Impreza 2.5 RS vs. Mazda 3s vs. Honda Civic Si

[LegacyRS]

I really dislike driving either the Corolla XRS or the Mazda3. Both are well made, and nice enough, but lack an edge. They dont have the kind of potential, or viceral enjoyment that the 2.5RS does/can have.
There is only so much you can do with 4 cylinders and front wheel drive. Four cyclinders, and Awd is a whole other story.

[NISSANSPDR]

Originally Posted by LegacyRS

A friend of mine is in the midst of an EJ257 transplant into his 2.5RS. The car is a destroyer of Vettes, Porsches, Vipers. Nothing can keep up. This thing is faster, better looking, and handles better than any stock STi.

Not that I doubt you...but explain how it's better, faster, handles better....and better looking than an STi...which I think is pretty hot

[MexSiR]

You can get lots of nice peppy good handling cars for your budget (15-19k)

Used s2000 hard to find but not imposible
Integra Type R
Civic Si (Plus mods)
RSX Type S
Bmw M3 97-98
Bmw 328
SRT-4
VW GTI VR6
VW GTI 1.8T
Sentra Spec V
MR-2 pre version
RX-7 TT
300ZX TT

Many many nice cars...

[mason_RsX]

I know he gave the price range...but hes got some dangerous travelling to work and I don't think an M3 would be the best option going through mountains....and he eliminated nissan, dodge ect...I would make this a choice between 2.5RS and 3...as a person who learned to drive on a protege, I would favour the 3...but with awd and lots of torque needed for those avalanches (lol bad joke) the RS seems to be exactly what you need

[LegacyRS]

Sorry it took so long to reply NISSANSPDR.
The reason I think his converted 2.5RS is better than the WRX STi is simple. Its performance is just higher in all categories. On autocross circuits, his 2.5 witht he STOCK engine was walking away from STi's, just because of the fantastic suspension set up. Witht he engine installed, its not even a comparison. Its just ridiculous how much juice this thing has. My Camaro Z28 (which isnt a mind blowing car I know, but is very fast) seems like its standing still compared to the 2.5. All I will ever see of that thing are the tail lights off the line. My opinion is just that, a 300+hp, 300+ft/lbs, less weight, more advanced suspension all contribute to a very intense car.

[kman10587]

Well, he can't afford a WRX, so I don't know how he's gonna be able to afford all that. And he's not looking for a super fast car, he's looking for something reliable, affordable, and sporty. Toyotas are the most reliable and affordable vehicles on the road (well, Hondas are great too), and there's plenty of sportiness in the Celica GT-S's motor and tranny.