RalliArt Test Drive (Merge)
It is slowly growing on me, and it is a more mature looking car. I still prefer the Lancer look. But for upper 20k, it needs to be somewhat refined especially for a brand new car. It is not that fast (compared to the competition), does not handle that well, has a sweet tranny, bad tires, bad fuel economy, now harsh ride, and sketchy warranty. The AWD should be a draw but seems to do little to help. Also, has anyone really jumped on a RA? Does it have the upper RPM misfire problems like the the X?
Just seems to be a mediocre car that costs a lot. As I have noted before, the new Mazda 6 is a better performer in all performance aspects and is only FWD with a better price, bigger car, better ride and better fuel economy, plus since it is FORD owned can get the employee plan.
The Cobalt SS is going to be about 3-6k less for better performance and way better gas mileage. I do not care for the look but that is a lot of money just to look good. You get good seats as a base. The RA requires major upgrade money for seats, stereo. You get nicer wheels and tires on the SS, stock GTS turds for the RA.
Just seems to be a mediocre car that costs a lot. As I have noted before, the new Mazda 6 is a better performer in all performance aspects and is only FWD with a better price, bigger car, better ride and better fuel economy, plus since it is FORD owned can get the employee plan.
The Cobalt SS is going to be about 3-6k less for better performance and way better gas mileage. I do not care for the look but that is a lot of money just to look good. You get good seats as a base. The RA requires major upgrade money for seats, stereo. You get nicer wheels and tires on the SS, stock GTS turds for the RA.
Last edited by dboz; Oct 4, 2008 at 04:00 AM.
Evolving Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Midwest
Everyone's opinion on harsh or soft is different. I would test drive it myself to see if it's really that rough to ride. Barely no one has actually driven in a Ralliart yet.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: MASS
Thanks alot TruboPower, I had done a good job of convincing myself I didn't need that package. haha
What I meant by "how slow the car is", I meant that in most of the threads on the board, many people have trumped it's power, saying that it's not up to evo standards, etc. I don't believe it should be at evo standards, because this car serves a different purpose. Evo is more of the "all out"performance 4-door saloon, whereas the ralliart is a toned down "version" as it appeals to a different crowd.
I'll have to see when I finally test drive one of them. Usually for stereo's I like to do my own thing and tune it to my liking/ having the satisfaction of doing it myself. As for the seats, while I like the look of the seats, and it really gives the car a more aggressive feel, I don't like brand new things to fall apart.
Who know's depends on what price the dealers are putting them at, maybe i'll take a shot at adding the recaro package and talking them down. I don't want to hit 30k, otherwise I may consider other cars
-cobalt ss - despite it's ugly exterior, it's quick, but it doesn't have awd
-Subaru wrx sti (07 - used)
-Another vette and keep leasing my nissan
who knows...
What I meant by "how slow the car is", I meant that in most of the threads on the board, many people have trumped it's power, saying that it's not up to evo standards, etc. I don't believe it should be at evo standards, because this car serves a different purpose. Evo is more of the "all out"performance 4-door saloon, whereas the ralliart is a toned down "version" as it appeals to a different crowd.
I'll have to see when I finally test drive one of them. Usually for stereo's I like to do my own thing and tune it to my liking/ having the satisfaction of doing it myself. As for the seats, while I like the look of the seats, and it really gives the car a more aggressive feel, I don't like brand new things to fall apart.
Who know's depends on what price the dealers are putting them at, maybe i'll take a shot at adding the recaro package and talking them down. I don't want to hit 30k, otherwise I may consider other cars
-cobalt ss - despite it's ugly exterior, it's quick, but it doesn't have awd
-Subaru wrx sti (07 - used)
-Another vette and keep leasing my nissan
who knows...
Last edited by BlueVette; Oct 4, 2008 at 09:21 AM.
Evolving Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Annapolis, MD
It's really quite suprising how well it gets up, I looked down a few times during the test drive and needle was at 80 in a 35 zone lol. If thats only 240hp in that car I can only imagine the MR is a friggin blast to drive.. if i had an extra $12k lying around. But thats the beauty of awd for ya.. I'm sure it feels more laggy on the highway but I didn't get it out that far
Evolving Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: MD
You guys are really unrealistic in your expectations...how much closer to the EVO do you think Mitsubishi was going to push the RA honestly? Are you that worried about getting maybe ~20 more crank horsepower from the factory? I'd be curious to see how much horsepower at the wheels the 09 WRX actually puts down.
And I think TTP's solution will be a lot more than anything you could hope for stock
And I think TTP's solution will be a lot more than anything you could hope for stock
Evolving Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Low Profile, TX
You got that on the RA? If so, that puts the RA in the ballpark power wise for pretty much everybody. What is stock boost, BTW?