Quote:
Originally Posted by matulam
Thanks again for the continuous recommendations flooding in.
What does everyone think about RHD vehicles in a LHD world?
I was reading about an ICBC "study" that quotes accident rates for RHD vehicles at 40% higher than LHD... My wife also firmly believes they are at higher risk of accidents (can't say I whole heartedly disagree with her), when considering blind spots for corners, merging, lane changes, etc.
This sucks... look at Altezza vs IS300, 200hp high reving 4 banger with a 6 speed manual, vs 2JZGE (yes I know, great motor...) and a five speed auto (how boring). I seriously like the altezza, especially the Gita (sportcorss is lexus equivalent), but don't want the added accident risk, PLUS I think resale is pretty tough.
Over this week I have thought lots more, maybe I don't need to hit all those check boxes under 6k, maybe don't need car seat room and I can just upgrade when that time comes... This brings me back to the Ep3, which got me searching for some of its rivals for that era... should be around my price range.
Ep3 vs SVT Focus ZX3 (hard to find) vs mk IV/V GTI
Thoughts?
OH! and my dog is a brittany (formerly brittany spaniel)... think slightly smaller than border collie
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I have an EP3 and can say that it is more engaging to drive than a base RSX. There is also a lot of space in the back to fit two adults moderately comfortably compared to the RSX. The gear ratio is also better suited for city driving and small tracks. However, it is pretty guzzling on the highway for what it is. Really needs the sixth gear. I cruise at like 3-4k rpm on fifth on Hwy 1.
I don't know how it compares to the SVT and GTI, but I can only assume that it is probably more reliable and cheaper to maintain than the SVT and GTI based on how common the K20A3 and all the other variants are. One notable problem that exists in the EP3 and DC5 are the rubber sway bar end links which are super easy to fix yourself and are relatively cheap.