Would you rather?

  • Thread starter motortrend
  • 22,046 comments
  • 1,113,014 views
Audi A1 vs. Fiat 500 vs. Citroen DS3 vs. Vauxhall/Opel Adam
Fiat 500, because it's a successor of the classic 500. And I like its style, unlike A1 and Adam. DS3 looks cool though, but I'll go with the classic-style Cinquecento.

'08 STi vs. '10 WRX
STi without a doubt. If you are going to make a 370-400 hp Impreza, the STi is your best choice, because upgrading it to this stage will be much easier. Of course, if your point would be a 600+ hp drag monster, then it would have no difference, WRX or STi.
 
If you're tuning to those sorts of outputs the STi may have the advantage, mostly because of the 6-speed manual.

So, if we're assuming they're both roughly the same price, the STi.

This was an interesting comparison I found on the net today, so figured I'd share it. Which is the most "complete" performance vehicle?

2013 Holden Commodore SS-V Redline (VF, aka the Chevrolet SS Sedan for the US) - 6-speed manual, 6.0L GEN IV V8 (270kW/362hp, 530Nm/391lb-ft), 1766kg kerb weight. AU$51,490

HOLD9AN8.jpg


2013 RenaultSport Megané 265 Trophy 8:08 Edition - 6-speed manual, 2.0L turbocharged F4RM874 inline-4 (195kW/262hp, 360Nm/266lb-ft), 1374kg kerb weight. AU$51,490 as tested

RENA1176.jpg


Here's the review for anyone who's interested:

http://www.caradvice.com.au/236716/holden-commodore-ss-v-hot-hatch-benchmark-2/

The Commodore has a slight advantage in power-to-weight, they both run the same Bridgestone RE050 tyres. For those who don't click the link for whatever reason, they picked the Commodore because it was just about as fun as the Megané except for the brakes (the SSV Redline gets better Brembos hence why I included it here) and the gearshift, but it has a much better interior and is also more refined. More a performance car that could be used every day. They acknowledged the Megané was more fun to drive but compromised in its ride and interior on our roads.
 
Megane. My father has driven it and he loved it and even thought about purchasing it. But he didn't, he has a better car already (A6 3.0). And I kinda like it, too, it looks more sporty than the SS.
 
Yea... That was the whole point of my post :lol:

I wasn't saying lolwut to you. I was saying lolwut to the comparison of the two cars. Sorry for the confusion.
 
I'd have the STI and the Holden. The Megane is epically fast and fun, but it's just a bit too spartan for me. I'd prefer the relative luxury of the SS, along with the V8 and RWD.
 
It's actually quite a good comparison. They're both sporty vehicles going for the exact same price its just that they're different in application. The comparison isn't in the execution its in the end goal for both vehicles which is to provide a complete performance vehicle for a great price. There are actually people here that are cross shopping these vehicles based on fun factor, and both make a good case.

However I agree with the reviewer in this case. Having driven one of the New VFs and an older VE SS the VF feels like a true evolution of the breed and is a supremely great car for the money. The Megané is an excellent vehicle but the SSV strikes a better blend of fun factor and refinement.
 
The Megané, I have no need for a V8 and I've always thought the sporty Megané's were kind of cool. Also I'm not really a fan of Australian cars for the most part.
 
Both cars are in used condition with approximately the same mileage but different prices.

2007 Mazdaspeed 6 - 2.3L/AWD/6-Speed Manual ~ $14,000 USD + $6,000 For Performance Parts :sly:
2007_mazda_mazdaspeed-mazda6_sedan_grand-touring_fq_oem_2_500.jpg


or

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - 2.5L/AWD/6-Speed Manual ~ $20,000 USD
2010_subaru_legacy_sedan_25gt-limited_fql_evox_1_500.jpg
 
-> ...

