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Mitsubishi Lancer 2007 and earlier
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Comments
And for those who say a Honda has no torque, you need to look at the torque curve of both cars before you say that. Fact is, in any performance test the Lancer would get spanked by everything BUT the Hybrid Civic. The trade off of having low end torque like the Lancer does is that it will have no highway power, which is where you will probably need it anyways, while the Civic will have power all throughout it's power band.
And before you say I am a Honda dealer let it be known that I actually work for Mitsubishi.
As for the OZ model, I never expected it to have more horsepower than the other models. It would be nice if it did, but I also wouldn't want to pay more money for the extra power. It's not like Mitsu slapped on 17" wheels and tried to market this car as the be-all sports sedan. They marketed it as a sporty appearance package to jazz up the looks of their economy sedan. And jazz it up they did. I get more compliments on this car than any other I have ever owned. Everyone thinks it's a mini-Infiniti or BMW and are real impressed with its looks inside and out. They all can't believe it when I tell them its just a Mitsubishi. Those type of compliments, along with my own happiness, make buying the OZ worth every penny.
Because it sells.
For a case study, consider the Ford Escort EXP from the mid 80s: this "sporty" model actually had a worse 0-60mph time than the basic Escort.
Yet people still bought it.
I think it gets back to the old question of style -vs- substance. What's a higher priority is a YMMV personal choice. For example, I personally find the rear wing to be downright silly on this general body style, regardless of make/model. But then again, I've seen a lot of older Japanese cars in our downtown area that have had $5-$10K worth of refitting with body cladding kits, fake gold trim, a sodacan exhaust kit and maybe (just maybe) some actual engine/drivetrain performance mods. For a certain segment, that's the type of "IN" vehicle, not unlike Bellbottom ... er, "Flare" :-) bluejeans, belly button piercings and so forth.
To each his own...although I would recommend a conscious resistance to buying anything based on product ignorance, or with over emphasis of what your peers might think.
-hh
The Ford EXP was a coupe, completely different body-style from the Escort. It wasn't a trim package. The Paseo was a Tercel but once again it was a different body style. My SI is a Civic but it's a different body style with 30 more HP. Don't compare a set of wheels and different seat fabric to a whole different body style. Even if Mitsu is taking advantage of the style vs. substance equasion in a big way. The OZ Rally stickers for at least $2,000 more than the Lancer ES (same engine, same size wheels, same interior, same suspension, same exterior) It doesn't add up .. those sure are some expensive wheels, cloth, and cruise control.
The argument doesn't hold water when looked at from a logical point of view. At least the Civic EX gives you more power, bigger wheels, and more available options over an LX and the SI adds more on top of an EX Civic. IF you want to pay for marketing go ahead, might as well pay MSRP while you are at it.
Lastly, you are way off on your numbers for the Civic. You must have invented them to make the Lancer look a lot slower. Sorry, I didn't buy it because I know it isn't true. The Civic SI is rated at 8.0 seconds from 0-60 and thats with 160 hp. The 00 Civic LX could only do the 0-60 run in 9.5 sec. The 01 Civic's power to weight ratio is the same as that 00 model. So, there is no way it could be a second faster. The Civic EX coupe was the one rated at 8.4. Hmm...so, the Lancer OZ is only 0.5 second slower than the more powerful and lighter Civic EX. Doesn't sound like it has such an underpowered engine to me.
Notice the lacking in power comments and the comments that the OZ does not differ mechanically from the ES or LS. Also, The ES is available with a convenience package that gives you the fold-down rear seat, body-colored door handles, and keyless entry. Even with that package on the ES the OZ is $1500 more. If you want to pay $1500 for some 15" wheels and floor mats that's up to you. But I would rather them have taken the $1500 and done something with the engine, brakes, and some real wheels and tires. But to each his own.
You can debate 0-60 times and get numbers from different sources all day long if we want to. But lets use a source we all obviously have access to.
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/roadtest/46005/page002.html
here's a Civic coupe but the HP is the same and the weight shouldn't be that different between a EX sedan and an EX coupe.
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/roadtest/46005/page003.html
Edmunds puts my car at 7.9 seconds but it does put the Lancer at 9.5 seconds ..
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2002/honda/civic/si2drhatchback20l4cyl5m/specs.html?id=lin0018
If you are happy with your 120HP that's great .. I hope you do like your car. But that doesn't make it as quick as a Civic or a better buy for everybody.
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/PDF-E/evo7.pdf
It may take a few mins to load on a slow connection.
