Which car has the wildest variation from base model to top trim?

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Ritch85@reddit

C6 Corvette. Base model, Stingray, Z06, ZR1, and 427

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giantusername@reddit

The big three's pickups. Bare bones work truck vs platinum, denali etc.

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Spicywolff@reddit

Have to agree. From rubber floors, wind up windows. To raptor and TRX trips and e en MEGA CABS!! Now

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Personally every car except maybe ultra luxury should have the vinyl floors. Aftermarket rubber floormats are the first things I always do to my cars. Everything else on base trims is definitely lower tier than higher models though.

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Spicywolff@reddit

I don’t think I would go that far. because the carpet even on an economy car does help soak up some NVH. And every little bit helps with non-luxury cars.

Oh yeah, I’m all weather mats are really nice to keep the carpet in good condition

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franzn@reddit

Idk, I never had any complaints when I had my XLT f150 work truck. I think without carpet manufacturers would have just found better ways to help with NVH. The carpet on my previous work truck was destroyed from the mud at my old job so personally I'd rather have the vinyl but nice that we can add it back it with the rubber floor mats.

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anomalous_cowherd@reddit

You can put sound deadening under vinyl just as much as under carpet.

My old boss had a top of the line Range Rover which he actually used off road and had all the carpets and seats replaced with hose-downable materials but it still felt 'luxury'.

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evilspoons@reddit

While that is true, carpet itself is also an excellent sound deadening material. It's the first thing you put in a home theatre room if you want to improve sound quality when you're in a house with hardwood floors.

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anomalous_cowherd@reddit

Oh, it's a better general solution for sure. I was just saying that it's possible to compensate for vinyl's lack of sound deadening by adding more layers, it's just more expensive than carpet.

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nitros99@reddit

The sound deadening is not just about reducing the noise for the exterior. What the carpet will do that most hard surfaces won’t is to absorb excess noises and prevent echoing that are in the cabin. That was the point of talking about carpet in a home theater, you just want to hear the sound coming directly from the speaker and not the echos coming off all the other surfaces in the room.

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Spicywolff@reddit

On work trucks, I can excuse getting rid of the carpet because they’re supposed to be tough and easy to clean. But on everything else, I don’t think the general public would go for it.

I had a company Chevy Colorado with a stick shift and rubber floor. That thing was noisy and loud and then when I test drove one at the Chevy dealership when I started working there. A normal consumer spec four-door version.

It was so much nicer than a stripper model. The company had given me.

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RogerMiller6@reddit

Today I learned the acronym ‘NVH’, lol. I’m assuming ‘Noise, Vibration and Heat’? Because I was going to comment on WHY carpet became an upgrade…

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GrynaiTaip@reddit

Why would anyone use an acronym like that at all?

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evilspoons@reddit

Because when you're in the car industry and you're trying to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness in the cabin it's a lot easier to say NVH than "noise, vibration, and harshness"? It's the same as any other acronym. It's coined by the people who need it then it proliferates to a wider audience.

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Spicywolff@reddit

I learned it from watching motor trend back in the day. And until I got into a luxury car, I didn’t understand the importance of it. I just assumed turn the radio up more.

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CandidArmavillain@reddit

It is honestly crazy how much it varies between luxury cars and regular cars. I can hear the anemic 2.5l struggling in my 2013 outback if my radio isn't cranked up. My 25 year old land rover essentially has open headers on one side of the V8 and I can barely hear it with the radio off

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Spicywolff@reddit

Oh, the gap is enormous. When I started to learn how to drive we had a Suzuki samurai soft top. Even something “lowly” like a Camry had such a better cabin feel it. It blew me away when I first got into one and started driving. Then getting into a 90’s 7 series was like being in a library.

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gusdagrilla@reddit

My grandmas 90's 750il will always be the benchmark of "driveable" cars for me. Butter smooth acceleration, quiet to the point of normal conversation being possible at 90+, and just incredibly comfortable.

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Nephroidofdoom@reddit

The old German Super Sedans were something else. My Dad had a Mercedes 560 SEL and I’ve never driven anything like it since.

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Spicywolff@reddit

Maybe it’s nostalgia glasses but dang do 90’s luxury set the bar.

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gusdagrilla@reddit

It's not, the german manufacturers were just making better cars back then. My '95 318ti is as bottom of the barrel as a BMW could be back then and it STILL hits the notes that made a BMW a BMW.

Gorgeous handling, driver feel like nothing else, a real feeling of quality when you fiddle with the buttons/close the door/shift gears/etc, and most importantly the smell!

A BMW from that era will always feel like a BMW for lack of better words.

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Spicywolff@reddit

Small world. We had an 85 318i 4 cyl. With a manual sunroof lol. It was such a nice car, even being old. I miss when cars had manual buttons and not a giant IPad

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gusdagrilla@reddit

Those were beauts. The E30 era is unmatched.

We brought my sister home from the hospital in a 70’s 2002. Same damn feeling that the cars going onward had until the mid 00’s.

I miss those cars too. I just hope and pray we’ll get some new stripped down sports cars soon. A modern OG Miata would do numbers in my mind.

Thanks for the nostalgia fuel dude. Those old BMW’s are such visceral cars, they really stick to your soul.

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Spicywolff@reddit

My grandfather and his younger daughter had a 2002 turbo which he used a rally drive back in Latin America. My family tells me when it was running. He was always at the top of the pack. But when it actually was running lol

Honestly, if I could buy another 318 from that era, I would. I’d make sure it has the bottle cap style wheels as well.

Thanks to you too. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to chat about old BMW’s.

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_iwishiknew@reddit

Noise, Vibration, Harshness

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gdnws@reddit

The carpet and foam makes an incredible difference in the amount of cabin noise. I drove my car around a little last year without the passenger side foot well carpet and the accompanying foam backing and I felt as if I could hear everything. When I first started it up I thought I had an exhaust leak it was so much louder in the cabin. Now granted this era of Volvo is probably considered premium rather than luxury but there is still several inches of insulation between the interior and the noisy bits.

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Spicywolff@reddit

Yeah, it’s a huge difference and I would honestly not buy a card. I didn’t have it today. Even when I fold the rear seat seats that loan makes a big difference too.

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Hokie23aa@reddit

I don’t get aftermarket rubber floor mats only because the carpet ones are good for wiping my feet off when it’s raining so I don’t slip my feet on the pedals.

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evilspoons@reddit

You clearly don't live in a cold part of the world. Carpet gets clogged up with slush and snow and turns into a huge lump of ice that gets in the way of your feet. Rubber mats, just take them out, tap them off, and you're good to go.

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mimaikin-san@reddit

I have weatherTech mats and they are hard/tough plastic buckets that contain all the dirt & snow melt from my shoes/boots. My vehicle is over a decade old but the interior is so clean, friends think I must Uber or something.

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footpole@reddit

Why should all cars have vinyl floors? I don’t agree, sounds bad.

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luke10050@reddit

Rubber floormats cause my knees to hurt as they have no give when you rotate your foot between brake and accelerator and also put a bit of load back on the knee joint.

I wanted to like them, but the grippiness causes me problems

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tysonfromcanada@reddit

certainly every pickup should have the vinyl floors so you can hose them out. Carpet sucks in those

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the_humeister@reddit

They still make cars with roll up windows?

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Spicywolff@reddit

I think the Mitsubishi Mirage still offers wind up windows and so do the fleet model bare-bones fleet trucks.

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zukiguy@reddit

Mitsubishi ditched them in 2022. No trucks currently offer cranks anymore. Ram (and Jeep) got rid of them last year (2024), Ford in 2022, Chevy in 2021.

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Spicywolff@reddit

So kinda recently all USA sold ditched them. Makes sense in nearly 2026

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Drzhivago138@reddit

Yes, in most of those cases only the absolute base model regular cabs had cranks, and going to any other cab or adding a value package would include power windows all around. So it was cheaper to just make them standard than continue to make different door panels.

