WRX vs GSX vs SI vs RWD

Okay, before you guys think im going nuts thinking any of these following cars are going to be better than WRX, hear me out first.

The car i really want is a WRX. With what i got right now, i can probably afford one that's around 02-03. But to me, the bug eye is a huge turn off. Everything about WRX is perfect to me except that. The great power...the AWD...the superb handling just makes me drool. I really want the newer WRX..but i can't afford it yet. My parents will let me pick a car of my choice for college, with the budget around 14-15k. I may be able to find a WRX that i like with that money but i want to consider some other options if i cant. I came up with the following:

99-00 Civic SI

i know..i know..why should this car even be in here? with only 160hp stock and FWD, it is rather weak. But i thought maybe this would be a great first manual transmission car for me. Maybe i can consider the 2.5RS, but that will be no fun because that's like owning a mini-WRX already...I dont know much about this gen's SI, how is the handling of this car?

GSX

The GSX is AWD, pretty powerful but i just dont like the way it looks...

RWD CARS:

240sx/300zx

cant find a relatively new ones, they are all pretty old and beat up already. Plus if their safety ratings arent that well and my insurance will skyrocket.


Well these are my opinions. What do you guys think?

Holy crap! I was in a situation similar to yours two years ago, and I was considering the EXACT same cars! The only difference is that I had just gotten out of college, and was ready to buy a sporty car for myself that wouldn’t break the bank. In the end, I ended up with a 300ZX, and I have been very happy with my decision. However, if I was making the same decision today, I might go a different route.

Like you, the car that I really wanted was a WRX. The only one I could find in my price range, though, was a bug eyed wagon. It was a really nice dark red one, but I just couldn’t (and still haven’t) brought myself to like the front end design of the car. The interior is a little on the cheap side too. Not GM product cheap, but nowhere near as nice as the leather clad Zs I was looking at. I was also going to have to give about two grand more than I wanted in order to buy the car. The car had around 60k on it.

The turbo Eclipse was an option, but it is getting really hard to find one that hasn’t been modded in some way. If it didn’t have some goofy wing or body kit on it, it was running high psi on a stock internals. On top of that, most consumer magazines did not rate the turbo Eclipse as a very reliable machine. This wouldn’t be a big deal if you were buying a project car, but it is an issue worth thinking about if you plan on using this as a daily driver. This is especially true if you are moving away for college. If something goes wrong, mom and dad won’t be near by to help out. This will be an especially large pain if, like most college students, you are broke as hell.

I test drove a few Honda Sis, and they just didn’t do much for me, personally. I drove a 91 Honda Prelude through college, so by that time I was pretty sick of low torque and FWD. Of all the cars you mention, with the exception of the 2.5 RS and 240sx, it is the slowest in a straight line. On other hand, I will not deny that it is pretty quick once it is up and going, and best of all, it gets GREAT gas mileage. It handles very well, too. If I recall correctly, my insurance quotes on this car were very reasonable. Good luck finding a nice example, though. Most of these cars have been ABSOULUTELY RUINED by teenage morons and early twenties thugs. There are nice ones to be found, but you’ll have to look hard.

I might mention that you could also check out the last body style Prelude. It is very similar to the Si, but with a little more low end and mid range power to it.

And the 300ZX… I went a very long distance to get a low mileage (36K) NA model. I wanted a turbo, but since I needed a reliable daily driver with decent insurance rates, the NA really made more sense. The car is a ton of fun to drive, is faster all around than the aforementioned Civic and Prelude, and has been super reliable. After two years, I have had next to zero problems from the car. Best of all, it is a true RWD sports car. I imagine that a 240 SX would be similar, but without modification, it isn’t in quite the same league as either the NA or Turbo Z32. Like some of the other car mentioned, these are getting hard to find in good shape. Just look on autotrader or cars.com and be prepared to travel a considerable distance to find the car you really want.

Back to the question at hand… what would I get NOW?
Since prices have fallen on WRXs since I was in the market, I would be sorely tempted to get the Subie and try my best to overlook the ugly front end. While I am happy with my Z, I’m ready for something more- especially after tooling around in the ride I recently bought for the wife (A Merc. C43 AMG). If you can afford the insurance, and can find a sub 70K example that a nice old man has owned, a turbo Z may be worth considering. If insurance is too high, though, you will probably be perfectly happy with an NA until you get out of school.

One other thing… have you considered a MR2 turbo? Not to complicate matters, but that is one car that I did think about that isn’t on your list. I ultimately eliminated it because it has almost no luggage space, though.

Sorry for the long rant. Since your story strikes such a close chord with me, I had to give some in depth input.

