Discussion
I am still busy thinking about touching Petter Solbergs dirty seat in his rally car yesterday......
Trying to answer the question,
I like Subaru for its rally history and because the road cars are so good/fun to drive.
My nephews think I am cool.
I think they sound lovely.
Some of them even look nice.
Trying to answer the question,
I like Subaru for its rally history and because the road cars are so good/fun to drive.
My nephews think I am cool.
I think they sound lovely.
Some of them even look nice.
Subaru should be an inspiration to the likes of Hyundai, Kia or Daewoo, they've managed to turn themselves from a 'non-brand from the far East' in the early-90s to almost a premium brand by the early '00s.
Just shows that making a decent product will overcome the badge on the bonnet (Skoda seem to have pulled the same trick).
Just shows that making a decent product will overcome the badge on the bonnet (Skoda seem to have pulled the same trick).
Simply Clucking good fun to drive !! Mine makes the TVR seem quite dull in comparison 
. As for the interior it is no worse than your average Citroen/Peugeot in that price bracket/age (nicer seats in the Scooby!)
I treat my WRX as my every day workhorse/estate car and for under 5k you won't find another car that mixes practicality, bootspace, sheer grunt, handling and road presence so well.
Oh and one of the things I love about mine is the fact that BMW's and Mundano's actually pull out of lane 3 and let you past !?!?
. As for the interior it is no worse than your average Citroen/Peugeot in that price bracket/age (nicer seats in the Scooby!) I treat my WRX as my every day workhorse/estate car and for under 5k you won't find another car that mixes practicality, bootspace, sheer grunt, handling and road presence so well.
Oh and one of the things I love about mine is the fact that BMW's and Mundano's actually pull out of lane 3 and let you past !?!?
Theyre just such good all-rounders, performance ranging from slow to bloody quick depending which one you get, excellent grip and handling for what is a practical family-type vehicle, heaps of traction on pretty much any surface, reliability, rally heritage, nice 'feel' to them - though that ones down to personal taste , along with the styling. I'm not a big fan of the newest Impreza, but all of the Legacies, the original shape impreza, and to a lesser degree the bugeye/newage imprezas as well all look pretty good to me. Sure, the detailing hasn't been perfect in a few cases, but the basic proportions and shapes are really pretty good.
I just don't get the "70's plastic interior" comment either, theres nothing at all wrong with the ergonomics and interior design on my '97 legacy, and even my old '90 legacy wasn't bad when you take into account it being 17 years old.(I haven't owned a euro car to compare with though) They're better than most cars in their price range, and even my '90 was miles better inside than the hyundai getz (a couple of years old) that I've been having to drive for work this week. better driving dynamics too, I always forget how well Sub's soak up the bumps without losing composure, until I drive something else and get reminded again.
Too be honest the whole "Subarus are ugly/plastic/just not cool" attitude I pick up hints of on Ph really doesn't exist at all down here in NZ - they're very common because people realise how perfect they are for our 'interesting' weather and road conditions, and our outdoors culture. It makes me wonder why it is that Brits seem to 'snob' them - something Clarkson said once? (seriously, if anyone can explain to me where that attitude comes from I'd appreciate it)
/Rant over. sorry.
I just don't get the "70's plastic interior" comment either, theres nothing at all wrong with the ergonomics and interior design on my '97 legacy, and even my old '90 legacy wasn't bad when you take into account it being 17 years old.(I haven't owned a euro car to compare with though) They're better than most cars in their price range, and even my '90 was miles better inside than the hyundai getz (a couple of years old) that I've been having to drive for work this week. better driving dynamics too, I always forget how well Sub's soak up the bumps without losing composure, until I drive something else and get reminded again.
Too be honest the whole "Subarus are ugly/plastic/just not cool" attitude I pick up hints of on Ph really doesn't exist at all down here in NZ - they're very common because people realise how perfect they are for our 'interesting' weather and road conditions, and our outdoors culture. It makes me wonder why it is that Brits seem to 'snob' them - something Clarkson said once? (seriously, if anyone can explain to me where that attitude comes from I'd appreciate it)
/Rant over. sorry.
Gazboy said:
rustybin said:
Los Angeles said:
What kind of driver buys a Subaru (not the estate) over a European car?
One that is more interested in cars than badges? Jap fans rarely give two hoots about the badge.
Wouldn't mind a WRX wagon to replace the Getz but the cost of fuel almost certainly kills that idea.
Then get a baby one
Subaru Vivo RXR 660cc Intercooled and Supercharged with AWD
Makes a Smart look stupid
Los Angeles said:
Not a provocative statement but a genuine question. I'll begin the discussion by saying, to me they offer the benefits derived from great rally success, they have good dynamics, but seventies plastic interiors, and questionable styling. Worth the money? Good value? Innovative? Discreet thrills? Chav cars? I'm open to instruction.
