Xr6t Vs Wrx

[1axr]

but ken, sorry DADDY you told me size does not matter when you sat on my bed the other night.

[bcl]

XRCISM,

You may not know this, but in NSW the WRX club race the HSV car club at regular track days each year, so one may well ask “where are the Fords?”

Here’s a sample link to some results …. http://www.natsoft.com.au/cgi-bin/results....06/2003.WAKE.S1 and

http://www.natsoft.com.au/cgi-bin/results....02/2003.EAST.SS

The top HSV cars are pretty much full-on with roll cages and transported on trailer. All the WRX cars are street registered cars.

Overall, there not a lot of difference in the results of the road-registered cars, but I’d say overall the WRX is quicker around the track… much comes down to suspension, brakes and driver skill, not necessarily power.

Some of the guys are not so serious, many are, but most are there because it’s a lot of fun.

It would be great to see the Fords amongst the action, and perhaps in time a formal XR6T club in each state, so the Fords could join in.

I’ve no idea what happens in states outside NSW.

As for my review, it has been well received on the WRX forums (yahoo & cracker). Before I sent it there were a couple of comments last week from 1 person like “The XR6T is a great family cruiser but that's about it” and “1800kg tanks”. I posted my review to try to add some perspective, and a lot of WRX people were happy to read some comments about the XR6T that had some basis. I feel they don’t really think too much about whether their car is better than other makes, which is quite different to the continual Ford vs Expensive Daewoo argument.

Regards,

Brian

[Mercurial]

Great Write-up BCL, and absolutely spot on with my thoughts as well.

I had an MY99 Rex for three years, and am now 12000km's into my XR6T.

If I was as lucky as you, I would have both cars in the Garage as well.

Having settled in to the Ford now, I think I may have preferred the Rex. I just love the 'Chuckability' of it too much, whilst having the AWD probably compensate for my 'Less than F1 driver' abilities.

And the Ford's crappy gearbox and shunting driveline is giving me the absolute S*&ts.

Also, One of the reasons I went for the Ford, was because the the insurance deficit with the Rex of about $1000 P/A. In hindsight, with the K's I do, I'm probably going to spend at least that in extra fuel in the XR. ( I do about 7-800 k's a week)

Oh well.

Does it sound like I don't like the XR6 at all?

No way. I love it!

I just thing I love the Rex even more!

Well done bcl

[Ezy10z]

Great Write-up BCL, and absolutely spot on with my thoughts as well.

I had an MY99 Rex for three years, and am now 12000km's into my XR6T.

If I was as lucky as you, I would have both cars in the Garage as well.

Having settled in to the Ford now, I think I may have preferred the Rex. I just love the 'Chuckability' of it too much, whilst having the AWD probably compensate for my 'Less than F1 driver' abilities.

And the Ford's crappy gearbox and shunting driveline is giving me the absolute S*&ts.

Also, One of the reasons I went for the Ford, was because the the insurance deficit with the Rex of about $1000 P/A. In hindsight, with the K's I do, I'm probably going to spend at least that in extra fuel in the XR. ( I do about 7-800 k's a week)

Oh well.

Does it sound like I don't like the XR6 at all?

No way. I love it!

I just thing I love the Rex even more!

Well done bcl

I've only driven the non turbo BA XR6 but from my first impressions of the handling was very poor, and I didnt really feel confident at approaching corners at anything over 170-180kph and it feels much worst as a passenger and felt unstable at lower speeds as well. The turbo model has a lot more power so I would assume the suspension is upgraded ? well I hope so otherwise it would be quite dangerous especially for inexperienced drivers. I think if it wasnt for the wide sticky rubber on the XR6 it wouldnt handle to well.

I've also driven different models of WRX but I really think the WRX feels so much safer and theres a lot more driver confidence when at high speed and cornering adn the ride is firmer. I also prefer the interior of the WRX it's more sporty and has the boy racer look which I really like. A lot of people seem to complain about the interior of the REX but I dont think it's as plain as some desribe it. I think it looks modern enough and definitely have no complaints. Alnd it's not like a WRX is the same size as a gemini you can comfortably fit 2 adults in the backseat. Buyt the falcon would definitely be a much more comfortable ride on a long trip.

I dont like the instrumentation of the XR6 and actually prefer the speedo layout of the XT, I've driven both so I'm judging from my own experiences. The WRX has progressed greatly over the years especially in the gearbox department and now can handle a reasonable power increase and like all things it really depends on how harsh you drive and how brutal you are on the clutch and gearbox. I think the XR6 turbo will improve in the future and Ford really have some issues to address especially with the manual. I just dont understand why the XR6 doesnt have the same gearbox as the XR8, I mean torgue and over power is basically the same.

