My first impression.
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Evolving Member
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 124
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From: ATX
My first impression.
Yeap, got to drive one today. I will go over the things I disliked first.
I thought the road noise from the gearbox and tranny was a little loud. (I have a had many AWD experiences) That might be something that breaks in after a while. When the gears "loosen up" some.
Kind of cheap interior quality. Materials aren't up to my standards. I didn't even think to try the stereo. Not any worse, but not any better than a WRX interior. No big deal.
I won't talk about power or delivery because I really didn't get on it at all. Drove it like an accord or camry. Wasn't broken in, ya know.
I am really spoiled by our S2k. There simply isn't any better tranny than the six speed on the S. I thought the tranny was a little notchy and had a long throw. But it was light years ahead of the GSX chicken leg shifter. Also i kept wanting to reach for sixth. Maybe next year.
Things I like:
Wow, that car wants to turn. It is very quick. As quick as our S. And that says alot. I love the choice of rear sway bar. You can really feel the rear take a line and dig in. Very nice, that is something the WRX or GSX really lacks. It inspires a sense of confidence needed when attacking a corner.
Those tires are great. Probably just as good as the S02s on the S. Good thing they provide good rubber for this car. I would guess 10-15K of miles out of them before replacement.
The car feels light. Not S2k light, but much lighter than the WRX or GSX. The GSX is a huge heavy car. You can tell that Mitsu took some time to make it lighter.
Stiff frame, there are some cars that are just done right with great chasis design and this is one. You can tell that the suspension does the work and not the chasis giving up to flex. This treats you to a wealth of knowledge about what the car is doing and is about to do. Great sense for the car.
Good seating postion. I love the way you sit in a 2.5RS, and this is very similar, not like the S or the GSX. WRC guys sit very upright with a great forward view, this has it.
Thats about all I can think of right this moment, as I come up with more I will post it.
/<
Overall great car for 31k.
I thought the road noise from the gearbox and tranny was a little loud. (I have a had many AWD experiences) That might be something that breaks in after a while. When the gears "loosen up" some.
Kind of cheap interior quality. Materials aren't up to my standards. I didn't even think to try the stereo. Not any worse, but not any better than a WRX interior. No big deal.
I won't talk about power or delivery because I really didn't get on it at all. Drove it like an accord or camry. Wasn't broken in, ya know.
I am really spoiled by our S2k. There simply isn't any better tranny than the six speed on the S. I thought the tranny was a little notchy and had a long throw. But it was light years ahead of the GSX chicken leg shifter. Also i kept wanting to reach for sixth. Maybe next year.
Things I like:
Wow, that car wants to turn. It is very quick. As quick as our S. And that says alot. I love the choice of rear sway bar. You can really feel the rear take a line and dig in. Very nice, that is something the WRX or GSX really lacks. It inspires a sense of confidence needed when attacking a corner.
Those tires are great. Probably just as good as the S02s on the S. Good thing they provide good rubber for this car. I would guess 10-15K of miles out of them before replacement.
The car feels light. Not S2k light, but much lighter than the WRX or GSX. The GSX is a huge heavy car. You can tell that Mitsu took some time to make it lighter.
Stiff frame, there are some cars that are just done right with great chasis design and this is one. You can tell that the suspension does the work and not the chasis giving up to flex. This treats you to a wealth of knowledge about what the car is doing and is about to do. Great sense for the car.
Good seating postion. I love the way you sit in a 2.5RS, and this is very similar, not like the S or the GSX. WRC guys sit very upright with a great forward view, this has it.
Thats about all I can think of right this moment, as I come up with more I will post it.
/<
Overall great car for 31k.