Oh yes... I might add one word of warning about Zs. I'm a proficient mechanic, so if something does go wrong with my car, I can fix it pretty cheaply. If you don't work on your on car and something does go wrong with the 300zx repairs are expensive. This is definitely worth thinking about when looking at an older car. That is one thing a WRX has going for it- it is a much newer, after all. Just make sure that it hasn't been owned by some kid who drove the crap out of it. Pay particularly close attention to the gearbox when buying any early model WRX. A few high rpm clutch drops can absolutely grenade the driveline of an awd car.

When I was in your situation, I wanted, and could afford, a WRX. But I got the 2.5 RS. Why? Less cost (especially insurance), less performance to get myself into trouble with, and I didn't want my first manual car to be a WRX. In other words, I wouldn't have been able to properly use a WRX, so why spend the extra money? I've put 10,000 miles in my 2.5 RS, I'm selling it because I'm joining the Air Force, and I already feel ready for a WRX.

If it's your first sporty car and your first manual, I'd recommend a 2.5 RS, preferrably a '98-'01.

Thanks for the input. It definitely helped me a lot.

I also forgot to mention that during ski season, i might be driving this car up the hills to get to the slopes. That's also why the WRX is perfect for me. However for now, it seem's im down to either the Z's or 2.5RS if i can't find one.

I'm not a good mechanic so that's something i need to learn. I'm also planning to start learning how to mod when i get the car... so maybe not getting WRX is a good idea.

Just wait it out to find the right WRX, it'll come along and you'll be extraordinarily happy that you got it. I've driven a few of them, and they are extremely fun with amazing handling for what you pay for them. Don't bother with a 2.5RS... the WRX isn't THAT fast. My first manual was a front driver with 255 hp (my maxima) and I never had any problems. The REX has less hp and AWD so it is much more forgiving. ;)

Oh, I would hardly say the WRX is a hard car to handle at all, but it's the whole fact that it's a WRX, and you're most likely going to start modifying it and/or racing it. I extensively drove both before I made my decision, and even if the WRX isn't all that much faster than the 2.5 RS, the sound and the feel of the turbo engine is unmistakable. I'm just saying, maybe it's not a good idea if your first sporty car with a manual transmission is turbocharged and has all-wheel-drive.

The 2.5 RS is plenty of fun to drive, and it never feels underpowered, though it isn't exactly a blast to accelerate in. Being essentially a detuned STi, the Impreza 2.5 RS still has excellent core handling values. The suspension isn't quite as firm as I'd like it to be, the stock wheels are only 16x6.5, and the stock tires are kind of crappy, but all of that can be upgraded pretty easily (if it'll fit on a WRX, it'll fit on a 2.5 RS). Really, you just have to drive both and see which one you prefer. The pre-'06 models do have quite a bit of turbo lag, which really got on my nerves coming out of corners, but it may not bother you much. And I didn't notice much of a handling advantage in the WRX (it's got the same suspension, wheels, and tires, and more weight, so there shouldn't be any). But maybe you will. :)

I agree that the 2.5RS is definitely worth considering. My sister has one, and it is a ton of fun to drive. It comes across as what it essentially is- an na wrx. A lot of triplerox's decision between these two cars may come down to the issues of insurance and initial purchase cost. It might also be worth pointing out that, at least in my eyes, the 2000 and 2001 2.5 was a much better looking car than the wrx. In high school my "semi- realistic" dream car was a blue two door 2.5 with gold wheels. Never happened, but I still have a soft spot for the original 2.5.

As far as speed goes... I dunno. A WRX could be much more prone to get a young, car obsessed guy in trouble. Street racing guys in V8 Mustangs and Camaros becomes just a little too tempting... whereas with the 2.5 you've got a really fun car, but you still know there is no point in bothering. And once you start modding a WRX, things can get out of hand quickly. I've always joked that turbo boost is like crack. You get a shot of it and it feels so good you just have to go back for more. Next thing you know, you've got a boost controller, and you're giving it more, and more, and more and.... BAM! You overdose just a little too much and everything's over.

To make a long story short, if you do get a WRX, I'd leave it stock until you have some real money to play with, or at least have a really good idea of what you're doing.

If you've really got the appropriate funds and self control, by all means hold out for the WRX. If I had a WRX going into college, though, I feel pretty certain I would have managed to either pile it up or lose my license altogether. Of course, the fact that I was an irresponsible little sh#% doesn't mean that you will be. Just gauge the situation and yourself accordingly.

Since snowy weather or having a back seat isn’t an issue for me, I still prefer the NA Z to the 2.5 RS, and the Turbo Z to a WRX. But I’ve also become a bit biased in that regard, so you probably ought to just ignore my feelings about Z cars of any sort. I admit that I might not be speaking sensibly. :biggrin:

I agree that the 2.5RS is definitely worth considering. My sister has one, and it is a ton of fun to drive. It comes across as what it essentially is- an na wrx. A lot of triplerox's decision between these two cars may come down to the issues of insurance and initial purchase cost. It might also be worth pointing out that, at least in my eyes, the 2000 and 2001 2.5 was a much better looking car than the wrx. In high school my "semi- realistic" dream car was a blue two door 2.5 with gold wheels. Never happened, but I still have a soft spot for the original 2.5.

As far as speed goes... I dunno. A WRX could be much more prone to get a young, car obsessed guy in trouble. Street racing guys in V8 Mustangs and Camaros becomes just a little too tempting... whereas with the 2.5 you've got a really fun car, but you still know there is no point in bothering. And once you start modding a WRX, things can get out of hand quickly. I've always joked that turbo boost is like crack. You get a shot of it and it feels so good you just have to go back for more. Next thing you know, you've got a boost controller, and you're giving it more, and more, and more and.... BAM! You overdose just a little too much and everything's over.

To make a long story short, if you do get a WRX, I'd leave it stock until you have some real money to play with, or at least have a really good idea of what you're doing.

If you've really got the appropriate funds and self control, by all means hold out for the WRX. If I had a WRX going into college, though, I feel pretty certain I would have managed to either pile it up or lose my license altogether. Of course, the fact that I was an irresponsible little sh#% doesn't mean that you will be. Just gauge the situation and yourself accordingly.

Since snowy weather or having a back seat isn’t an issue for me, I still prefer the NA Z to the 2.5 RS, and the Turbo Z to a WRX. But I’ve also become a bit biased in that regard, so you probably ought to just ignore my feelings about Z cars of any sort. I admit that I might not be speaking sensibly. :biggrin:

Sums it up pretty well. And yes, '98-'01 2.5 RS = sex on wheels. Especially the worldy rally blue with gold wheels.

I really love the 2.5RS too, just because of its looks and 2 doors. I have a friend of mine who's getting an evo this weekend and that is just tempting me to get a WRX.

THe only thing that's preventing me from getting a 2.5rs is its weak acceleration and only 160hp...swapping will be too expensive as well and im newb in cars so i wouldnt even go there yet. are there any other alternatives that i didnt look into yet?

166 horsepower is plenty for a 3000-pound car, and 0-60 in under 8 seconds isn't weak. It's not going to compete with all-out sports cars like the Evo, but for what it is (a sport compact), it's very good.

I am going to support the DSM because I am biased.You can get a very nice '99 GSX with the money you are looking at spending(and still have some left). As long as you don't mod it balls to the walls reliabiltiy shouldn't be a big issue for you. I love mine and I bought it when I was 18 years old and a senior in HS. But I will tell you right now, I am a very responsible person. Im not saying that I never got in a race, because that would be a lie. But i didn't race everything I saw. If a WRX is really what you want, be patient and look for one. But realize that the car needs to last you. So 6500RPM launches will trash that tranny(the only bad part about WRX's) where as a DSM can hold up to them(when making stock HP). You will take out a clutch doing it though. But if you want the car to last it won't be an issue right?;) Z's are nice cars my cousin had an N/A one that he loved. But if you are dealing with a lot of snow driving I would advise against them. The AWD would be a much better choice than a RWD. The biggest thing is to realize that having a real sports car doesn't mean your the fastest shit around, and that every gear doesn't need to see red line. But I will warn you the turbo/crack analogy is a 100% true. IMO if a WRX is what you want get it. Just don't be a dumbass behind the wheel.

Ahhh, 2.5RS vs WRX...I think every impreza owner has tossed it up, lol.

The WRX is a pretty forgiving car given everything. If you're gonna get a high powered car, AWD is probably safest. When I was getting my WRX I was tossing up between an S15 Silvia and a R33 Skyline GTs-t...I'm failry confident I would have wrapped myself up around a tree with a turbo RWD...especially in rain...you never know how a RWD car is going to react in the wet compared to dry.

And I don't think 0-60 times are a good measure of how fast an AWD car is. Even though the WRX fast from 0-60, after that it...could be better. So even though the RS gets 8s from 0-60, it's mainly due to AWD launch so don't expect too much when punching it from 40.

But having said it all, go test drive. I just loved the WRX because under 3000rpm u could be driving a grocery getter and once u hit 4000....it's so nice! It's like the best of both worlds! =P

And I don't think 0-60 times are a good measure of how fast an AWD car is. Even though the WRX fast from 0-60, after that it...could be better. So even though the RS gets 8s from 0-60, it's mainly due to AWD launch so don't expect too much when punching it from 40.

"Could be better" is an understatement. My old '96 Camry V6 would flat-out smoke my 2.5 RS going from a rolll at 60.

Well, I am having the hardest time looking for a 2.5rs in my area now. They are so rare.

I'm also trying to look p on 240 adn 300 right now.

240= best drift car even with a KA
fuck fwd cuz u cant drift it and understeer is a bitch

300zx and ludes are too heavy

mr2 would be sick with a 3s gte

ae86<3

Personally i love the bug eyes, cheap interior, but the awd and power make up for it, My friend owned a bug eye for 2 yrs, and never had a problem with it.Like any car if you don't beat on it, it'll be jus fine. Those tranny's are glass though,so don't go around launching just because it's awd and turbo, if you decide on a wrx. Good luck !

Okay, before you guys think im going nuts thinking any of these following cars are going to be better than WRX, hear me out first.

The car i really want is a WRX. With what i got right now, i can probably afford one that's around 02-03. But to me, the bug eye is a huge turn off. Everything about WRX is perfect to me except that. The great power...the AWD...the superb handling just makes me drool. I really want the newer WRX..but i can't afford it yet. My parents will let me pick a car of my choice for college, with the budget around 14-15k. I may be able to find a WRX that i like with that money but i want to consider some other options if i cant. I came up with the following:

99-00 Civic SI

i know..i know..why should this car even be in here? with only 160hp stock and FWD, it is rather weak. But i thought maybe this would be a great first manual transmission car for me. Maybe i can consider the 2.5RS, but that will be no fun because that's like owning a mini-WRX already...I dont know much about this gen's SI, how is the handling of this car?

GSX

The GSX is AWD, pretty powerful but i just dont like the way it looks...

RWD CARS:

240sx/300zx

cant find a relatively new ones, they are all pretty old and beat up already. Plus if their safety ratings arent that well and my insurance will skyrocket.


Well these are my opinions. What do you guys think?
a 160hp honda is nasty. hondas are alot of fun cuz they are so rev happy and reliable (except for fwd understeer that kinda sucks). gsx (fuck a gst cuz fwd)has a 4g63(same as evo) those motors are bullit proof and fast. ive seen videos of an old rs vs a 98 integra type r on a circuit and the rs ate it up cuz awd vs shitty understeering fwd... if i was you i would look for a 240sx cuz drifting is so fun and u cant drift awd or fwd

a 160hp honda is nasty. hondas are alot of fun cuz they are so rev happy and reliable (except for fwd understeer that kinda sucks). gsx (fuck a gst cuz fwd)has a 4g63(same as evo) those motors are bullit proof and fast. ive seen videos of an old rs vs a 98 integra type r on a circuit and the rs ate it up cuz awd vs shitty understeering fwd... if i was you i would look for a 240sx cuz drifting is so fun and u cant drift awd or fwd

Can't drift awd but you can sure take a turn faster than anyone in a fwd, or rwd, and the feeling of going into a turn and no understeer, jus being able to keep your foot on the gas the whole time, AMAZING ! :biggrin:

Okay, before you guys think im going nuts thinking any of these following cars are going to be better than WRX, hear me out first.

The car i really want is a WRX. With what i got right now, i can probably afford one that's around 02-03. But to me, the bug eye is a huge turn off. Everything about WRX is perfect to me except that. The great power...the AWD...the superb handling just makes me drool. I really want the newer WRX..but i can't afford it yet. My parents will let me pick a car of my choice for college, with the budget around 14-15k. I may be able to find a WRX that i like with that money but i want to consider some other options if i cant. I came up with the following:

99-00 Civic SI

i know..i know..why should this car even be in here? with only 160hp stock and FWD, it is rather weak. But i thought maybe this would be a great first manual transmission car for me. Maybe i can consider the 2.5RS, but that will be no fun because that's like owning a mini-WRX already...I dont know much about this gen's SI, how is the handling of this car?

GSX

The GSX is AWD, pretty powerful but i just dont like the way it looks...

RWD CARS:

240sx/300zx

cant find a relatively new ones, they are all pretty old and beat up already. Plus if their safety ratings arent that well and my insurance will skyrocket.


Well these are my opinions. What do you guys think?


Bro you can pick up a 2005 STI for under 15,000.. I don't know where you live, but there is a car lot here Called Jeff's Auto, and he has a 2005 STI with only 41,000 miles on it for 14,599..