If you're serious about having fun driving on back roads then you have to consider an all wheel drive vehicle. The Subaru Impreza 2.5i is the same price as the Ralliart, has more hp and has full time AWD.

Compare:http://www.edmunds.com/apps/nvc/edmunds/VehicleComparison;jsessionid=DltZnhq1rrk...

No more Subaru. PLEEEEEEEEEASE!  

nhibbert : If you're serious about having fun driving on back roads then you have to consider an all wheel drive vehicle.

HUH????  Norm, with much respect, this is not great advice.  Nothing against Subies, great cars obviously, but one can enter rallying at lower cost, and probably become a better driver in the long run, in a more affordable FWD car.  Arguably it's MORE fun in a FWD car, because you have to do more 'driving' the car, without all the drivetrain advantages offered by AWD.  If we want to grow the sport we need to offer lower cost alternatives to newcomers.  Ask Louis C. if he's serious about driving on backroads in his 85 Tercel when he wins a few winter rallies.  For road rally, it's much less about horsepower and AWD, than outright speed and ultimate traction.  Smooth, precise, and consistent driving is rewarded in road rally rather than horsepower or a particular brand name/ drivetrain. Again, nothing against Subie, or Audi etc. that's not my point.

Craig

I have nothing against FWD cars, but AWD on gravel or snow is much more controllable (and thus less of a challenge, which could be interpreted as less fun). If the cars in question are the Lancer and the Mazda3 then the Subaru 2.5i is comparable car whcih should be considered. It gives you more HP and AWD and arguably a stronger car, for the same money.

A Golf might also be a good comparable car.