RWD Coupe vs AWD Sedan vs FWD Hot Hatch

[Caustik]

So guys, I'm currently trying to decide on what car I want to get. I currently drive a 1996 Honda Accord coupe that I've been driving since high school (I graduated college last May and have a full time job atm). I've been saving up for a new car and want to get something fun to drive, as it is a good time for me to do so not having any kids yet and whatnot. My price range is 20-30k, preferably somewhere in the middle. I have identified a lot of cars that seem interesting/fun in this price range, and they all seem to fit inside one of the three categories listed in the title.

RWD Coupes:

Scion FRS/Subaru BRZ
Hyundai Genesis Coupe

AWD Sedans:

Subaru WRX
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

FWD Hot Hatches:

Volkswagen GTI
Mazdaspeed 3

Problem is, I don't know which kind of car is the best for me. I don't have an overwhelming preference for any of the three, although I tend to lean towards RWD or AWD over FWD as from an engineering perspective (I'm a mechanical engineer) I know using a FWD platform for a sports car is a poor choice (torque steer, understeer, weight distribution, etc). I am learning how to drive a manual car on my friend's beater and would prefer to get a manual car if I get any of the above (although some come only in manual anyway).

I want a car that has a good balance of value, sportiness, power, handling, and is at least marginally practical (no 2 seaters or convertibles..sorry Miata). I've test driven the FRS (in automatic, as it was before I started learning manual), and thought it was a lot of fun and a really cool car. I know posting this on FT86club is going to elicit some bias of course, but I'd still like people's opinions on the overall 'fun factor' of RWD coupes vs AWD sedans vs Hot Hatches, and of these categories which is the best.

[Chen]

I myself. was kinda in the same predicament. But I'm happy w/ my choice. Overall. I picked the twins over the WRX simply because of how unique it was.

[industrial]

If you need 1 car to do it all, I'm not sure the frs would be a good choice. Especially anywhere with snow. I'm aware people do it but it just doesn't seem like a good idea to me. I have a forester and a brz. I spread the mileage between the two and hibernate the brz in the winter. Once the brz is paid off, I plan to lease a cheap new suv every few years. The BRZ should be a great second car for a long time. If I was sticking with 1 car, the wrx hatch or the focus st would be tops on my list.

[jflogerzi]

Best is to do some reading on each. You might want to swap the Mazda 3 for the new focus st. then go test drive each. No one can tell you whats best. You are on the twins forum and most of us already mour choice. I made mine and dont regret it one bit. I love driving my frs. Those cars on that list all have there pros and cons and all would be fantasic. It all depends on your personal choice and what you want out of your car.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by Caustik

RWD Coupes:

Scion FRS/Subaru BRZ
Hyundai Genesis Coupe

AWD Sedans:

Subaru WRX
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

FWD Hot Hatches:

Volkswagen GTI
Mazdaspeed 3

I currently own two of the cars on your list (GTI and FR-S). I've also owned an STI in the past.

Of the cars you've mentioned, the FR-S and STI are the most fun to drive IMO, but for different reasons. The STI is fun because of the feeling of its go-anywhere AWD and the midrange surge from the turbo. It's not precise, it's not lightweight, but it is very fast in real-world driving, especially with a tune and TBE. It also offers great practicality as a hatchback, like a small wagon. The negatives? Understeer, high CG, poor steering feel, gas mileage and maintenance. There are also new WRX/STI models on the horizon, so be aware of that.

The FR-S is fun because it's the sports car of the bunch. It is lighter and lower than everything else you've mentioned. It offers good feedback through the steering wheel and chassis, and it handles like you would expect a neutral lightweight RWD car would. The driving position is perfect, sightlines are good, and the shifter is notchy, but precise. In terms of the driving experience, I haven't driven anything that matches it under $40k, except perhaps the Miata. It's also fairly reliable and cheap to track/autocross. I really enjoy mine and will probably keep it for a long time. The negatives? Lack of torque and tiny rear seats.

I'd also suggest trying the Focus ST. GTI if you care about interior quality.

[infinite012]

What do you want to do with the car? That should be the question you ask yourself before narrowing down your choices. I just got rid of my 2008 STI because I asked myself what I needed my car to do, and the STI wasn't the best choice. The BRZ was a great compromise between sportiness, comfort, and speed that the STI dominated only in sportiness (to a degree) and speed.

[M1schiev0us]

I'm going to mirror what some others have said. If you want a good do-it-all car, (and since I can't in good conscience recommend a FWD car for someone looking for sportiness) I'd really recommend a 5-door WRX/STI. It'll give you the best mix of fun, power, and overall practicality at the slight expense of fuel efficiency.

I'd recommend the BRZ/FRS if you're actively looking for a 2 door, barely 4 seat, proper light sports car. You're giving up the added practicality for what I'd consider a much more pure driver experience and slightly better mileage, which is a debate that's still raging in my own head. If that sounds right up your alley, go for it, otherwise I'd go for the WRX as your main car.

[Rayme]

I owned all those types of cars you mentionned.

The FR-S is more fun, by FAR.

[shu5892001]

if you want one car that does everything buy the WRX. My FRS never sits more than 2 people, because it just can't..... You might as well treat it as a 2 seater,

[leon78]

The speed3 will prob be the best value for what your getting. Plenty of dudes getting the 13's OTD for 24,000 or less.

[M1schiev0us]

Originally Posted by shu5892001

if you want one car that does everything buy the WRX. My FRS never sits more than 2 people, because it just can't..... You might as well treat it as a 2 seater,

Well, you can fit someone in the back in an emergency, but I'd really only do that as a last resort, because stuffing someone back there is just cruel unless they're exceptionally short, and even then it'd still be pretty mean

[infinite012]

I'm 5'8" and I could probably fit another me in the back seat with the driver's seat in my position.

[DieselxIndustry]

Originally Posted by M1schiev0us

Well, you can fit someone in the back in an emergency, but I'd really only do that as a last resort, because stuffing someone back there is just cruel unless they're exceptionally short, and even then it'd still be pretty mean

Short yes or paraplegic more than likely.

[M1schiev0us]

Originally Posted by infinite012

I'm 5'8" and I could probably fit another me in the back seat with the driver's seat in my position.

Well sure I was being fairly sarcastic, but my point is I wouldn't think it would be very comfortable at all for anything more than a short trip.

Originally Posted by DieselxIndustry

Short yes or paraplegic more than likely.

Kinda wrong but I 'd anyway.