If I had the choice I would definitely buy a WRX especially since Subaru have done away with the bug eyed MY02. But I guess I just have to settle driving my dads MY99 WRX and of course he is 55yo, I'm 28 and I think he would share the same opinion as me, we both have driven the XR6 but not the turbo model. Theres no doubt the turbo model would be grunty but I"m just talking about overall handling and safety. But until Ford make some major improvements the WRX would be the choice for me for quite some time.

It's a shame the BA weighs so much and will be interesting to see if Ford will go ahead with the plans to reduce the overall weight by 200kgs. The big falcons 4lt motor seems to respond well to modifications as indicated by Redcliffe dyno and APS. To break 13 seconds in a WRX you only need about 160 - 170 kw @ wheels which isnt that hard to achieve and without any major mods, but compared to the XR6 turbo you would need at least 240kw +++. The WRX definitely has a power to weight advantage.

Also in the January 2003 motor magazine there was a comparison between the XR6 turbo and MY03 WRX. The wrx was quicker but for value for money Motor mag chose the XR6. I must agree the XR6 would be a better family car but it really depends on the individuals needs and what they like. Everyone to the own.

[bcl]

I’ve done about 10 track days in an Sti, but not tried the XR6T yet on the track, and possibly won’t without a pad or calliper upgrade. I don’t find the XR6T at all unstable, even at low speed. I took it very easy at first, getting used to the car, and as you get more confidence you take corners faster. It has a high level of grip for a big car.

I don’t try going into corners at 170+ kph, not something I’m likely to try unless on the track, and even then there’s not that many corners where you go into at that speed…. Actually the turn 1 at Easter Creek would be fun and a good test. Maybe someone else would care to comment.

regards,

brian

[Ezy10z]

I’ve done about 10 track days in an Sti, but not tried the XR6T yet on the track, and possibly won’t without a pad or calliper upgrade. I don’t find the XR6T at all unstable, even at low speed. I took it very easy at first, getting used to the car, and as you get more confidence you take corners faster. It has a high level of grip for a big car.

I don’t try going into corners at 170+ kph, not something I’m likely to try unless on the track, and even then there’s not that many corners where you go into at that speed…. Actually the turn 1 at Easter Creek would be fun and a good test. Maybe someone else would care to comment.

regards,

brian

I should have mentioned this in my earlier post about the BA XR6. I find that it feels like it floats are bit and when coming into a corner and you have the feeling that the car is just not going to cope or it's floating a bit but then once your there it seems to grip ok, I think the tyres on the XR6 helps. I think if the XR6 had firmer suspension I would feel much more confident at high speed. I'm not saying I'm Peter Brock but I 170kph isnt really that fast especially on a slight bend and shouldnt be stressing the car that much, and compared to other cars which I've driven I didnt have the same confidence in the XR6, but it still handle ok for a big car.

[geea]

Great Write-up BCL, and absolutely spot on with my thoughts as well.

I had an MY99 Rex for three years, and am now 12000km's into my XR6T.

If I was as lucky as you, I would have both cars in the Garage as well.

Having settled in to the Ford now, I think I may have preferred the Rex. I just love the 'Chuckability' of it too much, whilst having the AWD probably compensate for my 'Less than F1 driver' abilities.

And the Ford's crappy gearbox and shunting driveline is giving me the absolute S*&ts.

Also, One of the reasons I went for the Ford, was because the the insurance deficit with the Rex of about $1000 P/A. In hindsight, with the K's I do, I'm probably going to spend at least that in extra fuel in the XR. ( I do about 7-800 k's a week)

Oh well.

Does it sound like I don't like the XR6 at all?

No way. I love it!

I just thing I love the Rex even more!

Well done bcl

I've only driven the non turbo BA XR6 but from my first impressions of the handling was very poor, and I didnt really feel confident at approaching corners at anything over 170-180kph and it feels much worst as a passenger and felt unstable at lower speeds as well. The turbo model has a lot more power so I would assume the suspension is upgraded ? well I hope so otherwise it would be quite dangerous especially for inexperienced drivers. I think if it wasnt for the wide sticky rubber on the XR6 it wouldnt handle to well.

I've also driven different models of WRX but I really think the WRX feels so much safer and theres a lot more driver confidence when at high speed and cornering adn the ride is firmer. I also prefer the interior of the WRX it's more sporty and has the boy racer look which I really like. A lot of people seem to complain about the interior of the REX but I dont think it's as plain as some desribe it. I think it looks modern enough and definitely have no complaints. Alnd it's not like a WRX is the same size as a gemini you can comfortably fit 2 adults in the backseat. Buyt the falcon would definitely be a much more comfortable ride on a long trip.

