Comparisons: Lancer EX GTA vs Ford Focus TDCi A/T vs Subaru Impreza 2.0R A/T

[ghosthunter]

Let us compare:

Mitsu Lancer EX GTA 2.0L CVT
Ford Focus 2.0L TDCi A/T
Subaru Impreza 2.0RS A/T (sedan)
Subaru Impreza 2.0RS A/T (hatchback)

All have roughly the same price (plus-minus dealer discounts).

Single guy, late 30s.

Mainly city driven with occasional out of town drives.

[[archie]]

tough choice...

all cars are pretty good... by an edge, ill take the subaru hatch due to AWD capability. other wise focus makes more sense for fuel. TDCi is diesel powered right?

[ghosthunter]

TDCi is diesel powered right?

yup, Focus TDCi = turbo diesel with the double clutch A/T

[renzo_d10]

For who sir GH ? For you ?

Tough comparison.

Looks ? I`d pick the Subbie.

Economy ? I`d pick the Focus TDCi

or ...

Lancer EX GT-A

But, if I were to choose only one between the three choices. I`d go for the TDCi. Aesthetics modding can be done later.

[ghosthunter]

For who sir GH ? For you ?

In a word: Yes.

[renzo_d10]

^ Oh. The TDCi might be just perfect.

If you don't care about the warranty to be voided. And since you know almost all about mods. Additional power will help.

On my view, the TDCi and the Subbie is just equal. The GT-A stays a little bit lower than the two.

[jun_mazda]

screw all of them, just get a wrx.

[basti08]

I think, the Lancer is the better all arounder among the 3 but it is way overpriced... 1.3M+ plus insurance etc etc. It has an appealing package of features amenities and aesthetics.

Im more interested with the Impreza's boxer motor more than the AWD. Flat fours are commonly associated with Porsche. Truly a rare specie. While at 150hp, the AWD is kinda redundant. There are alot of cars in that horsepower range that doesnt need AWD to put down their power effectively. Case in point, the Focus handles and drives well with almost same horsepower. Same goes for the Civic 2.0.

The Focus seems to be better buy then, nice kit, ride and handling and euro inspired looks in a monster diesel engine. The Focus also one ups the competition with its DSG tranny. However this car is for replacement soon, maybe late this year or early next year.

Goodluck.

[ghosthunter]

I think, the Lancer is the better all arounder among the 3 but it is way overpriced... 1.3M+ plus insurance etc etc. It has an appealing package of features amenities and aesthetics.

Current price is for the Lancer GTA is P1.27M (cash) and that comes with fabric seats where the Focus TDCi/DSG (P1.13M cash) already have leather as standard.

[basti08]

Current price is for the Lancer GTA is P1.27M (cash) and that comes with fabric seats where the Focus TDCi/DSG (P1.13M cash) already have leather as standard.

GH, i think the Focus plus mags and tires and few suspension tweaks is still better. That Euro suspenders can be tweaked to performance without much sacrifice in the ride.

[ghosthunter]

GH, i think the Focus plus mags and tires and few suspension tweaks is still better. That Euro suspenders can be tweaked to performance without much sacrifice in the ride.

Actually I am leaning towards the Focus because:

-Focus TDCi suspension is uprated/stiffer than the petrol version to handle the heavy engine/tranny.
-TDCi engine easier to get more HP with minor tweaks (boost pressure & water/alcohol injection) (sleeper mods)

[niky]

For instant upgradeability, the Focus is better. But in the end, the diesel engine and ECU will hamstring you if you want to push it past 180-200 bhp... some guys who are pushing their TDCis to around 180 whp are getting CELs because the extra power is making the ECU freak out. An Impreza or Lancer would have more potential in this regard, though the automatic gearboxes on both would also be a limit... I wouldn't push the Lancer CVT or the basic Impreza four-speed past 200 bhp either.

Since you know about the pitfalls of diesel and can plan your refueling accordingly, the Focus would probably be better for you. Great box. Great handling. Good ride. And you'll be able to go longer before scratching the "mod itch". Only things needed are better brake pads and nicer mags. And I trust that you'll treat the car gently enough (proper warm-up, cool-down... strictly complying with service intervals) that it won't fall apart right away... :hysterical:

The Subaru 2.0R AT is nowhere near as much fun as the 2.0R MT we drove last year. The lack of active engine braking and the lack of poke from the gearbox make it feel less nimble and involved... and it's embarrassingly slow. Nice cruiser... but that's not what you're looking for... and the Focus is just as good in this regard... and prettier.

The Lancer comes a solid second. You already know how well it handles, and the paddle-shifters are much more responsive than the +/- of the Focus. Only issues are the bare interior and the lumpy ride.

Still can't make the extra for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe?