Discussion
As a "second" car, i would say you'd be better off going for the DC5 and spending some of the money you save on getting it to a decent level of fast road/track setup.
They both have similar power outputs, both have an LSD, but the DC5 is slightly lighter, and just as tuneable. An intake, exhaust and revised ECU would easily see the DC5 upto 230bhp. Get a fast road geo setup and fit some semi slicks, and maybe even shed the back seats and you'd have a seriously quick road and track car.
The FD2, although arguably the more resolved car out of the box, im not sure the extra outlay (for what you want it for at least) would be worthwhile
Dont know if you need the 5 seats, but if not, and its just a fun car, an early S2000 may also fit the bill. Not as easily tuned, but more of an event to drive
They both have similar power outputs, both have an LSD, but the DC5 is slightly lighter, and just as tuneable. An intake, exhaust and revised ECU would easily see the DC5 upto 230bhp. Get a fast road geo setup and fit some semi slicks, and maybe even shed the back seats and you'd have a seriously quick road and track car.
The FD2, although arguably the more resolved car out of the box, im not sure the extra outlay (for what you want it for at least) would be worthwhile
Dont know if you need the 5 seats, but if not, and its just a fun car, an early S2000 may also fit the bill. Not as easily tuned, but more of an event to drive
snorkel sucker said:
As a "second" car, i would say you'd be better off going for the DC5 and spending some of the money you save on getting it to a decent level of fast road/track setup.
They both have similar power outputs, both have an LSD, but the DC5 is slightly lighter, and just as tuneable. An intake, exhaust and revised ECU would easily see the DC5 upto 230bhp. Get a fast road geo setup and fit some semi slicks, and maybe even shed the back seats and you'd have a seriously quick road and track car.
The FD2, although arguably the more resolved car out of the box, im not sure the extra outlay (for what you want it for at least) would be worthwhile
Dont know if you need the 5 seats, but if not, and its just a fun car, an early S2000 may also fit the bill. Not as easily tuned, but more of an event to drive
Thanks Snorkel.They both have similar power outputs, both have an LSD, but the DC5 is slightly lighter, and just as tuneable. An intake, exhaust and revised ECU would easily see the DC5 upto 230bhp. Get a fast road geo setup and fit some semi slicks, and maybe even shed the back seats and you'd have a seriously quick road and track car.
The FD2, although arguably the more resolved car out of the box, im not sure the extra outlay (for what you want it for at least) would be worthwhile
Dont know if you need the 5 seats, but if not, and its just a fun car, an early S2000 may also fit the bill. Not as easily tuned, but more of an event to drive
I've done the S2000 thing, just sold it in fact, bit too remote for me, steering too light and always lacked feel, snappy back end didn't bother me but lack of messages that is was about to let go did, never got confident with it, the 'barstool' seat height didn't help. Incredible engine though.
Happy to lose seats and add some R spec rubber to a DC5 but don't fancy going down the tuning route. As you said, maybe lazy sods like me have to contemplate the extra 10k outlay to get my thrills straight out of the box.
Anyone driven DC5/FD2 back to back?
cheddar said:
snorkel sucker said:
As a "second" car, i would say you'd be better off going for the DC5 and spending some of the money you save on getting it to a decent level of fast road/track setup.
They both have similar power outputs, both have an LSD, but the DC5 is slightly lighter, and just as tuneable. An intake, exhaust and revised ECU would easily see the DC5 upto 230bhp. Get a fast road geo setup and fit some semi slicks, and maybe even shed the back seats and you'd have a seriously quick road and track car.
The FD2, although arguably the more resolved car out of the box, im not sure the extra outlay (for what you want it for at least) would be worthwhile
Dont know if you need the 5 seats, but if not, and its just a fun car, an early S2000 may also fit the bill. Not as easily tuned, but more of an event to drive
Thanks Snorkel.They both have similar power outputs, both have an LSD, but the DC5 is slightly lighter, and just as tuneable. An intake, exhaust and revised ECU would easily see the DC5 upto 230bhp. Get a fast road geo setup and fit some semi slicks, and maybe even shed the back seats and you'd have a seriously quick road and track car.
