I've read wikipedia, so don't link me to them, but I'm wondering what the overal difference in handling is between the 7s and 8s.

I've driven an 8, and sat in a LHD 7 but never driven the 7. Anyone with some insight?

edit: Also, why do the 7s have the ACD and not the VIIIs until 05?

 

7's have more computerized handling comments...I would assume that they would handle better (the x has adopted some of their electronic handling goodies)

I do not have any track tested/factual test information on this though

 

compared to usdm evo 8's the 7 has ayc so is probably a better handler. the jdm 8 is even better than the 7 as it has sayc

 

It is my understanding that some of those electronic goodies were scrapped on the USDM evo in favor of safety items along with other things necessary to pass emissions here in the states. Not to mention the fact that the AYC found in the vii takes up some space where the gas tank would be. Im sure the vii handles better than the USDM viii however I hate how small my gas tank is currently so I cant even imagine what its like to only have a 10 gallon tank...

 

I know theres been several threads around latley about importing 7s and the answers vary quite a bit, but since I have a VII lined up, and an importer that can, and HAS done it several times, I'm considering it. That or just a regular USDM 8.

The tank is really that small? Would that be really that big of an incovienence?I drive a crappy lancer at the moment and I have never even thought of the gas tank being small... or big or thought of it at all for that matter lol.

 

Well lets put it this way. My car (evo viii) has a 14 gallon tank and I drain it in about 230 miles. So with 4 less gallons per fill-up you are looking at about a range of about 160 miles. Of course every car is different and there have been some rare occasions where ive gotten above 20mpg but at the end of the day the range of the car sucks. I remember Jeremy Clarkson referring to is as a "zippo in the back"

 

If the tank on the 7 is 4 gallons smaller than the 9 you're gonna hate it.

Flat out in the FQ400 runs out the tank in 48 miles.

On a positive note at least $20 still buys you half a tank of gas... =)

You could argue that the evo 7 handles better than a USDM evo 8 but that is stock. Then there's aftermarket. I'd be willing to bet that a tuned aftermarket suspension setup on a USDM 8 could outhandle a stock 7. AYC can only do so much.

 

Hmmm, I guess I have more research to do. I find it depressing just gasing up as it is, and with my lancer I get 30 MPH highway. 7s appeal to me, and once in the US, seems to have very good resale value. Would rather have a 9 but I can't afford it yet.

Also not sure how I would fare shifting with the left hand and driving on the right.

 

the tank in a 7 is 48 litres which is about 12.5 of your gallons

iirc ayc was taken out cos the ayc pump goes where some of your emissions stuff resides (under the rear bumper opposite side to the exhaust)

but then what about tuned aftermarket suspension and AYC?