GB270 vs RB320
Discussion
Looking to move into the fun B-road world while retaining some practicality.
Would I be disappointed going for:
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/uvl/popup.jsp?cur...
Over spending a few more pennies to get:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2754670.htm
Or should I go left field:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2655166.htm
Dr Rick
Would I be disappointed going for:
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/uvl/popup.jsp?cur...
Over spending a few more pennies to get:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2754670.htm
Or should I go left field:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2655166.htm
Dr Rick
Shirly your requirements would be more financially secure and stylishly served by a mid 90's 911?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2821144.htm
BB
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2821144.htm
BB
Financially secure, probably. Stylishly served, yep. However, that's a lot of miles on a poker for my comfort.
I need a good backroad car due to the location ofmthe house I'm moving to; read private unsurfaced road. Then, I need suitable space for child kit, one of at the moment. And possibly a dog. I know a saloon isn't ideal, but we don't have the dog yet so it's hypothetical.
Dr Rick
I need a good backroad car due to the location ofmthe house I'm moving to; read private unsurfaced road. Then, I need suitable space for child kit, one of at the moment. And possibly a dog. I know a saloon isn't ideal, but we don't have the dog yet so it's hypothetical.
Dr Rick
The type 25 will be the loudest car as a lot of the sound deadening will have been removed, so if you have got young kids on board this might be a consideration.
The 2.5 litre engines have had failures but this mainly applies to the 08 hatch but it does occasionally happen to the pre 08's. Also worth thinking about is the tax bracket these cars are in the GB and RB will both cost £460 for a year where as the type 25 will be mid 200's.
All of these cars will be quick but the RB and type 25 will be very quick but the 25 should have the edge.
If you have got a lot of child related things you need to carry around then it's worth checking the boot. There's a fair bit of space inside but the actual opening isn't that big, obviously this isnt a problem if you get a wagon GB.
I've had my hawk eye WRX for over three years now and I still love it. The cars don't have the best image but if you can ignore that you are onto a winner.
The 2.5 litre engines have had failures but this mainly applies to the 08 hatch but it does occasionally happen to the pre 08's. Also worth thinking about is the tax bracket these cars are in the GB and RB will both cost £460 for a year where as the type 25 will be mid 200's.
All of these cars will be quick but the RB and type 25 will be very quick but the 25 should have the edge.
If you have got a lot of child related things you need to carry around then it's worth checking the boot. There's a fair bit of space inside but the actual opening isn't that big, obviously this isnt a problem if you get a wagon GB.
I've had my hawk eye WRX for over three years now and I still love it. The cars don't have the best image but if you can ignore that you are onto a winner.
Edited by Bungleaio on Sunday 12th June 09:05
I don't know the 25 except by repute as the most extreme of the 3.
I ran a 320 for c80k miles as a daily driver, which is perfectly possible as long as family can be reconciled to it (Mrs BFB liked that we got to places very quickly, didn't like the fact that it was a little loud - but actually, in OE spec., it's quite refined IMHO). Plenty of info. over on the Owners Club site.
In the real world the 270 will be as quick as either for most of the time, but if you think you'll feel short-changed, then you know the answer!
I ran a 320 for c80k miles as a daily driver, which is perfectly possible as long as family can be reconciled to it (Mrs BFB liked that we got to places very quickly, didn't like the fact that it was a little loud - but actually, in OE spec., it's quite refined IMHO). Plenty of info. over on the Owners Club site.
In the real world the 270 will be as quick as either for most of the time, but if you think you'll feel short-changed, then you know the answer!
So, decision made I think.
The Litchfield has changed ad title to '(Provisionally Sold)', and I think the noise would be a bit much despite the excellent price point and spec list. Even the insurance wasn't 'too' painful.
The RB320 are a little rich for my budget given what they are. Smart though they look, I think I'll hold.
The GB270, I test drove one and was plesantly suprised. I was expecting a noisier, more crashing ride. Could be down to the WRX basis as opposed to the STi base. Short shift was nice, clutch was HEAVY. I'm assuming this is quite normal due to the complicated drivetrain and the urge from the 2.5.
Just need to have a think whether the piggy bank will cope.
Dr Rick
The Litchfield has changed ad title to '(Provisionally Sold)', and I think the noise would be a bit much despite the excellent price point and spec list. Even the insurance wasn't 'too' painful.
The RB320 are a little rich for my budget given what they are. Smart though they look, I think I'll hold.
The GB270, I test drove one and was plesantly suprised. I was expecting a noisier, more crashing ride. Could be down to the WRX basis as opposed to the STi base. Short shift was nice, clutch was HEAVY. I'm assuming this is quite normal due to the complicated drivetrain and the urge from the 2.5.
Just need to have a think whether the piggy bank will cope.
Dr Rick
Dr_Rick said:
Looking to move into the fun B-road world while retaining some practicality.
