DOMESTIC vs IMPORT?

Which cars do you think are best for street racing. Imports (honda,vw,etc.) vs Domestics (chevy, pontiac,etc.) and I dont mean v8 firebirds, camaros and mustangs. I am talking about 4 cylinders and some v6s with aftermarket mods done to them. Like a civic vs a cavalier, or a integra vs a neon, or a focus vs a golf, or a cougar vs a eclipse, these are just some examples. I have just noticed that there are a lot more domestic cars on the street racing scene then ever before. It is no longer just import vs import. I just want to get different peoples views.

i'm not one for chosing sides.....they both have their upsides and downsides.
Domestics: usually cheaper to buy, and cheaper to repair (parts). Not as much aftermarket support, for example, support for a Cavalier is OK, but it's endless for a civic.
Imports: Usally look nicer, but cost more, more support, but unoriginal.

There are alot of cars i wouldn't mind owning, both domestic and import. Like i'd kill to have a WRX, but i also love the 2004 bonneville.....it's all preference.

ummm, mods who have been thread close/move happy...where are you?

This is just going to turn into the usuall flame war...

Lately it seems things are starting to even out with domestic vs import 4 cylinders. That one RSX has around 200hp 4-cylinder, Dodge has the Neon with what 240 hp or something turbocharged. Parts are of a wide variety for both, probably leaning more towards the imported market though. That still doesn't mean you can't get a good size turbocharger for a Cavalier or Focus though.

V6 Cougar vs V6 Eclipse, I don't know an answer to that one. Wow that would be a pretty interesting match I guess.

Originally posted by TerminalVelocity
ummm, mods who have been thread close/move happy...where are you?

This is just going to turn into the usuall flame war...

I'm guessing you're referring to me(THANKS redneck:rolleyes: :finger: :D ). But I'll give it time...See where it goes. If you saw Minority Report, you know that PRECRIME doesn't work:)

I believe Devil had the best answer you could probably give. So, Close it before it gets out of hand. :flamer:

if its not a V8 it ain't worth it its better getting an import ie Civic or Eclipse or Nissan 240SX or maybe a Datsun 280ZX.

WOokiE

How about a Dodge Omni GLH? HAR HAR HARRR!!!:twoguns: That car is ready to destroy!!! If you can find one, that is.

Originally posted by DeViL
Lately it seems things are starting to even out with domestic vs import 4 cylinders. That one RSX has around 200hp 4-cylinder, Dodge has the Neon with what 240 hp or something turbocharged. Parts are of a wide variety for both, probably leaning more towards the imported market though. That still doesn't mean you can't get a good size turbocharger for a Cavalier or Focus though.

V6 Cougar vs V6 Eclipse, I don't know an answer to that one. Wow that would be a pretty interesting match I guess.

Yea, I agree. I always love seeing custom turbo setups on vehicles you wouldn't expect them on. I've always wanted to do a turbo build on my Z28. I had planned on seriously doing it this past summer but as I started getting into it I realized it was going to cost waaay more than I wanted to spend(read $5k+). But turbo's are universal, the only things that's hard to come by is the exhaust manifold. Other than that any turbo will work(given it's properly sized for your engine), and you can have a shop bend all of the piping for you. After that, just be prepared to give your life over to tuning and you'll be set:)

I myself would prefer V8s(ie. lt1 or ls1)over imports. There are some serious imports ruuning around like 4g63 DSMs, Supra TTs, Vr4s, etc. I just grew up around V8s, so when my insurance goes down & I get my current car paid off, WS6 here I come!:D

Oh, someone mentioned about a V6 3g Eclipse & a V6 Cougar running. The Eclipse would probally win.
170-hp vs. 200-hp.

hmm I really like the new focus's.. with 170hp.. so nice

I've always been a fan of V-8's, espiacally a 66 Mustang coupe with a big ass blower..

As for imports I think the only American car that comes close to the hp of the 4 bangers is the focus SVT.