The FD2, although arguably the more resolved car out of the box, im not sure the extra outlay (for what you want it for at least) would be worthwhile
Dont know if you need the 5 seats, but if not, and its just a fun car, an early S2000 may also fit the bill. Not as easily tuned, but more of an event to drive
I've done the S2000 thing, just sold it in fact, bit too remote for me, steering too light and always lacked feel, snappy back end didn't bother me but lack of messages that is was about to let go did, never got confident with it, the 'barstool' seat height didn't help. Incredible engine though.
Happy to lose seats and add some R spec rubber to a DC5 but don't fancy going down the tuning route. As you said, maybe lazy sods like me have to contemplate the extra 10k outlay to get my thrills straight out of the box.
Anyone driven DC5/FD2 back to back?
I do recall seeing some nicely tweaked examples on the owners club when i was perusing, so you may be able to get something already tweaked. (when i say tweaked i just mean some tasteful additions such as toda/mugen intakes and exhaust and possibly some subtle suspension tweaks). Food for thought at least
cant help with actually having driven either im afraid, but have fun looking - be good to see what you decide on!
cheddar said:
snorkel sucker said:
As a "second" car, i would say you'd be better off going for the DC5 and spending some of the money you save on getting it to a decent level of fast road/track setup.
They both have similar power outputs, both have an LSD, but the DC5 is slightly lighter, and just as tuneable. An intake, exhaust and revised ECU would easily see the DC5 upto 230bhp. Get a fast road geo setup and fit some semi slicks, and maybe even shed the back seats and you'd have a seriously quick road and track car.
The FD2, although arguably the more resolved car out of the box, im not sure the extra outlay (for what you want it for at least) would be worthwhile
Dont know if you need the 5 seats, but if not, and its just a fun car, an early S2000 may also fit the bill. Not as easily tuned, but more of an event to drive
Thanks Snorkel.They both have similar power outputs, both have an LSD, but the DC5 is slightly lighter, and just as tuneable. An intake, exhaust and revised ECU would easily see the DC5 upto 230bhp. Get a fast road geo setup and fit some semi slicks, and maybe even shed the back seats and you'd have a seriously quick road and track car.
The FD2, although arguably the more resolved car out of the box, im not sure the extra outlay (for what you want it for at least) would be worthwhile
Dont know if you need the 5 seats, but if not, and its just a fun car, an early S2000 may also fit the bill. Not as easily tuned, but more of an event to drive
I've done the S2000 thing, just sold it in fact, bit too remote for me, steering too light and always lacked feel, snappy back end didn't bother me but lack of messages that is was about to let go did, never got confident with it, the 'barstool' seat height didn't help. Incredible engine though.
Happy to lose seats and add some R spec rubber to a DC5 but don't fancy going down the tuning route. As you said, maybe lazy sods like me have to contemplate the extra 10k outlay to get my thrills straight out of the box.
Anyone driven DC5/FD2 back to back?
What about a JDM '98 DC2? Only real downside vs the DC5 is a dated interior, otherwise it's a better drive on-road and as capable on-track:-
- better suspension on B-roads - stock DC5 suspension is too stiff for the UK, with the consequent tramlining and torque-steer. Not terrible, but does put you off doing 10/10ths down a B-road.
- lighter
- better engine note
- better steering feedback
DC5s are very good, but by all accounts (just like the S2000) you need to change the springs/dampers and sort the geo out for them to work to their best on UK roads. So if you don't want to go down the tuning/modding route, maybe a DC2 would be better.
Alternatively, what about a Mk1 Focus RS, or a Megane R26 (not the .R, although you could...). Or if it's a weekend car how about an M-Coupe (breadvan) or something equally leftfield...
- better suspension on B-roads - stock DC5 suspension is too stiff for the UK, with the consequent tramlining and torque-steer. Not terrible, but does put you off doing 10/10ths down a B-road.
