POLL: Would you Rather have a Honda CR-Z or a New Scion tC in Your Garage?

Pretty soon buyers here in the States will have a few new choices when considering an affordable and efficient entry-level coupe or hatch. No, no, we aren't getting VW's Scirocco or Peugeot's RCZ anytime soon (but the Hyundai Veloster is on its way). We're talking about Honda's CR-Z hybrid that goes on sale here in the States on August 24 and Toyota's all-new 2011 Scion tC that arrives in showrooms in early October.

Both cars are priced similar and are designed to appeal to a younger (or young at heart) audience looking for an inexpensive ride with a somewhat sporty feel.

So, what can buyers expect for putting their hard-earned cash in someone else's corporate pocket?

Honda CR-Z:

Two trim levels will be available on the CR-Z, base and EX. Pricing for the base model with a 6-speed manny-tranny will start at $19,950 (the CVT with paddle shifters is a $650 option and forces you to take a 5 lb-ft torque cut), with standard features including the 122-horsepower 1.5-liter IMA gas engine linked to an electric motor, 6 speakers, a radio/CD/USB system with audio jack, automatic climate control, power windows, and 16-inch wheels.

Upgrade to the EX and you get a higher-output stereo system with a subwoofer, Bluetooth, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, HID headlamps, aluminum interior bits, and an available Nav-system. Honda says fuel efficiency for the sporty hybrid will be a combine 34 MPG for the manual, and 37 MPG for the CVT.

Scion tC:

Scion's 2011 second-gen tC drops in October with a new 2.5 liter 4-banger making 180 hp and 173 lb-ft (performance numbers have not yet been released), as well as a starting price of $18,995. The base model will come with a 6-speed manual transmission (selecting an automatic will cost you $1,000).

Standard features on what Popular Mechanics calls a "compelling alternative to the Ford Mustang" 8 speakers, 18-inch rolling stock with 16-inch brakes, panoramic moonroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a rear seat. Fuel economy will be a combined 26 MPG for either transmission. No word yet on extra packages, but it's Scion, so customization is the name of the game.

Both cars feature as cruise control, traction control, power door locks/windows, and an audio input jack / USB port as standard.

So, what would you rather put in YOUR garage? A fuel-efficient Honda hybrid posing as a sports car or Toyota's more conventional but brawnier (hp-wise) Scion tC?

By Phil Alex

Which One Would You Be More Likely to Buy?

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Photo Gallery: Honda CR-Z

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Photo Gallery: 2011 Scion tC

VIDEO: MT Pits Audi RS5 Against Cadillac CTS-V Coupe and BMW M3 Coupe [with Poll]

Audi may have confirmed the new RS5 for the States, but Americans won't be able to sample the scorching hot high-performance coupe until sometime in 2012. But when there's a will, there's a way, so the crew from Motor Trend headed to Germany to compare the two newest entries in the sports coupe segment, the Audi RS5 and Cadillac CST-V Coupe, with BMW's 'old-timer', the M3 Coupe.

We won't spoil the video for you by telling you won, so follow the jump to check it out along with the performance details on all cars and then don't forget to take our poll on which sport coupe would you be more likely to buy.

The upcoming Audi RS5 tips the scales at 1,800kg (3,968 lbs) and packs a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 cranking out -in Euro spec- 450HP at 8,250 rpm and 430Nm (317.15 lb-ft) between 4,000 and 6,000rpm.

It also features a rear-biased quattro all-wheel drive system that splits torque 40:60 under normal conditions and a new seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. Audi says the coupe completes the standard 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 4.6 seconds.

The recently introduced Cadillac CTS-V Coupe weighs in at 1922kg (4,237 lbs - Automatic) and makes use of a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine rated -in U.S. spec- at 556HP at 6,100 rpm and 747Nm (551 lb.-ft.) at 3,800 rpm.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. According to GM, the CTS-V goes from 0 to 60mph (96km/h) in 3.9 seconds.

Finally, the oldest model in the comparison is the BMW M3 Coupe. It weighs in at 1,675kg (3,692 lbs - DKG transmission) and sports a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 delivering -in Euro spec- 420HP at 8,300rpm and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) at 3,900rpm.

Buyers can opt for either a 6-speed manual (0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds) or a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds). The car tested here by Motor Trend's Editor in Chief Angus MacKenzie, was fitted with BMW's $2,500 optional Competition Package that includes wider offset 19-inch alloy wheels, lowered ride height and recalibrated Electronic Damper Control and Dynamic Stability Control settings.

[Link to test: Motortrend]

Which One Would You be More Likely to Buy?

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