Premium superminis with lots of customisation options

Audi A1

Fiat 500

Citroen DS3

Vauxhall/Opel Adam
^ I'd pick the Citroen DS3 simply because of the THP 207 also known as the Racing spec. But since I live in North America, land of the not too exciting range of cars, so the default choice will be the 500. Right? Wrong! If it's the regular model, I refuse! If it's the Abarth, then ok. :indiff:

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Hatchback - 71,924 miles - 305 HP/290 LB-FT - AWD/6-Speed Manual

or

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Hatchback - 17,109 miles - 265 HP/244 LB-FT - AWD/5-Speed Manual
^ As a veteran Subaru owner ('89 GL, '04 WRX, & '06 WRX), I've been regreting for not getting the STi/STI (because it only came as a sedan). I should've got the '07 when I had the chance... :(

-> But back to the topic on hand. Why pick the WRX!? Just because it has lesser miles!? That is a foolish statement, even with 72K miles that is only a 'break-in' period for the EJ25. Everything in the STI is a step above against the WRX and don't let me get started with its tranny. You get better smiles-per-dollar on the STI as is!

^ My only advice? Please change the drivers seat, ASAP! It doesn't matter if it's from a '02 WRX or from a '04-'07 Forester XT, those (front) seats on the WRX & STI are carryover from the '04 model! It was designed just to accomodate us "Fat Americans", it WILL ruin your lower back and you'll tend to slide all over the place!!! :scared:


2013 Holden Commodore SS-V Redline (VF, aka the Chevrolet SS Sedan for the US) - 6-speed manual, 6.0L GEN IV V8 (270kW/362hp, 530Nm/391lb-ft), 1766kg kerb weight. AU$51,490

2013 RenaultSport Megané 265 Trophy 8:08 Edition - 6-speed manual, 2.0L turbocharged F4RM874 inline-4 (195kW/262hp, 360Nm/266lb-ft), 1374kg kerb weight. AU$51,490 as tested
^ I'd take BOTH, please! One raw unadulterated Frenchie hot hatch and an epic Aussie-American hoon-cruiser!? Whats not to like!?


Both cars are in used condition with approximately the same mileage but different prices.

2007 Mazdaspeed 6 - 2.3L/AWD/6-Speed Manual ~ $14,000 USD + $6,000 For Performance Parts :sly:

or

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - 2.5L/AWD/6-Speed Manual ~ $20,000 USD
^ I'd pick the MS6 over the Subie that looks like a 'Camry w/ AWD'.


Well, the one you show here is Mark II X100. The one I mean is X90 (or JZX90 for Tourer V). That's how a stock X90 looks:
autowp.ru_toyota_mark_ii_tourer_v_3.jpg

autowp.ru_toyota_mark_ii_tourer_v_2.jpg
^ Better! That solidifies my choice earlier!

(Damn! I should've dig deeper...) :indiff:


And it's getting annoying how people pick neither... If you don't like at least pick one, the thread is called "would you rather" after all..
^ Why would you care!? I have an opinion and I have a say on it, unless if its stated on the post like what I did. :mischievous:
 
Last edited:
-> But back to the topic on hand. Why pick the WRX!? Just because it has lesser miles!? That is a foolish statement, even with 72K miles that is only a 'break-in' period for the EJ25. Everything in the STI is a step above against the WRX and don't let me get started with its tranny. You get better smiles-per-dollar on the STI as is!

Not everything is a "step above" in the STi. The transmission (barely noticeable unless you're cruising) and the Brembos (still fade very quickly) are about it. Bang for buck and therefore your "smiles-per-dollar" is actually much further in favour of the standard WRX than the STi if we talk new vehicles. Plus we're talking here about the first of the G3 STis vs. the post-facelift WRX where EVERYTHING was improved substantially. The styling, the power, the handling. The only reason I suggested the STi is because the 6-speed transmission is slightly better suited to big power numbers as was being suggested by the person looking at them. Anything else, it would have been standard WRX no competition.

^ I'll just have to leave my earlier reply here:

See, if it was a 4GEN Liberty GT we were comparing to the MPS I'd be all over it. However it is the rather questionable insect-like 5GEN.
 
Ok! Here we go.....

Audi vs. Fiat vs. Citroën vs. Vauxhall: Hmmm... I'll take the DS3 and the A1. because TP3 Race DS3 and A1 Quartto. ;)

Holden Commodore vs. Renault Mengane: Ugh! I'll have them both. The Holden pushing 550hp with a supercharger and and a twin turbo setup on the Megane RS at 400hp. Can't go wrong. ;)

GRB WRX vs. GRB STi: I'll take the STi and improve on the problems and give it some power and better handling.

Mazdaspeed 6 vs. Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: The MS6 wins hands down and it has that sporty look to it.
 
