2002 SUBARU WRX or 95-98 240SX?

[tigerbucks]

HEY! I DON'T KNOW WHETHER TO BUY A 2002 SUBARU WRX OR A 95+ NISSAN 240SX. I AM WORKING WITH ABOUT $15,000-$16,000. I KNOW THAT THE WRX WILL COST ME EXTRA, BUT I THINK IT IS PRETTY WORTH IT. WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE CAR IS THE POWERFUL ENGINE AND AWD SYSTEM. BUT I ALSO KNOW THAT THE AFTERMARKET PARTS ARE GOING TO COST A LOT. WITH THE 240SX I CAN DO A LOT MORE (PERFORMANCE & LOOKS?). THE ONLY THING I KNOW I CAN DO IS REBUILD THE ENGINE SOMEWHOW OR BUY A REBUILT ONE? IF SO, WHERE WOULD BE A PERFECT PLACE TO? I LIVE IN THE BAY AREA, CA. THE ONLY THING I KNOW TO DO PERFORMANCE-WISE IS F-MAX TURBO KIT, PULLEYS, EXHAUST, DOWNPIPE, HIGH-FLOW CAT, HEADERS, COLD AIR INTAKE, FLYWHEEL, CLUTCH, CAMSHAFTS, KYB OR KONI SHOCKS, AND EIBACH OR H&R SPRINGS. ANY HELP WOULD GREATLY BE APPRECIATED! THANKS  :!:

[Takumi]

Whoa..whoa...slow down. Turn off those caps. It sounds like you're yelling for help. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

Anyway, I'd say you go test drive both cars. See which one you like the best. It's mainly your personal preference rather than what "I" would think. I personally love the WRX. The 240SX is a nice car to work with. The WRX is roomy and more spacious than the 240SX. The 240SX just screams "SPORTS CAR". Like I said, drive both cars, come back and post how you feel and we'll give you more input. WRX parts and 240SX parts almost costs the same when it comes to quality parts. Plus they come a-plenty. With aftermarket wheels, the 240SX is more versatile, while with an Impreza, you'll need to work with their specific bolt pattern, which most wheel companies manufacture a lot of styles for anyway. The WRX has a factory turbo right off the lot, whereas the 240SX is a naturally aspirated car. In order to upgrade it with a turbo, you'd have to rebuild the engine with lower compression pistons, stronger aftermarket connecting rods, and so forth, it's a pain in the ass, trust me. Or you can swap in the Japanese Silvia SR20DET turbo motor. Either turbo setup is illegal in California. The WRX is totally legal since it's factory turbocharged anyway (duh). Just decide yourself what each car is worth to you after a test drive and sitting around in one. You can refer to i-club.com and ask about the WRX on their message board. What part of the Bay Area are you in? I'm from the east bay. Feel free to post any more questions and concerns here, there's a lot of guys on this board who knows their stuff and have various different setups and tuning methods. Welcome to the board.

[samiam]

If you don't want to do all the work or have to keep up the maintenance I'd say go w/ the WRx. Since your comparing a non-turbo to a turboed car; you have to think about it. The Wrx you'll have a warranty and a dealership that will keep it up for you and they have all the aftermarket parts you can order from them.....My friend just got a wrx w/ carbon fiber dash, short shifter, upgraded exhaust, upgrades sways and tower bars, boost,temp, a/f gauges built into the dash above the stereo...all from the dealership and doesnt effect the warranty. If you were gonna go w/ the 240sx you'd have to go turbo or get an sr20det and the majority of those do not have a warranty and not too many people know that engine (as basic as it is) or you'd have to do a lot of your own work.....So, it's all in your preference.....

[twofortysx]

I personally would stick with the 240. &nbsp;The reason I can say this is because I was in your position about 13 months ago. &nbsp;I wanted a new car and really like the WR-X. &nbsp;You can't deny the fact that a turbo engine + AWD = kick ass car. &nbsp;My problem with it is that I:

1) Couldn't warm up to the styling. &nbsp;The jagged lines and boxy look don't appeal to me much.

2) They wanted WAY too much for the car. &nbsp;They were asking $28k BEFORE tax/license/etc. &nbsp;This was the case at ALL dealers in the Sacramento area, trust me I looked.

I decided on the 240 because the car is gorgeous. &nbsp;I should sell mine to the Smithsonian as a work of art. &nbsp;I love this car. &nbsp;The engine is torquey (sp?) enough to get me around town and has enough power to deliver a beat down to your typical soccer mom. &nbsp;RWD ownz. &nbsp;

This has been mentioned, but you should definitely drive both and see how you feel. &nbsp;The 240 has a few compromises (such as lack of functional cup holders, very small interior) but IMO is more designed for hauling ass. &nbsp;It's stability at speed is uncanny (changing lanes at 100+ is no problem), it's braking balance is excellent and the front/rear weight distribution is almost perfect.

For me, my 240sx == &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':love:'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':love:'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':love:'>

[samiam]

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sly.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':sly:'> damn NON CUP HOLDER <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':angry:'> &nbsp;Sometimes it's just a necessity when ur not "hauling balls" and just going for the occasional cruz and want a nice cool drink on a warm day w/ the windows down w/ some nice tunes blasting out the windows.......damn the styling of the 240 is so beautiful. I must agree.... <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':love:'> &nbsp; IT'S LIKE BUTTA, BABY!

[blink0r]

Cup Holders = SUV's and minivans

I'm HELLA glad my 240 doesn't have one, or it wouldn't be so sport <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

People always ask "Where's the cupholder?"
I reply with "Sports cars don't have cupholders!"

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

[XylathaneGTR]

But sometimes it is convienint to have a cup holder...
Sports Car enthusiats like to drink coffee don't they? i know i do.
Anyways, Yeah, it would be best to go out and test drive BOTH cars, possibly in the Same day if you could, and keep an UnBiased, open mind as you do.
Feel which one you can control more, which feels better in your hands, which one you generally are attracted to most...

[Gismo R]

My 240 has a cup holder. It's an s14 though. s13 = no cupholder?? Thats sucks. I gotta have a cup holder <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

But anyways, about the two cars? Ummm... Brand new 2002 WRX or a used 95-98 240sx. Unless you are sure you're going to put in another moter (i.e. sr20deT), I'd say the choice is pretty clear. If you're gonna put in an SR then get the 240sx, its pretty rare, and personaly I like the styling better. But, it's not me that's shopping for a car, it's you, so whatever you like is best obviously. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'>

[Takumi]

Is the S14 cupholder on the arm rest? I never new S14's had cupholders.

I guess it all goes down to which car you like best and what you wanna do. &nbsp;Well, in "my" case, if I had a limited budget and got a WRX. &nbsp;The monthly payments would only leave me enough money to buy gas and maybe eat at McDonald's for a while, but I'd have a great turbocharged car out of the factory. With a 240SX, I'd still have some change to do a few things like a Tein or Zeal coilover kit or some aftermarket wheels, maybe a couple bolt-on's, but it wouldn't be any where as fast as a WRX unless I ignored all my local smog laws, build up the block, and turbocharge it. &nbsp;

If you're gonna get a turbo setup, you'd have to buy all those electronics and that adds up to the cost. Reliability is an issue with a custom turbo setup, especially if you don't do enough research. Or get an SR20DET, which may end up costing a grand or so on top of the swap price due to possible parts being old or damaged in the crate. Most of the time it's usually a missing part or a messed up factory intercooler. Plus you can't just head over to a Nissan dealership to ask for parts if something's broken. &nbsp;You'll have to get 'em from other Nissan cars which have similar parts that would work with an SR. I believe there's a list of parts on srswap.com.

However, if smog is a problem since you're in CA and you're looking to get power. &nbsp;GReddy is "developing" a CARB-legal turbo kit. &nbsp;However, GReddy's piggy back tuned computer are proned to failure, so you'll have to order a reprogrammed unit from Jim Wolf Technology (they're the best for ECU's on Nissans) for whatever setup you got. MotoRex, the guys who import Skylines, are "working" on a CARB-legal SR20DET swap. &nbsp;Bah, both those companies are "supposedly" working on it, I guess, but they're so damned slow since they keep believing there isn't enough of a demand for 240SX parts.

