Supra vs. VR4

I finally sold my SL and GSX and now I am in the market for a car around 15-18k. My two choices are either a AUTO Supra (because they are so much cheaper :smile: than finding a sixspeed) or a second gen VR4 :naughty: . Handling on a circuit track, freeway runs, reliablity, ease of matinence and gas mileage are also of the top concern. Quarter mile times and 0-60 times aren't too important :icon16: . This isn't going to be a car that I am drag racing or anything, I would probably just bring it to an autocross track or something around those lines. Thank you for an input :iceslolan .


95 Supra
AUTO :mad:
320hp @ 5600rpm
315lb/tq @ 4000rpm
3450lbs
RWD

..............vs.................

98 3000GT VR4
6 SPEED
320hp @ 6000rpm
315lb/tq @ 2500rpm
3800lbs
AWD :evillol:

First of all, good luck finding any twin turbo Supra (even an auto one) for less than 25K. Reliability goes to the Supra, gas mileage is equally bad on both, and I have no idea about ease of maintenance. In autocross, the Supra is going to be at a sizable disadvantage because it's automatic (assuming you could drive the VR-4 well). However, at the drag strip, the automatic transmission could almost be seen as a benefit to the Supra, which is very difficult to launch with a six-speed, and doesn't have AWD to help it out like the VR-4 does.

I never thought I'd say this, but I'd get the VR-4.

Dunno if you can pick up a Supra TT for 18k or less but if you can...buyer be warned as kman said

Why cant you just wait and get a 6 spd Supra TT...it would be a clear cut winner in my book over the VR4...but as it is now...I guess VR4 (sigh)

I have seen quite a few supra tts for less than 20k...but the majority as he stated are auto...and quite often n/a...if you don't care about 1/4mile times you might want to consider a manual n/a supra...they are pretty cheap compared to the tt...I've seen them for as like as 16-19k...while the tts go down to about 18k if you're lucky.

the vr4 is a lot cheaper, but the trannys seem to not hold up as well and supposedly you can't rebuild them or something.

as for autox and gas mileage...neither is really want you want I think...you will probly want something a bit smaller and more nimble...ala mr2 n/a which rules it's class pretty well...if you want more power consider an mr2 turbo...

since you seem to like the bigger cars though...you could also look into financing an nsx using your wad of cash as a hefty down payment or consider a 300zx tt.

I have seen quite a few supra tts for less than 20k...but the majority as he stated are auto...and quite often n/a...

If they're Supra TTs, how can they be "quite often N/A"?

id take the supra tt (good luck finding it for your price range...but im sure it can be done)

Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
The Supra will have the advantage in freeway runs due to RWD. It also takes the reliability issue. VR4s are average in reliablity...it really depends on how they were treated. (And to comment on that thing about thier trannys not being able to be rebuilt is...not true)

The vr4 has AWD, AWS, and handles very well despite being a few hundred pounds more. I love the vr4 and wouldn't trade it for anything, but it does have it's drawbacks. The aftermarket is alot bigger on the Supra. Then again, you said you wont really drag race. Vr4s havn't hit 9s yet, and at this point 10s are still pricey, but there are tons of daily driven vr4s in the 11s and it only costs a few grand.

I really don't know anything about the Supra from an owners standpoint, so it is hard to be completely fair, but I can tell you that you wont be dissappointed with a VR4. Very few cars will be able to hang stoplight to stoplight.
Maintainence can be a bit pricey, but I would assume the Supra would be as well.

They do have their weaknesses, but overall are an amazing car. If you are interested, we have a pretty detailed FAQ in the 3000gt/stealth section that has plenty of info.