Mustang, Siliva, Bimmer and Soarer... which?
05-12-06, 11:32 PM
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Mustang, Siliva, Bimmer and Soarer... which?
Forum Disclaimer: This was orginally posted in TCL, I'm now expanding my drag net to other model specific forums to get thier own takes on my ideas and opinions. Obviously owners of the favored make will be biased, so at least let me know how spot on my observation of the particular car is, in this case the SC300. Thanks guys. 
Corbic’s RWD Shoot-Out
The subjects:
New Edge Mustang GT (99-2002) ~$11,000
E36 BMW Coupe (92-94) ~$5,000 (I hope)
S14 240SX (95-97) $5,000
Lexus SC300 (92-95) $5,000
Requirements, reliable, inexpensive, peppy and fun. Of course it also has to be RWD and a 5spd.
Mustang:
Quickest of the bunch (0-60 ~5.5), the mustang has been around forever and suffers from archaic suspension designs. In stock form the shifter is rubbery, the front is loose and the rear likes to wander. An improved set of dampers is a must and any major overhaul will only take the car so far, while costing quite the pretty penny. Interior is livable; however the stock seats kind of blow. Steering wheel is horrible and there is nothing you can really do about it. 4x4 ride height is also not that great.
The reward of this car is the fact that is going to have less then 70k miles easy. The 4.6 is solid and sounds great with an inexpensive axel back exhaust. The vast aftermarket is not really that great of a draw, seeing I won’t be dumping huge amounts of money into the car. While the Cobra looks great, I can’t stand the fake hood-scoop (on the GT), other wise the car is very impressive, “feels” solid and would have a nice “fun” + “wow” factor. No stupid repairs would be excellent. Another down part is fuel economy is an expectation of 18mpg on regular. Stock clutch-type LSD +
E36
Eh, not really interested in the sedan, coups are nice. Interiors are excellent, I love the way you sit, the way it looks and the steering wheel even. Stock wheels are another big + for the car. Power is also good. Down side is cost. Premium fuel required at about 19mpg a shot (making it more expensive then the Mustang’s 18). Parts are also expensive, brake pads, rotors, dampers; it all costs more thanks to that lovely blue and white propeller. I’m not a big fan of leather either and many cars have very worn driver seats, so a seat replacement may/is required. Electronics are also iffy; I’ve yet to drive a 3/5-series of this era with out a single issue. Computer failure, A/C not working, engine knock, blown head-gasket. Just by personal experience I don’t see any reason to consider an E36 all that “reliable”.
Handling is excellent, and so is steering feel, both beat the snot out of the Mustang. Finding a low mileage car for a “Fair price” is also impossible, unless 150k is “low mileage”.
Silvia
Probably the most logical choice of all the cars. Reliable, inexpensive, huge aftermarket and it gets “great” fuel economy. 23mpg on regular it this would also save $50 a month on fuel from the others. Down side is finding both a clean car and one with a manual transmission. Open-Difs also suck, so toss in another $800 for a 1.5 way. Rust is another huge issue; Nissan’s paint is neither impressive nor impenetrable. Most of these cars have underbody rust and paint fade from what I’ve seen. I also hate the steering wheel, but that is an easy fix (s15 wheel). Lastly the four lug-rims are a major “Blah”. I’ve yet to sit in one, (rare around these parts) but I’m told they are crap for tall drivers (6’5). Reliability would be expected to be the 2nd in this group, Mustang being first, SC300 third and BMW last.
Soarer
No real reason why I like this car, just looks good I guess. Stock is not very impressive, however with a bumper, side skirts and some nice new seats the car can be quite impressive. Tan interior is a big turn off, but I’d strip the damn thing out. Reliability should be excellent; however age and mileage have no doubt taken a toll. 150k miles seems to be the average for any car under $5,500. I’m told a 1jz turbo swap is quick and inexpensive ($1,500 to have someone do it), and adds another 50hp and 80tq., however I doubt I’d ever get around to it. Open-Dif is another big PITA . Fuel economy is the worst of the bunch, 18mpg premium. Manuals are almost not existent, and a conversion will no doubt add another $1000 (and require the 1jz swap for the trans). Certainly the most “unique” of the four cars though. Parts will also be moderately expensive, though I doubt as much as the BMW.
Mustang 11k
Seats 1k
C-hood 400
Exhaust 500
Shift boot 60
Dampers 300
----------------------
Total 13,260
Reliable Daily with no problems for 50k miles, priceless
Depreciation and domestic hate, a given
E36 5.5k
Seat 500
Brakes 400
Maintenance 500
---------------------
Total 6,900
Great handling, lovable badge, constant fear of failure
240SX 5K
GTR Seat 400
S15 wheel 350
JDM Spoiler 350
5-lug 300
1.5 lsd 800
------------------
Total 7,200
Reliable, quick and fun, with the threat of driftoza and rust
SC300 5K
Seats 1000
Bumper 400
Skirts 300
Supra LSD 400
1jz + 5spd 2,500
Dampers 300
--------------------
Total $9,900
Original, uncommon, and solid. Just a lot of work needed along with money, and it’s not bound to be that fast.
Thanks again.
Corbic’s RWD Shoot-Out
The subjects:
New Edge Mustang GT (99-2002) ~$11,000
E36 BMW Coupe (92-94) ~$5,000 (I hope)
S14 240SX (95-97) $5,000
Lexus SC300 (92-95) $5,000
Requirements, reliable, inexpensive, peppy and fun. Of course it also has to be RWD and a 5spd.
