LOL I'm never gonna live that down

 

Nope, never. On topic though, Chris, I'm thinking James's RWD G2 30v would represent nicely.

 

The 98 I'm looking at is a 1.8t . I understand that there are better cars for autox/track day but I am looking for something 4 door outside of the norm. So sti and evos are out. I am trading a 04 Nissan sentra spec v that needs the motor rebuild. The guy this weekend had to work so we couldn't meet but I think I have another b5 wanting to trade. I love the spec-v there is a lot of sentimental value but I think its time to move on to something else

 

All kidding aside, I think you'd be happy with a B5. Even for an older car, its still very comfortable and well appointed. If you keep up with the maintenance they're reliable. And if you start with a good car and put a little smart money into it, you can have a fun little car without breaking the bank. Will it be as fast or handle as well as an Evo or STI? Absolutely, obviously, 100% no. But on the other hand, the inside isn't made of recycled soda bottles and you won't look like every other fan boy on the road or the track.

 

just for the record, the 2.8 is faster and MUCH more torquier than the 1.8t. The 2.8 was designed as the "performance engine" as opposed to the 1.8 which was by design the "economy engine". coincidentally, there is virtually NO aftermarket support for the 2.8 outside of exhaust and superchargers, whereas the 1.8t is very well catered to in performance parts.

If you wanna go fast(er) eventually then buy the 1.8t. but as far as out-of-the-box performance and driveability goes, the 2.8 is the better choice. I've driven both in stock form and both in modified form and for my personal preference, the 2.8 was just a better driving / solid car. I have tons of love for turbo cars, but the 1.8t just doesnt do it for me unless its been heavily modified.

 

I am fully sold on the b5. I know its not a evo or sti but that is one of the reasons I like it.

I am coming from a 04 Nissan Sentra SER spec-v with a fully ksport coilover set-up and a eibach adjustable rear sway bar. It's not the fast thing in the world but with some good driver skill I knock down a few cars at the track (not to toot my own horn lol). I love people that think they have a coilover set-up and that makes them a good driver lol.

Right now I am just waiting on the right trade to come my way so its a waiting game. I think I am going to pull the head off the Spec-v this weekend and see whats going on in there.

 

2.8's tend to last longer too... cuz they dont rely on a charger...

 

To each their own but I definitely think the 1.8t is way more fun, throw a couple quick mods on (chip, dv, exhaust) and you're a good 20-25 chp faster than the 2.8

Now I will agree that the 2.8 is more reliable but performance wise theres just no room to grow.

 

If you plan to keep it stock and dont care about racing just get a 2.8 and don't ask how to make it faster. If your looking for a performance car you get the 1.8t. Obviously its slower to start, its a 4 banger and has a turbo the size of a tennis ball. Who buys the 1.8t and keeps it stock with the desire to go fast...no one. I think theres a bigger aftermarket coming for the 2.8 tho. 034 has their single turbo kit, but i don't know why people stray away from custom designs and first tries for the 2.8. I think people just declared it unworthy of speed and didn't bother designing products.