The main thing imports have of over domestics is wieght. except maybe the 3kgt.. to heavy of an import

really jus comes down to personal preference of looks. while each has its own amount of after-market support, an each can be quick, it really jus depends on wut u want. i'd take an import over a domestic any day, but thats only because i love the high rev'n motors an light weight cars. the focus svt really doesn't appeal to me, simply because of its looks. yea, stock vs stock, it pushes around the same numbers as a gsr, but the styling is WAY off IMO. but overall, wutever the person wants is cool...jus keep them domestic 4/6 cylinders away from me :D

Imports are typically built much better and last much longer. It sucks that I have to say that, but I have owned 6 american cars and 3 imports in ten years and the american cars all sucked ass.

Originally posted by tomlong
Imports are typically built much better and last much longer. It sucks that I have to say that, but I have owned 6 american cars and 3 imports in ten years and the american cars all sucked ass.

You had to go do it didnt you:o Mods keep this thread open why? just cause eveyone els wants it closed so I feel like being different:D

Originally posted by Monkey-Magic-S15-R
if its not a V8 it ain't worth it its better getting an import ie Civic or Eclipse or Nissan 240SX or maybe a Datsun 280ZX.

WOokiE


Originally posted by tomlong
Imports are typically built much better and last much longer. It sucks that I have to say that, but I have owned 6 american cars and 3 imports in ten years and the american cars all sucked ass.


You too guys just could not helped yourselves from biching and flaming in this thread. How come all the other people can bring valuable input or at least their oppinions and you guys have to flame.


Also weight is not always an issue with domestic cars. I mean heck the new viper has a 8.3L engine as is a convertible and weighs slighty above 3000 pounds while the new 350Z weights at over 3200 pounds. My car is around 2800 pounds that is a bout as much as a new civic ex and my car is bigger. So i say that that is not a factor anymore.

Originally posted by RACER D12


You had to go do it didnt you:o Mods keep this thread open why? just cause eveyone els wants it closed so I feel like being different:D

Were keeping our eyes on it. If it gets out of hand we will end it. So people, lets keep it civil. Most of you have done a great job so far.

I must say that everyone makes crap, domestic and import. It is impossible to make a perfect product. My family and I have never had problems with the Chrysler car that we've owned.

Originally posted by fatninja19
How about a Dodge Omni GLH? HAR HAR HARRR!!!:twoguns: That car is ready to destroy!!! If you can find one, that is.

All I can say is: RIGHT ON! FWD turbo Mopars kick ass!!!! :smoker2:

Originally posted by Polygon


I must say that everyone makes crap, domestic and import. It is impossible to make a perfect product. My family and I have never had problems with the Chrysler car that we've owned.


You've never driven a Porsche, have you? :D

Originally posted by Cbass


You've never driven a Porsche, have you? :D

Actually, I drove a fiends once. The thing had no shocks and the tire blew tearing apart the wheel well and the rear qaurter panel.

Also the engine needed an overhaul after 127,000 original miles.

:D

I honestly dont see the big fight with Imports V. Domestics. Everyone has their own preference. Each one has their really good cars and their really crappy cars. Each one has their Fast cars, and each one has their luxury cars. I like most cars, import or domestic, Im really not that picky.

You too guys just could not helped yourselves from biching and flaming in this thread. How come all the other people can bring valuable input or at least their oppinions and you guys have to flame.

Cars I have owned:

1992 Nissan Pathfinder put 85k miles on it never a problem
1976 Ford Bronco replaced at least 1 part per day
1993 Ford Taurus 3 transmissions in first 17k miles another 5 transmissions before 60k miles had breaks replaced they caught on fire before I got home.
1994 Chevy S-10 PU blew the clutch and transfer case at 26k miles
1996 Chevy Blazer the radiator says not to service for 100K at 49K it dissolved and ruined the motor, GM tried to put it to me for 4 grand
1995 Oldsmobile Acheiva 50K miles wont go in reverse
1997 Honda Accord put 168,000 miles in 4 years and only changed the battery and timing belt(because it has to be done at 90K)
1999 Honda Oddesey has 60K on it and never had a problem
2000 BMW 540I 48K no problems yet

This just endorses my point that american cars suck compared to imports.

And in regards to Flaming :finger:

My family and I have never had problems with the Chrysler car that we've owned.

I remember my father having a 1983 New Yorker Turbo. I think it was an 83. The car was cool at first because it talked to you, but that got annoying after awhile. Well anyways in 1986 the Turbo Blew up, the airconditioner overheated the car all the time to the point you could not turn the AC on. I was born and raised in america and would die for my country if asked to, but that does not mean they make good cars. I would take an import any day over an american car. That is my opinion.

Originally posted by tomlong


I remember my father having a 1983 New Yorker Turbo. I think it was an 83. The car was cool at first because it talked to you, but that got annoying after awhile. Well anyways in 1986 the Turbo Blew up, the airconditioner overheated the car all the time to the point you could not turn the AC on. I was born and raised in america and would die for my country if asked to, but that does not mean they make good cars. I would take an import any day over an american car. That is my opinion.

Yes, you owned one Dodge that had a problem, they must all be shitty. :rolleyes:

Yes, that is your opinion, not fact!

Apples dont fall to far from the tree. I am extremely happy for anyone who has a car they truly like and dont have any problems with after being put through there paces. I have had very bad experiences and will never let it happen again. Better to be safe than sorry.

This just endorses my point that american cars suck compared to imports.

And this endorses my agreement to close this topic, or ask to have you banned.

Parents:
1995, 1998, 2002 Grand Am GTs, no problems mechanical wise. 95 and 98 however before trading in had 3rd brake light bulb out. That has nothing to do with build quality, just crappy bulbs.
Ford Bronco - now this I know they had problems with such as rust after 5 or 6 years. Other mechanical things that I don't remember but they got rid of that truck.
god knows how old, Chevy Celebrity, 70k dirt slow but no problems.
2001 Chevy Silverado - no problems

Me:
1988 Firebird GTA - 65k only problem - holes in mufflers, thats my fault though its just sat in the garage for years now. Last year I actually cleaned it up for once.
2001 S-10 Xtreme - no problems so far.

Not every car America makes is junk.

I think closing the topic would be good. You talk about having someone banned because they dont agree with you. Grow up!

Cars owned in the family and their problems...

-Mercedes Benz S55AMG - No problems whatsoever
-Mercedes Benz CLK320 - No problems whatsoever(except I'm and idiot and broke the key, $650 to have a new one sent from Europe, whoops:D )
-Corvette C5 - No problems whatsoever
-'95 Camaro Z28 - no problems while it was stock...since it's been modded, rear end was breaking gears(my fault), clutch burnt away(due to 500rwhp:D ), abs system was faulty, shift knob threads stripped away for no apparent reason
-'96 Camaro Z28 - no problems whatsoever
-'97 Dodge Neon - door locks broke and wouldn't unlock from the outside
-Jetta - No problems whatsoever
-95 Civic EX - Heat decided it didn't need to work anymore after 40k miles
-89 Mazda Mx6 Turbo - Leaked oil pretty bad at 100k
-95 Volvo 960 - Something was wrong with it, can't remember what, lol

My experiences with our cars:)

Ah the S55 AMG Sweeeeeeeet car. You have been very lucky not to have any real major mechanical problems with the cars you have owned. Again I must say the S55AMG is a great car. Now I am jealous.

It's not because you disagreed with me thats fine. But you had to flame and say American cars suck. Enough though, I admit it was too harsh saying to have you banned.

Fair Enough!

Originally posted by tomlong
Ah the S55 AMG Sweeeeeeeet car. You have been very lucky not to have any real major mechanical problems with the cars you have owned. Again I must say the S55AMG is a great car. Now I am jealous.

Yes, agreed it is:)
http://filebox.vt.edu/users/mself/forumspics/newbenz1.jpg

http://filebox.vt.edu/users/mself/forumspics/newbenz3.jpg

I guess I'm kind of lucky, I don't know. I don't think any cars are supposed to have any major mechanical problems. So maybe you're just UNLUCKY:D

I guess I'm kind of lucky, I don't know. I don't think any cars are supposed to have any major mechanical problems. So maybe you're just UNLUCKY

True-True

That car is one of the nicest cars on the road. Refinement, beauty, power, and silver(the best color in the world for a luxury car-benz)
I am very impressed.

By the way I see you live in Alexandria, VA. My whole family lives within 30 miles from you and my mom is probably within 5 miles of you. She lives across from Landmark Mall.

