Impreza to leon cupra r = disappointment?
Discussion
chuggabugga70 said:
my current insurance was done through keith michaels, so I might have to give them a ring about the sti. The CV8 monaro is something I never thought about, bloody great idea, but surely insurance is crippling? MX5, good idea, good to drive, but im a fat bugger and feel very, er, enclosed. As for the e36 M3, insurance is a massive no no 
I'm with Admiral, 24, with a Monaro VXR insured as part of a multi-car. Low mileage, so was very cheap (Monaro is less than £500).I gave a friend's dad a lift in it (he has a Prodrive Impreza and is tired of people trying to race him because of the image) and he is completely sold, Impreza is nearly sold and he's after a Monaro.
Get a lift in one, see what you think. There's nothing like a big V8.
SturdyJ said:
I gave a friend's dad a lift in it (he has a Prodrive Impreza and is tired of people trying to race him because of the image) and he is completely sold, Impreza is nearly sold and he's after a Monaro.
.
Focus ST drivers being by far the worst offenders .
Monaro's with an aftermarket exhaust sound incredible. There is one near me. Sounds awesome...
johnpeat said:
I love Cupra R's but that's a backward step in performance and 'fun factor' for sure.
Even a modified one is going to lag behind your Impreza quite a bit - it's a family car with 'go' rather than a rally car with back seats
As in my experience, most Cupra R owners get their cars remapped, all following mentions of the Cupra R assume that it has been remapped, with an open cone air filter and a cold air feed, which will take the car to about 260-270bhp.Even a modified one is going to lag behind your Impreza quite a bit - it's a family car with 'go' rather than a rally car with back seats
Over a tight and bumpy road an Impreza will leave any FWD car behind, and a lot of RWDs too, but the speeds will be really getting up there, into "licence lost" and "huge risks taken" territory. On smoother, better sighted roads, a Cupra R and an Impreza would stay pretty close if both of the drivers had equal commitment.
In terms of torque steer, it's not a problem unless you are cack-footed. In the wet it will spin the wheels and squirm as it approaches full boost, but in the dry even if you boot it in third below the boost threshold and wait for full boost to hit you all in one go, it does not tug badly like an Astra VXR will. If you feed the power in progressively in each gear it will accelerate with considerable vigour and track straight and true to where you point it.
With that in mind, acceleration will be pretty similar between the two as long as the Cupra R driver is not mashing the accelerator like a novice. A turbo 2000 Impreza is about 238bhp is it not, and while you will get some drivetrain losses, you also get the 4WD traction covering any blemishes in your acceleration technique. I've driven Imprezas before and they are very flattering, the traction and chassis balance will shoot you through corners even if your lines are duff, and you can put the power down pretty much anywhere and the car will just squat and shoot away. Obviously, you cannot take the same liberties in a Cupra R, or any powerful FWD hatch, but with a considerate driver I would say the Cupra R would be close to or as fast as the Impreza over open roads.
I've had my Cupra R a while now, and I'm always looking for a replacement, but not because I have any dislikes for the car - I researched it and knew what I was getting into, but in terms of cost I think it will still work out cheaper than your Impreza, but I fancy a change because I will be getting my own house soon and once that happens I won't have so much cash to change cars so easily. I want to experience as many cool cars as I can before that happens, so I've been thinking about something cheaper and slower as my next car. Possibly something like an EP3 Civic Type R, or perhaps even a Renaultsport Clio. Hell, I could even end up in something totally non-PH like a Zetec Fiesta if I decide to make a big push on saving for a house deposit! When it is eventually gone, I won't look back on the Cupra R with bad memories, imo it's the best bang:buck turbo hatch you can get at the moment.
I'll go out on a limb here and I'd say that a Corrado isn't what you're looking for,
They're competant handlers (Still up there with the best of the fwd hot hatches today) but after owning one for a while, you enjoy wafting along towards the lepton range than going balls out.
B Road blasts are fun, but you will understand why people bought them 15-20years ago when you've got a sorted one (or "that moment" when everything actually works"). I've been in similar aged hot escorts, astra's etc. and the corrado feels grown up, more reserved and stylish, and, even my 21 year old 16v is still quiet and comfortable heading up to the lepton range and the only thing that really dates the interior is the seats, looking at the dash it doesn't feel old, just different.
My recommendation to you is to buy a lot of felt tape and soundproofing and see if that changes how you feel about your Impreza.
They're competant handlers (Still up there with the best of the fwd hot hatches today) but after owning one for a while, you enjoy wafting along towards the lepton range than going balls out.
B Road blasts are fun, but you will understand why people bought them 15-20years ago when you've got a sorted one (or "that moment" when everything actually works"). I've been in similar aged hot escorts, astra's etc. and the corrado feels grown up, more reserved and stylish, and, even my 21 year old 16v is still quiet and comfortable heading up to the lepton range and the only thing that really dates the interior is the seats, looking at the dash it doesn't feel old, just different.
My recommendation to you is to buy a lot of felt tape and soundproofing and see if that changes how you feel about your Impreza.
There's plenty of factors that make cars exciting, other than speed, grip and power. I can't imagine the Leon will offer anything the Impreza doesn't already. For entertainment at almost any speed, look at something small, light and nimble, and preferably naturally aspirated.
VX220 perhaps?
Clio sport if sticking to hot hatches?
VX220 perhaps?
Clio sport if sticking to hot hatches?
All this talk of what's faster is irrelevant : the OP says he's bored of Impreza because (our roads and congestion mean) he can't drive it at 10/10 much of the time. Buying something faster, or as fast, is not a solution.
I concur with the point before about getting something slower but with sweeter handling.
My cars are a 1983 mini with quite a few suspension mods, and a blob-eye STI (admittedly recently sold). They both put smiles on my face in equal measures, for different reasons and in different situations.
I would suggest something reknowned for handling and for character (whatever that my mean to you), quite possibly RWD. E30 BMW as you suggest would be a good shout. Why not get a temporary snotter if you can't decide what to replace Impreza with - E30 or E36 RWD. That's what I'm doing because I genuinely don't know what to replace Impreza with and I suspect 'better on paper' doesn't always mean 'better driving fun'.
I concur with the point before about getting something slower but with sweeter handling.
My cars are a 1983 mini with quite a few suspension mods, and a blob-eye STI (admittedly recently sold). They both put smiles on my face in equal measures, for different reasons and in different situations.
I would suggest something reknowned for handling and for character (whatever that my mean to you), quite possibly RWD. E30 BMW as you suggest would be a good shout. Why not get a temporary snotter if you can't decide what to replace Impreza with - E30 or E36 RWD. That's what I'm doing because I genuinely don't know what to replace Impreza with and I suspect 'better on paper' doesn't always mean 'better driving fun'.
I would go for an E46 330Ci if the insurance will allow it, they are Group 17, same as the Imprezza.
A good one will easily be less than £6k, 231bhp, 0-60 - 6.5sec and limited to 155 so no slouch. You just need to drive one to see if you like the different power delivery and feel to the Imprezza.
A good one will easily be less than £6k, 231bhp, 0-60 - 6.5sec and limited to 155 so no slouch. You just need to drive one to see if you like the different power delivery and feel to the Imprezza.
Having had the pleasure of a trip or two in a Cupra R, I can safely say it's my pick of the modern hot hatches. I don't think there is any other hot hatch from the past ten years that is as dramatic and inspiring...save maybe for the mk2 Focus RS at many times the price. The Cupra with a remap delivers boost in such an explosive fashion that it will impress drivers who are familiar with well powered petrol cars. The real surprise to me was the handling, which is very tight and composed and allowed a lot of progress to be made where the natural expectation would be for a turbo powered FWD car to understeer (thinking of the Astra VXR on that one).
They also have a nice image. They don't suffer from that "one on every corner" status of the Type R, they don't suffer from the bloated looks, dire fuel costs or chavvy associations of the Focus ST. I'd quite happily take one if I found myself getting a bit bored of an Impreza.
They also have a nice image. They don't suffer from that "one on every corner" status of the Type R, they don't suffer from the bloated looks, dire fuel costs or chavvy associations of the Focus ST. I'd quite happily take one if I found myself getting a bit bored of an Impreza.
Personally I think you'll be disappointed if you go for the LCR, there may be little in it when comparing straight line speeds but are traffic light grand prixs what you're after? I had a test drive in one many moons ago, and it just didn't do it for me.
I went from an Sti to an e46 330i as I fancied a change, but found the BMW boring, competent yes but not much fun. I traded that in for an M3 after about 3 months and got the excitement back that I missed from the Impreza.
If I was in your shoes I'd be looking for a 130i for 8k.
I went from an Sti to an e46 330i as I fancied a change, but found the BMW boring, competent yes but not much fun. I traded that in for an M3 after about 3 months and got the excitement back that I missed from the Impreza.
If I was in your shoes I'd be looking for a 130i for 8k.
Have you considered one of these:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
260bhp stock, an easy 300bhp+ with a remap. AWD, LSD, 30mpg, easier to insure than an STi, 330i refinement, cheap to service. Worth a look.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
260bhp stock, an easy 300bhp+ with a remap. AWD, LSD, 30mpg, easier to insure than an STi, 330i refinement, cheap to service. Worth a look.
Here's what I thought of it:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Condensed review: "Pretty good, bloody quick".
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Condensed review: "Pretty good, bloody quick".
I* bought a new LCR in 2003 and drove it for 120k miles over 4 years. I had an adjustable map which i turned up on trackdays, and turned down for normal road usage.