Would I be disappointed going for:
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/uvl/popup.jsp?cur...
Over spending a few more pennies to get:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2754670.htm
Or should I go left field:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2655166.htm
Dr Rick
As a rule JDM Impreza's are better spec than UK ones. I think the Spec C is part of the competition homoligation ones for Grp N rallying and the like.Would I be disappointed going for:
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/uvl/popup.jsp?cur...
Over spending a few more pennies to get:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2754670.htm
Or should I go left field:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2655166.htm
Dr Rick
RB320 is nice and likely will hold its money better despite not really offering any huge potential over other models. Bang per buck wise it's less appealing, but taking in the bigger picture is all part of it though, so residuals are important too.
I had the same dilemma when my son arrived. The problem with the 4WD rally reps is that you need to drive them like your hair is on fire to get some fun out of them.
I opted for an EVO, but the RS model (Grp N base car) as the sound deadening is deleted and they are fitted with a very short 'box amongst other things. I did this as I wanted a more raw driving experience as Scoobs and Evos hide speed very very well.
Whilst mine is an excellent car, if I was faced with the same choice I'd get two separate cars that together tick the boxes of child carrier and fun to drive. Probably a big old diesel Estate and an Elise of Seven type car.
I think you'll tire of the awful economy and the need to drive it fast to extract some thrills very quickly TBH.
I opted for an EVO, but the RS model (Grp N base car) as the sound deadening is deleted and they are fitted with a very short 'box amongst other things. I did this as I wanted a more raw driving experience as Scoobs and Evos hide speed very very well.
Whilst mine is an excellent car, if I was faced with the same choice I'd get two separate cars that together tick the boxes of child carrier and fun to drive. Probably a big old diesel Estate and an Elise of Seven type car.
I think you'll tire of the awful economy and the need to drive it fast to extract some thrills very quickly TBH.
rhinochopig said:
I had the same dilemma when my son arrived. The problem with the 4WD rally reps is that you need to drive them like your hair is on fire to get some fun out of them.
I opted for an EVO, but the RS model (Grp N base car) as the sound deadening is deleted and they are fitted with a very short 'box amongst other things. I did this as I wanted a more raw driving experience as Scoobs and Evos hide speed very very well.
Whilst mine is an excellent car, if I was faced with the same choice I'd get two separate cars that together tick the boxes of child carrier and fun to drive. Probably a big old diesel Estate and an Elise of Seven type car.
I think you'll tire of the awful economy and the need to drive it fast to extract some thrills very quickly TBH.
Good comments. This won't be the only car we have; there's the tank aswell (Disco4). Part of hte consideration is the house is in the country so we'll be on back roads rather than plain commuting.I opted for an EVO, but the RS model (Grp N base car) as the sound deadening is deleted and they are fitted with a very short 'box amongst other things. I did this as I wanted a more raw driving experience as Scoobs and Evos hide speed very very well.
Whilst mine is an excellent car, if I was faced with the same choice I'd get two separate cars that together tick the boxes of child carrier and fun to drive. Probably a big old diesel Estate and an Elise of Seven type car.
I think you'll tire of the awful economy and the need to drive it fast to extract some thrills very quickly TBH.
So did you get the Evo after your son appeared, or did you hvae it before and then sold it? As you see, I considered a Litchfield, but its 'gone' and I was plesantly suprised by the GB270. My commute wouldn't support a diesel and I'm not sure about the roads with a Lotus, plus there's more than 2 of us at times.
Not rushing the decision though.
Dr Rick
Dr_Rick said:
Real world not nuch difference in mpg, much more fun at sensible speeds,great seats,pop a Wortec/Walkinshaw on it ( as per the one I posted)and you won't get more practical fun for the money.Dr_Rick said:
rhinochopig said:
I had the same dilemma when my son arrived. The problem with the 4WD rally reps is that you need to drive them like your hair is on fire to get some fun out of them.
I opted for an EVO, but the RS model (Grp N base car) as the sound deadening is deleted and they are fitted with a very short 'box amongst other things. I did this as I wanted a more raw driving experience as Scoobs and Evos hide speed very very well.
Whilst mine is an excellent car, if I was faced with the same choice I'd get two separate cars that together tick the boxes of child carrier and fun to drive. Probably a big old diesel Estate and an Elise of Seven type car.
I think you'll tire of the awful economy and the need to drive it fast to extract some thrills very quickly TBH.
Good comments. This won't be the only car we have; there's the tank aswell (Disco4). Part of hte consideration is the house is in the country so we'll be on back roads rather than plain commuting.I opted for an EVO, but the RS model (Grp N base car) as the sound deadening is deleted and they are fitted with a very short 'box amongst other things. I did this as I wanted a more raw driving experience as Scoobs and Evos hide speed very very well.
