In the past year and a half, AutoSpeed has tested more than ten
15+ year old performance cars imported from Japan. So what, you say? Well sit up
an' take note! These 15 year old imports all share a theme - they are the best
value performance cars you can buy. Read that again; 15yo old imports are the
best value performance cars on the Australian market.
In the second part of the two-part series we'll finish bundling
all of our relevant road tests together along with up-to-the-minute pricing.
We'll also look at some more eligible - or soon to be eligible - vehicles.
Mazda BFMR 323 4WD Turbo
Continuing our hot hatch theme from Part One is the
born-to-rally Mazda BFMR 323 4WD turbo.
Based on a FWD Mazda 323 platform, the BFMR is more about dirt
track performance than it is bitumen performance - but that's not to say it's
slow! With 110kW on tap (running Japanese fuel), the go-fast 323 is brisk, but
the addition of its AWD system and hydraulic adjustable suspension does upset
the power-to-weight equation. Depending on spec, these little critters tip the
scales at 1130kg; just 130kg lighter than the early Subaru WRX, which has
virtually 50 percent more power...
Standing starts to 100 km/h in the BFMR take around 9 seconds,
though the factory figure is 8.5.
The BFMR is powered by a B6 1.6-litre DOHC single turbo engine
that is also equipped with an air-to-air intercooler. As mentioned, its standard
Japanese output is 110kW but this is another turbo engine that can capably
handle decent power-ups. The gearbox, however, is quite fragile - you only need
to check out related forums to see how many owners are having gearbox woes.
The BFMR is a very safe handling vehicle that - thanks to its
compact dimensions and AWD traction - is ideal for attacking mountain roads in
less than perfect weather conditions. It all comes together even better off the
bitumen, where you can engage a centre diff lock. Serious stuff for a hatch!
The BFMR was available in different specs, with the most
opulent fitted with a power steel sunroof, electric windows and mirrors and
air-con. It's quite a comfortable little flyer. Prices vary considerably, but
they generally start at about AUD$5000 and reach AUD$9000 (on the road).
Our full review of the BFMR (and the Ford Laser equivalent) can
be found at Buying Used - Mazda BFMR 323/Ford KE Laser 4WD Turbo
Honda City Turbo
If you're after a genuine sleeper for peanuts then look no
further than the Honda City Turbo II.
A slightly bizarre creation from 1984, the City Turbo II is all
about attitude. The standard Honda City body gets pumped up with flared front
and rear guards, bigger rims an' rubber and a 'power bulge' in the bonnet. It's
a trick looking little critter that's easy to admire - especially when you get
the chance to drive it...
Forget SOHC Charade turbos and Pulsar ETs - the City Turbo II
is a real grunter capable of keeping up with Saab turbos, Holden VL Turbos
(autos) and many other 'big league' performance cars. Its ER-series 1.2-litre
four (which is based on the old non-crossflow Civic design) gets a little RHB51
turbo, an intercooler and Honda's CVCC system (see
Urban Weapon for
our full test of the Turbo II and an explanation of CVCC). Stick it in a blender
and you get a stonking 81kW output - with no less than 12 psi boost! And did we
mention it weighs just 720 kilograms?!
The Turbo II is very responsive and remarkably torquey at all
revs. Give it a bootfull and its 16.2-second quarter mile performance feels
entirely believable; it simply erupts!
Handling is bias toward understeer, but with a car this small
you barely need to turn the wheel to negotiate corners - you can take the
motorcycle racing line! The steering is responsive but - curiously - it is very
heavy at parking speeds, depending on the tyres fitted. Power steering was never
offered as an option.
With the ability to cart up to four people and giant-killing
performance, the City Turbo II is guaranteed to appeal to the extroverted (like
us!). And for less than AUD$4000 (on the road) you can't go wrong. Some body and
mechanical parts are available in Australia (interchangeable with the atmo City
Pro T) but there is a relative wealth of Turbo II parts to be found in New
Zealand.
Nissan Cefiro
Now let's move away from the hot hatches and take a look at the
15+ year old performance sedans that are currently available...
If you can't go past Nissan's proven reliability and parts
interchangeability then check out the slightly oddball 1988 Cefiro Turbo. Built
on S13 underpinnings, the Cefiro retains that power oversteer characteristic
that people love but it offers 4-door practicality and seating for up to five
occupants. The turbo models (which are more upmarket than the atmo ones) come
equipped with electric driver's seat adjustment, adjustable reach and tilt
steering column, analogue climate control, power windows and (retractable)
mirrors, cruise control, a 4-speaker radio/cassette (suitable only for Japanese
radio frequencies), central locking and a leather wheel (with controls for the
audio and cruise systems).
And the Cefiro turbo packs a fair amount of muscle under the
bonnet. Unlike the four-cylinder only S13 (on which its based), the Cefiro can
be bought with a straight-six DOHC turbo. Yep, the RB20DET gives the 'fro great
performance. With 151kW on tap, it's hardly any wonder that 0 - 100 km/h sprints
are achieved in the 7-second range (in 5-speed manual form).
Available in 5-speed manual and 4-speed auto guises, the Cefiro
turbo puts drive to the rear wheels and is a pretty bulletproof package. The RB
engine can make stonking power when big turbos enter the equation. Save
approximately AUD$7000 - $9000 to purchase the car and gradually spend money on
power-up mods and you'll have a real grunter that hasn't put you in debt.
See The Cefiro Alternative for
our full test.
Nissan R31 Turbo Passage
It might look comparatively dated, but the Nissan R31 Passage
Turbo was being sold in the months leading up to the introduction of the Cefiro.
To appreciate the R31 Passage Turbo you need to look further than skin deep...
The R31 Passage Turbo packs the same RB20DET under its lid,
albeit in a lower state of tune. The R31's 'red rocker cover' RB20DET makes a
modest 140kW and 245Nm with an emphasis on drivability. The straight-line
performance of the turbo R31 is further hampered by a considerable kerb weight -
1440kg. Most examples are equipped with a 4-speed auto, which gives 9-second 0 -
100 performance, while the 5-speed manual is in the 8s.
This is not a stormer, just a decently quick and accomplished
all-rounder.
The Passage is decked out with crushed and buttoned velour and
the seats are very comfortable (though obviously not intended for sporting use).
Interior features include analogue climate control, electric windows and
mirrors, adjustable lumbar support, central locking and a 6 tape stacker is
common in most models. It's quite a comfortable machine - thanks in part to the
IRS that was never offered on local R31 Skylines.
The Passage Turbo is another robust Nissan that will serve you
reliably. Whack on a big exhaust, cold air intake and increase boost and it'll
be a whole lot better to drive than its dated looks suggest...
A good-nick Passage Turbo will cost around AUD$5000 on the road.
See our full test at Nissan R31 Passage GT Turbo
Mitsubishi Galant VR4
We said it in our full test and the same still applies today -
the Japanese Mitsubishi Galant VR4 is Australia's best value performance car.
Don't believe it? Well, what other car gives AWD security, four-wheel-steer, a
comprehensively equipped interior and a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine for low
7-second 0 - 100 km/h performance - and at a price between AUD$7000 and $9,000?
Answer: none!
The VR4 is a great everyday-er (thanks to a relatively soft
ride and comfortable interior) but it also offers tremendous performance. And
that performance comes without the excessive bottom-end torque hole you'll find
in the comparable Subaru Liberty (Legacy) RS.
And tuning potential is huge.
The VR4's 4G63 (the same base design still used in Evo Lancers)
is very strong and can kick out huge power. The only area of weakness is the
turbo manifold and turbine housing, which are prone to cracking when running
high boost - it's the perfect excuse to upgrade to Evo or aftermarket parts...
Check out some the DSM tuning websites and you'll get an idea of the performance
you can achieve with this vehicle - it really is a sleeper!
