Looking for advice on Prelude vti or 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.
Both car will be pretty swift but not rapid, I am really looking for the cheepest to run and stuff to watch out for.

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

[rb5er]

Celicas can rust quite badly contrary to what you said. I would expect the prelude to be better in this respect.

Also the 2.0 Celica is slower than the 170bhp would have you believe.

Out of the 2, I would take the Prelude.

But you could get an impreza turbo for that sort of money.

[Bigletch]

Thanks for your feedback,
I thought the celicas were very resistant to rust.... were should i look?
I know that the prelude is bad at the rear arches and sunroof... Still some good ones left though.

I am swinging towards the prelude just now... still need to sell my XR2 first?

I have ruled out skoobies as fuel consumption is to high..

[TotalControl]

Have driven both and owned a Celica GT. The Celica is much slower than it looks and they do rust, although I purchased a bit of a dog.

Given the choice this time round, I'd take the Prelude. It's faster and if in 4th gen guise, has a cooler dash.

[RobCrezz]

Prelude over a Celica, unless its a GT4.

The Prelude 2.2 Vtecs are pretty nice cars.

[paulmoonraker]

Bigletch said:

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

The mere fact that you mention MPG rules out a turbonutter car (like the Impreza)... Although, contrary to ScoobyWRX, I seem to be able to work magic with mine (however, that could be the effect of my wooden beaded car seats on my driving style)...