High-priced thrills: the $50,000, high-performance Audi S4 and BMW M3 top our sports-car ratings, while blending fun and practicality.(Sports Cars)(Buyers Guide)

The Audi S4 and BMW M3 sped to the top of our sports car ratings this month. Although the two are different in character and driving behavior, their overall test scores, based on more than 45 individual evaluations, were a virtual tie. Both finished ahead of our previously top-rated sports car, the Subaru Impreza WRX STi, which is about $20,000 less expensive.

Although it finished third in this competitive group, the new Cadillac CTS-V also achieved an excellent overall score. The new Pontiac GTO, about $20,000 less expensive than the Audi, BMW, or Cadillac, scored notably lower overall in our tests.

All four cars have a strong engine and manual transmission, and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. The Audi and Cadillac are four-door sedans, while the BMW and Pontiac are two-door coupes. The Audi is all-wheel drive, while the others use rear-wheel drive. The M3 is the only one that meets all of our criteria for being recommended. (See CR Quick, opposite, for more details.)

Three of the tested vehicles are limited-edition, high-performance versions of other cars in their respective model lines. The Audi S4, redesigned for 2004, is based on the compact A4. In contrast to previous S4 versions that used a turbocharged V6 engine, this S4 is powered by a 340-hp, 4.2-liter V8 that's similar to that in Audi's largest sedan, the A8.

The S4 is quick, has a beautifully crafted interior, and delivered the best fuel economy of the group. It has a very tight rear seat, though. and on our track it lacked the at-the-limit handling finesse of the BMW and Cadillac.

The BMW M3 is based on the regular 3 Series coupe, This third-generation version has changed little since the 2000 model year. Despite its 333-hp, 3.2-1iter inline six-cylinder engine being the smallest in this group, the M3 was the quickest car in 0-to-60-mph acceleration. It also delivered excellent braking and handling, posting the fastest speed through our avoidance-maneuver course. However, the ride is stiff and the rear seat is cramped.

The Cadillac CTS-V is based on the CTS sedan, which was introduced for 2003. It is the first in the new V series of high-performance cars from Cadillac. Available only with a manual transmission, the CTS-V is powered by the same 400-hp, 5.7-liter V8 used in the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. It's the only car in this group for which regular gasoline is recommended; premium is recommended for the others. The CTS-V is enjoyable to drive and has a roomy interior and easy access.