I've had 2 Subaru 2.5RS coupes (a 99 and a 2000) both of which were great cars. Unless there's a massive difference in the US spec car, I'll be an Evo driver next spring. Unless Subaru get with the program on that facelifted WRX STi and import that in reasonable time and it checks out.
Have you found the flame wa... uh, free for all between the G35 and 330i over on the Comparisons board?
Come one, come all!!
You have a feeling of driving a tin can in a civic, amid a very well put together tin can. I have driven the past three generations of civics and they all have this trait. The other side of the coin is that the car is very responsive and handles very well.
On the other hand, the lancer feel like a more "substantial" car. I have no idea whether it is the setup or what, it drives like a mid size car but one size smaller. The interior materials are cheap, but I have to say it's on par with the civic
So how do you all like your lancers? I am considering buying one for my g/f and will probably be driving it to work... It seemed like a econocar when I test drove one, and thats what it is, but just curious as to any problems or issues anyones had...
BTW... Any civics want to hook up to my tow hitch then see who gets to 60mph first?? hehehe... (I used to own a Civic... they're fun)
As for the Aerio, I figured it would rate low. The Aerio is a niche car. Its funky looks inside and out definitely don't appeal to the mainstream, so I didn't think it would do well. I do not agree with them about the digital dash though. They claimed it gets washed out in direct sunlight, but I have yet to have that problem. I wonder if they tested it at full brightness. However, they did praise the car for its performance, slick shifter, smooth clutch, sharp steering, smooth ride, and solid structure. Sounds like they liked it quite a bit, but hated its styling. Hearing that it does well performance-wise and is solidly built is all I needed to hear since I love how the Aerio looks.
Well, they had a red Lancer ES with 27,400 miles on it. I drove it about 20 miles thus far, and it's not a bad little car. I got comfortable in the seats, despite the initial impressions that it was not comfortable. It's not as comfortable as my car, but that's expected because I am used to mine. The power is very adequate, and the car handles great. Well weighted steering, lots of room inside, very quiet as well.
I am glad I got to drive the Lancer. Now I wouldn't hesitate to put it on the list for consideration as a second car, primarily for my dad.
The power window motor on the passenger side is dead in this one though, and the brakes are squeaking and worn out. It's a rental though, with 24K miles, so I know they have been hard miles.
The Lancer is a nice ride actually. The interior plastics are not up to VW standards, but I like how they match the grain of the dash, the dash top, and steering wheel. The plood must go though, it's awful! Controls are logically placed, and I love the storage and big glovebox too.
The power is not too bad, but on the highway (around 60-90 mph) the car lacks oomph. It is an economy car though, so I will say it's adequate (sorry, I am used to a turbo). Maneuverability is as good as my Jetta in the city, able to make a full U-turn without backing up on a 2-way city street. Handling, on the other hand, feels a little flaccid to me. The car doesn't change direction (without wheels squealing anyway) at the speed that my 01 Protege would. The refinement is good, with wind noise being the only objection on the highway. The engine is very quiet, and runs about 3500rpm when cruising at 80mph.
The driver's seat is pretty comfortable to me, although I can't adjust the height in the rental because someone broke the darn handle off! I drove the car for 40mins. straight, and no pains in the back or butt, so that's a good sign.
So if handling is your cup of tea, you might crave something sportier than the Lancer is. But put larger tires, a little stiffer suspension, and about 30 more hp on it, and you would have a wonderful car on your hands.
Thanks for an unbiased review!
The Sandman :-)
The right side bolster in this seat seems to poke me in the right side for some reason. That's about the only thing I don't like about the car. That, and the power. But I am used to 180hp and a turbo though, so you all understand.
I like the Lancer and all, but I can't wait to get my car back! They still have it after 3 days..
Also, this one has 27.5K on it, I estimated the mileage wrong the last time. Maybe that's why the brakes are going.
And the rental Lancer I had needed brakes badly. I had to step hard on the pedal, and it squealed like crazy as well. It was at 27K, so you probably are about halfway on the pads.
Glad you are happy with the car.
I never heard about the 2.4 going into the Lancer, but I think Mitsu made a mistake again in 2003 by not offering ABS on anything but the LS model. They called the OZ Rally model "sporty", then don't even offer the option of ABS. I don't get it...
And, unlike cheap Honda, VW gives loaner cars and doesn't make you rent a car at expense.
Happy New Year to everyone else!
The Sandman :-)