Honda Prelude vti or Toyota celica GT

[Bigletch]

Hi fellow PH'ers

As the title suggests thinking about one of the above.

I like the odd track day and a spirited drive now and then.

The pro's and cons so far.

Prelude: faster (197 bhp) but less economical
Celica : slightly slower (168 bhp) but over 5 mpg more economical

I think the Celica is more resistent to rust.

Just looking to see if anyone has any experience running either or other alternitves.

Budget £1500

Thanks

[freakynessless]

If your thinking about a generation 6 celica, 1994-1999 vintage (or there abouts). I wouldnt recommend it for a track car. Its too heavy and you need to really work the engine hard to get the best out of it. Dont get me wrong, its a great car, but not necessarily a track car. A GT4 on the other hand would be perfect for the job! Although you might struggle to get a generation 6 in your budget. You'd get a decent generation 5 though.

[nottyash]

Ive owned 2 of the red top 197bhp gen 5 Preludes. Fantastic cars. Earlier cars only have 183BHP 16" wheels instead of 17" and no heated seats.
I think the red top is lower geared too.
You have the added benefit of 4 wheel steering compared to the Celica.
Expect 29MPG on average with a mixture of driving, 31 on a motorway.
If you rip out the airbox and fit a cone filter they sound fantastic over 5000 revs

Calipers are prone to siezing, but I only paid £66 from a motor factor for new rear ones.
Sunroofs rust around the inside as can rear arches.
Ive never had a problem after owning 4 Prelude 2.2 VTIs, but check ABS system, and 4WS systems function correctly.
Oh, and make sure you go for a manual, as the tiptronics were not 197BHP.

Edited by nottyash on Wednesday 24th August 18:59