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Figgler@reddit

Base model Wranglers have always come with hand crank windows I think

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LearningDumbThings@reddit

or zip-up.

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franzn@reddit

I think they just killed the manual Windows. Iirc they were the last cars in the USA with them.

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adudeguyman@reddit

I had no idea you could get wind up windows on anything anymore.

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Spicywolff@reddit

Someone else commented that the big guys stop making wind up windows around 2023. But that’s kind of recent compared to how long they’ve been offered.

It makes sense because even on a work truck you expect electric windows nowadays

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adudeguyman@reddit

I did not realize that power windows were associated with American culture.

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Spicywolff@reddit

We’re Americans were fat and lazy. We can’t be bothered to crank up the window.

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maxlax02@reddit

And massaging seats

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Spicywolff@reddit

Trucks have those now? I thought that was a sedan and SUV thing.

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evilspoons@reddit

You can buy trucks at the mid $100k mark - they're luxury status items. Very little work is done in them. Makes sense to just bolt the same massaging seats from the truck-based SUV into the truck.

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Spicywolff@reddit

Oh, I know how expensive they can get. I worked at Chevy. But when I was there, even the high country didn’t have massaging seats.

Yeah, shiny hitch, automatic deploying, running board boards, and a truck bed as clean as the day it was delivered. Americans can try to hide the fact that their glamour vehicles but at some point we have to laugh at how ridiculous it is.

You just want a luxury SUV, but you wanna look rough and tough so you gotta pick up truck.

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evilspoons@reddit

Yeah, apparently the F-150 has massaging seats on the King Ranch and Platinum, the Sierra has them on the Denali Ultimate (maybe lower trims too, the site gives me a headache so I stopped looking), the Tundra has them on the Platinum and Capstone...

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Spicywolff@reddit

Makes sense for what Americans want from trucks. They want the feel of luxury but can’t accept they want luxury lol

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Krankjanker@reddit

The F-150 beats out the other two easily. From a 2-door, RWD single cab long bed XL, all the way up to the crew cab Raptor-R.

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ghunt81@reddit

Super Duty. Think of a base model gas V8 single cab with vinyl seats and rubber floors, vs. a King Ranch crew cab dually diesel that probably costs double.

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deleted_by_reddit@reddit

[removed]

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Rule 3: "No memes, trolling, copypasta, or low-quality joke posts or comments."

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JohnDoee94@reddit

Feel like this is the answer. You can easily quadruple the cost form base to top trim and they sell thousands at both trims. It’s not like a 1 off top trim that’s super exclusive.

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AnonymousEngineer_@reddit

Devil's advocate, but you can quadruple the cost from the bottom to top trims in a lot of vehicles, especially with the European makes. Consider the difference between a base model 3 Series and an M3CS, or even a 911 Carrera compared with a 911 ST (and likely the GT2RS everyone knows is coming).

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Dp04@reddit

An ST is not quadruple the price of a base 911. It’s not triple either.

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RedBaron180@reddit

Base 911 is 120k. S/T are swapping hands in the 600k+ range… so math says …

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Dp04@reddit

Except an S/T retailed at $290k. Using secondary market pricing is completely disingenuous for the topic at hand, or the answer is Ferrari 250 and we can all go home.

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JohnDoee94@reddit

Yes but my second point was the sales volume between base and top trim for the trucks. Not many M3CS and 911 STs out there.

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ToastRocket@reddit

A 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 had 215 hp and was ~40k. The CLK-GTR had 622 hp and cost north of $1.5M, making it the most expensive production car at the time.

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GrynaiTaip@reddit

Those are different cars.

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PotatoDrives@reddit

CLK-GTR

I feel like a homologation special that was limited to a couple dozen examples and not even really available to the public doesn't count lol

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lordtema@reddit

You have the CLK Black Series and the CLK DTM though.

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Aroused_Pepperoni@reddit

The GTR was definitely not just a “top trim” of the CLK

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JohnDoee94@reddit

Yes. Consider reading and understanding the entire point of my comment.

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ToastRocket@reddit

The post asked “where the top trim is so different from the base they may as well be different cars.”

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JohnDoee94@reddit

Yes, I know. It’s besides the point I was making.

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Skitt64@reddit

Absolutely this. The Ranger and Taco go so far as to offer a multi-link rear or leaf springs depending on trim.

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C0git0@reddit

Just a pig in lipstick

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nickgeorge25@reddit

From a base Silverado 1500 WT to an Escalade V.

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rob_s_458@reddit

My dad had a 1994 C1500 WT, standard cab, 6 ft short bed. Vinyl bench seat with the saddle blanket cover, uncarpeted floors, crank windows. I'm glad I got to drive it when I learned to drive.

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The_Qui@reddit

Without a doubt the C-class mercs. From a base C to the C63 AMG black Series. There are so many variations, engine sizes, and options to choose from.

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alpine240@reddit

And the CLK-GTR.

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ToastRocket@reddit

I think this is the real answer. A 1998 CLK 320 had 215 hp and was ~40k. The CLK-GTR had 622 hp and cost north of $1.5M, making it the most expensive production car at the time.

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CoachMcMillan@reddit

CLK GTR only shares the name "CLK" and lights & grille with the base model. Kind of like NASCAR Toyota Camry vs the actual one.

Had they at least the same dimensions it would be a valid answer but it's just a different vehicle whatsoever. CLK probably has more in common with Chrysler 300 than with CLK GTR

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zinten789@reddit

GTR is worth $10 million now, a beat up 320 is worth whatever it takes to tow it.

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ToastRocket@reddit

Sure. I just listed the prices when they were both new.

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RoneliKaneli@reddit

CLK 200 had 136 hp.

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jcforbes@reddit

That power gain is still absolutely nothing compared to the Renault 5's 36hp and the Renault 5 Turbo over 300hp.

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dj_5205@reddit

I cannot believe I had to scroll this down for the only correct answer.

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CineSuppa@reddit

This was another great contender. I had a W203 C32 AMG that was a pretty great car all around. Wild there’s a variant that’s a 1.8L, more wild that the overall chassis design is found in the Black Series and onward to the CLK DTM and even the CLK GTR.

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404-NoFucksFound@reddit

Not really a top trim situation, but when the supercharged chevy cobalt came out, they had 3 dealer installed stage upgrades available. Stage 1 and 2 were pretty standard: tune, better intercooling, pulley drop, etc. Then stage 3 (which was legitimately provided by GM), had a 100 octane base tune, A/C delete, adjustable rev limiter and base calibration for fucking nitrous. 205 stock->260(+50 shot).

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ChasedWarrior@reddit

Maybe the 911? The base Carrera to the GT 3 series they are all quite different.

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Virtual_Industry8553@reddit (OP)

Very true. I'd throw the Cayman in too, that GT4 RS is wild.

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admiralhipper@reddit

Signed in to make this comment. You made it first.

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Thitn@reddit

GT3 RS isnt even the top model, R, S/T, Sports Classic, Turbo S Exclusive Series, the one of Sally Carrera, and a few other extremelly limited runs, the 911 line up is really something.

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agray20938@reddit

A RUF isn't a Porsche, its a standalone model with a different VIN.

Either way, RWB isn't the same operation as all of the others in your list. The only thing RWB is actively involved in is body kits (and installing them). At most I think they also sell wheels, but everything else in terms of restoration, mods, performance, etc. is handled by whoever owns the car. Basically, RWB is closer to Liberty Walk than they are to Singer or Guntherwerks.

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zach_goodwin@reddit

Nah gt3 rs would be the top model right after the gt2 rs, in terms of how wild it is and it’s performance

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that_guy_who_@reddit

Base Carrera to GT2RS Clubsport

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Astramael@reddit

If you’re counting price it probably is Porsche if you also count options. You can do absolutely silly things to the price of a high end 911 with options.

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aquatone61@reddit

What’s crazy is Porsche will let you put a silly amount options on whatever trim you want.