Mustang:
Quickest of the bunch (0-60 ~5.5), the mustang has been around forever and suffers from archaic suspension designs. In stock form the shifter is rubbery, the front is loose and the rear likes to wander. An improved set of dampers is a must and any major overhaul will only take the car so far, while costing quite the pretty penny. Interior is livable; however the stock seats kind of blow. Steering wheel is horrible and there is nothing you can really do about it. 4x4 ride height is also not that great.
The reward of this car is the fact that is going to have less then 70k miles easy. The 4.6 is solid and sounds great with an inexpensive axel back exhaust. The vast aftermarket is not really that great of a draw, seeing I won’t be dumping huge amounts of money into the car. While the Cobra looks great, I can’t stand the fake hood-scoop (on the GT), other wise the car is very impressive, “feels” solid and would have a nice “fun” + “wow” factor. No stupid repairs would be excellent. Another down part is fuel economy is an expectation of 18mpg on regular. Stock clutch-type LSD +
E36
Eh, not really interested in the sedan, coups are nice. Interiors are excellent, I love the way you sit, the way it looks and the steering wheel even. Stock wheels are another big + for the car. Power is also good. Down side is cost. Premium fuel required at about 19mpg a shot (making it more expensive then the Mustang’s 18). Parts are also expensive, brake pads, rotors, dampers; it all costs more thanks to that lovely blue and white propeller. I’m not a big fan of leather either and many cars have very worn driver seats, so a seat replacement may/is required. Electronics are also iffy; I’ve yet to drive a 3/5-series of this era with out a single issue. Computer failure, A/C not working, engine knock, blown head-gasket. Just by personal experience I don’t see any reason to consider an E36 all that “reliable”.
Handling is excellent, and so is steering feel, both beat the snot out of the Mustang. Finding a low mileage car for a “Fair price” is also impossible, unless 150k is “low mileage”.
Silvia
Probably the most logical choice of all the cars. Reliable, inexpensive, huge aftermarket and it gets “great” fuel economy. 23mpg on regular it this would also save $50 a month on fuel from the others. Down side is finding both a clean car and one with a manual transmission. Open-Difs also suck, so toss in another $800 for a 1.5 way. Rust is another huge issue; Nissan’s paint is neither impressive nor impenetrable. Most of these cars have underbody rust and paint fade from what I’ve seen. I also hate the steering wheel, but that is an easy fix (s15 wheel). Lastly the four lug-rims are a major “Blah”. I’ve yet to sit in one, (rare around these parts) but I’m told they are crap for tall drivers (6’5). Reliability would be expected to be the 2nd in this group, Mustang being first, SC300 third and BMW last.
Soarer
No real reason why I like this car, just looks good I guess. Stock is not very impressive, however with a bumper, side skirts and some nice new seats the car can be quite impressive. Tan interior is a big turn off, but I’d strip the damn thing out. Reliability should be excellent; however age and mileage have no doubt taken a toll. 150k miles seems to be the average for any car under $5,500. I’m told a 1jz turbo swap is quick and inexpensive ($1,500 to have someone do it), and adds another 50hp and 80tq., however I doubt I’d ever get around to it. Open-Dif is another big PITA . Fuel economy is the worst of the bunch, 18mpg premium. Manuals are almost not existent, and a conversion will no doubt add another $1000 (and require the 1jz swap for the trans). Certainly the most “unique” of the four cars though. Parts will also be moderately expensive, though I doubt as much as the BMW.
Mustang 11k
Seats 1k
C-hood 400
Exhaust 500
Shift boot 60
Dampers 300
----------------------
Total 13,260
Reliable Daily with no problems for 50k miles, priceless
Depreciation and domestic hate, a given
E36 5.5k
Seat 500
Brakes 400
Maintenance 500
---------------------
Total 6,900
Great handling, lovable badge, constant fear of failure
240SX 5K
GTR Seat 400
S15 wheel 350
JDM Spoiler 350
5-lug 300
1.5 lsd 800
------------------
Total 7,200
Reliable, quick and fun, with the threat of driftoza and rust
SC300 5K
Seats 1000
Bumper 400
Skirts 300
Supra LSD 400
1jz + 5spd 2,500
Dampers 300
--------------------
Total $9,900
Original, uncommon, and solid. Just a lot of work needed along with money, and it’s not bound to be that fast.
Thanks again.
01-06-10, 05:49 PM
#3
ive owned a 03 mustang GT the shifting issue can be fixed with a aftermarket shifter (i went with a pro 5.0). i also work at a Ford Dealer where we do custom installs of turbos, blowers, and other go fast goodies. i can tell u they are cheap to mod.not as cheap as the older mustangs (79-93, 94-95) but the 4.6 loves boost.
i havent owned an SC long enough to give u a review on it i will let u know in 6months how i feel about it.
i havent owned an SC long enough to give u a review on it i will let u know in 6months how i feel about it.
01-06-10, 08:32 PM
#6
Lexus Test Driver
Yes indeed. I still think this is a good group of cars to compare to, all of them with some mods can be bought for under $10,000.
I would rank the SC/Soarer first,(1jz, reliable) the 240sx/Silvia second(SR20det,great aftermarket) , the mustang gt third,( cheap parts, biggest aftermarket out there) and the E36 M3 last( handles great, expensive parts).
I would rank the SC/Soarer first,(1jz, reliable) the 240sx/Silvia second(SR20det,great aftermarket) , the mustang gt third,( cheap parts, biggest aftermarket out there) and the E36 M3 last( handles great, expensive parts).
01-06-10, 08:50 PM
#7
Lexus Fanatic
I would do either the silvia or the SC. The silvia is going to be the least to buy, repair, and maintain. The lexus is reliable but the parts will get you. Plus there is a great variety of aftermarket part for the 240. just my 2 cents
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