Get our full Japanese-spec VR4 test at Australia's Best Value Performance Car
Toyota Chaser/Crown
If you want luxury and space equally as much as performance, you
should take a good look at the Toyota Chaser twin-turbo and its cousin, the
Crown Royal Supercharged.
Onboard, these luxury saloons are decked out with acres of
velour, a digital instrument cluster, power windows and mirrors, cruise control
and climate control with oscillating vents. The Crown Royal also gets a rear
shelf fridge and rear roof-mounted air-con outlets!
Interestingly, the two available engines - either a twin-turbo or a positive
displacement version of the 1G 2.0-litre straight six - drive quite differently.
The twin-turbo Chaser is more sporting with 154kW at a high
6200 rpm and not an awful lot at less than about 3000 rpm. The Crown, meanwhile,
gives stronger bottom-end grunt for effortless driving - but its 125kW top-end
is nothing to rave about. Both the Chaser and Crown usually come fitted with a
4-speed auto trans, which is in keeping with the character of the cars.
The Chaser and Crown ride on very competent chassis but its
unlikely you'll ever get them to really handle. Instead, you should focus on
straight-line go...
The 1G motor is very strong and has proven itself at the strip.
All you need to do is rip off the factory twin-turbos or supercharger, bolt on a
custom exhaust manifold with a giant single turbocharger and revise the engine
management (along with 'the usuals') and you'll have 300+ kilowatt luxo
mobile.
Be the envy of HSV Grange owners for about AUD$10,000 in total.
See our Chaser twin-turbo and Crown Royal Saloon tests at Giving Chase and
Royal Treatment
The Cars For 2004
All
of the cars we've listed so far are currently eligible for importing and ADR-ing
under the regulations for 15+ year old vehicles. However, as various other Japanese-market cars turn 15 during 2004, the list of eligible
performance cars will grow massively - here are some examples you can expect to
see...
Nissan Skyline R32
Perhaps
the most eagerly awaited import vehicle for 2004 is the R32 Nissan Skyline
range; the turbocharged GTS-t, the AWD GTS4 and the legendary GT-R are all set
to hit the streets for bargain prices.
For
all the detail of this trio check out Pre-Owned Performance - Nissan Skyline R32 GTS-t,
Unknown Warrior - Skyline GTS4 and
Nissan Skyline GT-R
Nissan 300ZX Z32
Another
vehicle for 2004 is the Nissan Z32 300ZX (aka Fairlady), which is available in
2-seater, 2 + 2, atmo and twin-turbo guises. Whichever you chose, these machines
look sweet! The twin-turbo is a stormer.
For
our test of the 2-seater twin-turbo, see Pre-Owned Performance - Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo
Mazda MX-5 1.6
Another
legend that will become available cheaply in 2004 is the original 1.6-litre
Mazda MX-5 (aka Miata). Not scorching in a straight-line, but a very satisfying
drive with great track potential.
Read
MX-5/Miata Magnificence - Part One and
Pre-Owned Performance - Mazda Miata MX-5 1.6
Mazda Familia BG8Z
In
addition to the Mazda BFMR 323 1.6-litre AWD turbo hatch (as discussed earlier
in this article) 2004 will bring the new BG8Z Familia GT-X AWD running the
BP-series 1.8-litre turbo. This is an even more serious hot hatch, which shares
its driveline with the local KF/KH-series Ford TX3 turbo.
Our
BG8Z GT-X test - Pre-Owned Performance - Mazda Familia/323 GT-X Turbo
Subaru
Legacy (Liberty) RS Turbo
Here's
a biggie for 2004. The 'Series 1' Legacy RS turbo is essentially a MY94 - 96 WRX
but with a bigger body draped over the top. AWD security, a powerful flat-four
turbo and the availability of heaps of bolt-on gear will ensure import RSs will
be in high demand.
We
haven't had the chance to test a 'Series 1' Japanese-spec RS, but here's our
review of the later (Australian-delivered) Liberty RS - Pre-Owned Performance - Subaru Liberty (Legacy) RS
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With cars like these available for chicken feed (relatively
speaking) the good times are well and truly here!
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