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DefDefTotheIOF@reddit

Basically any Porsche where every thing is an option and there's hundreds of them. It took me a good month to finalize the build on mine, where-as every other car I had I was able to decide in a day.

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Viperlite@reddit

There are a hell of a lot of variations within that model.

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squidwardsdicksucker@reddit

Great choice, and really any Porsche.

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BoomerBillionaires@reddit

911 and Huracan come to mind

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bigcee42@reddit

Definitely Mustang.

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Ghost17088@reddit

If we’re counting the GTD, then yeah, that’s the thread.

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zinten789@reddit

No way, cuz if you count the GTD then we gotta count the CLK GTR

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LordofSpheres@reddit

GTD isn't a homologation car, it's just a road car with some tech inspired by/vaguely pulled from the GT3 class car. The CLK was specifically meant to be the race car first and have turn signals glued in second - the GTD was only ever a road/track car.

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zinten789@reddit

Totally fair as the definition is hazy, but in my book, marketed under the same name around the same time = same car. They called both the CLK 320 and the CLK GTR that for a reason.

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agray20938@reddit

That'd mean a GTD and a Mustang Mach-E are the "same car" too

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ToastRocket@reddit

The CLK 320 to CLK-GTR still has this smoked

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agray20938@reddit

Yeah but it's not really fair to call those the same "model" even if they share the CLK name. They share about the same number of parts as a Lamborghini Diablo and a 300zx do.

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Substantial_Run5435@reddit

Don’t forget they made 4-cylinder CLKs for some markets. There was a CLK200 and CLK200K.

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AnonymousEngineer_@reddit

The difference isn't nearly as stark with the Mustang as with the WRC homologation specials in the Group B era. For example the Peugeot 205 ranged from this base model to the 205 T16.

The Austin/MG Metro went from this econobox all the way to the M6 Metro 6R4.

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leebe_friik@reddit

From 43 hp (1.0l NA XE/XL models) to 523 hp (1.9 liter T16 in race configuration)

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PanVidla@reddit

The T16 version also had AWD and transversely mounted engine in the middle, so it was not just more powerful, it drove completely differently than the road versions. It really just had a similar chassis, otherwise it was a radically different car.

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Riverrattpei@reddit

Sticking with homologation specials there's also the CLK 200 compared to the CLK GTR

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BeardBootsBullets@reddit

The difference between a base Boxster and the Spyder is pretty shocking, too.

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maxlax02@reddit

Gotta be the CLK if we count the GTR the only thing left is the front fascia.

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carmeiser@reddit

Iirc the taillights were the same, and something else, I believe the exterior door handles, were also the same, and that was it. Everything else was changed to some degree.

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ninjamike808@reddit

I was just thinking, imagine going from a base imprezza to an STI back in the day. Though probably not as crazy as a base mustang to the GTD.

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dphoenix1@reddit

Or the Renault 5 Turbo, or the Clio V6 RS! Not for Group B, but still wild.

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MattWolf96@reddit

My dad initially didn't believe me when I said that you could get the Mustang with a 4-cylinder.

This type of thing isn't new though. You could get Camaro's back in the 80's with the Iron Duke.

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McKnackus@reddit

Shoot, not to mention the Mustang SVO, a turbo 4-cylinder from the 80s. And it was just about as powerful as the GT at the time.

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Frothy_discharge@reddit

I feel like not calling the new 4 cyl mustang an SVO was a huge miss.

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LordofSpheres@reddit

For like two years, until they brought out the 255hp 5.0HO. but yeah, the fox SVOs were cool cars, they're always calling to me from Facebook marketplace.

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ISTBU@reddit

My buddy had a 4-cylinder Fox body back in high school in the early 2000s, it was fun to beat on but what a dog of a car.

Ford's always made a "cheap one!"

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Rusty-P@reddit

My mother had an ‘88 2.3L Mustang until fairly recently. No turbo.

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AmNoSuperSand52@reddit

Yeah how many cars have a price variation over 10x the cost of the base model

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ToastRocket@reddit

A 1998 CLK 320 was ~$40k and the CLK-GTR was more than $1.5M. Roughly a 38x difference.

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zinten789@reddit

And nowadays you can find a beat up CLK320 for $1000 and a CLK GTR costs $10 million. So roughly a 1000x difference.

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Bowwowchickachicka@reddit

I've had this in my head for years. It's crazy how expensive a Mustang can be and you still have to say you drive a Mustang. If the hot red head at the bar doesn't know what a Shelby, a Dark Horse, or a GTD means then they just think you drive a regular Mustang.

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Upbeat-Armadillo1756@reddit

Yeah I mean it’s that or you can pay double for a 911.

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Which_Initiative_882@reddit

You say that like people think the mustang has the street cred of a base model civic... Hot red head is still going to know what a mustang and probably wont dismiss it out of turn unless shes a chevy gal.

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Bowwowchickachicka@reddit

You can buy a Mustang for mid $30k. You can buy a Civic for mid $30k. When the parking lot contains a McLaren 750S and a Rolls Royce Ghost, that Mustang sounds bargain basement to those outside the loop. There is no $30k equivalent within that competition.

But yeah, if you're trying to impress someone who is impressed by a Honda Civic then the Mustang sounds great.

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jondes99@reddit

Actually, the Civic is a pretty good answer to this question. An LX with a CVT to a Type R is a pretty wide range.

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Bowwowchickachicka@reddit

It's up against a $35k to $350k example

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jondes99@reddit

I’m not entirely sure what the original question is trying to ask, but in terms of personality and performance the gap is a mile wide. And the real price of a CTR is about double a base LX.

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Bowwowchickachicka@reddit

I don't know what page you've found yourself on here

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giantusername@reddit

If you own a gtd, you definitely own other cars lol

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rob_s_458@reddit

I can't think of anything else on the market that offers a manual, torque converter auto, or DCT depending on trim. Not even that many cars that offer you options on the rear gear

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handymanshandle@reddit

Funny enough, the prior generation Hyundai Elantra offered all three types of transmissions there, and even ended up with a CVT in its final year. As for something on sale today, the Volkswagen Jetta offers those three options, although you have to step up to the GLI to get either the manual or the DCT.

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AnonymousEngineer_@reddit

I can't think of anything else on the market that offers a manual, torque converter auto, or DCT depending on trim.

Not current models, but this was true for the first generation Audi TT, the fourth generation VW Golf and the F30 generation BMW 3 Series.

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cannedrex2406@reddit

Jaguar XE Project 8 is pretty close

Shares very little with the regular 4cyl sedan and has a massive 600bhp S/C 5.0 V8 in a car that never came with more than a V6, and has the option for a full metal roll cage in the back

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CeeBus@reddit

Considering the first models were just economy sedans with sporty two door bodies slapped on.

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SgtBigPigeon@reddit

The gt500 even has a few variations that i never knew of like the code red

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TunakTun633@reddit

Not sold by Ford. I dunno if that counts.

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SgtBigPigeon@reddit

I thought it was made by someone else but sold by Ford. Just not advertised because its usually sold to special Ford customers like the Ford GT

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theknyte@reddit

They're sold by Shelby American, who doesn't have a direct contract with Ford anymore.

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jeeves585@reddit

That was my first thought.

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peewinkle@reddit

In the world of Hot Rodding, generally when talking shop engines that are designated Big Blocks are considered anything more than 400 cid and Small Block's 400 or less. 400's can go either way though they are often designated by the stroke; a 396 Chevy is considered a Big Block for this reason as an example.

Most 400's end up getting bored out at least .030. over which also will cause bench racers to refer to the 400 as a Big Block.

But yes, the outer dimensions of Pontiac V8's were all the same but the internals were not- bore, stroke etc.

Another thing some people factor in is the journal size as well.

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That_Trapper_guy@reddit

Corvette. Almost triples in HP

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Opposite_Place4981@reddit

Base lancer to evo

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UpvoteMagnet99@reddit

I always thought the option for an SRT-10 engine in your 2 or 4 door 2wd Ram would fit this question perfectly.

