2008 Pontiac G8 GT vs. 2008 Dodge Charger R/T

Wide smiles and pumping upraised thumbs, animated gas-station conversations, love letters on the windshield, other motorists orbiting like subatomic electrons-for its week-long stay the G8 existed at the epicenter of a vortex of adulation and when's-it-on-sale interest. For good reason, too. This bold new four-door-bred and built by GM's Holden division in Australia-gets the big stuff right: sleek, aggressive proportions; front air dam with foglights standard; racy hood scoops (only for looks, alas); smart engine choices; and, most important, a rear-drive layout. It's the four-door Pontiac aficionados have been waiting for, a Grand Prix replacement BMW devotees didn't know they'd be examining with such a curious mixture of admiration and concern. Also, the G8 intentionally lines up directly against the broad shoulders of Dodge's rear-drive Charger. Always up for a good face-off, we got the two cars together for a rubber-melting scrimmage.