Evo vs Mustang GT vs IS300 vs Boxster

[SWortham]

I'm toying with the idea of selling the Elantra and buying a new or an almost-new car.

I was almost certain that car would be the '06 Legacy GT but I found out that for '06 and '07 all LGT's have moonroofs. The problem with that is the moonroof cuts out about an inch of headroom, and at 6'5" I need all the headroom I can get. I did test drive the car and I fit pretty comfortably but once I put on a helmet, forget about it. I would just buy an '05 LGT w/o a sunroof but I'm a little hesitant of buying a used turbo'd car.

So now I'm looking at other cars. I'm looking only at AWD & RWD cars with at least 38" headroom and an invoice under $30K. So far I've come up with the following cars:

'06 Evo IX
There are a lot of things I like about the Evo, but after reading the general consensus of Car And Driver's long-term test, I'm not so sure.

'06 Mustang GT
The Mustang GT is nice, but for autocrossing it's not going to be too competitive and I'm a little worried about the problems I may have with it.

'04 Lexus IS300 SportDesign
It's going to be hard to find one like I want, but this car gets great reviews and has tons of potential if I ever wanted to turbo it.

'03 Porsche Boxster
Surprisingly, this car is both roomier and less expensive than I thought it would be. Resale is good. And Edmunds.com's true cost to own is right there with some of these other cars. I'm not the biggest fan of the looks. And I didn't really want a convertible. But it's worth a look.


What do you think?

[ilanpro]

Evo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[metalfetish]

I say IS300. I've always loved that car, it's great looking, it drives fantastically...it's been a favorite of mine for a long long time. I wish I had the money to consider it.

[Vampyrate]

i would get the evo, but only because i would want to rally in it

[hyunelan2]

I have fitment issues with the boxster, that would be my pick of the list if I fit comfortably. Mustang GT = dragstrip car, not anything with twisties (thank-you solid rear-axel). Evo = too boy racer - performance isn't everything. So, I would go with the used IS personally. It has the best balance of comfort and performance. If fitment wasn't an issue, the boxster would win hands down though.

[SWortham]

I have fitment issues with the boxster
Fitment issues, eh? How so?

[CTele02]

How about dumping all that money into the elantra :) Could prolly turbo to like 300whp, lsd, light weight mods and there ya go.

[hyunelan2]

Lack of legroom. Just like the 911, I have to stradle the steeringwheel: clutch operation = haha. 911 is worse though, the boxster is better on legroom, but still not good. Comibine that with the fact that you now own a 2-seat roadster for your only car, and the odds stack against it. If you were keeping the XD, then it's a good play car, but you said you were thinking of trading in the XD - I would not have a boxster as my everyday car.

If you want a Porsche to play with for a track car (non DD), look into the older 924s/944s - cheap, has some decent legroom (need to slide into it though) and have been great track-cars. 928 isn't bad either, but is heavy and not as nimble as the 924/944.

[SWortham]

OK, well I actually sit unusually close to the steering wheel, so legroom may not be an issue for me. I need to test drive one to find out.

And I really don't need 4 seats. Seeing as how the Boxster has 38.5" of headroom, two trunks, and averages 23 mpg, it seems to be a decently practical car for me. The reviews I read seem to indicate that it's also decently comfortable for long trips. My biggest concern is the fact that it is a convertible. I don't look forward to problems with a convertible top, or the camping-trip-like feel of driving a convertible in the rain.

But what appeals to me is the fact that I wouldn't have to modify it at all. I'm sure the handling & brakes would already be better than anything I've driven before. The engine has respectable power. And it's a very competitive car in the stock class for autocrossing.

[txdproject]

Evo MR ...nice car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SWortham]

Agreed. I would get an Evo MR just for the Bilstein shocks. But it's more money than I'd want to spend. It's about $4K more than the regular Evo IX.

[hyunelan2]

As far as the Porsche is concerned, are you thinking Boxster (228hp 2.7L) or Boxster-S (258 3.2L)? The Boxster-S would be the clear-cut best car in this comparison for what you want to do with it. Sure, the Evo will have it beat in power and 0-60 time, but the Boxster-S would drive circles around it on a handling course. If you 'try one on' and it fits you right, this discussion is over.

Also, if we're talking about a 2003 Boxster, a 2003 Corvette will run you about the same price, but won't have AWD.

[SWortham]

I was referring to the regular Boxster. The S is also too pricey for me.

[jalmir]

I voted for the Evo, but I would buy a MazdaSpeed6 if I where you!

