As many of you might know - I campaigned an Isuzu Impulse RS in regional and winter rallying for several years. After a season off, and having sold that car - I'm itching to get something AWD and do some winter rallying again.

The question becomes...

What car do I get?

I'd like a "winter beater" class vehicle, although I "could" be tempted to spend more.

I NEED AWD, been driving that config for too long to go back. The Isuzu was a tight and tossable package (with rally suspension) that had more that decent scoot (165HP+)

I'm not terribly picky. Cars I'm tempeted by include: Celica All Trac Turbos (ST185's), Talons (But are they pigs?), Suby 2.5 RS's, 323 GTX's etc.

From those who driven these types of cars in anger - can you offer suggestions and driving impressions?

Thanks in advance.

RK

I bought a 2001 2.5RS last Dec. and am so impressed with the car.  It handles very well stock with understeer at turn in but that can usually be compensated by a jab on the throttle to even it up.  The engine is quite impressive as well.  The motor pulls strong everywhere in the revs and also just feels tough.  In fact the whole car has a very solid feel that I have grown quickly to love.  If you want a car that is newer and relatively easy to get parts for then I would highly recommend the RS.  I made sure to get a 01 or 00 to get the rear LSD as well.

Other cars mentioned like the alltrac and GTX would be very neat cars but the parts are ludicrously expensive for them.

John_Vanos wrote on 08/11/4 at 17:41:54:


I have an '01 2.5RS as well and really like it. It's also very practical for driving here in the country, particularly in winter. I used to have an E36 BMW but my husband (who had a '98 2.5RS) not only got tired of hauling me out (it always got stuck in the snow!), he convinced me to sell it and join the "RS" club. I'm so glad I did!! We even campaigned his RS at Targa last year, once we converted it to a caged beast. I am hooked on Subies!!

Jeannie

Well - I'd like to think that my finishing record suggects that I (we) don't go INTO the snow banks too often. Although - of course it DOES happen.

I don't think I could ever go back to 2WD for rallying. The Porsche is a total handful in the dry compared to the rally car. IN the snow it's not even useful to compare.

RK

Sticktly speaking from a geographic perspective, there isn't any other AWD car that you can find parts/spares for as easy as a suby, not referring to performance parts alone but replacements for damaged/broken parts. If we were in europe this would be a different story as they get a better variety to choose from.

If you have the funds the 2.5RS is a great handling package with 165hp/torque stock and as John mentioned the '00/'01 models come with a VLSD in the rear.

I'd have to disagree with ErikO however, the stock legacys turbo rarely has issues and there are numerous examples with 300,000km+ and no boost issues. I'm running between 13-15psi (stock=8.7) with 200,000+kms... if for any reason it does fail, you can drop in a WRX turbo with minor mods which will only cost a couple hundred dollars used. And there are tons of spare parts for these cars at the wreckers  Only the '91 models came with the LSD

Wow, everyone has gone Subaru crazy.

I have to say a few points for the Mitsu Talon.

When it comes to costs and parts availability you can't beat the first generation Talon. Streetable cars range from $1000-3000.
Used parts are cheap and very available. Heck I just recently bought a running 91 FWD Turbo car for 50 bucks! Try making a find like that for your 2.5RS.

As for performance and handling, it's debatable either way.
I can't argue with the Subaru track record but....
Janusz Komorowski finished 7th at this years Rocky Mountain Rally in a P4 1991 Talon. Not bad for a 13year old car.

I guess I'm a little biased because I own a Talon and have never driven a Subaru.  Who knows, maybe if I drove a Subaru I'd be hooked.

Cheers,
Darryl

Check out http://www.ca.dsm.org/ for more info on the Talon.

I drive a '91 Talon that now has 311k on it
I replaced the original turbo @ 280k after running 14psi (stock is 11) since I bought it back in '97 w/107k.  There is nothing wrong with the reliability that you wouldn't expect on any 13 year old car.
I plan to rally a '91 Talon (god, when will I get the $$$ saved to do it!?!).
As Darryl said, parts are plentiful. I picked up an entire rear end for $150 because I wanted the LSD. Now I have struts, rotors, calipers, etc. to sell off!

I've started doing Solo2 with it this year and it handles quite well on tarmac. I've done the winter rallies with it and it's always been a hoot to drive.  It's a car that you get attached to also, I don't think I'll ever get rid of it!

If I wasn't soo Talon biased, the choice would be between a Talon and the 2.5. I could never go back to 2wd again either.

I wouldn't go with a 323 just because parts will be harder to come by and cost more.

Good luck!

Nice cars.

Only one in the auto trader today..
1990 TOYOTA CELICA GT-4
Turbo, AWD, only 2 female owners, low low kms, fully loaded, must sell. 160,000 km. $7,500.or best offer.

Not very common.

I know your not into them so I'm not going bring it up again........... Talon