- lighter
- better engine note
- better steering feedback
DC5s are very good, but by all accounts (just like the S2000) you need to change the springs/dampers and sort the geo out for them to work to their best on UK roads. So if you don't want to go down the tuning/modding route, maybe a DC2 would be better.
Alternatively, what about a Mk1 Focus RS, or a Megane R26 (not the .R, although you could...). Or if it's a weekend car how about an M-Coupe (breadvan) or something equally leftfield...
havoc said:
What about a JDM '98 DC2? Only real downside vs the DC5 is a dated interior, otherwise it's a better drive on-road and as capable on-track:-
- better suspension on B-roads - stock DC5 suspension is too stiff for the UK, with the consequent tramlining and torque-steer. Not terrible, but does put you off doing 10/10ths down a B-road.
- lighter
- better engine note
- better steering feedback
DC5s are very good, but by all accounts (just like the S2000) you need to change the springs/dampers and sort the geo out for them to work to their best on UK roads. So if you don't want to go down the tuning/modding route, maybe a DC2 would be better.
Alternatively, what about a Mk1 Focus RS, or a Megane R26 (not the .R, although you could...). Or if it's a weekend car how about an M-Coupe (breadvan) or something equally leftfield...
Fine info havoc.- better suspension on B-roads - stock DC5 suspension is too stiff for the UK, with the consequent tramlining and torque-steer. Not terrible, but does put you off doing 10/10ths down a B-road.
- lighter
- better engine note
- better steering feedback
DC5s are very good, but by all accounts (just like the S2000) you need to change the springs/dampers and sort the geo out for them to work to their best on UK roads. So if you don't want to go down the tuning/modding route, maybe a DC2 would be better.
Alternatively, what about a Mk1 Focus RS, or a Megane R26 (not the .R, although you could...). Or if it's a weekend car how about an M-Coupe (breadvan) or something equally leftfield...
Fancy something more contemporary than a DC2 - I bow to their undoubted ability though.
I'd love a Focus RS, torque steer and all but I'm in New Zealand and they arent.
Same with the Meggy R - the 26 is here but I'd want the full house factory cage and plastic window affair and that never made it over.
Same thing with Clio 200 Cup - that's what I really want.
Breadvan used to appeal but my kicks come from high rev NA 4 pots now. The turbo/six pot stuff goes so quickly so easily, I like more of a challenge and a fair dose of adjustability for good measure.
FD2's are hens teeth here but not impossible to find and I could import my own cheaply (16 - 17k GBP give or take).
An NA Mini Cooper also looks like good modern fun for around 5K.
Anything else?
I owned a DC5 for three years (and went through quite a few mods in that time) and have had a decent test drive in a FD2 on a good road. I'm a long-term DC2 owner as well btw.
The FD2 is absolutely miles ahead of the DC5 imo - much more feel, sharpness, throttle response. On paper there doesn't look like there'd be much in it, but in practice the whole feel of the car is miles better. It's like they've improved everything by 10-20% and the overall improvement is huge.
I also think DC5s are overpriced for what are getting to be old cars now, and FD2s look like relatively good value.
My 2p
The FD2 is absolutely miles ahead of the DC5 imo - much more feel, sharpness, throttle response. On paper there doesn't look like there'd be much in it, but in practice the whole feel of the car is miles better. It's like they've improved everything by 10-20% and the overall improvement is huge.
I also think DC5s are overpriced for what are getting to be old cars now, and FD2s look like relatively good value.
My 2p
I would honestly try and test drive both first. The FD2 does have the ultra rare appeal, but me personally id rather get a DC5 for like 9k, and spend 5k on mods, you'd have a 260bhp Teg and it would be awesome. The back of the FD2 just looks wrong.
Surely the ride of the FD2 is just as harsh as a DC5?
Surely the ride of the FD2 is just as harsh as a DC5?
geraintevans said:
I owned a DC5 for three years (and went through quite a few mods in that time) and have had a decent test drive in a FD2 on a good road. I'm a long-term DC2 owner as well btw.
