Howdy,

This is my first post and I’m looking for info. I currently own a 1991 Toyota Corolla AE92 front wheel drive wagon. I like the old car, but I will have to put some money in it shortly as it will need a new clutch and the motor is burning a bit of oil. I’m not ready yet to go autox but eventually this is the plan. So should I spend the cash on my current car or should I invest in something better and or newer? I need a 5 door vehicle because it needs to be practical.

Here is my list of potential vehicles

                                               Weight

91 Corolla                               2400

Pros: light, cheap, some aftermarket support

Cons: 17 years old

Volvo 740 wagon                    3000

Pros: RWD, cheap

Cons: old, not that much parts support

81 Corolla wagon                    2200??

Pros: RWD, fairly light, cool old car

Cons: old, not that much parts support

Golf’s                                      2900  (MY2001)

Pros: good parts support

Cons: ??

Mazda Protégé 5                     2700

Pros:  good parts support

Cons: ??

Mazdaspeed 3                         3100

Pros: good parts support

Cons: somewhat heavy

WRX                                      3100 ( MY2002)

Pros: Common car, good parts support

Cons: somewhat heavy

Lexus IS 300 Sportcross         3400

Pros: RWD, IRS

Cons: expensive, heavy

So this is my current list. If anybody has other suggestions post up. As a side note is weight important? Is less better? Of course a newer car should have better handling, but is that offset by a lighter car? Anyhow there are a few resources out there to mod my AE92. I have heard of ppl dropping 3sgte’s so as of now I’ tempted by improving my current ride. Opinions please.

Cheers

Or the regular Mazda 3 hatch even.  Isn't it pretty competitive in H-stock?  Another slow, decent H-stock competitor is the 93-01 Impreza wagon I think. 

The SportCross is a rare animal for sure; it would only be a long shot for me since I would have to drop a manual tranny. From the research I’ve done that could cost close to 7-8k.

I like the Speed3 it’ not too expensive. If I spend the coins on my car (motor, tranny, brakes and maybe some framework) that would cost me probably around $7000. It makes the MPS3 look better all the time.

Still though I wonder if the WRX doesn’t have more potential. A rodded Rex must be quite fast…then again my car with 230hp and only 2400# could be fast too...

If I were in the market for an automobile, I would have a hard time not buying this one:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1445436

2002 WRX wagon for $6000.  Incredible - and it's still not selling. 
 

I see a lot of you guys like the WRX. Like I said I don’t know too much about autox, but I’m trying to figure out on what course the AWD would be better than FWD and vice versa.

Would an AWD car be better on a tighter course because of better acceleration? If the course is more open would a FWD have an advantage? Generally speaking the fwd car should be lighter so it should brake better and possibly have a better lateral grip if for example both cars had the same section width of tires. So I guess that leaves me with two choices WRX or Speed3. So which is the most successful after receiving mods? It doesn’t seem so clear-cut to me. BTW: My car is already 600 to 700 pounds lighter than a Speed3. That seems like a non negligable advantage.

I wish BMW would import its beautiful 1 series 5 door hatch then my problem would be solved!  Small, light and rwd what not to like!!