GTI vs Cooper S vs Ralliart vs MX-5???

[Swallowtail]

Out of the box suggestion - BMW123d coupe... 150KW, 400NM twin turbo diesel, mid to late $50Ks, and 5.2L per 100km. Goes hard, not so much off the line (I think 7 sec 0-100) but in gear acceleration is nuts. They handle pretty well too, but have a hard ride.

[Beaker]

Drive the Ralliart - you'll walk away shaking your head at how bad it is. I know I did.

I've owned a number of fast Mitsus and have always been a fan - the ralliart Lancer is an absolute dog that should never have gone on sale.

can't comment on the mini

[Corey_R]

I personally LOVE the Mini Cooper S. They're a great little funky car which are immensely fun to drive and just make me feel great to be in. I've seriously almost bought one on two separate occassions, but have either time simply because there is no way I could possibly fit my friends in the back seat or get any of my equipment in there on the occassions where I move it around.

The Mitsubishi - seriously... such a cheap, cheap car, with admittedly a good engine and handling, but ewww, such a cheap, cheap car. I couldn't wait to get out of it.

The MX-5... I have to admit, that although I hate most of Mazda's cars, I really like the MX-5. A close friend of mine has 'car swapped' with me a few times when she's had her nephews staying with her and needed a car with 4 seats and I've enjoyed driving it a lot. It's obviously a big 'live-style-choice' car, being strickly 2 seat only.


When it came time for me to hand over my $50k to buy a car, the MX-5 wasn't an option (2 seats only) and the Mitsubishi wasn't even a consideration, cause I wanted a car which felt/looked like a $50k car , but the Cooper S and GTI (and BMW 120d for that matter Swallowtail!... 123d wasn't available at the time). I ended up going with the GTI (obviously). Basically the GTI is just as solidly built as the Cooper S, it's performance just as good, and although it doesn't quite have that 'planted go-kart type' feel to it, I can fit myself and 3 other 6ft friends (plus a skinny chick in the middle rear seat) and my guitar amps and a few guitars in the boot), and not need to adjust my seat to provide added leg room etc in the back.

In the end it comes down to what YOU think and what YOU need, but to me and a lot of car reviewers out there, the GTI is just the best 'all rounder' out there.