So basically, what's each car worth to you? You want a lot of work for yourself to build it the way you'd like it (240SX) or do you just want something new and fast out of the factory (WRX)?

[twofortysx]

It's in the worst possible place, which is directly in front of the shifter! &nbsp;If you have a cup in your cup holder, it's a pain to shift.

[sil80]

caps are killing me.... [lol]
Everybody is right in the fact you need to test drive both. There is one major thing to look at when your test diving each car. One is going to be RWD and the other AWD, I know I know........
Make sure you hit some curvey rds with each one and kinda get fell for how each one grabs cause there going to be a lot diff.
Now the only thing I hear people dislike on the WRX is the brakes. I hear there pretty weak compaired to the way the rest of the car is setup.
Also hope your not expecting a warrenty on that WRX for long considering your going to mod it. I spent about 2 hours talking to a subby rep and they dont like it when you mode them. Even if you buy there exhaust kit for the car it still voids the warrenty. Orr just keep all the parts you take off and put them back on if something brakes and hope they dont notice.... hahaha ya right. OOO side not the rep said the new Brat is coming out and is going to be cool.
No on the side of which car your going to get at the best price. Subaru does not bargin from what I hear. Guess they are not hurting for money. Now with your 240. If you have cash in hand you could see yourself buying that thing for a lot less then sticker price. Think about all that extra money towards mods.... wwwwweeeeeeee!!!!!
Do you plan on driving hard? or do you want more of a pretty car? The subaru was ment to be drove like your were on a track 24/7. 15-16 grand means you will have to get a loan right... think about that and plus how much your insurance will go since your getting a turbo car. EEEEEKKKK. Plus you dont have to tell them about the sr20DET muhahahahha. I have more to babble about but im bored...

Good luck, either way I think you will be happy... &nbsp;Remember the STI should be coming to the states soon also

[Takumi]

Also the new Lancer Evolution VII is coming out soon. &nbsp;Maybe you should test drive those two cars first and wait a bit or ask your local Mitsubishi dealer about the Lan Evo VII.

[HippoSleek]

If I were you, I think I would polish my pennys and buy the WRX. &nbsp;If you come here asking this question, I'm guessing you don't do a lot of wrenching, don't know a lot about cars and don't really want all the hassles that come with a turbo 240. &nbsp;I could be way off - I'm just guessing based on your question and it's format.

IF that's the case, I don't think a 240 is for you. &nbsp;Depending on your budget, odds are good that the car will spend a fair amount of time being built up so that it can match a WRX. &nbsp;You can't (and shouldn't) make payments on mods. &nbsp;So why not just get the best thing you can afford, unless you have some specific reason not to? &nbsp;I bought my 240 b/c I had specific budget constraints. &nbsp;If I had the money, I would have loved to buy a fast out of the box, reliable car that would maintain a terrific resale value (unlike the rapidly sinking 240).

[240sxtreme]

I was under the impression that the wrx was around 22-24k? If you can only afford the car loan...and you won't be able to upgrade...get the WRX...if it's really in your price range, and you're willing/able to make the payments. don't forget the insurance you'll be needing for that new turbo AWD car.

for 15-16k....I'd buy a used turbo'd KA 240. as for emissions...I think you could get it to pass...anyone heard of running more then one cat? suburu does it. insurance would be way way cheaper then a wrx also. way cheaper. payments would be way cheaper. all around, it'd be cheaper.

but if you want stock performance, of course the WRX will be better...no question...although, it still won't be a 240 <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sigh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':rolleyes:'>

[student]

Just buy an EVO i heard it will be comming here in october or January '03. I thought about getting a wrx but i think im just going to wait for the evo.

[twofortysx]

One thing I just thought of..If you've got $16k, put it down on a new 350z! &nbsp;I would take one of those in a heartbeat. &nbsp;They'll be out in August, will blow the doors off the WR-X and the 240, plus they look KICK ASS.

