I like my cars. I know we have a lot. it doesn't mean we take out the car that is the worst on gas everyday. My parents both drive fuel efficient cars each day to work. and just because we have a lot of cars doesn't mean I don't respect living things. Seriously, just admit you're wrong and Mark's right.

who the hell is Mark?

He's apolloGT. his name is Mark.

I'd hate to be a mediator, but, why is a WRC discussion suddenly becoming a debate on environmentalism? So what's it to you Sniper that Shelby cares for fellow creatures and prefers if they didn't get hurt? What's so funny about that? Here's putting it into perspective: imagine being run over by a stampede of wilder beasts; that's in proportion to a small animal being hit by a vehicle. Now, if YOU got ran over by a stampede, would that be funny? I would bet not for you, seeing as how you'd be dead.

On topic, I'm siding with logic and agreeing with the population. Rallying is definitely a test of both the vehicle's build quality, and a test of the driver's mettle. I might be entering the BCRC in the next couple of years. Maybe in an older Audi A3? I know of a gold one for sale near where I work that would do great for Group D.

If costs are keeping you towards the older cars, maybe try an old Audi 6000 or Quattro? Otherwise I saw on youtube a couple from Ontario (I believe) rallying an old 1G DSM. It's still really cool that they have something like that even.

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2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
1993 Mercury Topaz GS coupe (soon to be deceased)

It's not so much the cost as it is that I happen to really like the A3s. I probably could swing a deal with an Audi dealership to sponsor my rally efforts with a team and a new RS4, but that sounds like too much negotiation and haggling on my part.

You might have to prove your skills and have a good team first, but if they see potential in you I bet Audi would at least cut you a deal. Or it's possible you can buy rally-spec cars directly from them, I think Subaru sells their WRC-2008 to anyone who wants it with the knowledge that it's for off road only, I could be wrong on that though.

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2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
1993 Mercury Topaz GS coupe (soon to be deceased)

go STi.. yes very common.. but cheap and effective

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02 Ford Mustang GT
4.6 L - 2V - 5 speed
thunderhorse

That boxer-4 is very nearly bulletproof as well, built to handle 15-20lbs of boost at 7k rpm with a shutterbox. Not to mention they make one hell of a great sound. A little bit slower in production models than an Evo, but stripped out they run with the best, well balanced too.

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2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
1993 Mercury Topaz GS coupe (soon to be deceased)

To be perfectly honest, I'm not a fan of Imprezas. If I'm going to go with a Japanese car I will undoubtedly go with the Lancer Evo. However, I would prefer an Audi Quattro. I've driven a few new Audis (mostly A4s mind you, and one A8), and they seem a lot more solid to me, without handling like a brick. Plus, the motors in these things can handle a stupid amount of power. It's tough to get 600-700 bhp out of a 4 cyl, but a 3.2L V6 seems a little more forgiving. The 4.8s even more so. Also, where I am, used Audis are bargains here. I can get a late-90s Quattro for $5000, in nice shape and relatively low miles. They're cheap and abundant here, whereas Impreza STis seem to demand at least $15 for newer cars (the older STis, and even regular WRXs are scarce here).

Aren't the older Audis a lot slower? I think we all know I'm not a big fan of Japanese imports (4 cylinder style), but I definitely think the Sti is a bargain. If you prefer the Evo, go with 9 or 8... 10 there is no manual = (

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02 Ford Mustang GT
4.6 L - 2V - 5 speed
thunderhorse

That's where you're wrong. I walked into a Mitsubishi dealer not that long ago and looked at some of the Evo Xs, and every one of them was a 5-speed manual. The MR is a 6-speed manual. Actually, all of the Evolutions are strictly manual. From what I've heard the gearbox on the MR is a bit fiddly, but that's coming from Jeremy Clarkson.

As far as the older Audis go, don't forget what car destroyed everybody in Group C back in 80-81 It was an A3, a white one. I saw the car on TV not that long ago, where the owners were just taking it out to stretch its legs. Also, most older cars seem slower in comparison to newer cars, but Audis are an exception. They are actually a lot faster than what would be an equal power/weight proportioned car of today.

The Evo X has two trim levels, GSR and MR. The GSR is the lesser of the two and comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission where as the MR comes with the 6-speed dual-clutch sequential manual. Both come standard with the 291hp MIVEC 4B11 aluminium block engine, the only difference between the two trim levels are the addition of the sequential gearbox and Bilstein struts. I've always been loyal to the 4G63 myself but you can't complain about weight reduction on the nose too much, makes it a little more rear happy.

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2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
1993 Mercury Topaz GS coupe (soon to be deceased)

Yeah I was referring to the MR. This DSG crap isn't cool = ( I'm pretty sure the MR is not available with 6 on the floor.

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02 Ford Mustang GT
4.6 L - 2V - 5 speed
thunderhorse

WRXs are awesome especially fully modded cuz you can feel the engine vibrations up to 20 feet away