Best Ricer on a budget?

[MattyG]

Ok so I know this isn't a "Rate this amazing sports car against this one" type comparison but I think its very relevant for us financial mortals so please take the time to post your opinion........

So imagine you have just got your first real job and have saved up enough cash for an entry level sporty japper - you want something that has *good* performance and looks for your hard earned $$$ but won't cost the world to run.

I have presented what I think would be the main contenders. The budget range is around $5K - $8K NZ or $2K - $4K US.

I have heard that Civic's are big in the US, but the GTX familia's are big over here in NZ - I was wondering if you Yankees get the turbo 323's? the 1800 DOHC Turbo engine found in the Mazda seems to be the more popular choice over here for boy racers, I was wondering why that isn't the case in the US. (Or is it?).

[DVSNCYNIKL]

I'd say go with the Integra. It, out of your selection, is more performance oriented in my opinion than the others.

[Spec2 Girl]

I'd go for the Mazda 323 turbo purely because I used to have a 323 and so am quite partial to the wee beastlies! They are also have a lot of potential to be pretty darn quick!

[F20C]

Have you consider CRX?

[dejoux]

Of im biased and picked the SiR but heres the reasoning behind it.

SiR = Best car on you list in my opinion.

XSi Integra = same motor in a heavier car that does not handle as well either, its also not any bigger inside. The advantage with it is that theyre alot cheaper and easier to find though if this is a problem

GTX Mazda = you cant modify them at all without blowing up the gearbox, even standard cars will blow them up, its just not strong enough, theyre very heavy and an SiR will be faster. Every one of these cars that I know the power windows have packed up on them.

Nissan Silvia = I dont know too much about these but it is a very different style of car, being turbo theyll be a lot dear to run and insure than an SiR, theres hardly any room in the back of them for even a small car which of course they arnt.

[TRBOBRK]

The 1992.5 Intergra GS-R was awesome. The only thing I don't like is the electric seat belts.

[G-Forces]

While the 323 GTX would be a nice choice, I'd have to go with the Silvia, turbo motor. Either the CA18DET or the SR20DET. Both have great potential and the aftermarket in Japan for these is the best.

[Jimster]

Originally posted by F20C
Have you consider CRX?

Have you considered avoiding the CRX????? Useless bloody cars they are

[Jimster]

but nonetheless I think Silvia is the best one for performance, but Toyota if you want to keep the costs down.......

[dejoux]

Originally posted by TRBOBRK
The 1992.5 Intergra GS-R was awesome. The only thing I don't like is the electric seat belts.

I suppose everyone is voting for the integra becuase they think this is what theyre voting for, read above abit more carefully and you will see its only a 2G Teg not a 3G Teg and it doesnt have the B18C motor its got the B16A, this is the same motor as what is in the civic, they only advantage of this over a civic is theyre easier to find and cheaper to buy, nothing else

[MattyG]

I suppose everyone is voting for the integra becuase they think this is what theyre voting for, read above abit more carefully and you will see its only a 2G Teg not a 3G Teg and it doesnt have the B18C motor its got the B16A, this is the same motor as what is in the civic, they only advantage of this over a civic is theyre easier to find and cheaper to buy, nothing else

dejoux you are totally right.....Im not using the '93 onwards model which had an 1800 VTEC but the one before which was only 1600cc.

GTX Mazda = you cant modify them at all without blowing up the gearbox, even standard cars will blow them up, its just not strong enough, theyre very heavy and an SiR will be faster. Every one of these cars that I know the power windows have packed up on them.

Funny you should mention that, my brother has one and he had to replace the gearbox a few months after he bought it. He has made some modest modifications to it now though and its surprisingly fast - faster than my Mum's VTEC Integra, and I think its as quick to 100km/h as Dad's tt 300zx (auto) although we've never tested that.

Im surprised no one has voted for the Toyota's - They may not have greatest performance but I think the Levins of that era are very nice looking cars

[mmcc]

in my opinion, i would go with the silvia, even though it's a bit old it's 2.0 L turbo. And i don't think it gives taht 'boy-racer' loook.

[gang$tarr]

Originally posted by Jimmy_11_cars


Have you considered avoiding the CRX????? Useless bloody cars they are

you can make CRXs crazy fast....... and easily, i bet you could make a CRX quicker, easier than the other cars
all you gotta do is swap the engine.... to like a B18, and mod it up
since the car is so light, it will fly


but my choice there is the integra or SiR........ i was first thinkin integra, but then dejoux brought some good points up

[turbonetrix]

I'd say go with the s13 silvia...rear wheel drive, a real motor, perfect 50/50 weight distro, and it's pretty light on weight. Plus it kills any older civic/crx as far as looks and wont ever look ricey like the crx's and civic's.

But for all around thriftness then the AE86 toyota is the choice. like the silvia it is also rear-wheel drive, and is very cheap.

[Gamezilla]

I tried looking briefly for one, and I couldn't find any info. What is it? If it's worth it, I'm VERY interested in getting it. I just want something that'll last a while and can be EXTREMELY modded. And that's cheap too.