I don't know what numbers you're looking at that has the Z ahead of the Crossfire in almost every performance category. The track tests I've read have a much different set of numbers, see R & T in October.

The only two categories the Z consistently beats the Xfire are 0-60 and quarter mile times. But look at those numbers closely, ALL of the Z's accelaration advantage comes in the 0-60 sprint, by the end of the quarter the Xfire is usually closing the gap by half. Most reports on the two cars (separately) say one of the Z's weaker spots is it's mid range grunt, which is one of the Xfire's strong points.

In handling, I've never seen a Z pulling more g's that an Xfire in skidpad tests, most having the Xfire either edging or outright beating the Z, even the Track version.

Braking is NO contest...stopping distances in the Xfire are far shorter than the Z.

If the accelaration/quarter mile times are THE main performance figures important to you...save a LOT of money, skip the Z or Xfire, and get the new Dodge Neon turbo in the low '$20'sK. It beats both by far.

If you want fast AND better handling than either, and still cheaper than an optioned Track Z or Crossfire, get the Subaru WRX STI, at $32K, it's currently the best overall performer available for under $50K, of course that will change when the Lotus Elise hits next year.

Like somebody else said, go drive the cars and buy the one that feels best to you. The performance differences are measured in tenths of seconds...differences you will NEVER experience on the road unless you're a red light drag racer....