субару импреза wrx sti 2003

If the WRX STI is Coke, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is Pepsi. ВPJust like its rival, the Evo is a four door compact sedan turned turbocharged rally car. ВPYet as similar as the two cars are, they have unique personalities. ВPUnder the hood, the Evo sports a two liter turbocharged straight four cylinder that sends aprox. 280 horsepower to all four wheels. ВP(Originally, the Evo made 271 horsepower which in later years was upgraded to 286.) ВPThe smaller displacement engine needs much more turbo boost to make its power than the larger engine in the STI and it isВPmuch more high strung. ВPAt low RPM there is plenty of turbo lag, and the engine feels quite sluggish much like any normal economy car. ВPAs the revs build though, the little motor transforms the car from a fuel sipping four cylinder into a shreiking rocket powered go-cart. ВPWhere the Evo really shines though is handling. ВPAs sharp and agile as the STI feels, the Evo is even sharper. ВPIt is also the easiest car in the world to drive like a lunatic. ВPYou just aim it where you want to go and floor it and the computers do the rest. ВPI wish I could say I explored the Evo’s amazing powersliding ability, but sadly the example I drove wasn’t mine and I try not to act like too much of a tool on public roads. ВPIf I had to pick between the Evo and the STI, I would have to pick the Evo, but both are tremendously capable and practical automobiles. ВPAgain, sissies need not apply. ВPFor the Evos you can buy with Prius money, no automatic is available.

For those of you that need something a little more practical, I present the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. ВPLike any other small sedan, it has four doors, a back seat, and a decent sized trunk. ВPIt also has four wheel drive which makes it great in wet weather and with winter tires, excellent in the snow. ВPIt also happens to be a street legal rally car. ВPThe engine, a turbocharged 2.5 liter boxer four pumping out nearly 300 horsepower gives the car a very “muscular feel.” ВPCornering speeds are similarly ridiculous due to the massive grip of four wheel drive, a stiff suspension, and sticky tires. ВPThe only downside to this Japanese muscle car is the gigantic rear wing (I would remove it if I bought one) and ricer boy image. ВPAlso, it might be hard to find a used one that hasn’t been abused or modified. ВPIf you do though, understand that wimps, sissies, and people that can’t drive stick need not apply.

The Boxster like the S2000 is a two seat roadster.ВP What you get in the Boxster that you don’t get in the S2000 is a choice of two gutsy flat six motors, balanced mid engine handling, and an optional automatic transmission ( ).ВP You also get the premium badge.ВP Personally, I wouldn’t drive an older car just so I could say I have a Porsche, but the Boxster is a great machine.ВP I should note that premium brands do come with premium priced maintenance.ВP As far as gas goes, the Boxster does fairly well.

Powered by a 2.2 liter, 240 horsepower four cylinder engine that revs to nearly 9000 rpm, the S2000 is more sport bike than car.ВP The razor sharp steering and the toggle switch shifter for the car’s six speed manual gear box are so accurate you might as well wire control of the car directly into your brain.ВP Reactions are lightning quick and the car goes exactly where you point it.ВP The S2000 is by no means the fastest car on this list but when wrung out at high rpm, the diminutive engine shrieks like a motorcycle and creates more than ample thrust.ВP Although it is not the most practical car you can buy, the trade off is totally worth it when you put the top down.ВP It also manages to get surprisingly good gas millage and because it’s a Honda, it is not likely to break.

So what then do I suggest you buy instead of a hybrid?ВP What could be more eco-friendly, better to drive, and infinitely better looking?ВP I’ve put together a list of my choices and they all share a common theme.ВP Since eco-friendly is important, I am only going to list used cars.ВP Building a new car creates a very large amount of pollution, which is avoided all together when buying used.ВP Also, no toxic batteries are always a plus.ВP While none of my choices are going to get exceptional fuel economy, because they are used it really isn’t that big a deal.ВP Since you have to drive it, the experience should be as enjoyable as possible, so no boring slow family sedans. ВPI am also aware that this list isn’t extensive, but these are some of my personal favorite used car values. ВPBeauty however is in the eye of the beholder, so if you don’t find one of my choices particularly attractive, I understand.ВP Remember though, nothing on this list is as ugly as a Prius.

I have to give it to Toyota.ВP The Prius hybrid was perfectly timed and perfectly marketed.ВP Not so much a car as a cultural icon, the eco-friendly Prius brand has made and likely will continue to make lots of money for Toyota as the world continues to gulp down oil.ВP The thing is though; .ВP Where it might save on gas, the toxic nickel used in its batteries isn’t helping anybody.ВP The other thing about the Prius is that it sucks to drive.ВP Although it is surprisingly roomy and comfortable inside, the vehicle was designed for the sole purpose of going very far on very little gas, which means it’s dog slow and it doesn’t handle.ВP Also, while Toyota has done a great job associating the styling with the image of an eco-friendly hybrid driver, the car is still ugly.ВP So considering that the Prius is terrible for the environment, as fast as a big wheel and ugly to boot, you should buy something else with your $22,000.

7 (Very Fast) Reasons to Buy a Used Sports Car Instead of a New Hybrid

7 (Very Fast) Reasons to Buy a Used Sports Car Instead of a New Hybrid - The Daily Interweb