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imafinhehe@reddit

one of the older touaregs from a 2.5 liter TDI engine to a V10 to a 6.0 liter W12.

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peewinkle@reddit

1967 Tempest/Lemans/GTO

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racetruckrick@reddit

Pontiac never made a big block. They used the same size block and bore spacing from 287 cubic inches to 455 cubic inches. We just called it a Pontiac block back in the 60s, but it is a small block in racing rules because of its 4.62 inch bore spacing.

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clickmagnet@reddit

I think you nailed it with the Mustang. Look at the price range: $33,000 base price, up to probably over $600,000 for a fully optioned GTD.

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Garritt2020@reddit

I would say Dodge Chargers, which goes from V6 all the way to up to Demon.

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fernandodasilva@reddit

The base Toyota Yaris and the GR Yaris

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Gunslingermomo@reddit

Definitely. I'd bet money that the gap between a standard Yaris and a gr Yaris around almost any track would be bigger than the difference between an EcoBoost mustang and a GTD mustang.

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jer5@reddit

didnt the GTD run a 7 at the ring

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Gunslingermomo@reddit

A few seconds under 7 minutes. An ecoboost and a gr Yaris are both likely under 8 minutes. A 106hp Yaris? Probably over 10 minutes.

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T1MT1M@reddit

If 20 years ago a Ford Transit does it in under 10, the yaris should be a fair bit quicker than that.

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Gunslingermomo@reddit

It didn't though, even Sabine didn't get it under 10 she just got close. And that was the tourist route which cuts out the long straight, in those cars that would be about a minute extra. I recently watched that episode.

[-]

T1MT1M@reddit

Well done you well akshually'd me over 9 seconds.

The latest yaris has 7% lower power to weight than a mk4 polo GTI, which did the ring in 9:46. You've got 20 years of tyre technology and chassis development to make up for that small power difference.

[-]

Gunslingermomo@reddit

150hp in the Polo GTI vs 106 in the Yaris makes a big difference at the ring, it has to fight elevation and wind resistance at the higher speeds. I wouldn't call that a small power difference at all. That matters more than the weight. The polo was engineered for sportier handling. The Yaris might have the advantage with new tire tech but it still comes with 185mm wide all seasons, not designed for performance.

[-]

T1MT1M@reddit

Lol, a minute. Do you routinely only manage 100km/h average on a long straight? Gotta take out the fact that it wasn't a flying lap too and she was going slower at the start, on tyres from 2005, in a van.

[-]

Gunslingermomo@reddit

Ok not a minute, 35-40 seconds. Still pretty far off from 10 minutes. I just ran the Mazda Demio in GT7 around the Nordschleife, it's the same as the Yaris except it's turbocharged with an extra 60lb/ft of torque. It was getting around 9:49, so I still really don't think the base Yaris is getting around in under 10 minutes.

[-]

test_123123@reddit

GR Yaris is a bespoke platform though and not a 'real' Yaris, I read that only the mirrors and headlights are shared or something like that

[-]

JPhi1618@reddit

A GTD Mustang is very far from a normal retail Mustang. It’s a bespoke platform. It doesn’t even have a trunk because it’s filled with mechanicals.

[-]

Witherino@reddit

It’s a bespoke platform.

It isn't, tho. It's a standard mustang that's been assembled to "body-in-white" status in Michigan, before getting shipped to multimatic in canada.

[-]

Gunslingermomo@reddit

Exactly, it's the most different across different trim levels.

[-]

HiDDENk00l@reddit

That's a good point, because isn't the EcoBoost in the Mustang still a detuned Focus RS engine?

[-]

TheKeyboardGod@reddit

Great point

[-]

mfp4073au@reddit

In terms of power output and handling performance, sure. The GR interior still uses a lot of regular Yaris parts though. And the rear half is basically inherited from a C-HR.

[-]

Godvater@reddit

Facelift GRY has a unique interior. Also there is the GRMN Yaris which is even crazier.

[-]

Godvater@reddit

GR Yaris also has an even crazier trim called GRMN Yaris for those unaware, even bigger difference to regular Yaris.

[-]

Captain_Alaska@reddit

I mean it’s pretty tame for a homologation car, like the Delta S4 for example, which had a space frame like the S4 rally car and wasn’t unibody like the normal Delta. There’s also vehicles like the Renault V6.

And if you wanted to argue vehicles with different chassis and just share general styling and the name count as trims you’d be pretty hard to beat the Mercedes Benz CLK and the CLK GTR.

[-]

Godvater@reddit

A car that gets compared with CLK-CLK GTR shouldn't be called "tame" in the same post but that's just my biased opinion ;)

[-]

venice_mcgangbang@reddit

Or the GR Corolla and normal one

[-]

i_likestuff@reddit

This is very good one to meet OPs criteria. They essentially different cars.

[-]

Frothy_discharge@reddit

The Mercedes CLK C208 probably tops this, base model is a hairdressers 4 cylinder convertible, top spec is a mid engine v12 GT1 homologation race car. Not technically a c208 in that form, but still wears the CLK badge…

[-]

StirFriedSmoothBrain@reddit

R32-R34 Skyline. 2 door or 4 door, RWD or AWD, automatic or manual, HICAS or not, At a range of engines from N/A CA18i 4 cylinder to the inline RB series with SOHC or DOHC, single or twin turbo. Coupe or Sedan or Wagon. ATTESA AWD or standard AWD. Pretty big spread.

[-]

Sharp-Being-5048@reddit

Not a model but TNGA-K platform Toyota and Lexus cars. You can have a basic Camry and end up with Lexus TX500H.

[-]

QLDZDR@reddit

Australia used to have a Holden Commodore which could be bought in trim levels, engine and suspension that included a 4 cylinder that was 2.5ish Litres capacity to a V8 race engi6

[-]

Puzzled_Tone_3826@reddit

4 cylinder that was 2.5ish Litres

1.9L actually.

[-]

rockdude625@reddit

Mercedes W211 E class. From the straight 4 diesel that can’t get out of its own way, to the might supercharged E55 AMG

[-]

wickedhotfart@reddit

The r34 skylines had quite afew different trims

[-]

GGCRX@reddit

Dodge Omni to Dodge Omni Shelby GLH-S

Nissan Sentra to Sentra SE-R

[-]

OverallSeat6@reddit

F series

[-]

ghunt81@reddit

Super Duty. Think of a base model gas V8 single cab with vinyl seats and rubber floors, vs. a King Ranch crew cab dually diesel that probably costs double.

[-]

Hot_Charge_3264@reddit

Any car where base trim is cloth seats, 18 inch wheels, no sunroof, basically no tech, and top trim which is only a few k more will have leather captain seats, 21 inch wheels, and all the tech you can imagine. I expeerienced this when buying a Sorento. Base and top trim vehicles are like two completely different cars all together.

[-]

colpy350@reddit

I don’t know if this is that crazy but I have a Canadian base model 2021 Elantra. Manual transmission but well appointed with power everything, heated seats, cruise, apple car play. Alloy wheels. Top trim is the Elantra N.

Every time I start my car it shows a graphic of an Elantra N and reminds me that I’m poor.

[-]

mikedin2001@reddit

430 and m4 csl

[-]

Kind_Implement_3326@reddit

The 418 is not much more than half as fast as a 430, the 430 is not the low end

[-]

preludehaver@reddit

Base 3 series-> M3 CS is pretty drastic

[-]

Kind_Implement_3326@reddit

Afaik the lowest petrol spec 316i is 136 break horsepower (F30 generation ), M3CS is 460 I think .

Diesel wise the 316/335 difference is 116 and 313 HP. What's more interesting is that you pretty much can't tell the difference from the outside

[-]

ToastRocket@reddit

CLK 320 to CLK-GTR

[-]

Lucarios11@reddit

C209 CLK: CLK 200 -> CLK DTM AMG

[-]

Time-Maintenance2165@reddit

Did you confuse < and >?