I probably asked myself this before getting my sti as my daily driver.
Went through the usual choices around the 25k mark...rx8...too slow and shite fuel economy..plus lots of girls and old men drive them (nice car though)
nissan 350z..almost perfect except the lack of rear seats aarrghh!!
Mitsubishi evo 9/10...4500 mile service intervals is a pisstake and their pathetic attitude to trackdays was intolerable.
bmw/audi/mercs ...all way too boring and nothing new with any decent performance available around 25k. (in kent, a rich chav always has one)
Ended up with a black my05 sti ppp on prodrive suspension. I havent regretted it for a second.
Performance and handling is terrific on the road and great fun on the track (not gt3 quick but its surprising what you can keep up with).
Turbo power is not as satisfying as large NA engine on track, because mid-corner throttle balance is taken over by 4wd., but it treats A and
B roads with utter disdain.
I dont think the interior is that bad. Plus, I never really care that much anyway about the inside. Interiors only really have novelty value anyway. You ignore them very quickly.
Running costs arent horrendous (£600 insurance, £50/week in fuel)
My main apprehension was the image, but to be honest, I get nothing but positive comments from young/middle aged men and lots of thumbs ups from school kids. I was expecting to be cut up and sworn at all the time. Its Not happened once.
Im not sold by the new look though. Front looks too "seat" and rear light clusters are very aftermarket. Roof spoiler is naff too.
i think a subaru is the clear choice for anyone who want 4wd thrills. They are quick even in standard form, easy to get more from, and lot more hardy than gtir's and evo's, judging by the people i know who have got them. One of my mates has got a uk spec 96 scoob with wel over 100 on the clock, not so much as a head gasket, he gives a hard time but looks after it well.
And surley one off the biggest plus points is that, you can source parts very easily theese days, new or second hand.
Plus they are a proven rally car.
Last but not least is the NOISE!!!! Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!! I want one now!!
And surley one off the biggest plus points is that, you can source parts very easily theese days, new or second hand.
Plus they are a proven rally car.
Last but not least is the NOISE!!!! Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!! I want one now!!
peterpeter said:
Went through the usual choices around the 25k mark...rx8...too slow and shite fuel economy..plus lots of girls and old men drive them (nice car though)
nissan 350z..almost perfect except the lack of rear seats aarrghh!!
Mitsubishi evo 9/10...4500 mile service intervals is a pisstake and their pathetic attitude to trackdays was intolerable.
bmw/audi/mercs ...all way too boring and nothing new with any decent performance available around 25k. (in kent, a rich chav always has one)
Ended up with a black my05 sti ppp on prodrive suspension. I havent regretted it for a second.
Funny that you mention the RX8 being too slow, not only is it much slower than the STi but it was also slower around 5th Gear's track than the Legacy 3.0R station wagon. (Legacy 55.48, RX8 55.53). I found that quite amusing, a so-called sports car beaten around the track by a family wagon that doesnt pretend to be anything else.
GravelBen said:
peterpeter said:
Went through the usual choices around the 25k mark...rx8...too slow and shite fuel economy..plus lots of girls and old men drive them (nice car though)
nissan 350z..almost perfect except the lack of rear seats aarrghh!!
Mitsubishi evo 9/10...4500 mile service intervals is a pisstake and their pathetic attitude to trackdays was intolerable.
bmw/audi/mercs ...all way too boring and nothing new with any decent performance available around 25k. (in kent, a rich chav always has one)
Ended up with a black my05 sti ppp on prodrive suspension. I havent regretted it for a second.
Funny that you mention the RX8 being too slow, not only is it much slower than the STi but it was also slower around 5th Gear's track than the Legacy 3.0R station wagon. (Legacy 55.48, RX8 55.53). I found that quite amusing, a so-called sports car beaten around the track by a family wagon that doesnt pretend to be anything else.
yes i cant understand why mazda bother with that crappy rotary engine. Its bloody thirsty, and its not as if the power is particularly special. Why not stick the lump from the new Mazda 6 MPs (about 250 bhp) in?
M@H said:
Los Angeles said:
What kind of driver buys a Subaru (not the estate) over a European car?
What a bizzare question !
One who is actually a "driver" I guess.!
There are plenty of reasons to choose a Subaru over the competition, and the only reason (unless you include the lack of a diesel option) not to choose a Subaru is the styling. IMHO fake wood and chromed plastic really don't cut it. Gazboy said:
Wouldn't mind a WRX wagon to replace the Getz but the cost of fuel almost certainly kills that idea.
I got 10mpg at Vmax. Under the circumstances, I didn't think that was too bad
peterpeter said:
GravelBen said:
peterpeter said:
Went through the usual choices around the 25k mark...rx8...too slow and shite fuel economy..plus lots of girls and old men drive them (nice car though)
nissan 350z..almost perfect except the lack of rear seats aarrghh!!
