Celica GT-Four v Nissan 200SX

[Twincharged]

I'm considering a Celica GT-Four (ST205), but it's very hard to find a UK one in good condition/ standard tune. I'm not too fussy about wheels/exhaust, but I'd rather not have an extensively modified car for insurance reasons.

As an alternative, I've looked at the 200SX. Easier to find and maybe a bit "purer" as a driving experience due to the lower weight and RWD, but does it feel significantly slower?

Any advice appreciated!

[Wadeski]

Firstly, whats wrong with an import? Insurance can be better than you think; try Admiral, Adrian Flux and Sky Insurance.

Secondly, both are nice, although they have a "GT" feel rather than a sportscar feel. Stock, both understeer (unless you use the power to overpower the rear of the 200SX - what I'm saying is that they are both set up to be very "safe" from the factory rather than having great turn in. Although this can be fixed by upgrading the suspension). Neither has a particularly exciting interior. Stock, the Celica will be a bit faster in a straight line and have better response due to the factory chargecooler setup. Both respond well do mods.

But unless you need the rear seats, an MR2 turbo is better drive than either

[Twincharged]

I might give the MR2 Turbo a look then. The import issue is £1k extra per yer- very annoying as there are plenty of imports and it's hardly as if they're radically different!

ETA I'm mid-policy with Elephant at the moment, if I can't get a UK one until near the end of the policy I might go for an imported one with a different company.

Edited by Twincharged on Sunday 8th February 21:55

[Steve Evil]

Twincharged said:

I might give the MR2 Turbo a look then. The import issue is £1k extra per yer- very annoying as there are plenty of imports and it's hardly as if they're radically different!

ETA I'm mid-policy with Elephant at the moment, if I can't get a UK one until near the end of the policy I might go for an imported one with a different company.

Edited by Twincharged on Sunday 8th February 21:55

I'd leave it another 6 months. Don't know how old you are, but Elephant have always been cheap for me as far as turbocharged imports go. Always come out as one of the cheapest companies for my MR2 Turbo every year.

[RobCrezz]

Ive had a 200sx, and I tried a GT4, but ended up getting a MR2 turbo.


If you get one, go for a REV3 or newer. They benifit from more power (245bhp), better turbo, better cams, stronger headgasket, bigger injectors and they look better. And with a REV3, you can get 300bhp from just bolts on (exhaust, decat, intercooler, boost controller etc), using the standard turbo.