Top 9 Sport Compacts for Home Tuners

We can't all drive Porsches, Lambos, M3s and GTRs. The automotive world needs affordable, high-performance sport compacts that are fun to drive and to modify, and these are the best ever built. Most have been a blast to drive since they rolled off the lot, but all of them reached another level thanks to a legion of loyal fans and home mechanics, who to this day still squeeze every last bit of horsepower out of these machines.

Top 9 Sport Compacts for Home Tuners !

9th Lancer EVO

Rally-inspired and seemingly indestructible, the top-of-the-line Evolution version of Mitsubishi's Lancer shows what happens when an automaker listens to its fans. After years of offering the Evolution only in its native Japan, Mitsubishi saw potential on American shores and brought the turbocharged four-wheel drive to the U.S. Tuners can buy and build upon less expensive versions of the Lancer, but the Evo is a steal: With light to moderate tuning, it'll keep pace with most 'Vettes.

8th place for Subaru Impreza ! 

No discussion of Lancer Evos would be complete without mentioning its rival, the WRX STI. Like all Subarus, the turbocharged boxer benefits from standard AWD, making it a terror on highways and rally circuits alike. The car was originally known for its trademark bubble headlights; its polarizing looks became less controversial—and downright sexy—over the years. But let's take a break from the blue paint and bronze wheels. Okay, WRX owners?

7th S2000 !

Small and nimble like the Civic, Honda's S2000 gave car lovers something they thought they might never get from the Japanese manufacturer—RWD. Though most famous for ridiculous renditions in the Fast and Furious films, the S deserves to be known for the ultra-high-revving inline four-cylinder found beneath its long, sleek hood. Simply put, it's two liters of naturally aspirated caffeine, mounted entirely behind the front axle—a location that delivers optimal balance and handling in a compact roadster.

6th place is for Mazda Miata !

It's not going to set any land-speed records, but the Miata—now MX5—is one of the most fun-to-drive roadsters right off the lot, and it benefits from a huge aftermarket. Lightweight and nimble thanks to Mazda's minimalist approach, the Miata is a favorite among autocrossers and track stars alike. Laugh at it if you like, but you'll stop laughing after you've driven one.

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source:  popular mechanics