[-]

Pinecone@reddit

He sure did

[-]

Kind_Implement_3326@reddit

316d has 116 horsepower. 335d has 313. Otherwise any low spec 3 series has cloth seats, some have heated leather sport seats, inflatable bolsters and all . Probably not the most varying of the thread but debadged you can't tell if a 3 series has 116 or 313 horsepower

[-]

1989toy4wd@reddit

At one point the Dodge Dakota had 4 engine options, 4cyl, 6cyl, 5.2v8 and 5.9 v8. Peasant spec to r/t (race truck, not really but it’s hilarious that fits)

Also fun fact the Jeep grand Cherokee with the 5.9v8 was the fastest production suv at the time when it was released

[-]

m3t1t1@reddit

Any car that has a "race" model. Type R, Evo, GT4RS, GT3RS, 911 Turbo, GR Corolla/Yaris just to name a few.

[-]

August_tho@reddit

Sad I had to scroll this far down to see an Evo mentioned.

[-]

Double-Affect-2804@reddit

Nissan R34 ?

[-]

NessMachno@reddit

The old Renault Five

[-]

St0rmSpirit@reddit

As a French car enjoyer I think I gotta add the Renault Clio here. Specifically the Clio 2.

You got a dinky 1L FWD econobox at the base level… And at the top you got a mid engine V6 hot hatch.

[-]

mikeycp253@reddit

I still think the Clio V6 is one of the coolest hot hatches ever made.

[-]

aauaua22@reddit

Dodge Challenger.

Base model: V6 automatic airport rental car.

Top model: More horsepower than a Bugatti Veyron, and fastest 0-60 time ever recorded.

[-]

ctennessen@reddit

Renault 5 Turbo took a fwd eco box and stuffed it with mid engine rally madness and a box flares

[-]

Master-Mission-2954@reddit

We take the Corvette for granted. On the real, going from 490 hp in its base form to 1250 in the ZR1X is WILD.

[-]

AndroidMyAndroid@reddit

On the other hand, there are plenty of cars where the top version has over twice the power of the base model

[-]

n0t_4_thr0w4w4y@reddit

Or 5x. The base Nissan Juke had 93 HP, the Juke-R had 545

[-]

mishap1@reddit

They hand built like maybe a dozen of those plus it was a NISMO tune of 600hp so something like 6.5X the power of the base diesel Juke.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15353776/nissan-juke-r-2-0-600-hp-gt-r-nismo-powertrain-17-may-be-built/

[-]

Karolina140514@reddit

Basicaly every premium German car

[-]

AndroidMyAndroid@reddit

You get 3 flavors: The advertised lease special engine, the engine you actually want, and the engine 70% of people settle for.

[-]

ad81_@reddit

5 series G30? From the 150hp 518d to the M5 Competition

[-]

hardsoft@reddit

Sold under different brands so maybe doesn't count here but night and day between a base model Chevy Suburban and top trim Cadillac Escalade.

[-]

Alone_Peace371@reddit

Never in my life have I seen a forum so determined to entertain such pointless questions

[-]

notalottoseehere@reddit

Base Yaris (€27,800) to Yaris GR.(€89,470). Irish prices.....

[-]

NegotiationAble@reddit

Base model v6 Ram 1500 at the bottom and the Ram 1500 TRX at the top. Vastly different vehicles

[-]

pmanchu@reddit

The Defender.

[-]

corm40@reddit

F-150: work truck to Raptor R and everything in between.

Corvette: Base 495 hp to ZR1X with 1250 hp. Z06 and Eray middle models.

911: base under 400hp to GT3RS track monster. Turbo S over 700hp phenomenally fast daily for the well off.

[-]

SeeIfItLasts@reddit

Technically, the Mercedes-Benz CLK class. If you include the GT-R, that is...

[-]

gluten_heimer@reddit

Even if you don’t, you can go from the CLK180 to the DTM.

[-]

Edgelordftwlol@reddit

Is the DTM above or below the BS?

[-]

zinten789@reddit

Above for sure. 75 more hp from a supercharger, way rarer, valuable.

[-]

DrZedex@reddit

Trucks always win this.

For a car I'd guess base Corolla to GRC is pretty wild, but only in terms of driveline.

[-]

ToastRocket@reddit

A 1998 CLK 320 had 215 hp and was ~40k. The CLK-GTR had 622 hp and cost north of $1.5M, making it the most expensive production car at the time.

[-]

DrZedex@reddit

The three letters in the name are the only thing those cars share in common. And maybe headlights? That thing was a carbon tub car, bit of a stretch to claim relation. Maybe it's a Ship of Theseus argument.

[-]

zinten789@reddit

Personally I think it counts because of the name. Both cars were ostensibly sold under the same name “CLK” and the shared lights highlight that fact was intentional.

[-]

ToastRocket@reddit

The post asked “where the top trim is so different from the base they may as well be different cars.”

[-]

AndroidMyAndroid@reddit

But I think, in that instance, the base car and the top trim were different cars

[-]

ToastRocket@reddit

Haha but they do have the same headlights! In all honesty I think the only real argument for it is the naming convention.

[-]

Ghooble@reddit

I went with celica->all trac but same idea

[-]

captain_stoobie@reddit

Corolla was the first car that crossed my mind.

[-]

FNA_Couster@reddit

The Jeep Grand Cherokee goes from a barebones prison cell all the way up to the $120,000 Trackhawk.

[-]

fredinNH@reddit

A Laredo is hardly a barebones prison cell, but grand Cherokee was my first thought, too. A few years ago before the redesign you could buy one new for anywhere from $35k to way over a $100k.

[-]

krombopulousnathan@reddit

RIP the trackhawk; they ended that a while ago

[-]

KvngDarius@reddit

Base Impreza to STI was pretty wild

[-]

ConversationSome4824@reddit

Every car should have rubber flooring except maybe ultra luxury models. First thing I do is add WeatherTech mats anyway. Base trims are definitely way cheaper everywhere else though.

[-]

AnEngimaneer@reddit

C8 Corvette might be up there now with the ZR1X

[-]

phxbimmer@reddit

The BMW E34 5-series (1988-1995) which could be had with cloth seats, crank windows, and a 4-cylinder to the 540i with a V8 and leather everything with power everything. And then you also had the M5 which had a motorsport-derived straight-6 that was 3.6L/3.8L with ITB’s. Quite a range there.

[-]

MaybeAlice1@reddit

I’d probably look more at the 2-series. In Europe they can be had with a tiny diesel engine and a 5 speed stick… all the way up to the M2C.

[-]

Rob_af_a@reddit

M2 CS actually so even crazier

[-]

Skodakenner@reddit

The 5 series f10 was like that as well from a tiny 520 to the m5

[-]

woodsides@reddit

Up to the M2 CS now.

[-]

phxbimmer@reddit

That’s a good modern example!

[-]

Virtual_Industry8553@reddit (OP)

This is a good one!

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Ran4@reddit

Not really there's plenty of such cars.

[-]

lael8u@reddit

I mean you could still get a cloth seats, 6 speed 5 Series in 2012.

[-]

phxbimmer@reddit

Yeah but once it got a turbo it didn't feel quite as punishing as an NA 4-cylinder in a big car. Plus even the basest F10's still got power windows and whatnot, so the base-ness doesn't hit quite the same as something with no air conditioning, crank windows, a mechanical odometer (versus a digital one), manual cloth seats, no onboard computer (aka no fuel range, outside temperatures, or fuel economy display), etc.

[-]

DeTomato_@reddit

BMW offered the 518i for the E34 generation. The word "518i" just doesn't sound right for me.

[-]

Limp-Supermarket-585@reddit

From the lowliest Chevy to the biggest, badest Vette ! IMHO !

[-]

Revenge_of_Recyclops@reddit

I don't know if this fits the question, because trim levels weren't a thing 100+ years ago, but the Ford Model T was used as everything: roadster, sedan, wagon, truck, tractor, and generator. It's inline-four was used for the car itself, boats, and airplanes.

