Used Alfa 147 GTA v Mazda RX8 v WRX STi v Nissan 350Z v Golf R32
If you have $30-$35K to spend on a four-year-old high performance car, making your choice will be almost as rewarding as taking delivery. That's because the very early years of the new century brought a rush of driver-focussed machines capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in little more that six seconds and running the standing 400 metres in less than 15sec.
They did this without needing a hefty V8 up front and with no automatic transmission to reduce engagement between driver and car (although some cars in the group could be specified without a clutch pedal.)
Typically, any one of this diverse bunch will use as little as 8.5 litres of PULP per 100km on the open road and most can return an overall average in the 10-11 litre range.
And in the majority of cases sheer straightline performance is accompanied by brilliantly poised handling, ferocious traction and great brakes. Even, the one or two cars which are better described as frenetic than poised (especially when the road surface deteriorates), at least deliver a highly involving drive.
While the new style 'junior supercars' rival each other closely on criteria related to the stopwatch and the wallet, all get there by different means.
This comparison is aimed at the serious driving enthusiast who will not be thinking nearly so much about brand image or styling as about the experience of getting behind the wheel and straightening a favourite twisty road. Otherwise, how else could cars as utterly different as the Mazda RX-8, Alfa Romeo 147 GTA and Subaru Impreza WRX STi make it into the same tale?
The eclectic trio is joined by the Nissan 350Z Track and Volkswagen Golf R32.
While the RX-8 is a sexy coupe, the Subaru is a boxy sedan. Where the GTA and the Golf R32 derive from cheaper hatches, the 350Z joins the Mazda in the bespoke sports design department.
There will always be some customers who would never consider a Japanese hotrod sedan and others dismissive of anything made in Europe. Front-wheel drive still puts some enthusiasts off. But here we are assuming an open mind and little need to impress others.
The theory here is that many of these cars were leased in 2003 or 2004 and will now be slipping into the market as premium one-owner items, often with no more than 70,000km on their electronic odometers and facing nothing more vital in the foreseeable future than a new timing belt.
It is remarkable how varied the resale values are and this means that the used car market offers a much wider choice in our $30,000-35,000 price range.
For example, the Subaru STi carried a recommended retail price of $56,630 on introduction in November 2003 while the Nissan 350Z Track, which made its debut in February of that year, was listed at $68,790. The premium to the Nissan has vanished. Indeed, it is easier to find a 350Z Track below $35K than a same-age STi for the same sum.
Front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, as well as naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines are found in our medley of junior supercars. There is even a rotary engine.
Some beat the stopwatch by resorting to a surfeit of rpm (yes, the Wankel rotary-powered RX-8) while others benefit from a big capacity engine in a comparatively light weight car (Alfa and VW). All have six forward ratios and a love of the tacho's higher numbers.
Probably only one of this group attracts a cult following and, paradoxically perhaps, that's the lone sedan but every contender has credibility among those who see driving as an end itself.
First to market was the Nissan 350Z, although the MY04 STi can trace its shape back to 1999. The RX-8 and 147 GTA were introduced in 2003, the former as an all-new car and the latter as a hyper-powered version of a vehicle already familiar to the market.
The Golf R32 which followed some six months later was in the same category as the Alfa and, arguably, its closest rival.
There are other cars that you might consider. The obvious one is Mitsubishi's Lancer Evo IX -- excluded because it did not go on sale here until August 2005, meaning none are coming off a three or four-year lease.
Lower key than the STi is the Liberty GT but this is probably a touch too mainstream for this fast company, while some buyers might prefer the BMW 325i Sport even though it cannot quite match the performance levels seen here.
The Alfa 147 GTA uses the same basic mechanicals as the four-door 156 GTA (more here) and effectively succeeded that car at a much lower price. The 156 is worth a look if you can find one but you'll still pay a little more.
ALFA ROMEO 147 GTA (more here)
The use of a large capacity engine in a compact car has always been considered a sure fire formula for high performance. But doesn't always work... The six-cylinder Ford Cortina pushes its way unhappily to mind. Infinitely better was the 1.9-litre Peugeot 205 GTi.
The principle risk is excessive understeer and unbalanced handing with too much weight close to the front of the car. Should that car also have front-drive, in theory the risk is increased. If a powerful engine sends its drive through the front pair of wheels, you can also expect excessive torque steer.