Despite the MkII having the FAILmatic...

Really? :indiff:

Mark II VS Evo

As I've said before, Evos and STIs just don't do it for me. The Mark II seems like a pretty nice midsized rear wheel drive, six cylinder sedan. The interior's a little meh, but being a 90s Toyota, it'll be of nice quality, and the fit and finish will be excellent. The styling is pretty nice, if a bit conservative. To its credit though, it still looks fairly modern. I'll take that car.

A1 VS 500 VS DS3 VS Adam

The Adam's out because it's a little funny looking. The 500's out because if I had one, I'd always be pining for a Mini instead. The DS3 seems like a decent premium hatchback, and it'd be nice to have them here in the States. Its problem is that the Audi exists, and I think that car's just a little cooler. It certainly looks neat on the outside, and though I'm not sold on the interior design, at least the quality will be good. And in 2.0 TFSI guise, it goes from 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds. Good hell! Even in 1.4 guise with 120 horsepower it gets the job done in a reasonable 9 seconds. I'll choose the A1.

WRX VS WRX STI

The STI, I guess.

Commodore VS Megane

The newest Commodore's a pretty sharp car, inside and out. Despite what some enthusiasts say, I don't think it looks boring at all. It's miles better than the bland previous gen model. Same goes for the interior. It's got a V8, rear wheel drive layout that I like, and I'm sure I'd be plenty happy with the auto-only US version, unlike some purists. The Megane's a Renault, and I just can't find any Renault interesting. I'll go with the Holden.

6 VS Legacy

Eh, I'll take the Subaru.

Next up: quirky small cars.

2013 Scion xB (158 horsepower/162 lb-ft, 5-Speed M/T, 3027 lbs, ~$17,555)

2012-Scion-xB-front-1.jpg


2013 Kia Soul + (164 horsepower/148 lb-ft, 6-Speed M/T, 2707 lbs, ~$16,700)

IMG_0248.jpg


2013 Nissan Cube S (122 horsepower/127 lb-ft, 6-Speed M/T, 2789 lbs, ~$16,760)

Nissan-Cube-2013-Image-007.jpg


2013 Hyundai Veloster (138 horsepower/123 lb-ft, 6-Speed M/T, 2584 lbs, ~$17,600)

2012-Hyundai-Veloster-image-1.jpg


2013 Mini Cooper (121 horsepower/114 lb-ft, 6-Speed M/T, 2535 lbs, ~$19,700)

2011-mini-cooper-rear-view.jpg


2013 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5 (170 horsepower/177 lb-ft, 5-Speed M/T, 2939 lbs, ~$19,995)

2012-volkswagen-beetle-25-photo-438047-s-1280x782.jpg


2013 Fiat 500 Pop (101 horsepower/98 lb-ft, 5-Speed M/T, 2363 lbs, ~$16,000)

2012_Fiat_500_Pop_--_NHTSA.jpg


2013 Honda CR-Z (130 horsepower/140 lb-ft, 6-Speed M/T, 2657 lbs, ~$19,975)

Honda-CR-Z_2012_1280x960_wallpaper_01.jpg


You have a $20k budget, so any money you save buying one of the cheaper cars can be spent on modz yo. You can only choose one, and don't even think about choosing none. :sly:
 
It's actually a very tough decision for me, because they all have redeeming factors that the others don't for my personal views. However I will eliminate the Soul, Rukus/xB and Cube because the boxy small cars aren't aesthetically pleasing to me.

The Veloster has a decent feature list and a decent enough chassis but the engine is unremarkable and has very little low-down torque. That's out. The Beetle has the most potency but it is also the most expensive and the heaviest, and I still haven't quite warmed to the styling yet. That's also out.

The Mini is a great car but I'd always be having this dark sensation deep inside that it isn't an S. That, unfortunately, is out too.

So, we come to the CR-Z and the 500. Where the 500 is all Italian city car flair and retro styling the CR-Z is much more sophisticated and clinical. However, the CR-Z also has the best transmission, as most Hondas tend to do, and underneath the whole "OMG it's a hybrid, must immediately suck hurr durr" it does have quite a competent chassis and, so long as you permanently leave it out of Eco mode it shifts along quite easily.

So, I'd take the Honda. Just not in that blue. Silver or white for me.
 
Last edited:
Back