SCC: "20 Grand Smackdown" Spec-V vs. Ralliart [56K Warning] [MERGED]
One more thing about that article. That test was MAINLY based on handling. The other cars all have MUCH better tires as far as grip so it is only natural to assume that they wouldtest in a handling test better than the RA. Except the Civic which blew goats. Mad props to the Spec-V.
Also, the reason why Mitsu went with all season tires and not performance Z rated tires is because they werent thinking of it as a pure sports car. Those tires are for comfort and not just peformance.
Also, the reason why Mitsu went with all season tires and not performance Z rated tires is because they werent thinking of it as a pure sports car. Those tires are for comfort and not just peformance.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 13
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From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Guys, don't forget the source of the article, "Sport Compact Car". About a year ago, they did a comparison between EVO and Porsche C4S, BMW M3, and Audi S4 and based on their criteria (pure performance and driving feel), they rated the EVO tied for 1st with the Porsche. Now, I don't think there are many that would rate those cars as inferior to the EVO overall, but SCC is a magazine that is MEANT to be biased towards pure performance.
I've never been in a Ralliart Lancer, but I can tell you about my car. Although it's fun when I'm in a good mood, there have been times the lack of refinement just gets on my nerves. I find myself apologizing for the rough ride on dates, I get annoyed by the creaks and rattles due to the shoddy build quality, and the back end is an embarrassment. Mind you, this is only sometimes, though.
I don't think Ralliart owners have anything to feel bad about. Unless you autocross or road race, the issue isn't all that great.
I've never been in a Ralliart Lancer, but I can tell you about my car. Although it's fun when I'm in a good mood, there have been times the lack of refinement just gets on my nerves. I find myself apologizing for the rough ride on dates, I get annoyed by the creaks and rattles due to the shoddy build quality, and the back end is an embarrassment. Mind you, this is only sometimes, though.
I don't think Ralliart owners have anything to feel bad about. Unless you autocross or road race, the issue isn't all that great.
Here's a car and driver review. http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1
Evolved Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 953
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From: Chicago
Another thing I noticed in the Speed article. It was well-written, and had good points, but the top two finishers were 'modified' versions of the respective cars.
I think this contest would have been much different if a RRM RA Lancer would have competed. I know, it isn't quite the same because the SE-R was modified by Nismo, and the Celica by TRD, but still. Little bit unfair when the top two cars had aftermarket cat-backs and such....
I think this contest would have been much different if a RRM RA Lancer would have competed. I know, it isn't quite the same because the SE-R was modified by Nismo, and the Celica by TRD, but still. Little bit unfair when the top two cars had aftermarket cat-backs and such....
Evolving Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 215
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From: That place!
Originally Posted by Deltarider99
Another thing I noticed in the Speed article. It was well-written, and had good points, but the top two finishers were 'modified' versions of the respective cars.
I think this contest would have been much different if a RRM RA Lancer would have competed. I know, it isn't quite the same because the SE-R was modified by Nismo, and the Celica by TRD, but still. Little bit unfair when the top two cars had aftermarket cat-backs and such....
I think this contest would have been much different if a RRM RA Lancer would have competed. I know, it isn't quite the same because the SE-R was modified by Nismo, and the Celica by TRD, but still. Little bit unfair when the top two cars had aftermarket cat-backs and such....
I would say it's pretty fair. If Mitsu doesn't want to offer the other parts stock on the ralliart model then you can't say it isn't fair...they are testing cars that can be bought stock at the dealership...you can get the trd celica (I've seen a lot of em) etc... so why should it be unfair to compare...complain to mitsu for not adding better equipment stock on their "flagship" non-turbo lancer instead!
I new the numbers before I bought. I knew the SE-R was quicker. I also know the Ralliart is much more refined and a much better platform. With some carefully selected mods (CAI, LSD, suspension and tires) it will still be far more refined and it will be faster
Evolved Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 749
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From: Chesterfield, MO
When it comes right down to it I bought the ralliart because it felt more comfterble to sit in, the back seats fold down, the cup holders are positiond beter, it semmed to me to have less body roll on cornering, it isn't as loud inside, it looks more atractive, and it came with a 100k warrenty. plus i figured a few simple mods would make up for the speed. now that injen has a CAI out and RRM has an ECU the mitsu is fast enough.