The engineers at Alfa Romeo were deeply aware of all this and went to considerable lengths to build good handling into the GTA, although even Italian genius could not altogether overcome the laws of physics.
The GTA is a charming car which combines magnificent performance with a high degree of élan. Unlike some contemporary high performers it delivers a matching aural accompaniment in best Alfa style and the engine is beautifully presented.
The interior is well equipped although leather was a $3500 option. Remember this when comparing different examples because hide carries no premium in the fierce used vehicle market. Other equipment highlights include electronic stability control, distinctively Alfa-esque 17-inch alloys, trip computer and dual-zone climate control.
The heart of the GTA is its 184kW 3.2-litre V6 engine which runs through a sweet six-speed manual gearbox. You never have any doubt that the front wheels are doing nearly all the work and initial acceleration is slowed by virtue of this. The resultant 0-100km/h time is closer to seven seconds than the factory's claim of 6.3. The standing 400 metres takes 15sec flat but in-gear times are even more impressive; 80-120km/h in third coming up in 4.6sec. Expect fuel economy of 11.5L/100km.
There is surprisingly little understeer but the front-end settings which contribute to this outcome mean reduced front tyre life. Ride quality is quite comfortable in view of the grip and low levels of body roll.
In summary, the GTA delivers charismatic Alfa values but has just a little too much power driving through the front wheels so that push really does come to shove. Prices start at $30K for a 2003 model but $35K is typical.
Search for used Alfa Romeo 147 GTAs for sale here
MAZDA RX-8 (more here)
No question, Mazda's entrant in this contest is a truly leftfield and innovative vehicle.
The 2003 Wheels Car of the Year, more than any machine in our quintet, the RX-8 demands special driving techniques to deliver the inspiring sportscar experience designed into it. In this respect it will appeal only to the purist. Those reared for example on old-style Aussie V8s will find the shortfall in torque supplied by the rotary engine an unforgivable flaw.
The RX-8 is the car to give the lie to the value of looking at kilowatts alone, for it makes an impressive 177 of them. The other numbers we need to look at are maximum torque and the engine rpm at which peak torque and then peak power are delivered. The former figure of just 211Nm is not reached until 5500rpm, while the 177kW come on stream at 8200rpm. This is not a car you drive on its torque.
If you don't regularly rev the engine beyond 5000, the RX-8 does not feel especially quick and, as a generalisation, you need to be in a gear lower than you might expect most of the time -- although it is flexible enough to pull in a smooth leisurely fashion from less than 2000rpm in sixth gear.
Fuel economy is only fair. While you can use as little as 10.5L/100km in gentle cruising, typical overall consumption is closer to 14.
Brilliant handling and a comfortable ride are highlights. The steering is quick, the gearchange magical and the interior ambience superior to most others in this comparison (although leather was optional).
More than any of the others, the RX-8 feels like a dedicated gem. And what a bonus that it will accommodate four adults! Prices start at $30K but $35K is typical for a 2003 model.
Search for used Mazda RX-8s for sale here)
SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STi (more here)
The STi is the only junior supercar of the 2003-04 era that can accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than six seconds. But, frankly, this is a theoretical number in the real world because you need to torture the clutch to obtain it. Nevertheless, the STi feels significantly quicker than the others as a time of 3.7sec from 80-120km/h in third gear demonstrates.
Whatever you may think of its image, the ultimate Impreza is about two main things: going hard in a straight line and going hard around corners. 'Hard' is the right adjective, too, because the ride is uncomfortable on all but smooth roads [Ed: very smooth!!!]. There is no compromise.
This applies equally to the interior. You'll look around in vain for plush leather trim or a stylish instrument layout. It just doesn't feel like a car that cost $60K on the road, so aren't you glad to be paying not much more than half of that sum?
Subaru was conscious that there was not enough extra perceived value in an STi over the cooking WRX, despite the surprising number of different components such as the six-speed gearbox, much more powerful engine and much improved suspension. Where the third generation STi looks dramatically different from the WRX, the same cannot be said for the MY04 model. To the true Subaru enthusiast, this is neither here nor there.