[-]

Mysanityranaway@reddit

Mitsubishi Lancer vs EVO

[-]

mikePTH@reddit

It's old, but the Renault Le Car and the 5 Turbo are the same chassis, but couldn't be more different:

LeCar: Front engine, FWD, 3-speed trans, 845cc and 36hp. 0-60 in about 22 seconds. Doesn't sound like a great driver.

Renault 5 Turbo: Mid-engine, RWD, LSD, 5-speed, 160hp. 0-60 in about 6.5 seconds. I want one.

[-]

NorwegianThunder18@reddit

What about the new Renault 5e, that has a pretty ridiculous difference from entry to the Turbo 3E version

[-]

AnonymousEngineer_@reddit

The new Renault 5 EV for modern day cars.

The top spec model is this unhinged thing: https://www.renault.com.au/vehicles/renault-5-turbo-3-e/

[-]

Virtual_Industry8553@reddit (OP)

I want them to bring this to America so badly. I would buy one right away.

[-]

ramplocals@reddit

Will the 25 year import law ever change since it was meant to address emissions and safety. Electric cars have no emissions and modern cars are safer than ever.

Or was it never about that and in fact about protecting American jobs?

[-]

Virtual_Industry8553@reddit (OP)

Originally it was pushed by Mercedes to prevent Americans from importing cheaper models and forcing them to buy US market cars. Emissions has always just been an excuse.

[-]

hutacars@reddit

You’d drop $180k on one of 1980 made “so fast?”

[-]

Carvair-98@reddit

I see cars like this, and it truly baffles that they're bringing the Alpine brand to the USA, breaking into a new market with...another compact SUV and a somewhat larger one, supposedly.

I know, I know, we like to poo-poo brands that try to offer the cars we say we want so much, but there's a certain point where trying to appeal to mass market doesn't make so much sense, right? If you're trying to bring people to the brand, I feel you should set yourself apart with a certain model(s). The A110 and A290, while perhaps they wouldn't be the biggest sellers in the USA, would probably bring at least some attention and interest in the brand. When we've got as many crossovers & SUV's as we do...why would you chance on a new brand? Ask the Fisker owners how they're doing.

I'm not saying the SUV's don't make sense, or wouldn't even sell. But it'd be like Porsche having never sold a sports car, and just showing up randomly one day with their SUV's. People wanted a practical car from the manufacturer of the 911. Today, I feel the Cayenne wouldn't stand out nearly as much if it wasn't for the reputation.

Also, and a bit off-track admittedly, that's to speak nothing of the fact the parent group, Renault, has no direct presence in the US. At least when Genesis began, people knew Hyundai was an established brand which could support the endeavor. Alpine is stepping into the ring with a car that would likely go face to face with, ironically, the Ioniq 5N. Which one do you trust to stick around?

Also, electric luxury crossover...yeesh. I have nothing against BEV's, but given the current market for such things in the US, I estimate it wouldn't sell many, and would face CATASTROPHIC depreciation. The Leaf, new, would probably be worth as much as a A390 that has left the dealer lot.

[-]

boomerangchampion@reddit

Holy shit

[-]

HiDDENk00l@reddit

I had no idea this existed but I'm happy it does, and looks like that. I hope it's in the next Forza game.

[-]

CrowsFeast73@reddit

Honestly looks like a vgt car (vision Gran Turismo)

[-]

jcforbes@reddit

This is similar to the original R5/LeCar versus the R5 Turbo

[-]

_Masked_@reddit

Didn’t the Nissan juke have a nismo package? I thought that was kind of wild

[-]

SpiritCrvsher@reddit

Yes, also the Juke R which had the V6 twin turbo GTR engine making 545hp

[-]

rosd0@reddit

Toyota Yaris. GR Anyone? Well, to be fair it is a completely different car but

[-]

Ghooble@reddit

4th to 6th gen celicas were pretty wild.

Base model was basically a fwd Corolla, top model was an AWD turbo homologated rally car.

Source: I have an all trac heh

[-]

MangoAtrocity@reddit

I feel like the correct answer is BMW 3 Series. From the 318i all the way up to the M3 CS.

[-]

Tiny_Spot3651@reddit

Lancia Delta. Started as a basic economy car and evolved into a rally monster.

[-]

Big-Energy-3363@reddit

Why the wonder??? Seems like mental masturbation!

[-]

_Lyum@reddit

Base 2.0 718 cayman. Starts at $60k to GT4RS. $250k

[-]

Scott121619@reddit

Base Bronco on 16" steelies vs Bronco Raptor...

[-]

Rodic87@reddit

With the introduction of the Mustang GTD I don't see how there's even any competition. No other car has another car with 10x the MSRP nor this leap in performance.

$32,320->$327,960

[-]

ViperThreat@reddit

impreza.

base model -> sti is quite the leap. Damn near everything but the shell and dashboard is replaced.

[-]

MachWun@reddit

CLK GTR

[-]

Snoo-1331@reddit

In new vehicles I would say the Ford Super Duty truck.

[-]

Darksider123@reddit

I'd say most premium German cars.

We were looking into a BMW X1 for my parents a few years back, and some of the models were so bare-bones that it left us baffled. Try to add some decent equipment, and you're suddenly in a completely different price bracket.

We ended up with a top spec Mazda CX 30 instead for roughly the same price as a basic BMW X1.

[-]

Sexy_Offender@reddit

The Ford Bronco. I don't know if I've seen two of the same appearance or trim level.

[-]

jaraldo3@reddit

C8 Corvette

-Base is a pushrod V8 making almost 500 hp

-E-ray you have a hybrid with the pushrod

-Z06 is a flat-plane crank v8 NA

-ZR1 is a Twin turbo of said flat-plane And the hybrid with it making over 1,000 hp

[-]

Robots_Never_Die@reddit

C8 to C8 ZR1X

$70ish V8 RWD 495 hp to AWD V8 Twin Turbo widebody with 1250hp $200k

[-]

squidwardsdicksucker@reddit

Any of the German premium models in the EU market.

You can get a 318d with cloth seats and a barebones interior all the way to a fully loaded M3 touring with all of the bells and whistles.

The big three and their half ton/HD trucks are also similar in this regard

[-]

brisket_curd_daddy@reddit

Lol Audi A8 to and R8 is a pretty stark difference ;)

[-]

RandomGenName1234@reddit

So stark that they're completely different cars.

[-]

The_Phroug@reddit

Always likes the R230 mercedes starts as a V6, but then has multiple V8s, and then 2 biturbo V12s, and the topped off with an even crazier biturbo V12 model that is the SL65 AMG Black Series.

Price range of the R230 is something like $3,000 to $500,000

[-]

variablenockenwellen@reddit

I would say the VAG large SUV platform, which starts at an Atlas Cross for VW and ends at a Lamborghini Urus, which goes from $40k-$400k

[-]

clingbat@reddit

Atlas is an extremely extended MQB platform vehicle (same core chassis as a Golf). It's basically an extended Tiguan underneath, which itself is already Golf.

[-]

HillarysFloppyChode@reddit

Atlas is a completely different platform then the Toureag/Q8/Cayenne/Urus/Bentayga

[-]

CineSuppa@reddit

I’m gunna say the Audi Q5. On the low end, it’s a VW SUV with a 2.0T 4-banger. But then it’s also the Porsche Cayenne with a turbo V8. Then it’s also the Lamborghini Urus. That’s a price tag deviation of about $200k.

[-]

clingbat@reddit

You're conflating the Q5 with the Q7. The Cayenne and Urus compare to a Q7. The Q5 has the smaller Macan as a relative twin...

[-]

FourEyesAndThighs@reddit

This isn’t correct. Audi Q5 shares a platform with the Macan, not the Cayenne.

[-]

test_123123@reddit

I thought it was the Q8 that shares a platform with the Cayenne and Urus

[-]

HillarysFloppyChode@reddit

It is, the Q5 shares a platform with the Macan

[-]

vortex1018@reddit

Polo base model vs GTI

[-]

Lowbrowlifestyle@reddit

The Mercedes CLK (C208) from 1997.

