Nobody buys a Lancer because of its performance, unless of course it is either a Lancer Ralliart or Lancer Evolution. Even from an economy stand point it can't even compare to a Civic.

Lancers are very limited in what they can do, and short of an engine swap, the Lancer will never have the tuning capabilities of an Si.

 

*cough*GTI*cough*

 

or an GLI, even an R32. I was suprised by the room in the GTI, kids fit great in the rear seats. The only problem was the hatch/trunk space. I didn't know there was a 4dr version until 4 mins ago....

 

GTI > GLI > R32


I have a 2 door GTI and it's great. Quick and very practical. 250hp/300tq (Stage 1 flash & intake). Plus I can fold down the rear seats and i pretty much have a 2 door wagon. This illustrates the point well

 

^WTF? Wow!

 

Did you really just asked that question????

 

If i couldn't afford the new evo i would get an 8 or 9 for 6k more that the si. But please!!! Don't get an SI, we evo owners ussually laugh at this guys.

 

+1

 

There is a guy with a stock R32 competing in my autocross region and he is slaughtering everyone in the street tire classes. Very impressive car with alot of power and good suspension. I think the ralliart would be an autox killer too. it's specs are pretty close to the R32 and they are both D tock class cars according to the SCCA rules.

 

I really wish the the Ralliart is like the WRX as it is to the STi versus the Ralliart is to the Lancer GTS. For the most part I am happy with the drivetrain/AWD, the suspension/brakes/tires & wheels could've been more "detuned" and reflect closer to the Evo for aftermarket support etc.

 

+100 Thou I might not say the word power, but perfomance overall.

I might add that I just cannot see myself driving a civic.....not even an Si.
I just dont dig it. Not a GTI as well, those type of cars are a turn off for me, thou I know they are great cars, and have huge respect for them, but I cant see myself driving in a little cuttie hatchback....I pass, thank you.

 

I say the lancer is the best choice, a lot of features for a fair price. Also I'm 6ft 7in tall and I got plenty of leg room. I test drove a standard civic and found it cramped and unpleasant to drive

 

Since you are throwing in the GTI, and the Ralliart or EVO, then what about the Mazda 3 Speed? It is a wagon so has more cargo room than any of the above, and is priced dead on with the others. Not to mention will out perform them 9 out of 10 times. Just being the devil's advocate! LOL

 

In that case, might as well throw in the 09 WRX which outperforms all but the Evo in that list.

 

I was actually going to mention the WRX; it outperforms the STI and is $10K less!