Four enthusiast coupes crossed the Mexican border for an adventure through Zacatecas, a state known for dramatic landscapes and minimal law enforcement presence. The lineup paired American muscle with Japanese precision and German engineering: a BMW 325is, Ford Thunderbird, Lexus SC300, and Subaru SVX.
The 1993 BMW 325is brought classic inline-six character with 189 horsepower and hydraulic steering that rewards driver input on winding roads. The Ford Thunderbird represented American cruising tradition, trading sportiness for comfort and presence. The Lexus SC300 offered the SC line's signature balance of performance and luxury, powered by a 2JZ-GE engine. The Subaru SVX brought boxer-engine quirk and all-wheel-drive traction to the mix, a genuine oddball among the group.
This wasn't a precision test drive or a lap-time shootout. Instead, it explored how these different design philosophies handled real-world Mexican roads without heavy traffic or regulatory friction. The coupe format united them—practical rear seats, genuine trunks, and designs that prioritized style alongside substance.
The BMW and Lexus represented the coupe market's premium positioning in the early 1990s, each targeting buyers who wanted sportiness wrapped in sophistication. The Thunderbird occupied a different space entirely, appealing to drivers who valued presence and cruising appeal. The Subaru stood apart as a budget alternative that delivered all-weather capability with eccentric styling.
This era marked the tail end of the affordable performance coupe. By the late 1990s, SUVs would dominate buyer priorities, and manufacturers would abandon this segment. The BMW 325is and SC300 eventually spawned no direct successors. The Thunderbird went away entirely. Only Subaru continued the formula, though