The FD2 is absolutely miles ahead of the DC5 imo - much more feel, sharpness, throttle response. On paper there doesn't look like there'd be much in it, but in practice the whole feel of the car is miles better. It's like they've improved everything by 10-20% and the overall improvement is huge.
I also think DC5s are overpriced for what are getting to be old cars now, and FD2s look like relatively good value.
My 2p
Now that, was good feedback.The FD2 is absolutely miles ahead of the DC5 imo - much more feel, sharpness, throttle response. On paper there doesn't look like there'd be much in it, but in practice the whole feel of the car is miles better. It's like they've improved everything by 10-20% and the overall improvement is huge.
I also think DC5s are overpriced for what are getting to be old cars now, and FD2s look like relatively good value.
My 2p
Thanks.
Not easy to pop out for a FD2 test drive so that's what I need.
Thanks for your kind comment
Last time I looked in the classifieds on here there were a few for sale at traders, worth a call to see if you can have a drive.
Given their rarity then surely people appreciate the need for a customer to try them out before they buy, as it's a car that not many people will have driven.
I thought the bog standard FD2 was better even than my DC5 (which was a 54 plate on 37k with some expensive and high quality mods), by the way. That drive was what convinced me to sell the DC5. The FD2 is just a much better resolved and integrated package, which is more important to me than numbers and bragging rights.
It's whatever floats your boat though, of course.
HTH
Last time I looked in the classifieds on here there were a few for sale at traders, worth a call to see if you can have a drive.
Given their rarity then surely people appreciate the need for a customer to try them out before they buy, as it's a car that not many people will have driven.
I thought the bog standard FD2 was better even than my DC5 (which was a 54 plate on 37k with some expensive and high quality mods), by the way. That drive was what convinced me to sell the DC5. The FD2 is just a much better resolved and integrated package, which is more important to me than numbers and bragging rights.
It's whatever floats your boat though, of course.
HTH
The FD2 should be better than the DC5 as its the next development, just like in theory and should Honda release it, the CRZ Type R should be better than the FD2...
Id have thought the suspension would be just as hard as the DC5 as well considering it was aimed at the Jap market.
Anyway, even if the Teg is 'flawed' its still better look and not jsut a rebadged hybrid
Id have thought the suspension would be just as hard as the DC5 as well considering it was aimed at the Jap market.
Anyway, even if the Teg is 'flawed' its still better look and not jsut a rebadged hybrid
Ok, sorry i should say that the tech heads at Honda would make the CRZ R smash the FD2 but the financial bods will say no and what they say goes unfortunately, hence why Mugen and co. charge more for what the car should have been even if it does only appeal to smaller market
Either way, its how evolution should be within a model line
Either way, its how evolution should be within a model line
There was a BM review where they were comparing the then newly released FD2 against the DC5. Even though I didn't understand the language they appear to be quite impressed with it.
Also probably someone knowledgeable might be able to chime in the differences between the two versions of the DC5. There was a facelifted version from '04.
Also probably someone knowledgeable might be able to chime in the differences between the two versions of the DC5. There was a facelifted version from '04.
kingstondc5 said:
Ok, sorry i should say that the tech heads at Honda would make the CRZ R smash the FD2 but the financial bods will say no and what they say goes unfortunately, hence why Mugen and co. charge more for what the car should have been even if it does only appeal to smaller market
Either way, its how evolution should be within a model line
In terms of power, grip and outright pace, yes.Either way, its how evolution should be within a model line
In terms of that great undefinable 'driveability' - the "soul-stirringness" of a true petrolhead's car - not always:-
- E30 M3 vs all successors (CSL poss excepted)
- 205 and 306GTi's vs all successors
- DC2 ITR vs everything since
- Original Lotus Elan vs all subsequent Loti (?sp?)
- FD-series RX7 vs RX8
...and I'm sure there are plenty more. Hell, even in mundane cars the Mk1 Focus is a sweeter drive than the Mk2 and the cooking 306 is about as good as Peugeot ever got. Old Civics are a nicer steer than the current stuff too.
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