Around most racetracks, this would be the car to beat. And its all-wheel drive gives it fabulous ability in the wet or on loose surfaces. But around the suburbs it lacks the civility of the others. It is nevertheless quite practical with reasonable room for four and a good boot.
Fuel economy is acceptable, too. On a trip it is easy to get into the 8s per 100 km and a likely average is 11.5L/100km
In summary, the Subaru WRX STi is pure efficient hotrod with few concessions to the soft life. Prices start at $35K but most sellers want closer to $40K.
Search for used Subaru WRX STis for sale here
NISSAN 350Z TRACK (more here)
There is real pedigree behind the 350Z, dating all the way back to 1970 when the original 240Z went on sale here under the Datsun moniker.
The basic formula remains intact -- six-cylinder engine mounted beneath a l-o-n-g bonnet and driving to the rear wheels, with comfortable low-slung seating for two in a semi-luxurious cockpit. In its later guise, however, the Zed eschewed the original's inline six for a fabulous quad-camshaft V6 which delivers 206kW (at 6200rpm) and 363Nm (at 4800rpm).
Zero to 100km/h takes 6.5sec accompanied by a guttural soundtrack. The benchmark standing 400 metres is the work of 14.3sec -- bettered only by the Subaru. The Nissan is easily the second quickest car though and its 80-120km/h time in third is just 4.1sec.
Like the RX-8, the 350Z is a purist type sportscar but not in the vintage style of ragtop roof and no creature comforts. The interior treatment of the early versions is let down by a cheap looking centre stack but the overall impression is still extreme sports.
And that's how the 350Z feels on any road. You don't buy a car like this for ride comfort so its uncompromising engagement with every surface irregularity shouldn't worry you and the handling more than compensates.
Unlike the RX-8, the Nissan does not particularly care what gear it's in to thrust you forwards; in the real world it generally feels like a much faster car than the Mazda. Fuel economy is good, too, thanks largely to tall gearing and copious torque at cruising revs. Expect an overall figure of 12L/100km with less than eight achievable on a gentle trip.
In summary, the Z-Car is pure sports experience with great style to match. It looks just like it goes. Prices start at $30K and $35K is typical.
Search for used Nissan 350Zs for sale here
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R32 (more here)
By combining a lusty six-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive, Volkswagen in the original R32 created a junior supercar that seems like some sort of cross between an STi and the 147 GTA -- though in practice, it drives quite differently from either.
The R32's 3.2-litre V6 matches the Alfa's on capacity but, at 17kW, falls 7kW short in delivery. Peak torque of 320Nm on tap all the way from 2800-3200rpm more than compensates though.
By comparison the Alfa has 300Nm right up at 4800rpm. So despite weighing in at 1477kg to the Alfa's 1360, the Volkswagen has an edge in performance.
Zero to 100 is accomplished in 6.7sec and the 400 metres slips by in 14.6. Eighty to 120 clicks in third requires 4.3sec.
While Alfa went to considerable lengths to combat understeer in the GTA, at Volkswagen they just went with it. Despite its all-wheel drive, the R32 has a marked tendency to push into corners with anaesthetised steering. Frankly, it is not the ultimate driver's car in twisty going.
Although ride comfort is okay, it becomes harsh over rough surfaces. You are always conscious of the weight of that six-cylinder engine in the nose.
The interior is beautifully designed in an understated fashion. The Konig front sports seats are trimmed in plush leather and provide great support.
Here is a clue to the R32's real forte -- long distance cruising. Its effortless torque contributes to easily the best fuel economy in the group at an average of 10.5L/100km.
Nevertheless, the Golf six remains a disappointment in this impressive company, and not a patch on the more recent model which shares its name. Few come up for sale because few were brought into the country, but the starting point is $35K or a little more.
Search for used VW Golf R32s for sale here
THE CARSALES NETWORK'S PICK OF THE BUNCH
The Driver's Choice
Choose between the STi, 350Z and RX-8. If you do a lot of lap dashing or club rallying, then the purebred Subaru has to be the pick. If you live in the country with good access to twisty roads, you might give the sublimely balanced RX-8 the nod. For frequent long drives, you would choose the lusty and economical 350Z.
The Sensible Choice
The Mazda and Nissan finish in equal first, thanks to the inexplicable depreciation each has suffered. A 2003 sportscar in prime condition for half price? How can you pass it up...
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