The only way to REALLY make a car fast is to throw a stage 3 turbo in there...maybe two . Yea, I saw the mazda 3, and it got good reviews in Consumer Report magazine. I know about the cobalt, I like the styling, and we have a chevy truck thats lasted a while, so... It seems chevy (gm) is quality. I want to take off the chrome 18's and put on some nice tuner wheels, cuz it just lags my car like crazy. But the problem is that my car is an automatic, so no matter what..I'd lose in a drag race, and the cost of converting to stick is probably high. I could just get the 300hp nissan 350Z .... its kinda pricy for someone my age though.
For an engine swap it depends what engine you plan on swapping. For the K series, most notably the K20Z from the RSX-S (JDM type-R), it probably will be about 10K. But the B16A or the B18C5, depending on what you pick, probably be around 3-6k. If you want the new car/have the money, go for it, as mentioned the Mazdaspeed is pretty good. Consider depreciation and efficency of value though. For example : (prices may vary) EG (92-95) civic shell in good condition - 5k K20Z swap - 10K Upgraded suspension (coilovers/springs/bushings/rods/etc) - 2K Forged internals - ~2k Engine Mods (I/H/E) - 1-2K Turbo setup - depends here, maybe 3-7K depending on what you get All for less or equal to a new ride with ridiculous hp numbers from a 4 banger, think 300+. Or you can do what maxpi says. Oh BTW, switch to stick, you'll never regret it.
What do you guys think of the Mitsubishi Eclipse, and the Hyundai tiburon SE.. The tiburon is the cheapest on my list.
Civic Si hands down. I've heard that car is a car thief magnet though. <img src="http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/09/civicsi06_04.jpg"
I have driven both the new Si and the new MS3.....I was in love with the new SI until I drove the MS3 (go see what I mean :eek: ) MS3 - 263 Hp with 280 ft/pds of Tq with a Limited Slip Differential, 4 doors, and a hatchback for utility...what a package!!! The Eclipse is great with the 3.8L MIVEC V-6 for power, but it is a nose heavy pig and the handling is not the best (heavy FWD car with poor weight distribution). The Tiburon V-6 is decent and at bargain pricing (they are dealing on these big time....demand is dead).....but the V-6 reliability in time is in question.
Honda is one of the most reliable cars on the road today. The only thing your friend with the Jetta will be able to brag about is how well he gets to know his mechanic. And do you really give a shit about what other people say about your car? Ask them about their gas mileage.