350z &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'>

[S13 Passion]

YES!! i totally agree with twofortysx... sure you have to wait a bit, buts its fucking worth it man..... oh god, i wish i could get one.

[KoukiS14]

Well I own a 97 240. ... and I've driven a WRX. . &nbsp;
After it was all over. . I loved the accel and grip of the WRX, but that was all. . the 240sx, in my impression, is a hell of a much better driver's car... the WRX is still an econo box, fast and AWD. . but that's all it can be really. . &nbsp; I'd love to own one, but you can't compare the two. .

-Rob

[nrcooled]

I have a '91 240 with the sr20det swap and running 14lbs of boost and a bigger cooler have lit up the wrx on the highway and at the lights. &nbsp;In Virginia we have emissions so my recomendation to you is if you have relatives out of Cali register your car in their state and bypass Cali laws altogether. &nbsp;I paid $2000 for the car $2650 for the sr $850 for the cooler and $300 for the controller and that is all you need to whoop ass to any WRX you see-----245 rwhp

[tnord]

my friend owns a wrx and says it is very expensive to modify, cat backs are like a grand, that might be another consideration

[SimpleS14]

If you want something that is rare, sporty looking, lots of potential and you really don't care about passenger space, I would go for the 240SX and maybe do a S-15 front end conversion. &nbsp;But if you want something that is fast, flashy, plenty of passenger space and loads of aftermakert parts(which is pricey), I would go for the WRX.

Better yet I would wait a little longer and save up for the WRX STi. &nbsp;
<table width=640 border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0><tr><td><img src="http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/sti_prodrive/img/spacer.gif" width=182 height=1></td><td><img src="img/spacer.gif" width=115 height=1></td><td><img src="img/spacer.gif" width=343 height=1></td></tr><tr><td rowspan=2><img src="http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/sti_prodrive/img/top011_01.jpg" width=182 height=140></td><td colspan=2><img src="http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/sti_prodrive/img/top011_02.gif" width=458 height=39 alt="IMPREZA WRX STi Prodrive Style"></td></tr><tr><td colspan=2><img src="http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/sti_prodrive/img/top011_03.jpg" width=458 height=101></td></tr><tr><td colspan=2><img src="http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/sti_prodrive/img/top011_04.gif" width=297 height=47></td><td rowspan=2><img src="http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/sti_prodrive/img/top011_05.jpg" width=343 height=96></td></tr><tr><td colspan=2><img src="http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/sti_prodrive/img/top011_06.jpg" width=297 height=49></td></tr><tr><td></td></td></tr>
</table>

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':love:'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':love:'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':love:'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':love:'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':love:'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':love:'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':love:'>

[ian240sx]

wrx &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>
only because i would like to have a all wheel drive car that does 0-60 in 5.8

Ian

[SimpleS14]

I forgot to mention that your insurance rates will probably be higher on the WRX compared to the 240SX, but I'm not real sure on that.

[SR20DET S14]

im having the same EXACT problem. im in the market of buying a wrx but have a 95 240 right now. i really want the wrx, but really want the 240 cuz its unique...i dont really see that many.
but my deal is, i either get rid of the 240 and get a wrx and fix it up slowly, or keep the 240 which i bought for $2k and use up the money i would b spending on the wrx to buy parts for the 240.

here's where im very lost...... my friends n i want me to keep the 240 IF i get a sr20det swap...but i know NOTHING about it...especially living in cali and smog regulation BS. so if someone could please let me know everything, or most, of what kind of problems i'll b running into i'd really appreciate it.
BUt if i were to get the wrx, i wouldnt have the problem of smog regulation. i know as much as i know about the WRX and i know about the 240SX. i used to be a honda-man but my heart met with a 240sx and here i am now....confused with if i should part with the 240 and get a wrx or not....

please let me know about the DET swap in cali....otherwise...this is the first and last post here...for ill b posting at i-club.com... thanks for your help &nbsp;[email protected]