Evolving Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 331
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From: Vancouver, Canada
Originally Posted by WoRkZ
It's all good and true... but what we've been saying is that we shopped for cars with more things in mind than just performance. I think that what pocoRA was saying is that the RA is the best package we found to fit our needs... not a race car for 22,000$ (17,000$ in US currency I believe).
The fact that my RA performs well was one (albeight important) of many factors that influenced my decision:
1- Ample room for 2 adults, 2 children adn 2 weeks of grocery (what can I say, I don't like shopping for grocery)
2- Very nice equipment package (especially the electric package + A/C when I'm with the kids on hot summer days)
3- The smallest price for the largest amount of stuff (while staying under 25,000$CAN including taxes)
So when I read some articles that focus on performance alone, I can't really match their analisys with my own shopping process. And while I beleive some people only look at performance when they go buy a car, I thing most of us can't afford multiple cars, each with it's special purpose. I for one like the fact that the RA meets all our needs while staying affordable enough that I can still pay the mortgage... but as I say, it's my own personnal opinion here, others might not shop with the same things in mind.
I'm not playing the osteridge here, I don't bury my head in the sand and claim this car is the best race car out there. It's just the better package for me for a given price.
Then again, with my new tires, this car is getting closer to what I'd ultimately like a good sports car to feel like. And ike you said, I can always mod it a bit at a time 'cause it still has a large potential for well planned improvements...
note: the only hole I've been in (aside from another not to be metionned here) is the one I had dug out to build the house last september... thought it might be of some interest since you seem to look for "holes people"...
_
The fact that my RA performs well was one (albeight important) of many factors that influenced my decision:
1- Ample room for 2 adults, 2 children adn 2 weeks of grocery (what can I say, I don't like shopping for grocery)
2- Very nice equipment package (especially the electric package + A/C when I'm with the kids on hot summer days)
3- The smallest price for the largest amount of stuff (while staying under 25,000$CAN including taxes)
So when I read some articles that focus on performance alone, I can't really match their analisys with my own shopping process. And while I beleive some people only look at performance when they go buy a car, I thing most of us can't afford multiple cars, each with it's special purpose. I for one like the fact that the RA meets all our needs while staying affordable enough that I can still pay the mortgage... but as I say, it's my own personnal opinion here, others might not shop with the same things in mind.
I'm not playing the osteridge here, I don't bury my head in the sand and claim this car is the best race car out there. It's just the better package for me for a given price.
Then again, with my new tires, this car is getting closer to what I'd ultimately like a good sports car to feel like. And ike you said, I can always mod it a bit at a time 'cause it still has a large potential for well planned improvements...
note: the only hole I've been in (aside from another not to be metionned here) is the one I had dug out to build the house last september... thought it might be of some interest since you seem to look for "holes people"...
_
I figure if we want pure sports car, we'll pay the money to get a WRX or something.
Thanks man! Let's just say that compared to my Intergra, this car is luxurious! It's one of the reasons I chose to go with the RA. It handled better than what I was used to... but was also roomier and very well equipped. Since I wanted to stay on the affordable side of things, the choice kinda made itself...
Sport Compact Car Lancer Ralliart Review
The always impressing Sport Compact Car came today and there is a nice review about the Lancer Ralliart vs. the Nissan SE-R Spec V. The best part about the review for Ralliart owners is the measured wheel HP of 157 and the torque at a nice 155ft/lbs! Nice for a stock car! Actually beats out the SE-R that has DOHC and a bigger engine.
Although they gave the win to the Nissan, I feel the article is poorly written and lacked many of the true facts about the Ralliart like the better shifter, EBD and transmission. The only thing the Ralliart was better in was braking, even though the SE-R has Brembos...
IN my further opinion I think it is a flaw to compare the Ralliart to the SE-R because the SE-R has been around about 10+ years. But hey its a magazine, and I didn't write the review...therefore it isn't perfect 
So go buy a copy, I don't think scanning it is ethical yet! It is the July 2004 copy, it should be available right now.
Although they gave the win to the Nissan, I feel the article is poorly written and lacked many of the true facts about the Ralliart like the better shifter, EBD and transmission. The only thing the Ralliart was better in was braking, even though the SE-R has Brembos...
IN my further opinion I think it is a flaw to compare the Ralliart to the SE-R because the SE-R has been around about 10+ years. But hey its a magazine, and I didn't write the review...therefore it isn't perfect So go buy a copy, I don't think scanning it is ethical yet! It is the July 2004 copy, it should be available right now.
