Mitsubishi FTO - talk to me...

[mrtwisty]

I'll keep this short and sweet. I'm in a (PH favourite) Puma at the mo'. Loving the b-road ability of the car, lots of fun. However... needs more power - obviously.

So... sticking with the FWD theme (I know, I know... lets not go there) what's the consensus on the FTO? Don't hear much about them on PH. Seem to recall one chap claiming his was close to a DC2 ITR in terms of grip/handling/agility.

(Before anyone mentions it, insurance for an ITR/CTR/182 is waaaaayyy too much just yet)

Any other alternatives appreciated also.

[nottyash]

The one to go for is the GPX Mivic in manual form as this is 200bhp, 10mph top end and and quicker to 60 than the tiptronic.
They feel cheaply built, every time i decide to get one, i drive one and then buy a Honda Prelude 2.2 VTI. Far better made car, 1999/2000 model with manual have 200bhp red top engines and get a UK one for cheaper insurance. 4 wheel steering is great,ive had 4 now.

I also drove a FTO GP version R, but this was a few years ago when it was still 10 grand. Wasnt worth the money, just a GPX with fancy seats a bigger wing and no climate.

[mrtwisty]

hmmm, interesting... A mate of mine had a gen4 prelude and that was fantastic. Looked around for one a while back but couldn't find an unmodded (for insurance reasons)one anywhere. Did consider the gen5 but always got the impression (not sure how) that they were heavier and less sprightly on the twistys than the previous model... unfounded prejudice on my part?

[kambites]

The FTO isn't really in the same league as the Integra or Corrado in handling terms. Broadly similar to the Prelude though, I suppose.

To be fair, not many FWD cars can match the 'teg for handling.

[mrtwisty]

kambites said:

The FTO isn't really in the same league as the Integra or Corrado in handling terms. Broadly similar to the Prelude though, I suppose.

Speaking from experience?

[kambites]

mrtwisty said:

kambites said:

The FTO isn't really in the same league as the Integra or Corrado in handling terms. Broadly similar to the Prelude though, I suppose.

Speaking from experience?

I've driven them all, if that's what you mean, yes. Only owned the Corrado so I can't comment on the others from a reliability/ownership standpoint.

[mrtwisty]

Oh just to add that a Corrado is out of bounds - a good friend of mine would be most unhappy if I got one before he did! Eh Rees?

[kambites]

One issue you might have with the Prelude, depending on how tall you are, is the driving position. I don't actually fit in the drivers' seat properly. None of them have brilliant driving positions, but the Prelude's is awful if you have long legs.

[mrtwisty]

kambites said:

One issue you might have with the Prelude, depending on how tall you are, is the driving position. I don't actually fit in the drivers' seat properly. None of them have brilliant driving positions, but the Preludes is awful if you have long legs.

Ahhh, thats me out then... Tried to squeeze myself into an mx-3 v6 before I got the Puma - no chance!

[kambites]

That's the fourth gen I'm talking about by the way, I haven't driven any of the others. It does seem an endemic problem in Japanese coupes, though - they're designed for Japanese sized people.

[mrtwisty]

So then Kam - what else can you suggest that is comparable to the Puma in terms of b-road shennanigans, with more power, that isn't going to totally rape me on insurance? (bearing in mind that the Puma is likely to be a grand to insure come june!)

[kambites]

Hmm. A non-turbo Fiat Coupe might be affordable, although possibly not that much faster. Same with a 2.0 GTV?

If you don't need the rear seats, you might be able to get a specialist policy cheaply on an M100 Elan?

Otherwise, you're probably looking at hot hatches or classics.

[kambites]

When I was in your position, the answer was a 16v Corrado.

[mrtwisty]

Bloody love both of those cars! To look at anyway... Was very tempted by a GTV 2.0 TS, but ultimately scared off by the potential moneypit scenario (mos because I was looking at spending less than three grand on one)

Think I might be test driving a fiat coupe or two come the weekend...

Scratch that, I'm looking into M100 insurance!

Edited by mrtwisty on Thursday 14th April 21:00

[nottyash]

kambites said:

The FTO isn't really in the same league as the Integra or Corrado in handling terms. Broadly similar to the Prelude though, I suppose.

To be fair, not many FWD cars can match the 'teg for handling.

Surprised at that. Ive never driven a Corrado, but ive driven a few Integra type Rs. The handling is great, but high speed cornering in a Prelude is miles better. 4WS comes into its own.
On the twisties I agree with you. My EK 9 was good for that too. The Preludes quite a heavy car.
Performance wise there is absoloutly nothing in it, neck and neck(I am comparing a UK red top gen 5 to an ITR).
My gen 4 UK (183bhp) VTI was a good car for the money and really cheap to insure,but the JDM 2.2 SI I owned was the fastest of the lot top end. Its geared differently and had 200bhp.
Both 4 and 5 will be cramped inside though, a little more room in the back of a 5 but its not comfortable.

[kambites]

Of course there's always the MX5.

[300bhp/ton]

mrtwisty said:

So then Kam - what else can you suggest that is comparable to the Puma in terms of b-road shennanigans, with more power, that isn't going to totally rape me on insurance? (bearing in mind that the Puma is likely to be a grand to insure come june!)

I've not been in an FTO, but I quite like them. Quite colour sensitive though and either look naff or great. Watch on the engines though as there where 3 or so different engines and only 1 worth having.

I've only heard good reports on their handling ability, although I admit it's not from experience.

If you are looking at Preludes look for a JDM one as some had LSD's.

Puma's are great and chuckable, nearly bought one in 98/99. Although I had an MGF at the time and F was faster, felt faster and more fun more of the time due to being a soft top.

Sticking with the Rover theme, the Rover 200 BRM LE (last weeks SOTW) I'd also highly recommend as a fast fwd B road car on a budget, although I'm not sure about insurance.

Not so speedy but quite a cool left-field choice a classic Porsche 924 would be a fun RWD option and likely better on insurance.

[kambites]

It was the controls that I really didn't like on the prelude - they're too light and too remote feeling. Visibility isn't up to much either so it feels like a very wide car to be throwing about (partly because it is).

I guess it'd make a good GT if it had more space inside - at least the boot is good.

[300bhp/ton]

mrtwisty said:

I'll keep this short and sweet. I'm in a (PH favourite) Puma at the mo'. Loving the b-road ability of the car, lots of fun. However... needs more power - obviously.

So... sticking with the FWD theme (I know, I know... lets not go there) what's the consensus on the FTO? Don't hear much about them on PH. Seem to recall one chap claiming his was close to a DC2 ITR in terms of grip/handling/agility.

(Before anyone mentions it, insurance for an ITR/CTR/182 is waaaaayyy too much just yet)

Any other alternatives appreciated also.

What sort of budget? And how many miles are you doing?

Some left field options:


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2384162.htm

I've got one of these. This is mine:


Similar straight line pace to a DC5 ITR but has lots more potential if you wanted it. Weighs just over 1000kg and is very chuckable.

When I used it as a daily it used to do 24mpg and was always reliable. Not too everyones tastes, but different none the less.


Or another Wedgie running pretty much the same engine/gearbox combo:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2682770.htm

[kambites]

If he's willing to go RWD, there's a whole world of possible classics. Especially if perceived speed is more important than actual speed.

Something like this would be entertaining: http://pistonheads.com/sales/2579249.htm although it might be a bit expensive.

Edited by kambites on Thursday 14th April 21:24