How much is RWD worth it?

[Subie]

Originally Posted by carbonBLUE

its really up to you... plus the frs has a snow mode in the automatic

Snow mode just makes the car start in 2nd gear...

[chulooz]

Questions like these show the meger begininngs of a wider enuthisast following to come. But as we can see it will take time for this to happen, and one (shared) model wont be able to do it alone.

[Capt Canuck]

Originally Posted by czar07

its a fucking civic.

Clever, let me try...

it's a fucking Toyota

Ooh, that was fun

[Mitch]

I have a 2007 Civic Si (coupe). I switch between it and my M3 every couple of days, and I can tell you there is a tremendous difference. People try to describe it, but nobody does it justice. You just need to drive both.

[Brian S]

Just wanted to put it out there that when you buy a used car depending on your credit score, interest rate can be 6-7 points higher than if you buy a new car. I would do some investigating in this department because Hondas have the highest resell values amongst all vehicles based on their reliabilty and used cars have jacked-up interest rates so you might be spending more money on the Civic then the 25k new car.

[MTD]

I had an 07 Si prior to my current Genesis, so I think I can make a pretty good FWD vs RWD comparison. The Genesis is much bigger and heavier then a FRS obviously, but close enough for this comparison.

As a daily driver here in sometimes snowy Ontario, the FWD and taller ground clearance offered the Si better traction in the snow, but the Genesis is more controllable in the slippery stuff. The traction control, LSD and snow tires made it handle very well under most conditions. EXCEPT under very deep snow, where the snow just piles up underneath it. I suspect an FRS/BRZ would suffer the same problem. More likley to get stuck, but handles better.

An 08 Si wont have NAVI or VSA (traction control) and is the older pre-2011 body restyle. The K20 does take very well to mods (I/H/E and Flashpro) and handles great for a FWD though.

The FRS/BRZ will handle better then the Si and it will probably be a drivers race in acceleration. IMO, the really only benefits the Si will have is a cheaper price and more space inside.

[ichitaka05]

Buy FRS/BRZ end of story lol

[Capt Canuck]

Originally Posted by Mitch

I have a 2007 Civic Si (coupe). I switch between it and my M3 every couple of days, and I can tell you there is a tremendous difference. People try to describe it, but nobody does it justice. You just need to drive both.

I'm sure that 130 or so bhp difference plays into it as well ;-)

[ChrisH]

Well, you will not feel any difference..... until you push the car fast through corners....

A FWD car is somehow driving a front axle, that pulls a dead tail.....
A RWD car means balancing the car over both axles, influencing the self-steering properties and balancing the car with the throttle between mild understeer, neutral, mild oversteer and .... drift!
For that reason I would never accept a FWD car as sports car. Nice for all day use, but not a real sports car. Too much fixed on the front axle.

Keep in mind, the E46 was already a little fat, not really the best RWD car anymore. However, the Toyobaru is!

[SpeedR]

Originally Posted by Genomaxter

This car was designed around the idea of a fun, rwd, responsive platform. If you seem torn between the toyobaru and a civic, you arent the target demographic. You either desire the rwd or you shouldnt really spend the premium on it. Go drive a miata and a civic and decide from there. Dont take anyones word for what is or isnt best. It isnt their money to begin with. In the end its your opinion that matters most. Who cares what others say, including me.

what he seid

[SpeedR]

I have a Supra and a Civic one gose frome A to B with out costing much money the other is a GOD.
If you think an SI is a realy good drivers car than thats what you should get.

[Rampage]

Unless a car is pushing over approximately 300Hp RWD will have zero adavantage over FWD in anything except drifting and maybe autoX which are both low speed competition. It sertainly has no advantage in day to day driving. In fact, in adverse conditions (rain and snow) FWD will always be superior to RWD to some extent. It is simple physics. More weight on the driven wheels and front tires digging through the obstacle rather than trying to be pushed over it.

I love the FR-S but not just because it is RWD. It is all about the package or as Toyobaru put it "the balance". If you were only going to but the Scion or Subaru because it is RWD then save the 9K and buy the Honda Civic Si. It is a very good car.

[mattles]

In my opinion there is no comparison to be had. The civic is a prime example of model bloat, and its a glorified grocery getter. If you are cross shopping a used car and a new car, chances are you shouldnt be looking at brand new cars in the first place.

[SpeedR]

Originally Posted by Rampage

Unless a car is pushing over approximately 300Hp RWD will have zero adavantage over FWD in anything except drifting and maybe autoX which are both low speed competition.

Sorry I disagree completely.

You think a Miata would do as well as a FWD car…………LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL