Ten Automotive Icons
These ten iconic cars span decades of automotive engineering excellence. Each model is evaluated for performance, design, and driving dynamics, drawing from real-world experiences and technical specifications in Malaysian contexts. The selection highlights a progression from analog sports cars to refined luxury sedans, emphasizing rear-wheel-drive layouts, manual transmissions where applicable, and inline engine architectures. Key metrics include engine displacement, power output, curb weight, dimensions, and fuel economy. These vehicles exemplify enduring principles of balance, power delivery, and driver engagement, tested on Malaysia's diverse roads from highlands to expressways.
Ten Automotive Icons
These ten iconic cars span decades of automotive engineering excellence. Each model is evaluated for performance, design, and driving dynamics in Malaysian contexts, ranging from analog classics to turbocharged performance coupes and luxury off-roaders.
Vehicle Comparison Table
| Model | Engine (Config, cc, hp) | Curb Weight (lbs / kg) | Height (in / mm) | Ground Clearance (in / mm) | 0-60 mph (s) | Combined Fuel Economy (mpg / km/l) | Est. Used Price (MYR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Porsche 911 (997) Turbo Manual | Twin-turbo Flat-six 3,600cc 480hp | 3,460 / 1,570 | 51.3 / 1,303 | 4.0 / 102 | 3.7 | 18 / 7.7 | 450,000 – 600,000 |
| 2000 BMW E46 330i | Inline-six 2,979cc 225hp | 3,153 / 1,430 | N/A | N/A | 6.5 | 21 / 8.9 | 55,000 – 65,000 |
| 2011 BMW E90 320i Manual | Inline-four 1,997cc 168hp | 3,200 / 1,451 | N/A | N/A | 8.0 | 26 / 11.1 | 45,000 – 55,000 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz E250 (W213) | Turbo Inline-four 1,991cc 211hp | N/A | N/A | N/A | 7.5 | 40 / 17.0 | 120,000 – 140,000 |
| BMW E60 M5 V10 | V10 4,999cc 500hp | 4,000 / 1,814 | N/A | N/A | 4.5 | 15 / 6.4 | 130,000 – 170,000 |
| 2016 BMW M2 Manual | Twin-turbo Inline-six 2,998cc 365hp | 3,450 / 1,565 | N/A | N/A | 4.2 | 21 / 8.9 | 230,000 – 250,000 |
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz E230 (W124) Manual | Inline-four 2,297cc ~132hp | 3,020 / 1,370 | 56.3 / 1,430 | 6.3 / 160 | 11.0 | 26 / 11.1 | 20,000 – 35,000 |
| 718 Porsche Cayman Manual | Flat-four turbo 1,988cc 300hp | 3,034 / 1,376 | 51.0 / 1,295 | 4.1 / 104 | 4.9 | 24 / 10.2 | 280,000 – 340,000 |
| 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Manual | Turbo Inline-four 2,300cc 310hp | 3,532 / 1,602 | 54.4 / 1,382 | 5.7 / 145 | 5.5 | 24 / 10.2 | 160,000 – 190,000 |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon (G350/G500) | V6/V8 3,498–4,663cc 245–387hp | 5,500 / 2,495 | 76.0 / 1,930 | 8.3 / 211 | 5.9–8.7 | 17 / 7.2 | 350,000 – 550,000 |
Notes: Prices reflect Malaysian used market values as of 2025.
1: The Timeless Thrill – 2007 Porsche 911 (997) Turbo Manual
Overview
The Porsche 911 (997) generation exemplifies decades of rear-engine evolution. This Turbo manual variant amplifies the recipe with AWD and twin-turbo thrust.
Technical Specifications
- Rear-engine AWD layout; curb weight 3,460 lbs.
- 3.6L twin-turbo flat-six, 480 hp, 460 lb-ft.
- 6-speed manual; 0–60 mph: 3.7 s.
- Ground clearance: 4.0 in.
Evaluation
On Genting Sempah’s ascending sweepers, the 997 Turbo surges with ferocity, its VGT turbos spooling instantly as AWD claws through wet patches. The ride is firm but controlled, and city potholes reveal its stiffness. Market value: RM 350k–400k.
2: The Ultimate Driver's Sedan – 2000 BMW E46 330i
Overview
A benchmark for sports sedans, the E46 330i blends hydraulic steering, poise, and inline-six refinement.
Technical Specifications
- RWD; curb weight 3,153 lbs.
- 3.0L inline-six, 225 hp.
- 5-speed manual; 0–60 mph ~6.5 s.
- Fuel economy: 21 mpg.
BMW 330 E46 2000
Evaluation
On KL–Penang expressways, stability and feedback shine. VANOS and rust are common issues. Market value: RM 20k–40k.
3: The Agile Everyday Hero – 2011 BMW E90 320i Manual
Overview
A balanced, rev-happy daily driver with hydraulic steering and a communicative chassis.
Technical Specifications
- 1,997cc inline-four, 168 hp.
- 6-speed manual; 0–60 mph ~8 s.
- Fuel economy 26 mpg.
BMW 320 E90 2011
Evaluation
Ideal on Cameron Highlands hairpins, the 320i rewards precision and rev-matching. Market value: RM 15k–28k.
