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Top 10 Comparisons of 2015
We look back at the year that was with our favourite comparison testsComparing vehicles against one another is what we do. Whether it's in head-to-head testing – like the comparisons below – or in isolation, the wealth of knowledge among our test crew means we're always cross-referencing one car with another, even if it's only in our own heads.
But with the year drawing to a close, we got the road test team together to take a look back at the past 12 months and nominate our favourite comparison tests. Here they are ranked from 10 to one...
Hybrid cars mightn't be as exciting as the latest supercar, but as the world's fossil fuels begin to run out it's important to look ahead and see which manufacturer is at the forefront of the technology available to us right now.
Who doesn't love a hot hatch? Looking around me I'd say nobody. Forget the Civic Type-R and say sayonara to the Lancer Ralliart, the Europeans are on the march. Of all the tests we conducted this year, this is one that has the fun factor sewn up.
8.<a href="/editorial/details/offroad-suv-2015-review-50011/?__source=editorialArticle&driver_crosssell=editorial.in.article.link" data-article-id="ED-ITM-50011"><strong> Off-road SUV Comparison</strong> </a>
We love getting dirty – and we love getting out in the bush to see how the heavy-hitters of the 4WD world compete in the real world. Grab low-range and drop the tyre pressures – this is a test you'll want to read with both hands firmly on the wheel.
It's a battle as old as the Aussie car itself: Holden v Ford, Commodore v Falcon. It's better still when there's a whopping big V8 beating under the bonnet. Whether you support Henry or The General, chances are you'll want to know how this ends.
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While we're on the subject of V8s, we thought we'd look at the last of The Big Three – the mighty Mopar. Pitched against the Chevrolet-powered HSV ClubSport R8, Chrysler's stonking 300 SRT showed luxury and horsepower do have a place together... Just not on the racetrack.
GT S versus GTS... German versus German. Two of the best-known names in the sports car world go head to head in a battle royale. AMG said its new coupe had the size and performance to stop the iconic 911 in its tracks and maybe, just maybe, it was right.
This comparison proves you don't need a lot of money to have fun. Mazda's new MX-5 and the Toyota 86 offer a level of enjoyment many cars with double the price tag (and double the horsepower) have lost in a war of kiloWatts. Hit the twisty stuff and it's these little treasures that shine brightest. But which should you choose and why?
It says a lot about the importance of the humble ute Down Under that this comparison should rank third in our top 10 list. Workhorse, playmate and increasingly the family car, the dual-cab utility is an all-purpose vehicle with a no nonsense attitude – and an ever-growing range of capabilities.
This ain't no Royale with cheese. This is the real Big Mac. Two of them, in fact. In this test we pit McLaren's hard-charging super coupe against its drop-top sibling to see which is better in the cut and thrust of Melbourne traffic – and which is quickest through the McDonalds drive-through.
It was a test that stretched Aussie-Italian relations to breaking point and put us higher on Lamborghini's shit list than we ever hoped to be. Still, it had to be done. And as the test proved, there are no good or bad Lamborghinis -- just a whirlwind of excitement, passion, speed and excess. In short, we loved every bloody second of it.
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Written byMatt Brogan
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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