The base engine was a 2 liter 4 cylinder with 136 horsepower.

The other end of the spectrum is the CLK GTR.

[-]

TFiPW@reddit

Base mk5 golf to the W12 mid-engine prototype

[-]

DelMonte20@reddit

Nissan Skyline R32. Base model 1.8L GXi, 91 bhp, drum rear brakes. Then compared to the GTR Nismo which was probably around 320 bhp.

[-]

cahcealmmai@reddit

Vw transporter. 1.9l diesel base spec workers van through to the 3.2l vr6 multivan luxury people mover is a pretty big change in what the vehicle even is.

[-]

elkab0ng@reddit

Subaru Impreza to the STi is a pretty big range

Likewise Mitsubishi had a lancer base model and at the other end the fire breathing evo

[-]

mr2600@reddit

Yeh my effectively stock (it’s just de-restricted from the official 280bhp and instead makes 350bhpish) 8MR has triple the BHP of the stock lancer at like 120bhp

[-]

Born4Nothin@reddit

Base 3000gt to the VR4. From 160hp sohc V6, to 220hp dohc v6, to 320hp twin turbo v6. The base was embarrassingly slow.

[-]

oscik@reddit

Renault Clio II 1.2L 60hp front engine FWD ----> Renault Clio II 2.9L V6 255hp mid engine RWD

[-]

blairyc1@reddit

90’s Ford escort 1.1 L VS Ford escort cosworth. Same car, two very different cars!!!

[-]

Whole-Scene-689@reddit

+1 for European luxury brands where they actually have even lower models outside the US then their base models here. Audi would literally have like an a3 with a eco friendly hamster wheel as the engine and the some tea candles for headlights instead of LEDs over there

[-]

saazbaru@reddit

They do all seem to have LED headlight nowadays.

[-]

woodsides@reddit

And what's the hamster's name?

[-]

snazzydesign@reddit

Let’s 1990s e class Mercedes,

From cloth seat manual poverty spec e200

To full fat e55

[-]

TimeProfessional4494@reddit

Mercedes G-Class. Even though the base models are not available for the general public (like many of the Toyota 4x4s), in EU at least.

[-]

Imyourpappy@reddit

The Toyota Celica alttrac/ gt4 to their base model. They used an entirely different chassis to the base models not to mention all the rally stuff they put on it and a turbo engine.

[-]

Worried-Pineapple808@reddit

Xiaomi SU7. You can buy one with 295hp or you can buy one with 1527hp

[-]

Guac_in_my_rarri@reddit

If ya think the VW golf is bad, then the focus is also.

Focus sel/se, st, RS, rs400, them some weird limited edition rally custom cars, and a few other custom trims/cars in-between. Like the raffle only foRS that's painted in 1 of 1 grey.

[-]

BlackCatFurry@reddit

A lot of european cars have the base model thats basically a car with the minimum features to make it legal. Sometimes even without ac. Definitely no touch screens or anything fancy like that.

And then the top trim has all the fancy stuff and costs at least double to the cheap base model.

[-]

Joiner2008@reddit

Lots of comments, not enough upvotes to the OP for bringing up an interesting topic

[-]

hutacars@reddit

It comes up every couple months.

[-]

rssin@reddit

If we consider a platform then base Golf to RS3.

[-]

RacerM53@reddit

Renault 5 to the Renault 5 turbo

[-]

seddit_rucks@reddit

2024 Kia EV6 Light RWD has 167 hp, an 8+ second 0-60, and a 16+ second 1/4 mile.

2024 Kia EV6 GT AWD has 576 hp, a sub-3 second 0-60, and an 11.5 second 1/4 mile.

The GT is like 3 times quicker than the Light.

And has 2/3 the range. It really is a one-trick pony, but it's a great trick.

[-]

n0t_4_thr0w4w4y@reddit

Current or previous model?

If we are going at anytime, it’s gotta be the Nissan Juke. They made a variant with the fucking GTR engine

[-]

Sexyturtletime@reddit

Mercedes 190E base model vs 2.5 16 EVO 2

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Dazzling-Rooster2103@reddit

Haven't seen this mentioned, the CT5.

237 horsepower in its base 2.0 4 Cylinder trim.

668 horsepower in the Blackwing version.

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BadMantaRay@reddit

It’s old, but a great answer for this was any of the generations of Mitsubishi Lancer.

The Lancer itself was basically an afterthought in the small, entry-level sedan market. It competed against the Civic or Corolla, but nobody would pick it over those if they had the option.

Meanwhile the top of the line car, the Lancer Evolution, in its heyday, was an absolute monster in the rally world and could beat the pants off many, many cars. It was often directly compared to the WRX.

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cantnotdecide@reddit

2nd generation Cadillac CTS to CTS-V? Base model 3.0 V6 to 6.2L supercharged V8 manual. I have a 2009 ctsv and driven plenty of base cts's, they feel like total different vehicles.

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AverageJoeC@reddit

Back in the day, the mitsubishi lancer. Econobox slow ass car with a slushbox 4 speed. To the evo 8-9 with the sharpest suspension and a 5 or 6 speed in the fastest track package at the time.

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ding_dong_dejong@reddit

Xiaomi su7 base has 300hp while the ultra has 1500hp

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TheDoodieMonster@reddit

Xiaomi base being a cell phone going to a car is wild

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happy--muffin@reddit

It’s literally a rice rocket

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ycnz@reddit

They were an android skin originally.

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CameronsTheName@reddit

The Ford Falcon is one of the few modern cars that had a 4 cylinder petrol engine, but could also be optioned with a supercharged V8.

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OtterCreek_Andrew@reddit

I’d say Porsche cayman. Base is a flat 4 and nothing special. Very boring cars. Top trim GT4RS is a monster.

Or C8. Kind of the same as the cayman the base c8 is regular traffic boring then you get the ZR1 which is hyper car level shit at the top of the

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CameronsTheName@reddit

What about the Volkswagen Phaeton that came with a 3.2 VR6 standard but could be optioned with a V10 turbo diesel or a 6 litre W12 petrol.

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robinson217@reddit

Back when I was a CDJR salesman, we had base 2012 model Dodge caravans going out the door for $22,000. The top trim Chrysler Town and Country was selling for around 45,000. Over twice the price. The difference? Paint options, wheels, Nav, and a much nicer interior. Thats IT. Literally two vans with same same frame, engine, transmission, etc. Two of one version could be had for the price of one of the other version. I was convinced you could buy the base van with the "American Value Package" which added alloy wheels and rear A/C, then build a nice van out of it in the after market. At the time, we could get KatZkin leather for a van for about 2500. A nicer sound system with nav for another 1500, ect. I think you could put together a damn near T&C quality van for 15k less, back then.

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krombopulousnathan@reddit

Jeep Wrangler. From the crank window, no power locks basic trim to the decked out Rubicon 392

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Umbra427@reddit

Camaro/Mustang/Challenger

At the low end- 4 or 6 cylinder rental car tier vehicle

High end: pants-shittingly fast violencemobile

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ewokslikebacon@reddit

In an era vacuum, 2018ish was wild for American muscle cars. I’m currently reflecting on the Camaro lineup that had 4 engine options( 4cylinder turbo with 275hp, V6 with 335, V8 with 455, and a supercharged V8 with 650hp), they’re patented magnetic ride control, and then the DSSV dampers and all the coolers in the 1LE for 70k+.

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AmNoSuperSand52@reddit

Mustang definitely takes the cake with the GTD

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jacksepthicceye@reddit

it's not a trim or even a mustang underneath, not even made by Ford i don't think

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Notonfoodstamps@reddit

Mustang, Yaris and “The Big Three” pick-up trucks.

The CLK-GTR is a “CLK” only in name.

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irishpwr46@reddit

Maybe a base 911 to a gt3rs

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testthrowawayzz@reddit

USA base vs the Asian top trim Camry/Accord.