Mitsubishi evo 9/10...4500 mile service intervals is a pisstake and their pathetic attitude to trackdays was intolerable.
bmw/audi/mercs ...all way too boring and nothing new with any decent performance available around 25k. (in kent, a rich chav always has one)
Ended up with a black my05 sti ppp on prodrive suspension. I havent regretted it for a second.
Funny that you mention the RX8 being too slow, not only is it much slower than the STi but it was also slower around 5th Gear's track than the Legacy 3.0R station wagon. (Legacy 55.48, RX8 55.53). I found that quite amusing, a so-called sports car beaten around the track by a family wagon that doesnt pretend to be anything else.
yes i cant understand why mazda bother with that crappy rotary engine. Its bloody thirsty, and its not as if the power is particularly special. Why not stick the lump from the new Mazda 6 MPs (about 250 bhp) in?
ooh a bit of rotary baiting eh?
Well the RX8 is a very good handling car (remember it is only RWD not 4WD, but yes it is under powered. As for the power not being v special, is there another 1.3l N/A engine out there which has the reliability to be used in a daily driver road car producing over 230bhp? I agree for a out and out sports car it is underpowered as they dropped the forced induction from the lineup when they built the RX8 (IMHO that was a mistake) to improve engine life and because the Renesis engine is producing neraly as much as the old TT 13bREW from the 3rd Gen RX7. The Legacy 3.0R isn't "just a family estate not pretending to be anything else" it is a fast estate with a honking great 3.0l engine onboard and 4WD I suspect just like the AMG E55 Estate isn't just a family estate. As to fuel economy yes the rotary is thirsty, but no more thirsty than turbo charged cars in its price and performance bracket (e.g. the WRX, the Evo 260) the RX8 eill get 20-22mpg ave with that dropping to 15-17mpg if driven with spitit! My old STi V4 used to get similar and a lot less when driven hard!
I'm off my triangular soap box now!
mechsympathy said:
M@H said:
Los Angeles said:
What kind of driver buys a Subaru (not the estate) over a European car?
What a bizzare question !
One who is actually a "driver" I guess.!
There are plenty of reasons to choose a Subaru over the competition, and the only reason (unless you include the lack of a diesel option) not to choose a Subaru is the styling. IMHO fake wood and chromed plastic really don't cut it. Hmm.. clearly they have come on a bit since my 97 plate, mine is plastic, its functional, its all black and grey and non-descript (well apart from the MOMO badges). No fake wood or "chrome" in sight!
rotarypower said:
peterpeter said:
GravelBen said:
peterpeter said:
Went through the usual choices around the 25k mark...rx8...too slow and shite fuel economy..plus lots of girls and old men drive them (nice car though)
nissan 350z..almost perfect except the lack of rear seats aarrghh!!
Mitsubishi evo 9/10...4500 mile service intervals is a pisstake and their pathetic attitude to trackdays was intolerable.
bmw/audi/mercs ...all way too boring and nothing new with any decent performance available around 25k. (in kent, a rich chav always has one)
Ended up with a black my05 sti ppp on prodrive suspension. I havent regretted it for a second.
Funny that you mention the RX8 being too slow, not only is it much slower than the STi but it was also slower around 5th Gear's track than the Legacy 3.0R station wagon. (Legacy 55.48, RX8 55.53). I found that quite amusing, a so-called sports car beaten around the track by a family wagon that doesnt pretend to be anything else.
yes i cant understand why mazda bother with that crappy rotary engine. Its bloody thirsty, and its not as if the power is particularly special. Why not stick the lump from the new Mazda 6 MPs (about 250 bhp) in?
ooh a bit of rotary baiting eh?
Well the RX8 is a very good handling car (remember it is only RWD not 4WD, but yes it is under powered. As for the power not being v special, is there another 1.3l N/A engine out there which has the reliability to be used in a daily driver road car producing over 230bhp? I agree for a out and out sports car it is underpowered as they dropped the forced induction from the lineup when they built the RX8 (IMHO that was a mistake) to improve engine life and because the Renesis engine is producing neraly as much as the old TT 13bREW from the 3rd Gen RX7. The Legacy 3.0R isn't "just a family estate not pretending to be anything else" it is a fast estate with a honking great 3.0l engine onboard and 4WD I suspect just like the AMG E55 Estate isn't just a family estate. As to fuel economy yes the rotary is thirsty, but no more thirsty than turbo charged cars in its price and performance bracket (e.g. the WRX, the Evo 260) the RX8 eill get 20-22mpg ave with that dropping to 15-17mpg if driven with spitit! My old STi V4 used to get similar and a lot less when driven hard!
I'm off my triangular soap box now!
Mark, where did you source your microtech ECU from, and is it any good? Looking at one for my Turbo 2
Gassing Station | Japanese Chat | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff