (F50, P1 GTR). The S2000 and FD RX‑7 deliver the highest “bang for the buck” because they combine razor‑sharp manuals, lightweight chassis, and distinctive engine characters at a fraction of the cost of a modern supercar. They suit enthusiasts who relish the tactile engagement of a clutch and enjoy weekend track days without the maintenance headaches of a rotary‑engine car.
The mid‑engine exotic staples (Carrera GT, F50, Zonda, P1 GTR) justify their sky‑high price tags only for collectors who prioritize rarity, visceral sound, and the emotional halo effect. The Carrera GT and F50, especially after modern suspension and tire upgrades, offer a near‑track‑day experience that few road‑legal cars can match, making them ideal for buyers seeking a museum‑grade supercar that still feels usable.
For those balancing daily usability with performance, the Audi B5 RS4 Avant and Porsche 911 ST provide a rare blend of practicality and driver‑centric dynamics. The RS4’s wagon practicality and the 911 ST’s limited‑edition exclusivity appeal to buyers who need a usable vehicle but refuse to compromise on engagement.
Finally, the Lamborghini Countach and the Ford GT illustrate that emotional appeal can outweigh pure performance. The Countach’s raw, analog character makes it a collector’s dream for purists, while the Ford GT offers a more approachable supercar experience for enthusiasts who also need a reliable daily driver.
In summary, match the car to the buyer’s priority:
- Pure driving feel & affordability – Honda S2000, Mazda FD RX‑7.
- Balanced performance with everyday usability – Audi B5 RS4 Avant, Porsche 911 ST.
- Mid‑engine precision and collector value – Porsche Carrera GT, Ferrari F50, Pagani Zonda.
- Emotional, heritage‑driven ownership – Lamborghini Countach, Ford GT.
Buyers should also leverage specialist marketplaces like Cars & Bids to capture true market value, avoiding the typical depreciation associated with dealer trade‑ins.
Kanal: Doug DeMuro