I dont like the instrumentation of the XR6 and actually prefer the speedo layout of the XT, I've driven both so I'm judging from my own experiences. The WRX has progressed greatly over the years especially in the gearbox department and now can handle a reasonable power increase and like all things it really depends on how harsh you drive and how brutal you are on the clutch and gearbox. I think the XR6 turbo will improve in the future and Ford really have some issues to address especially with the manual. I just dont understand why the XR6 doesnt have the same gearbox as the XR8, I mean torgue and over power is basically the same.

If I had the choice I would definitely buy a WRX especially since Subaru have done away with the bug eyed MY02. But I guess I just have to settle driving my dads MY99 WRX and of course he is 55yo, I'm 28 and I think he would share the same opinion as me, we both have driven the XR6 but not the turbo model. Theres no doubt the turbo model would be grunty but I"m just talking about overall handling and safety. But until Ford make some major improvements the WRX would be the choice for me for quite some time.

It's a shame the BA weighs so much and will be interesting to see if Ford will go ahead with the plans to reduce the overall weight by 200kgs. The big falcons 4lt motor seems to respond well to modifications as indicated by Redcliffe dyno and APS. To break 13 seconds in a WRX you only need about 160 - 170 kw @ wheels which isnt that hard to achieve and without any major mods, but compared to the XR6 turbo you would need at least 240kw +++. The WRX definitely has a power to weight advantage.

Also in the January 2003 motor magazine there was a comparison between the XR6 turbo and MY03 WRX. The wrx was quicker but for value for money Motor mag chose the XR6. I must agree the XR6 would be a better family car but it really depends on the individuals needs and what they like. Everyone to the own.

Ezy10z im afraid I have to disagree with most of your comments. Obviously they are your thoughts on the 2 cars and your impressions after driving both. Here is what I think on the subject.

I own a "T" and also a 2001 RX impressa which is the same as a WRX less the turbo and 6 stacker. I have driven both hard and given them heaps through corners and twisty bits. Obviously my RX hasnt got the power cause of lack of turbo but it has the same handling and braking as the WRX. In the wet the subaru has better traction due to AWD and less power but I find in all other situations I feel more stable and connected to the road in the Ford. The subaru is the wifes car and ive never really been a small car person so they will effect my opinion, but I feel I am able to throw the ford around more than the subaru. I have always had rear wheel drive cars and I know what to expect when the back end gets a bit loose. As for the interior I have leather in the "T" and the subaru doesnt but even allowing for this the Ford still wins hands down. It has a better quality finish and is more comfortable to drive.

The wife has always had and liked small cars, the subaru now and before that a twin cam corolla. She never felt really confident in bigger cars. At the moment im having a real battle trying to make sure the Fords in the driveway when I need it as she always takes it!!! We have even been talking about the possibilty of in 6-12 months trading her subaru in on another "T" possibly a second hand one.

Just my 2 cents worth. B)

[Guest Craig]

As with all discussions of this type - never the two shall meet - in one corner we have our WRX fans - the other our XR6T.

Guys, they are completely different cars full stop - their performance curves for power may be similar but that is where the similarity ends. One is a small (in all area's) sports car where the other is a family sedan with bits added.

I love my T but I recognise it has failures and weakness's but when paying out $52k I have a wife and 2 kids and therefore the T filled the requirements. If it were just my wife and I then perhaps (actually it would) have been different.

I would hope that this debate focus's on the original comment from bcl which was IMO a well balanced commentry (and that's all it was) and not decend into the tiring "my car is better than your car" circular argument - I would hope we're all better than that.

Craig

[bcl]

Thanks Craig,

I happen to be a fan of both cars.

However, I think the comparison is overall of more benefit to WRX guys, as I know some are more interested in moving from the WRX to the XR6T as their needs change or they want a change, whereas I don't think many XR6T owners would move the other way. That is, once a lease expires or it's time for a change, they will consider a new WRX OR an XR6T. Also, once you've cut your teeth on a turbo, I find it's an addiction (I've had 8 turbo cars). I think WRX owners that do move will make the transition fairly easily. I have posted on wrx forums the link to this thread to give them more information.

So, yes it's not really about which car is best....it's what suits you best.

regards,

brian

[dr_g]

Im 23 and have had my XR6T for 2 weeks. My friends have a 200sx and a B4 Turbo. My brother has a FPV Pursuit Ute. The reaction from my 'young' friends is that I have a great car which is a good platform to start modifying when the time (& $$'s) are sorted. Our view is the WRX is a great car but are far too many modified versions around. Im kind of hoping the the 30+ demographic does leave their cars relativly stock so mine does stands out somewhat (not like the airbrush/sticker brigade though).