12-27-2010, 02:23 PM
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#11 (permalink)
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Legend in my own mind
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What about the Mitsubishi Starion? As I recall it was RWD and quite the looker as well. They also came stick and turbo charged ...
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12-27-2010, 02:38 PM
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#12 (permalink)
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PSmodder lurker
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Besides the obvious, Miata, for fun & high mpg choice, the other RWD/budget choices are Nissan 240SX (good aero base), or a BMW 318 (even diesel very rare).
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12-27-2010, 03:32 PM
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#13 (permalink)
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Euro Golf 4 TDI s.e.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by botsapper
Besides the obvious, Miata, for fun & high mpg choice, the other RWD/budget choices are Nissan 240SX (good aero base), or a BMW 318 (even diesel very rare).
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you don't have 200sx there? In my country there's no 240sx, only turbocharged versions.
Really nice car, good design, good hadling(for his age), if you got a turbo engine it's easy and very cheat to tune it up.
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12-27-2010, 06:19 PM
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#14 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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a bmw would work..
The e30 and e28 3/527i have respectable mpg in auto form and a manual swap is only a days work.
Failing that the e36 316/8 is frugal, and manuals have a 1:1 ratio, so a diff swap sorts the gearing out.
Certain models of the e34 and e32 5 and 7 series came with a 5 speed auto-really low rpm at motorway speeds.
Another shout could be the fiero-see a few over here-they seem to handle ok for a yank tank.
If you need any bmw info- just drop me a pm-i'm a bit of a nerd on them
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12-27-2010, 06:49 PM
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#15 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mario_Marques
you don't have 200sx there? In my country there's no 240sx, only turbocharged versions.
Really nice car, good design, good hadling(for his age), if you got a turbo engine it's easy and very cheat to tune it up.
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In 'Merica, we got them, 200SX (1995-98), based on the Sentra, but they were front-wheel drive. There maybe still some old RWD 200SX (pre-1989). The US-only 240SX replaced it (1989-98), was & still a favorite for the street modders, especially drifting series. You can make it anyway you want, big aftermarket support. |
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12-27-2010, 07:44 PM
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#16 (permalink)
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Euro Golf 4 TDI s.e.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by botsapper
In 'Merica, we got them, 200SX (1995-98), based on the Sentra, but they were front-wheel drive. There maybe still some old RWD 200SX (pre-1989). The US-only 240SX replaced it (1989-98), was & still a favorite for the street modders, especially drifting series. You can make it anyway you want, big aftermarket support.
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Like this?
Here we just have the turbocharged versions of s13 and s14(like the drift cars).
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12-28-2010, 12:46 AM
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#17 (permalink)
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Smeghead
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318 starts at 29mpg, that's pretty close with 4 doors as well.
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12-29-2010, 10:38 AM
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#18 (permalink)
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the crazy guy in back
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Quote:
Originally Posted by comptiger5000
Those listed above would probably be a decent start, as would an older Toyota Cressida. Unfortunately, they were mostly autos, and the 5 speed was discontinued in 88. It's certainly possible to swap one in, however.
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I was going to suggest that too. While the 5-speed was discontinued in 87 (yea, 1 year before the body style change) and rare as heck before that it's easy as pie to swap in a 5 speed to any year. (I've done it to my 90) The first reason against it is even the 5 speeds are only rated 25 on the highway (old style) and to get the electronic VSS signal you'd have to dig into the dash (it's only electronic after the cluster). While you could probably get up to 30 mpg, it's just not built for it.
240SX is definitely a strong contender for your criteria. has 2 full seats and 2 half seats in back lol. personally, that'd be my choice since I don't fit in Miatas and I coudln't get myself to buy a mustang.
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12-30-2010, 10:06 PM
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#19 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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RaceJeep - '98 Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ) 5.9 Limited 90 day: 13.62 mpg (US)
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I'm surprised the cressy is that bad for mpg. I guess it needs some areo mods, and maybe a gear change!
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12-31-2010, 01:21 AM
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#20 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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First choice that comes to mind is the Mercury XR4TI. Comes with a manual transmission, it's lightweight and is basically a dressed up Mustang. Turbo Charged 4 Cylinder with a 5 speed.
The Cressida is ok, but if you get one with the 7M engine, plan on a head gasket change. They are not fun (or cheap) to do either.
The Miata would be fun!
Go with an AWD? Subaru Impreza or Eagle Talon / Mitsubishi Eclipse.
BMW 318 if you can find one in that price range.
Truck? Late 90's S-10's come with 4 Cylinders and I believe a manual tranny.
Go old school. Get a Beetle. They're RWD. Triumph Spitfire, RX-7, Nissan 300ZX, Datsun 280ZX.
VT247
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