ok the WRX is newer but still I wonder how it compares to DSM cars (model year 97-98: almost trouble free genaration ) considering they are based on a sports car platform (vs economy car for the WRX), have a potent turbo engine and have AWD. By the way I would like to know a litle bit more about its drivetrain configuration ( open or LSD front/central/rear differentials ) . Would it be a cheaper alternative to the WRX ? Can it be considered like a 2 door version of an EVO ( a less powerfull evolution of lancer of course ) ? Strenghs and weaknesses of both WRX and DSM in a good comparison match!!! YEAH!

thank you in advance for all the technical and precise info

waved

 

i had a '98 eclipse before my '04 wrx. they aren't exactly trouble free, the brakes are crap, my rotors needed milled almost twice a year, with not that agressive of driving, and even after i replaced the factory ones with crossdrilled brembo's (which really pissed me off since thye cost lots more). plus, they are very, very heavy soprtscars. anyone who'se driven one can attest to this. next, there is no cheaper alternative to the WRX, cheaper means less adequate. also, this seems to be ironic, but it is the reason i'm replying, i was behind a 98-99 eclipse gst this afternoon leaving work, the guy got on it pretty hard turning left from the stoplight, i let a car go straight between us and caught up very easily with him after i turned. and i could hear him still giving it plenty of gas as i caught him. i saw the guy looking back at me too, which was nice. so, if you want a cheaper alternative to a new wrx, buy a 2001 used wrx.

 

Heavy? How heavy? Compared to WRX?
since I am a poor man, older is cheaper and cheaper is better (to a certain extent). For me absolut power is not the way to go, what I want is a cheap, relliable, good looking and tossable sports car.

 

hey man, i loved my eclipse, i'm not knocking it that bad. if you want a cheap tossable car, get an old honda with a v-tech. my friend had like a 94 civic, only upgrade was a sportier clutch (replaced because he burnt up the factory one), and it was a thrill to drive compared to my eclipse (N/A). in my opinion the only old eclipse worth buying is a GSX, which costs money, so that's out. and i'm not knocking you either for wanting a cheaply priced car, i've been in the same boat until last may when i finally started to make some cash (i'm a research laboratory technician). your best bet is to get a mid 90's civic with v-tech engine, or an old old gen1 gsx eclipse. just my thoughts...

 

If you're buying a used performance car, be careful. You never know what the previous owner(s) did to it...
My brother had a '97 GS-t. It had pretty bad torque steer, and I thought it suffered from more understeer than my WRX wagon, but it was a very fun car to drive. The driver's area felt like a cockpit, as it wrapped around you. There was a significant blind spot, in it, however. You might try Edmunds of KBB dot com for some generic info about differentials.

 

WRX's didn't come to the states until 2002. One somewhat common problem with the turbo motor in the eclips (the same basic motor also used in the EVO) is Crank Walk. YOu may want to do some research into crank walk and how common it can be before picking up a turbo eclipse.

-Chris

 

i used to sell these cars back in 1996- at that time it was the best turbo awd coupe under 23k. at 210 hp and torque to match this car rocked. the only bad thing is that the cars weight was against it. at nearly 3200 lbs the car even felt heavy. i can't remmber what the boost was, but i think it was pretty low(under 10)... in terms of finding one cheap- you can find one in the ballpark of 3-7 grand.
keep in mind that most sellers of this car will be younger- hence possible abuse/excessive wear and tear.

but if you can find a decent one(or get lucky and steal one from some grandpa who never drives his) i say get it. keep in mind that you will have to put some money into the car.

financially speaking i think you might be better off spending the money on a 02 wrx. by the time you are done with the eclipse/talon you might spend nearly the same amount of $.

if i were to put the 2 AWD systems in a head to head comparison i'd choose the subaru system any day. keep in mind that subaru has been devoloping 4WD and AWD cars for 31 years-

^^ever wonder why subaru is so proud of their AWD systems? because its beautiful and makes sense. i like subarus setup (pic)
i always wondered about a transverse mounted engine with the tranny on the right side of the car(as in mitsubishi's setup)
aloha from the summit of *-^-Mauna Kea-^-*

 

thanks for the pics, keep those opinions coming!!!

 

If you're looking for a cheap car that has it's strengths in handling, then get a 85-87 Toyota Corolla. I've already owned 2 of these AE86s. They are very underpowered but it doesn't matter when you're in the twisties.

Ok. Honestly, these are not the best car in the world but I think it is the funnest. I've had more fun in my Corollas than in any other cars I've owned. If you want cheap fun, get an AE86. If you want cheap speed, get a motorcycle.

If your two choices are the DSM and the WRX, get the WRX. WRXs are built with quality and decades of experience. Everyone that I know that owns a DSM always had problems with handling (understeer). No matter what they do to it, it doesn't compare to the WRX.

 

isn't the probleme the same with the wrx (understeer) easily fixed with a thicker rear sway bar? Just the same with DSM's.

so far my research as shown better handling, more power/potent power, better style both interior and exterior (personal opinion, dont flame) and better aftermarket support.

I have to say though that I prefere the subaru community