[SWortham]

Well I test drove an '04 Boxster today. It was silver, and a manual of course. The chassis feels extremely stiff & responsive, the steering is heavy but predictable, and the exhaust note is really nice. The power feels pretty strong in a car as light as it is, but what makes it better is the very smooth & broad power band. Of course the suspension is tuned beautifully. It soaks up bumps much better than my car, but has excellent turn-in and very little bodyroll. So in all these areas it certainly didn't disappoint.

But it didn't have as much headroom as the numbers led me to believe. Leg room was OK, but my head was just a fraction of an inch away from the top. If I raced with the top up my you'd see a bulge in the top of the car from my helmet. But seeing as how I'd typically be racing with the top down, this may not be a big problem. So it doesn't rule it out completely.

[only1db]

if you can afford the porsche...there is no substitute! its engineered to do everything you will ever ask it to do...

evo=reliability issues, turbo lag...not good for autocross
ford= ditto and its only a straight forward car.
lex= not really that fast...you would have to work on it before it would be as quick or as nimble as the porsche

the porsche is definetly the clear cut winner...atleast in my book!

[soullesselantra]

what about a mazda speed miata? you can get a hard top for those... :D

[only1db]

^ no match for a boxter

[soullesselantra]

but cheaper...so theres more for mods...and miatas are cornering machines...so with the extra dinero, there can be more done to it...

[hyunelan2]

what about a mazda speed miata? you can get a hard top for those... :D

He's 6'05". No chance of fitting in a Miata. Here's a picture of my brother (he's 6'06") in a Miata.

[sickgixxer69]

How about dumping all that money into the elantra :) Could prolly turbo to like 300whp, lsd, light weight mods and there ya go.

Yea thats what I do I would make my car faster then I would not want a new car.

[templedogg]

Go drive a used Audi S4. It is the biggest most practical bang for the buck in speed, value, looks, engineering, space etc. It is hard to beat in any category.

[only1db]

He's 6'05". No chance of fitting in a Miata. Here's a picture of my brother (he's 6'06") in a Miata.

god i love being short!! 5'6....i can drive anything...i look kinda funny in a pickup though... :cool:

used s4...you will not find that for under 30k...unless is an older one...and forget about the s4....M3! if your were going to go that way...

[SWortham]

Go drive a used Audi S4. It is the biggest most practical bang for the buck in speed, value, looks, engineering, space etc. It is hard to beat in any category.
I didn't even consider Audi because of all the horror stories I've heard regarding reliability. And only1db is right, there's no chance in finding one for under $30K.

An M3 would be awesome but the price is kind of pushing it even for an '01. I was at one point considering an '03 BMW 330ci but I didn't include it in my list because of the listed head room of 37.5". Seeing as how those numbers can be deceiving, maybe I should still check one out.

[hyunelan2]

I drove an '05 325i - not exactly the same car, but similar dimensions. I fit surprisingly well - a whole lot of legroom and no qualms with headroom for me.

[ilanpro]

how about an STI?

[SWortham]

The STi does look to be a more reliable choice than the Evo and it has a more plush ride despite it's shorter wheelbase. But man it's ugly, especially with the 'new face' of Subaru. Perhaps it could be made to look better with an aftermarket grill or bumper. I'll look into that.

[GitLow02GT]

my dad has an 01' 330ci, awesome car..the headroom will only be an issue when the seat is moved really close to the steering wheel, it tends to lift up as well

[SWortham]

I learned that I may be able to get a really good deal on Mazdaspeed 6 so I checked one out yesterday. It is by far my favorite I've test driven so far. My only two complaints are the weight at 3589 pounds and the clutch. The weight will be a definite disadvantage for autocrossing. And the clutch has a funny feeling to it and a very short engagement point, so it's going to be difficult to get used to.

But I fit very comfortably in it. Of course I drove one w/o a sunroof so I actually had some headroom. The feel of the steering, handling, and brakes are all excellent. And the suspension is surprisingly compliant. The other surprising thing is that there was practically no perceivable turbo lag. The power just pours on strong almost immediately. It may not have the best power/weight ratio but it should have a good power/drag ratio which should make it pretty decent for high speed racing if I ever get into that.

All in all, I'm impressed. I'm going to do some more research on it, and go back to the dealer Tuesday to see what kind of price I can get.

[n0c]

I still say Porsche since practicality is not an issue! Mazdaspeed 6 is an awesome car but c'mon man Porsche!! :D

Although the Mazda would be brand new vs used Porsche. Damn, tough call.

[Kokit]

Maybe IS300, but I am not sure!
By the way - today I saw a IS430 (It's a limited edition of IS Series) - I think it will the best!!! :D :abovelol:

[g35doc]

What about a G35 sedan?

[rckozma]

I voted for the IS300, I have always loved the way they look. They are just not cost effective for me (my elantra is over 3 years old and still only has 10,000 miles on it). Just don't turn into a Spike when you get it.

[OdessitPashka]

If you want to race then evo is the way to go. It's an economy box with tons of power, potential, and amazing handling abilities! I would personally take an evo out of those 4 cars due to AWD and high capabilities :)

[kschoo2004]

i personally think an evo or a boxster would be a better choice. sorry, but im just not a big fan of stangs, regardless of how fast the gt's might be. the is300's just seem to ricey for me.

the boxster isn't really the fastest one out of this bunch, but weigh the luxury in and what more is there to consider?

evo's are fast, but interior's garbage.

why not consider an a4 if you want a fast sedan. it comes with speed 'n luxury, and most definitely the looks. if you put in the APR chip into a 2.0T, you'll be flyin at 240hp turbocharged with 93 octane fuel. all that for somewhere around 35grand w/ some options.

boxster ftw.

[SWortham]

I've pretty much ruled out the Boxster. I just don't want to end up sick of feeling cramped in a daily driver.

But my list keeps growing and growing and this decision is becoming increasingly difficult. I'm gonna go check out one of the ugliest cars possible -- the STi. The aftermarket is just too good for this car. I already found the suspension I'd want to upgrade to: Ohlins fixed perch struts w/ Racecomp Engineering springs. And I can get 350hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque out of it pretty easily with a COBB AccessPort Stage 2 upgrade. That should be good for a 0-60 run in 4.3 seconds. Plus the general consensus from the long-term tests is that the STi is significantly easier to live with day to day than an Evo.

[yahoo1z]

first choice, evo, second choice, mustang gt

[SWortham]

STi
Well I went with a friend and test drove the STi today. It was the fastest car I've ever driven. The salesman let me drive it pretty hard too. Unlike the Mazdaspeed 6, the clutch was light and predictable, the steering had a decent enough feel to it, and it didn't take long to get the hang of it. The suspension is really great the way it can soak up big bumps. A lot of Subaru's rally experience shines through there. I found the ride quality to be pleasant by my standards (even my car is much more stiffly sprung). And the engine has a nice aggressive sound to it, but it's reasonably quiet for cruising. So I could tell it would be a fine daily driver.

During the test drive I was driving along at about 60 mph on the highway with a car in front of me. The salesman told me that I need to take the next exit in about 1/2 mile. So I downshifted to 5th, mind you, and floored it and the boost poured on right away. You could hear the turbo even louder at that speed and within what seemed like less than 2 seconds I was doing 80. I thought that was pretty amazing for 5th gear passing power, a gear which is capable of something like 140 mph.

Naturally I was impressed with the car. My only gripe was that the headroom was still a little lacking, but I could manage.

Evo IX MR
On the way back from the dealer we stopped at my friend's house and he said he had a surprise for me. He opened up his garage and there was a red '06 Evo IX MR. He had bit his tongue for a couple weeks not telling me he had bought it. Well he already had it broken in, so he took me for a ride showing me what it's capable of. He pushed it much harder than I pushed the STi, but let's just say that the acceleration is amazing. And then he slammed on the brakes and the Brembo's w/ ABS and EBD stopped the car faster than any car I've ever ridden in.

And he let me drive it and it's a completely different experience than the STi. The Recaro seats hold you in place extremely well. The shifter feel is more precise than the STi, and then there's the steering which is lightning quick. The super quick ratio steering is one thing to read about but another to experience. I really liked that aspect of it. I also loved the feel of the Bilstein suspension. Bilstein really lives up to their reputation once again. The ride is definitely a little stiffer and more harsh than the STi, but again it's not bad by my standards.

Then there's the headroom, which there is plenty of. It's basically the same as the Elantra in the headroom department.

Conclusion
None yet. But I'll have a few more experiences with his Evo. And I may be co-driving it at the next autocross event. Out of the box it's definitely the better track car.

[BigWillieLL66]

I say the Evo, but if I had my choice I'd get a Subaru STI.

[soullesselantra]

i would definately go STi, because you can adjust the balance of the AWD system for track/driving conditions when they change

[TwiZ]

yay sti...wut i would do for one of those...omg elite