Narrowing Down S14a vs DC2

[Wildfire]

I know, tow totally different cars, but these are my choices for an everyday car.

What do people think. I don't regularly have to take more than 1 other person, a decent sized boot would help.

Reliable fun.

I'm looking at around the £4k mark, and I've been offered a pretty decent DC2 for £4.5k which I may be able to stretch to.

But what about running costs, repairs and parts?

And how about mild tuning? Prices? Possibilities? I wouldn't mind the odd track day, once a year.

Out and out speed isn't all that important as I'll have my Griffith for the weekends.

[Wadeski]

stock, i would say a DC2 is much more exciting (especially if you have a griff for RWD tail out action). The S14a is very much a cruiser from the factory.

[_Batty_]

DC2's are cheap to run, cheap to repair and go on forever.
i love s14a's but think the griff will keep you power hunger at bay.
DC2

[havoc]

Both will be older, and will need TLC (even Jap cars wear out), so factor that in. DC2 parts can sometimes be pricey, particularly the bespoke ones, but there's a huge tuning scene for it so you could probably find an alternative.

DC2 by far the more practical, but as hardcore as your Griff in many ways (stiffer ride for sure). SX has a much smaller boot and smaller rear-seats, but will be a better M-way cruiser (quieter, longer-legged, more comfortable ride) and if you're used to rwd should pose no fears (as long as you remember about the turbo...).


To drive they're chalk-and-cheese - the SX being the understeery one (at least in stock form)! So best to drive them and see what you think. IMHO the DC2 is by far the better car before any mods, but it's a compromised daily-driver due to ride/noise levels.

[sparkyhx]

havoc said:

IMHO the DC2 is by far the better car before any mods, but it's a compromised daily-driver due to ride/noise levels.

I'd probably agree the DC2 is a sports car out of the box wheras the S14 isn't. However the DC2 has to be thrashed to get the best otherwise its guttless, and it becomes really tiring with all the noise.

The std S14 is i think quicker in a straight line, especially when you start getting above 60, but the DC2 is awesome in the twisties.

Mods wise, any NA engine is costly to get any extra power whereas the S14 is a piece of P**s to get 270-280 bhp reliably, which will then trounce the DC2. An extra grand to sort out suspension and you will have the cornering of a DC2. I think both cars are pretty reliable if looked after but Honda parts generally are more expensive.

p.s. I've had an S14 for the past 4 years so I'm a bit biased.

[WeirdNeville]

If you've got a Griff already then I'd go with the DC2. It'll be more fun on track without spending buckets.

That said there are some excellent pre-tuned S14a's out there at well under your budget. I'd say drive both and make your decision then.

[havoc]

sparkyhx said:

The std S14 is i think quicker in a straight line, especially when you start getting above 60, but the DC2 is awesome in the twisties.

Not even close - gearbox is too long and relaxed, and bhp/tonne is inferior. But how often do you see a standard one, and as you say, 270+bhp is a whole different ball-game.

[Wadeski]

yeah but what is the point in a 270bhp RWD drift car when he has a Griff? All of the danger, none of the benefits of the Honda.

[Ry_B]

S14 is the cruiser, DC2 is very raw

I'd go for the DC2. Depends what you want though really

Edited by Ry_B on Thursday 4th September 00:24

[Wildfire]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll consider my options carefully. I do like the straight lines speed of the S14/S14a as my mate has a mildly tuned one (Induction, exhaust, boost at 10psi). And it is comfortable.

But I like the idea of car that's good on the twisties for everyday fun. I fear theDC2 may be a little out of my price range though by a gran or so.

At the moment, head and heart says DC2, but it's a case of what turns up first, in the right price range.

So if anyone know of a good S14/ S14A going or DC2 let me know!

Cheers

Chris

[mr2-turbo-gar]

try getting your hands on a eg civic sir II, you should be able to pick up a mint one for 4 grand straight outta japan, fairly rare but well worth the wait for a good one. just as fun as the dc2 and an absolute ton of stuff available aftermarket from mild to WILD!!!!

[sparkyhx]

havoc said:

sparkyhx said:

The std S14 is i think quicker in a straight line, especially when you start getting above 60, but the DC2 is awesome in the twisties.

Not even close - gearbox is too long and relaxed, and bhp/tonne is inferior. But how often do you see a standard one, and as you say, 270+bhp is a whole different ball-game.

I think you will find its closer than you think, yes the S14 is long geared but the power band is at 3500revs not at a stratospheric VTEC range, Also the longer gear ratios also help cos your doing nearly 50 in 1st with 3rd being good for knocking on 100mph. Like I said above about 60 the S14 really does start reeling in the fast accelerators. Can't be ar**d to look up the DC2 0-60 times but the Std S14 is low 6's.

Anyways its rather accademic the S14 is cheaper more comfortable, is more modifiable and can be made to corner really well for very little money - the DC2 is better out of the box if you can live with the noise.

If you have a griff then why have the S14?

P.S. have a word with TheNick - he has a Chimera and recently bought an S14.

Edited by sparkyhx on Friday 5th September 13:35

[snorkel sucker]

DC2 all day long. As good as the S14 is, and easily tuneable, for the money, you wont get much closer to driving perfection and practicality than the DC2.

And, yes, ive owned one

[Kam125]

Owned both- my ITR was a cheap and cheerful to run and would be a good track car.

But for fun, and for true driver satisfaction, its got to be the S14a.

RWD, 2lt turbo, LSD.

Kam

[havoc]

Kam125 said:

Owned both- my ITR was a cheap and cheerful to run and would be a good track car.

But for fun, and for true driver satisfaction, its got to be the S14a.

RWD, 2lt turbo, LSD.

Kam

S'funny - I drove a stock S14a and found it a bit lazy and a bit aloof compared to the 'teg, and it's default mode in the dry was understeer, despite the rwd and the turbo!

[Wadeski]

as havoc says. and anything the S14 can do performance wise, the griff does better.

the DC2 offers what the griff doesnt: wet weather security, decent back seats and a big boot!

[RWDKurt]

Also owned both. Both are great cars in very different ways, and I'd happily own either again. I'd agree with others that you need to decide exactly what you're going to use it for, and if possible drive one of each properly before you commit.