The reason I started this thread is because Domestics have been making a big push to get more into the street racing scene, that has always been owned by imports. A good example is pontiac, there new ads state the following facts>Grand Am SE2 has largest engine in its class, Vibe GT has more standard HP then a Honda CRV & Ford Focus, Sunfire has more standard HP than a Honda Civic & VW Golf. This is just one example of how domestics are trying to get their foot in the door of the Street scene. Look at the amount of aftermarket mods for domestics that have come out in the last 5 years, before if you bought a domestic you had no chocies with aftermarket parts and now you have lots.

Originally posted by Polygon


Actually, I drove a fiends once. The thing had no shocks and the tire blew tearing apart the wheel well and the rear qaurter panel.

Also the engine needed an overhaul after 127,000 original miles.

:D

Bad example

:finger:

My point was, there is a manufacturer that makes perfect cars :D

Mainly because their mandate is to build perfect cars, not midsizers for the mass market :)

Ferrari is liket that too, but Porsches are affordable, and reliable as well.

before if you bought a domestic you had no chocies with aftermarket parts

Well before if you bought a domestic to race, you bought a V8. V8 domestic cars are still on top of every V6, I6, 4-cylinder that domestic companies make when it comes to power and performance. But there is just a new generation of people who are ignoring that and trying to play around with smaller engines. Thats fine, I don't like it but I can't change the whole world's mind, maybe just a few.

A good example is pontiac, there new ads state the following facts>Grand Am SE2 has largest engine in its class,
Maybe so but I got the biggest V6. Yay go big block V6!:twoguns:

Originally posted by dolla_bill0913
The reason I started this thread is because Domestics have been making a big push to get more into the street racing scene, that has always been owned by imports. A good example is pontiac, there new ads state the following facts>Grand Am SE2 has largest engine in its class, Vibe GT has more standard HP then a Honda CRV & Ford Focus, Sunfire has more standard HP than a Honda Civic & VW Golf. This is just one example of how domestics are trying to get their foot in the door of the Street scene. Look at the amount of aftermarket mods for domestics that have come out in the last 5 years, before if you bought a domestic you had no chocies with aftermarket parts and now you have lots.

Actually, domestics have always been the the leaders of the street racing scene. All the way back into the early days of the car:) But I know what you meant, they are making a huge push to get on top of the sport compact market. Honestly, at this point all of the cars are about evenly matched performance-wise. All of the cars are going to be reliable and get you down the street to where you're going. The only thing you really have to base your decision on which to buy is the interior and exterior styling. Whichever tickles your fancy the most. In my opinion imports look a whole lot better than domestics. Not all of them, there are some very good looking domestic sport compacts out there as well, but I think there's a larger selection of nice looking import sport compacts. Thing will likely even out in this respect over time as well though.

I find it interesting to take a look at what really is an import and what really is a domestic.

Here are two great domestics that do get raced and modded; BMW Z3 (South Carolina), Honda Accord (Marysville, Ohio).

And here are two great examples of imports; Chevrolet Camaro (St. Therese, Quebec, Canada) and the Ford Focus (Ford of England developed and transplanted).

These cars are actually qualified as such by the US. Government due to manufactured content. When I see that, I tend to take the whole "import vs. domestic" debate and chuck it out the window.

Even at my age, I've had the chance to drive and ride in some heady machinery in both camps. From my DOHC Plymouth Neon race car (inherited from dad-will be finished in time for Mansfield Motorsports Speedway's compact season opener) and MGB GT, to my cousin's Lamborghini Miura and 1958 Impala 348 with tri-carb option, I've covered the ground of imports and domestics.

There's great cars on both sides. The experiences are different (145mph in a Detomaso Pantera GT-5 isn't the same sort of fun as doing a burnout in a GMC Typhoon) but in the end, either or can put a smile on my face.

Cars are individuals. You take each one as they come, and you'll find that there's a ton more cool cars on the planet than you'd expect.

That and you'll have a shopping list a mile long. (I'm still hunting for a manual transmisson 1969 AMC AMX that I can afford)

Originally posted by dolla_bill0913
The reason I started this thread is because Domestics have been making a big push to get more into the street racing scene, that has always been owned by imports. A good example is pontiac, there new ads state the following facts>Grand Am SE2 has largest engine in its class, Vibe GT has more standard HP then a Honda CRV & Ford Focus, Sunfire has more standard HP than a Honda Civic & VW Golf. This is just one example of how domestics are trying to get their foot in the door of the Street scene. Look at the amount of aftermarket mods for domestics that have come out in the last 5 years, before if you bought a domestic you had no chocies with aftermarket parts and now you have lots.

