Are starlet GT / Glanzas any good (compared to SW20)

[Wadeski]

im slowly sorting out myself to swap my current car for my much desired next car - an MR2 Turbo. Good value. Great fun. Great sense of occaision. Good tuning potential.

the only thing is, the last week of greasy roads has been bugging me - this is what its going to be like for the next NINE MONTHS. even in my FWD saab, as soon as i get boost if the road is wet the wheels squirm about like nobodies business, and you have to go easy. Is a mid engined RWD turbo car really that sensible on our shite roads?

Ive seen a really mint looking Starlet GT going for a song near me (about £3k) which would leave me some money to up the boost a little. Starlet advantages are: easy to park in london, doesnt attract attention, still has turbo potential, practical.

however, can anyone who has owned/driven one comment on how it "feels"? does it feel special, or is it just another understeery hot hatch? Is it actually any better to drive than, say, a clio 182?

the reason i like the idea of the MR2 is even when your at traffic speeds it has a great "sports car" feel with the engine behind your head, and the low slung seating. Does the Starlet have a sense of occaision or does it feel like an appliance with a turbo attached?

Edited by Wadeski on Friday 24th August 01:07

[AndyB_WRX]

I've driven both, the starlet doesn't even compare to the MR2. The really are very different cars. The starlet felt quick but just couldn't provide the kick that a bigger engine does. I would test drive the starlet and see what you think.

Edited by AndyB_WRX on Friday 24th August 09:41

[RichGR32]

i agree it wouldnt even compare. the Glanza V is better than the Starlet GT but they are only 1.3 turbo's and wont come anywhere near the 2 litre of the MR2. and any rear wheel drive car is difficult on rubbish roads and hard work...but yet very fun!
the starlets/glanza's i feel are very good cars, they feel nice to drive and stick to the roads. every so often its a bit oversteery more than understeer

Edited by RichGR32 on Friday 24th August 13:19

[GravelBen]

Wadeski said:

the only thing is, the last week of greasy roads has been bugging me - this is what its going to be like for the next NINE MONTHS. even in my FWD saab, as soon as i get boost if the road is wet the wheels squirm about like nobodies business, and you have to go easy. Is a mid engined RWD turbo car really that sensible on our shite roads?

An MR2 will have much, much more traction than a FWD car, however if/when it lets go you have a bigger situation to deal with and need a fair bit more skill to recover a slide. Depends on experience/skill level a lot. If you don't have much RWD experience then perhaps try an NA MR2?

[r5gttgaz]

They are sh!te. Avoid.

[Wadeski]

I guess that makes my mind up for me XD

in relation to skill N/A vs Turbo - i would love to learn on an N/A then go to a turbo, but after the Saab i like torque, and i dont think naturally aspirated would satisfy.

I think a days skidpan course will be a first stop, however!

[steve bowen]

I'm thinking of getting another sw20 as a winter runabout because they have such good grip. The people that wrap MR2 up in the winter wouldn't make it down a straight road in the summer in my Eunos.

[Bibbs]

One is a RWD mid engined sports car .. the other is a hot hatch.

I'd keep the SW20 and then just cruise about in the wet. I had a turbo for 5+ years of daily driving. Just keep it sensible.

[Rob_F]

Mine has incredible traction, even in the wet, I really wouldn't worry about it.... You're right, the MR2 does feel very much more special than a hatchback even in traffic - try and get one with aircon though, mine get's very hot in the summer!

Rob.

Edited by Rob_F on Saturday 1st September 17:52

[shadowninja]

Used to have a Rev 3 MR2 Turbo. Was perfectly fine in bad weather. Of course, if you drive it like an idiot, expect to be making an insurance claim... once you leave hospital.