MSP or Celica GT-S/WRX

[daperspeed]

Thanks ping. Im not trying to start a fight, but some of the things you said seem to contradict what I have seen/heard about. Fron one I dont think the ITR has a cheaper feeling than the MSP, I think the MSP has a more cheaper feeling. And I also dont see how the GT-S is like driving a bathtub, that thing is way lighter than the MSP and rougly 70-80 pounds lighter than the ITR.

Hey my man what's up?. I think that what Ping was trying to say about the Celica being a "bathtub" was not so much the handling BUT the interior, its kinda weird and low with bad visibility. And on that I agree with him. And usually only little chicks drive them...at least thats what I've seen in my neck of the woods AND my frequent travels...

About the ITR: I like this car. Amazing machine. It is more raw than the MSP but IMHO the MSP has a more tossable feel. Very close though. But you know, its becoming an old car and they are very rare. However even at its age, if you can find a well kept one...I'd bet its more realiable than our MSP's. I agree with you that its not any less cheap the MSP despite its age...the MSP ultimately is still a Protege.

Bottom line time. I like the performance of the MSP stock to stock versus those other 2 cars you mentioned. However, like everything in life there is a compromise. The MSP is more problematic than a Honda and Toyota obviously...we are seeing that as our MSPs age. My other car is an EVO MR...honestly its the most fun car Ive ever driven. In the world. Its that good. I could have bought more expensive cars but I go with feeling and fun and look under the surface.
Anyways in my experience though, Mitsubishi and Mazda are pretty shady in their dealings. Both are really bad.Look around here or check out the EVO forums for denied warranty work(Mitsu even denied some that were simply auto-x'ed). However they both made 2 cars that I feel are super fun and no one can deny that. So....weigh the options AND just think carefully buddy...thats what its all about...

 

[answerX]

Another excellent post. Thanks. I promise this is my last question. daperspeed, would you say the ITR is more raw then the MR?

 

[ping]

Daperspeed read me right - my "bathtub" comment was re/ the low seating position and high windowsills. Also agreed, I see many more women driving them than men, though the wide-tired (GT?) version is more male.

The MR is another amazing car, but for that money it's still a Lancer, albeit an awe-inspiring one. That's no slam on the Evo MR (or STi - both are favorites of mine), but rather an agreement with Car and Driver on this point: If you want to go around (or down) a racetrack faster, for same-to-less total money, get a Vette or GTO or the equivalent. There's no replacement for displacement.

That said, in my mind there's no replacement for "agility" - which is why my money will be in a smaller, lighter, more agile car - with room for a kid or friend (or two) to come along...

 

[We Are Ninja]

...That said, in my mind there's no replacement for "agility" - which is why my money will be in a smaller, lighter, more agile car - with room for a kid or friend (or two) to come along...

Very well put. That's the reason I bought a MSP over the Celica, SRT-4, and, well, basically everything else on the market. You can always make more power, but it's hard to perfect a chassis...

My .02: I haven't driven a WRX, but I owned a 02 2.5RS for 5 years. They aren't the same, but they're pretty similar. The car developed pings, rattles, and strange grinding noises over the course of 90,000 miles, but it didn't really give me any grief. It handled like a drunk elephant in comparison to the MSP, though. It did as it was asked at all times, but where as the MSP's steering response is damn near telepathic, the RS was slow-witted. I had to plan simple movements (like lane changes) in advance, where in the MSP, it takes a flick of the wrist... The MSP is proactive where the RS was reactive. I'm sure the WRX is a little better in the handling department, but you'll probably have to tune out some oversteer. Plus with AWD, that's more drivetrain to care for and more tire wear. Oh, and the brakes aren't the best, either. Still, I did enjoy the Suby.