Just to add to that Pontiac list... The new Grand Prix GTP(supercharged) with the competition package comes with the iTap shifter(shift using buttons on steering wheel instead of stick) which is a feature high end companies like Ferrari and etc have been developing. Back to the comparisons between the dom vs imports... They both have characteristics that racers would desire. i think probably the biggest issue with imports giving them the edge is their reliablility, and ability to have some crazy ass modifications without problems. Along with that... ive said this before and will say it again... the variable valve timing on the engine is just insanely useful. It helps the fuel economy on a civic while at the same time powering the 240hp S2000.

My choice, mustangs and americans v8's. I hate imports. What is the point in racing a car that comes with 130 hp. I have a stock 99 35 aniversary mustang gt with every option cept for traction control and convertible that i got for 22 grand brand new. 260 hp. for the money there is no comparison. Yes its true that u can get descent performance out of imports from simple bolt ons(considering the hp it probably came with) but why spend money and time upgrading a civic to what a mustang or camaro comes out of the box?

Originally posted by benroliver
My choice, mustangs and americans v8's. I hate imports. What is the point in racing a car that comes with 130 hp. I have a stock 99 35 aniversary mustang gt with every option cept for traction control and convertible that i got for 22 grand brand new. 260 hp. for the money there is no comparison. Yes its true that u can get descent performance out of imports from simple bolt ons(considering the hp it probably came with) but why spend money and time upgrading a civic to what a mustang or camaro comes out of the box?

because, with 22k, u could build a civic that would DESTROY ur mustang. ur ignorance shows w/ a comment like "I hate imports." how are u going to HATE a car? its a car...an really if a tru enthusiasts gets his hands on ANY car american, OR import, u can build a very quick car. i understand maybe this is the way u voice ur opinion, but u come off as a flamer who jus really has no idea wut he is talking about.

i respect liking domestics over import, but to come out an say something the way u did, isn't going to get u far on these boards.

because, with 22k, u could build a civic that would DESTROY ur mustang. ur ignorance shows w/ a comment like "I hate imports."
Does anyone make payments here or am I the only one? I'm sure ben just didn't shovel out of his pocket $22,000 for his new Mustang.

Originally posted by DeViL

Does anyone make payments here or am I the only one? I'm sure ben just didn't shovel out of his pocket $22,000 for his new Mustang.

hahah, EXACTLY!! Everytime I here someone say something like this I want to respond in the same way you did. But I see it posted soo soo sooooo much that I usually just look at it and shake my head. NO ONE just hands someone $30k and takes a new car home(no on in this forum anyways:D). They make payments. Meaning that if you buy a cheaper car, you don't have $20k left sitting in your pocket to just dump into the car.

I've said the same thing probably about 5 times now to different people. It's going to matter a lot how big your wallet is.

I don't think that any car company is more reliable than the other I think it has more to do with the individual car itself I haven't had any problems with any of my domestics it also depends on how well taken care of the car was, if you don't take care of your car it is going to break down, my girlfriend had a 1990 camry and it had more problems than my 76 mustang I was always having to fix something on her car, but that doesn't mean imports are less reliable, the previous owner didn't take very good care of the car

I however still prefer domestics I love the sound of a good V8 with Flowmasters, I also believe that stock to stock domestics are faster.

This is another way of looking at it. Stock for stock, alot of domestics will be faster out of the box. But when you get an import. There is so much potential (in mods) for those cars that it is frightening. Of course if you own a few like a Acuras, Supras, etc. you don't exactly need a whole lot of mods to be fast. I am a domestic owner, but i respect many imports out there, they are lightweight, good fuel econ, and can keep the heat on us with relatively small engines. It is only my opinion to prefer a domestic since iv'e grew up hearing about the muscle cars my dad used to own and be exposed to. I guess im just a traditionalist. And i love the sound a nice V6 or V8.