Latter would feel worthy of a Lexus badge in the US.

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arcticrobot@reddit

Ecoboost Mystang shares nothing with GTD. They are not even made by the same company

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SergeantBacon101@reddit

Mercedes CLK wins this by far. The two models barely share a resemblance, the only carried over pieces is the Headlights, Tail lights, and grill.

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julienjj@reddit

G wagon. From 2 door soft top millitary shitbox to 250K amg version.

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Fresh-Alfalfa4119@reddit

base w204 c class to c63 black series

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ZaheerAlGhul@reddit

The difference between the SR Tundra and the Capstone are huge.

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AnonymousMolaMola@reddit

The price differential is insane. Even taking a base 911 vs. a base fully optioned is a HUGE price difference

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OgdenDermstead@reddit

Nissan Juke, all the way up to the whacko Juke R.

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SirDeniz@reddit

Not the wildest, but the Alfa Romeo Stelvio goes from a normal crossover looking Road Town car to a Ferrari derived twin turbo v6 track weapon.

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SFWarriorsfan@reddit

Porsche 911

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eZreazy@reddit

My gote goes to europe market 5 series.

You get diesel options, B48, PHEV B48, PHEV B58, and then the full M car with a PHEV V8

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Solid_Enthusiasm550@reddit

Mustang - $36K 2.3l ecoboost 4cyl < $328K GTD

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ZombiePope@reddit

Base 530i vs M5.

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jcforbes@reddit

Absolutely without one single doubt is the Renault Le Car or as it's known elsewhere in the world the Renault 5. The bottom spec R5 is a shitty little front wheel drive front engine 36hp economy car with zero redeeming features.

The top spec version, the R5 Turbo, moves the engine from the front to just behind the driver's seat, longitudinally mounted ahead of the new 5 speed transaxle. The mid engined little monster gets huge fender flares front and rear and in some cases in excess of 300hp. It's an absolute bonkers little animal of a car.

Name another car who's top spec model makes nearly 1000% the power of the base model. Or sure a top spec Mustang may have 190% of the base model, but that's absolutely not even close to the percentage gain of the R5 Turbo.

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the_old_coday182@reddit

Jaguar XE. From the diesel base model all the way up to the Project 8.

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Docholiday196999@reddit

F-150 Xl to Raptor R

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willembahh2@reddit

probably not the most extreme, but a base Bronco starts right at 40k, while a Raptor can be optioned well into the 90s

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CeeBus@reddit

115K at some dealerships during covid

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Shrikecorp@reddit

Base Guilia is pretty far from a Quadrifoglio

Vanilla 911 to a S/T or a GT3 RS

CLK vs CLK GTR. Granted, it's only the CLK name

Comments on pickups are spot on, but when the question is "car" I don't think pickup...on the principle that in theory pickups have a different role in the world. Or should.

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AutoModerator@reddit

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5cott@reddit

Back in the 1990’s, there was a few iterations of the Celica. You could get a tiny engine economy car with little power, or turbo engine all-wheel drive rally beast, or something in between.

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moneymoveskyle@reddit

Just off the top of my head I’m thinking Corvette. Starting in the 400 hp range Then going past 1000hp without any partnerships, or help from outside shops. Built directly by GM.

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CrazyErniesUsedCars@reddit

Juke and Cygnet

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CeeBus@reddit

These were my picks too!

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m1a2c2kali@reddit

Think bare bones jeeps still come with manual windows and locks , they do all come with ac now though lol. Don’t think too many base models still have manual windows these days.

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Marcus_Brody@reddit

The first gen CLK. All the way from a CLK200 to the CLK63 AMG DTM and Black Series.

And technically it went one step further to the CLK GTR.

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YJeezy@reddit

Should do this for the chassis too.

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harajukukei@reddit

In terms of cost, it's gotta be the 911. 130k base Carrera vs 280k turbo S

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Competitive_Cheek607@reddit

Golf is a good one (I had that thought before I read you’d typed it). I’ll nominate the E60 BMW 5 series. From a base euro spec M54/M47 all the way up to the V10 S85, and what at the time was a pretty state of the art transmission and suspension

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mr_lab_rat@reddit

Most generations of 3 and 5 series would qualify.

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handymanshandle@reddit

The Jaguar XE offered a slow turbodiesel 4-banger in Europe and the "might-as-well-be-a-race-car" Project 8 at the same time.

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Captain_Alaska@reddit

Alfa Romeo did that too with the Guilia, depending on year and market you could get it with a 134hp diesel up to the 533hp two seat, plastic window, centre lock wheel GTAm.

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AutoModerator@reddit

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just_dave@reddit

The pre-R35 Nissan Skyline. Can be a super basic 4-door grocery getter with no personality, or it can be a twin-turbo, AWD monster coupe.

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Svr-boi@reddit

To be different Tesla Model S if you take in to account the original base models to the current Plad models

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DanielG165@reddit

C8 Corvette is a good one, even though the Stingray is still nutty. 500 horsepower cross plane crank V8, to a 1,250 horsepower twin turbo flat plane crank V8, with hybrid assistance.

Camaros are pretty stark as well. High revving N/A performance V6, or a turbo 4-banger as the base models, and then all the way to a supercharged V8 track weapon with race-derived aero, DSSV dampers, forged lightweight wheels, R comp tires etc.

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TehRegulator@reddit

Maybe Cadillac CT which at the high end is probably the CT-5V Blackwing

I'm not sure but CT-4 base model or is there something below that

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Randmness@reddit

Toyota Yaris?

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kratos61@reddit

Corolla

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_eg0_@reddit

The Audi B8 or B9 for example had a very wide range. From ~100HP up to ~470hp in at times over 36 different drivetrains simultaneously. In 07 you could get the same V6 Diesel engine with a CVT, DCT, Torque Converter and manual (all but the CVT also quattro being optional.) All of this in 3 different body styles. Later 5 but then without the torque converter.

I terms of cost the B9 A4 went from 28k to 100k€ in options. Thats before counting S & RS model. Carbon Fibre Mirrors, Spoiler, interior on bucket seats in a 120hp economy diesel? Sure why not.

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PossibleMechanic89@reddit

Suzuki Escudo (hill climb)

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Covert_Oki_RBS13@reddit

R32 Skyline.

GXi 1.8 liter 4 cylinder single cam carbureted, drum rear brakes, basic cloth interior, crank windows, cardboard door panels.

GT-R Godzilla of legends and track records around the world. AWD,, twin turbo, 4 wheel steering, 2.6 liter twin cam inline 6.

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DiscipleofDale@reddit

Holden Commodores. Some generations started at V6 bare bones while also offering LS9-powered, optioned out semi-race cars.

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CaptianRipass@reddit

The only commodore I ever rode in was a cop car lol

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wasapasserby@reddit

Offered in everything from entry level taxi spec to extended wheelbase luxury trim, plus wagon/ute body styles.

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ToastRocket@reddit

The 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 had 215 hp and was ~$40k. The CLK-GTR had 622 hp and cost north of $1.5M, making it the most expensive production car at the time.

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rex8499@reddit

Lucid Air. The Pure is ~400hp and $70k. The sapphire is 1200hp and $240k.

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Windows-XP-Home-NEW@reddit

The base model sequoia used to be hilariously basic compared to the top trim but I just went to go build and price an SR5 and it had more acceptable equipment now. Absolutely unacceptable for $65000, but at least now it’s not weird for the SR5 and Limited to exist at the same time.

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Lawineer@reddit

Pickup trucks are the obvious answer. They go from absolutely barebones to extremely luxurious

The corvette goes from a “meh” 500hp sports car to a 1250hp awd super car.

Any of the AMG variants vs their base models (e350 vs e63) is a big jump. Same goes for bmw/M and caddy/V

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random__123456789@reddit

The NA Ford Focus comes to mind base model crap commuter to the RS.

Still remember they used to market the Focus by showing the RS and the having base model pricing listed right below it.

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