Whilst mine is an excellent car, if I was faced with the same choice I'd get two separate cars that together tick the boxes of child carrier and fun to drive. Probably a big old diesel Estate and an Elise of Seven type car.
I think you'll tire of the awful economy and the need to drive it fast to extract some thrills very quickly TBH.
So did you get the Evo after your son appeared, or did you hvae it before and then sold it? As you see, I considered a Litchfield, but its 'gone' and I was plesantly suprised by the GB270. My commute wouldn't support a diesel and I'm not sure about the roads with a Lotus, plus there's more than 2 of us at times.
Not rushing the decision though.
Dr Rick
Some additional things to consider:
We live at the foot of the NY Moors and trust me, Lotuses and Sevens cope fine with the worst the moors have to throw at a car. My Westy was faster than the Evo is down a bumpy B road - although with the caveat that the road needs to be dry as it ran on 48Rs which were a handful in the wet. My BIL had an Elise and that also coped fine too.
The critical factor is that either of these cars (Westy and Elise) make you want to get up early on a Sunday morning and my Evo seldom does that in the same way either the Elise or the Westy did. I still go for blasts, but can't help thinking I'd be having more fun in a proper sports car. I also never drive it quickly when my son is in it either so may as well be in the X-Trail in these instances.
Good as the rally reps are at ticking all boxes, they are jack of all trades and master of none IMO.
Good luck with the decision, whatever you get I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Edited by rhinochopig on Monday 13th June 16:35
I'm within spitting distance of buying an Elise / Exige. In fact the owner of the house we're buying is one of the bosses at Hilton and Moss so when I suggested a fun car he commented that he'd had Ferrari's and Lambo's up the private unsurfaced road a number of times. Bit out of my budget mind. Anyhoo, my wife and I are commuting in different directions and one of us will be doing the drop off to nursery and the other doing the pick up.
Like you say though; when the child is in the car, all is calm and no pushing any limits or even thinking of it. However, all fun within the law on the way home on my own!
I'd like to say a 2-seater would be OK as a 2nd car, but I quite like the Scooby if I'm honest. Plus the wife has accepted the idea straight off so that's a BIG battle won.
Dr Rick
Like you say though; when the child is in the car, all is calm and no pushing any limits or even thinking of it. However, all fun within the law on the way home on my own!
I'd like to say a 2-seater would be OK as a 2nd car, but I quite like the Scooby if I'm honest. Plus the wife has accepted the idea straight off so that's a BIG battle won.
Dr Rick
rhinochopig said:
The Evo effectively replaced a bike engined westfield with a small gap.
Some additional things to consider:
We live at the foot of the NY Moors and trust me, Lotuses and Sevens cope fine with the worst the moors have to through at a car. My Westy was faster than the Evo is down a bumpy B road - although with the caveat that the road needs to be dry as it ran on 48Rs which were a handful in the wet. My BIL had an Elise and that also coped fine too.
The critical factor is that either of these cars (Westy and Elise) make you want to get up early on a Sunday morning and my Evo seldom does that in the same way either the Elise or the Westy did. I still go for blasts, but can't help thinking I'd be having more fun in a proper sports car. I also never drive it quickly when my son is in it either so may as well be in the X-Trail in these instances.
Good as the rally reps are at ticking all boxes, they are jack of all trades and master of none IMO.
Good luck with the decision, whatever you get I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
This.Some additional things to consider:
We live at the foot of the NY Moors and trust me, Lotuses and Sevens cope fine with the worst the moors have to through at a car. My Westy was faster than the Evo is down a bumpy B road - although with the caveat that the road needs to be dry as it ran on 48Rs which were a handful in the wet. My BIL had an Elise and that also coped fine too.
The critical factor is that either of these cars (Westy and Elise) make you want to get up early on a Sunday morning and my Evo seldom does that in the same way either the Elise or the Westy did. I still go for blasts, but can't help thinking I'd be having more fun in a proper sports car. I also never drive it quickly when my son is in it either so may as well be in the X-Trail in these instances.
Good as the rally reps are at ticking all boxes, they are jack of all trades and master of none IMO.
Good luck with the decision, whatever you get I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
I used to have an RB320 and loved it. Miss it badly. I'll probably have another. Sure it costs more than a GB270 but it is a much better car and will hold it's value if you keep the miles down and don't mod it. I found the ride better than the same year Sti but do get the full leather interior and the audio upgrade. There's not much quicker point-to-point in the real world for the money and with the practicality.
If you are swaying towards the GB270 then look out for standard WRX's too, they are basically the same the main difference being that the GB270 has the prodrive performance pack. If you want a nicer interior then there is WRX SL models out there too, these have leather, heated front seats and a sunroof. You can add the prodrive performance pack if you want or for more power for less money you can go the aftermarket tuner route.
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