4: Elegance Meets Efficiency – 2016 Mercedes-Benz E250 (W213)
Overview
A refined luxury sedan with an efficient turbo-four powertrain.
Technical Specifications
- Turbo 1,991cc inline-four, 211 hp.
- 9-speed automatic; 0–60 mph 7.5 s.
- 40 mpg combined.
W213 E250
Evaluation
Smooth, quiet, and plush on long-haul drives. Higher parts cost is the tradeoff. Market value: RM 90k–120k.
5: The Symphony of Power – BMW E60 M5 V10
Overview
A Formula 1-inspired V10 sedan delivering exotic-car thrills.
Technical Specifications
- 4,999cc V10, 500 hp.
- 6-speed manual or SMG.
- 0–60 mph: 4.5 s; 15 mpg.
E60 BMW M5 V10
Evaluation
At Sepang, the S85 V10 screams to 8,250 rpm with intoxicating intensity. Known SMG and rod-bearing issues. Market value: RM 130k–170k.
6: The Compact Cannibal – 2016 BMW M2 Manual
Overview
A compact performance coupe blending M-division sharpness with daily usability.
Technical Specifications
- 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six, 365 hp.
- 6-speed manual; 0–60 mph 4.2 s.
- 21 mpg.
Evaluation
A weapon on Fraser’s Hill, with tight chassis responses and strong braking performance. Market value: RM 180k–250k.
7: Analog Luxury Done Right – 1990 Mercedes-Benz E230 (W124) Manual
Overview
A mechanical masterpiece from the analog era, renowned for durability and ride comfort.
Technical Specifications
- 2.3L inline-four, ~132 hp.
- 5-speed manual; 0–60 mph ~11 s.
- Fuel economy: ~26 mpg.
1990 Mercedes-Benz E230 (W124)
Evaluation
Floats over uneven Ipoh and rural roads with grace. Manual gearbox adds rare engagement to a stately sedan. Market value: RM 20k–35k.
8: The Precision Mid-Engine Tool – Porsche 718 Cayman Manual
Overview
A razor-sharp mid-engine sports car with turbocharged punch.
Technical Specifications
- 2.0L flat-four turbo, 300 hp.
- 6-speed manual; 0–60 mph 4.9 s.
- 24 mpg.
Evaluation
Laser-like steering and superb balance shine on Bukit Tinggi’s technical roads. Market value: RM 280k–340k.
9: The Modern American Muscle – 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Manual
Overview
A global Mustang bringing turbocharged performance and improved handling.
Technical Specifications
- 2.3L turbo inline-four, 310 hp.
- 6-speed manual; 0–60 mph 5.5 s.
- 24 mpg.
Evaluation
Excellent highway refinement and agile for its size. Carbon buildup requires maintenance vigilance. Market value: RM 160k–190k.
10: The Iconic Off-Road Status Symbol – 2015 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon (G350 / G500)
Overview
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon (W463) blends military-grade heritage with modern luxury. Boxy, imposing, and unapologetically old-school, the G-Class retains its ladder-frame toughness and triple locking differentials while wrapping occupants in plush refinement. In Malaysia, the G350 BlueTEC and G500 V8 are the most prevalent variants.
Technical Specifications
- Chassis & Dimensions: Ladder-frame SUV; curb weight: ~5,500 lbs (2,495 kg).
- Powertrain (G350): 3.0L turbo-diesel V6, 245 hp, 600 Nm; 7G-Tronic automatic.
- Powertrain (G500): 4.7L twin-turbo V8, 387 hp, 530 Nm; 0–60 mph: 5.9 s.
- Ride & Off-Road Hardware:
- Live axles front and rear
- THREE locking differentials
- Low range transfer case
- Ground clearance: 8.3 in (211 mm)
Evaluation
On Malaysian streets, the G-Wagon feels like piloting a luxury tank. In Kuala Lumpur’s urban canyons, its tall seating position towers above Myvis and SUVs alike, granting commanding visibility over congested traffic. The turning circle, however, is hilariously truck-like, demanding patience in basement parking ramps and tight Jalan Imbi alleyways.
On the North-South expressway, crosswinds gently nudge the boxy profile, but the steering—rack-and-pinion only introduced in later years—remains surprisingly stable at 110–130 km/h. The G500’s V8 provides effortless overtakes past long convoys of lorries, while the diesel G350 excels in torque-rich hill climbs, particularly on Cameron Highlands’ steep inclines.
When taken off-road in Ulu Yam or rural Kedah trails, the G-Wagon’s UNESCO-level off-road capability becomes immediately clear: engage low range, activate all three diff locks, and the vehicle crawls up muddy slopes where many crossovers would spin helplessly. Its solid axles maintain traction where independent-suspension SUVs struggle.
Ownership drawbacks include:
- High maintenance costs in Malaysia
- Fuel consumption worthy of its brick aerodynamics
- Humidity-related electronics wear after a decade
Market value: RM 350k–550k (used) depending on variant and mileage.
Conclusion
This collection now spans sports cars, luxury sedans, analog classics, turbocharged coupes, and an off-road icon. Each vehicle contributes a unique chapter to the story of driving passion on Malaysian roads, representing the best of engineering philosophy across eras.