Then swapped for a new impreza wagon, GB270. This had 270 bhp, and all the prodrive bits including suspension. I had to sell it almost immediately as although my mileage dropped, doing 20k miles PA was not fun in the impreza.
Pace wise, nearly identical. Off the mark, the impreza had the traction. However when rolling i'd say the LCR was quicker. My impreza had teh 5 speed box, which meant it was really leggy at higher speeds. The 6 cogs in the LCR are well spaced.
The LCR handled brilliantly and torque steer isn't an issue. (you may well spin the wheels at 50mph when spooling the turbo in say 3rd gear on a wet road but so what. So will many other quick cars.)
Teh driver aids in teh LCR are bloody brilliant. they saved me at least once when i was 'caught out'. The impreza i had just had mechanical grip, no traction control or stability control.
It's approaching 10 years since i had they LCR and i've got very fond memories. I've since had a few cars, still have an elise in the garage, have a race car, use an Alfa 159 turbo everyday and regularly borrow the family 500bhp XKR for GT adventures.
Probably the best car i've ever driven as an all round fantastic bit of kit was the LCR.
I'd buy another one tomorrow. If you don't you'll miss out!
Then swapped for a new impreza wagon, GB270. This had 270 bhp, and all the prodrive bits including suspension. I had to sell it almost immediately as although my mileage dropped, doing 20k miles PA was not fun in the impreza.
Pace wise, nearly identical. Off the mark, the impreza had the traction. However when rolling i'd say the LCR was quicker. My impreza had teh 5 speed box, which meant it was really leggy at higher speeds. The 6 cogs in the LCR are well spaced.
The LCR handled brilliantly and torque steer isn't an issue. (you may well spin the wheels at 50mph when spooling the turbo in say 3rd gear on a wet road but so what. So will many other quick cars.)
Teh driver aids in teh LCR are bloody brilliant. they saved me at least once when i was 'caught out'. The impreza i had just had mechanical grip, no traction control or stability control.
It's approaching 10 years since i had they LCR and i've got very fond memories. I've since had a few cars, still have an elise in the garage, have a race car, use an Alfa 159 turbo everyday and regularly borrow the family 500bhp XKR for GT adventures.
Probably the best car i've ever driven as an all round fantastic bit of kit was the LCR.
I'd buy another one tomorrow. If you don't you'll miss out!
I had an LCR for 2 years which I swapped for a 350Z two years ago. Never driven an Impreza though.
Both great cars, in different ways, but if you're looking for ultimate driver thrills I would suggest a RWD car is the way forward. Not looking to start a FWD vs RWD debate here, but the 350Z definatley has spicier handling and is less forgiving (but more rewarding) to drive quickly.
I doubt you'd be disappointed with either, you really need to drive a few different cars to see which you prefer.
Both great cars, in different ways, but if you're looking for ultimate driver thrills I would suggest a RWD car is the way forward. Not looking to start a FWD vs RWD debate here, but the 350Z definatley has spicier handling and is less forgiving (but more rewarding) to drive quickly.
I doubt you'd be disappointed with either, you really need to drive a few different cars to see which you prefer.
Unless you like wheelspin then the LCR won't give any joy over the Impreza. I would go for something completely different if it is not straight line thrills you are after.
I'm at a bit of a stuck point too as I often think about selling my P1 but I won't find anything to offer more pace for the money so need to find something with a different experience like a bike engined car or something else daft.
Don't listen to people saying get an Elise/ VX220 something else lightish as it will be so much better in the corners. Unless you are the Stig you will not be on the limit in these like you can in the Scoob and even if you can there is naff all difference its just a bit more scary in the smaller cars.
The idea of a E30 325 you just have to remember they are pretty slow in comparison to modern stuff and even the better looked after ones will require ongoing maintenance, I sold mine earlier this year. Would be a sound investment though as their value just goes up.
Maybe something revvy like a DC5 Integra Type R or a barge like a Jag XJR or an old BMW M5 (insurance permitting) or something totally daft like a Ford F150.
If the budget is 8k you could get an E36 M3 rather than a 328 as surely your insurance cant be £2k+
I'm at a bit of a stuck point too as I often think about selling my P1 but I won't find anything to offer more pace for the money so need to find something with a different experience like a bike engined car or something else daft.
Don't listen to people saying get an Elise/ VX220 something else lightish as it will be so much better in the corners. Unless you are the Stig you will not be on the limit in these like you can in the Scoob and even if you can there is naff all difference its just a bit more scary in the smaller cars.
The idea of a E30 325 you just have to remember they are pretty slow in comparison to modern stuff and even the better looked after ones will require ongoing maintenance, I sold mine earlier this year. Would be a sound investment though as their value just goes up.
Maybe something revvy like a DC5 Integra Type R or a barge like a Jag XJR or an old BMW M5 (insurance permitting) or something totally daft like a Ford F150.
If the budget is 8k you could get an E36 M3 rather than a 328 as surely your insurance cant be £2k+
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