Thats not really correct eather if you consider European imports;) European cars are faster stock for stock

I would put my car up against any stock naturally aspirated camaro or mustang. In fact I had some guy try to race me in his Z28 the other day and by the time I peaked my car out at 155 I could barely see him in the review mirror.

i make $210 payments a month for my teg. if u look at the way the guy went about his post, that was why i made that statement...he is the one that says FOR THE MONEY, they are faster, which isn't tru at all. he is sayin the overall price is going to have a better/faster car then wut an import would, when ppl kno the u could build a much faster civic for 22k TOTAL then that mustang. i never said that it would be all at once, but how long is a loan for? a few years? overall if u were putting 22k into the car over those 3-5 (or however long the loan is for) then u would end up w/ a faster car.

for 17K grand put into a used civic you can have a monster. then again, if you buy an old 5.0 for just as cheap if not cheaper, you will have an even bigger monster. this arguemtn will just lead to no end. its all a matter of preference. i know that imports can outdrag a domestic if you put the same amount of money in them. but we want our cars to be more then just pure out drag racers.

Originally posted by RACER D12
Thats not really correct eather if you consider European imports;) European cars are faster stock for stock

Usually when people use the word "import" it's usually implied that they are referring to Asian imports unless stated otherwise as European imports. Yea know kidding that there are alot of faster European cars, they also cost about 2-3 times the price of an equally fast corvette or viper.

The thing about the European cars is companies like Mercedes and BMW do not build their vehicles specifically for drag racing, a past time that most of us here and America does. Why should they though its not as popular in Europe as it is here. And yeah it is true that they will cost you quite a bit more. I think it is the Mercedes SL55 AMG, absolutey beautiful car, V8 Supercharged, horsepower and torque that barely beats the SRT-10 Viper. But over a 100 grand for it :(. You get what you pay for though I must say that is a nice looking car inside and out. Leather all over the inside.

Originally posted by DeViL
The thing about the European cars is companies like Mercedes and BMW do not build their vehicles specifically for drag racing, a past time that most of us here and America does. Why should they though its not as popular in Europe as it is here. And yeah it is true that they will cost you quite a bit more. I think it is the Mercedes SL55 AMG, absolutey beautiful car, V8 Supercharged, horsepower and torque that barely beats the SRT-10 Viper. But over a 100 grand for it :(. You get what you pay for though I must say that is a nice looking car inside and out. Leather all over the inside.

Exactly. The SL AMG is AMAZING. LOVE that car with a passion. Also love the S55AMG, like my parents just bought(pics on page 2 of this thread), but the SL is waaaay better.

Forgetting about those of us with German cars?

It's like 76_cobra says, it's more dependent on the individual car, and individual drive. Look, you can make anything fast if you want to get into it. Personal taste, imports are not better than domestics, and domestics are not better than imports.

But Porsche is best :D

Haha Porsche Nazi...:twoguns:

That's right, now don't make me sic my Porsche SS on you :lol2:

http://www.carcrazy.net/images/month/cotm_8.jpg

Porsche nazi or not, :hehehe: i gotta give it to him, those are some sweet cars...

For $180,000 they better be!

Originally posted by tomlong
For $180,000 they better be!

Yep agreed there young fella

Hey wtf I just found this video on supraforums of a stock Z06 beating a SL55.

They posted stats that the SL55 weighs around 4,200 lbs. Wtf?? I've seen these things up close its a little two seater, what the heck did they do to make it 4,200 lbs?

They posted stats that the SL55 weighs around 4,200 lbs. Wtf?? I've seen these things up close its a little two seater, what the heck did they do to make it 4,200 lbs?

Most people would call what they put in them quality. Nicer seats, nicer trim, nicer dash, better quality components, what do you know every thing about the SL55 is nicer. Also the convertible top weighs more than a coupe would. Also the Vette has twenty more horsepower. The Benz wins hands down. It is safer, better looking(opinion), and better engineered(opinion or fact depending on who you ask).

Kinda sucks though for $180,000 (or is it 160?) it isn't hand built. Thats quite a bit of money to fork over for a machine that rolls out of an assembly plant. Though it does have a pretty sweet interior regardless of the fact.

Also the Vette has twenty more horsepower
uh wtf the SL55 almost has a 100 hp difference on the Z06. Around like 125 lbs of torque difference. It's a Supercharged V8, DOHC, all that stuff.