This afternoon, I was out driving around and passed a 1st gen. G20 on the side of a busy street with a sign asking $3K. I didn't stop, though I really thought about it, because Ii figured most of these I run across have HUGE miles on them AND autotragic.
What car (sorry about that) have you driven, that's less than 10 years old, has put you in mind of a 1st gen SE-R or a G20? Doesn't have to be a Nissan.
Mazda2/Fiesta
I had a '92 SE-R when it was brand-new--awesome, awesome car. To me, the Mazda2/Fiesta isn't in the same league. It just doesn't have that snap. They also don't have the limited-slip diff, awesome seats, four-wheel discs, sport suspension, etc. The Mazdaspeed3 is close, but the power delivery is obviously totally different.
It's a little more than 10 years old, but the first Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS reminded me of my SE-R. The shifter feel, seating position and torque were darn close.
Just thinking about it some more, but how about a late-model Civic Si?
D.S.W.
I have been on the fence about replacing my '97 Civic DX with another / newer Civic. I have even come quite close to buying a '05 EX, but I feel it is just a bit too much like my present car, just a bit more horsepower and a LOT better equipped. I hadn't thought of the Si, but will give it a look.
To me, my old E36 (328is) was similar to the SE-R in that the car was greater than the sum of its parts. Both have great balance, can be driven daily, but can also be grabbed by the scruff of their neck and thrown around. For a G20 comparison, I think the first-gen TSX or the E36 would be a more modern equivalent.
Focus SVT
David S. Wallens wrote: I had a '92 SE-R when it was brand-new--awesome, awesome car. To me, the Mazda2/Fiesta isn't in the same league. It just doesn't have that snap. They also don't have the limited-slip diff, awesome seats, four-wheel discs, sport suspension, etc. The Mazdaspeed3 is close, but the power delivery is obviously totally different. It's a little more than 10 years old, but the first Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS reminded me of my SE-R. The shifter feel, seating position and torque were darn close. Just thinking about it some more, but how about a late-model Civic Si?
I agree with all that was said here.
The Si is way different than the EX--it's just an angrier car. The cool thing about the SE-R was that it offered all of the go-fast bits in a boxy package. Mine was dark gray and was the perfect sleeper. It could also rev to 7500 rpm which was a big deal back then.
Good point the Focus SVT. I could see calling that one a contender, too.
I have owned a 5 door SVT and a great 91 SE-R. The gearbox and engine in the SVT can't hold a candle to the SE-R. The shifting in the SVT was pretty bad even after installing a short shifter. The SVT engine is nowhere near as lusty as the SR20, too.
David S. Wallens wrote: The cool thing about the SE-R was that it offered all of the go-fast bits in a boxy package. Mine was dark gray and was the perfect sleeper. It could also rev to 7500 rpm which was a big deal back then.
ccrelan wrote: I have owned a 5 door SVT and a great 91 SE-R. The gearbox and engine in the SVT can't hold a candle to the SE-R..........The SVT engine is nowhere near as lusty as the SR20, too.
Hello NISSAN? Are "WE" listening? (Is it possible to manufacture a '91 SE-R again? Given all the government requirements and weight issues.....)
I think today's version of an SE-R would/should be a B-spec chassis with a willing engine plus a rear suspension that's a step up from a beam/twist axle.
Veloster Turbo? Maybe some flavor of Dart that has yet to show up?
BRZ/FRS
3rd gen Cavalier Z24 - shifter felt like the bushings were made of wet toilet paper, but it handled well, and made a lot of torque. Not to mention it flew under the radar quite well.
I dd a manual 94 g20-t so i know what yo mean it's a great car and even at 225k the sr20de is still going strong and pulls hard
The RSX-S i drove reminded me or my g20 just faster lol
4cylndrfury:
I found a 3rd gen. Cavalier at a "cheap wheels" dealer near me about 2 months ago. It looked fairly decent and even had decent miles on it and the price was somewhat realistic. The problem? It had an automatic transmission. I owned a 1st gen Cavalier (admittedly, not quite the same, as it was a near stripper of a car), and the thing that I remember about that car (aside from some of the odd parts that broke....shift knob cracked, then broke into pieces, exhaust manifold cracked then split, window winder knob fell off) was the near absence of steering feel from the power steering. About on a par for steering feel with my '94 Ranger with it's recirculating ball steering system.
I had considered a TSX, but finding one with low miles AND a manual transmission isn't easy.
ccrelan wrote: I have owned a 5 door SVT and a great 91 SE-R. The gearbox and engine in the SVT can't hold a candle to the SE-R. The shifting in the SVT was pretty bad even after installing a short shifter. The SVT engine is nowhere near as lusty as the SR20, too.
A first-gen Focus with a 2.3 and a MTX75 5 speed is a pretty cool choice as well...with a Steeda or similar shifter, they shift well. There is torque everywhere. ...and all the SVT suspension bits, or a whole myriad of aftermarket is in play too.
In reply to integraguy:
I also dd'd a 1st gen cavi, and at best was uninspired by its performance.
Like I've said before, SWMBO owned a 98z24 and it was an altogether entirely different beast. I'd own another in a heartbeat if I found the right deal...
Neon ACR or R/T.
Hello NISSAN? Are "WE" listening? (Is it possible to manufacture a '91 SE-R again? Given all the government requirements and weight issues.....)
The B13 is still manufactured and sold in Mexico (Nissan Tsuru) as far as I know. Last I looked at one new was 2006, and they came with a 110hp DOHC motor and retailed for around $6-7K USD (with exchange rate at the time).
i have high hopes for the Fiesta ST - 190+hp, most of the goodness that is the Focus ST. B-spec is the right size chassis. Still a twist beam but said to be thicker.
could 2013 be a happy year?
I'm really intrigued by all the positive talk about the Z24. I adore the look of the second-generation Cavalier, especially the chunky side-silled Z24, maybe in that wicked ridiculous 1990 turquoisey color. How about 2nd gen V6 and 3rd gen I4 Z24 talk?
ProDarwin wrote:Hello NISSAN? Are "WE" listening? (Is it possible to manufacture a '91 SE-R again? Given all the government requirements and weight issues.....)The B13 is still manufactured and sold in Mexico (Nissan Tsuru) as far as I know. Last I looked at one new was 2006, and they came with a 110hp DOHC motor and retailed for around $6-7K USD (with exchange rate at the time).
The Nissan Mexico website is showing a 2013 Tsuru at $10600 for a top-of-the-line model.
EvanB wrote:ProDarwin wrote:The Nissan Mexico website is showing a 2013 Tsuru at $10600 for a top-of-the-line model.Hello NISSAN? Are "WE" listening? (Is it possible to manufacture a '91 SE-R again? Given all the government requirements and weight issues.....)The B13 is still manufactured and sold in Mexico (Nissan Tsuru) as far as I know. Last I looked at one new was 2006, and they came with a 110hp DOHC motor and retailed for around $6-7K USD (with exchange rate at the time).
I would have bought one for a commuter car... Hell my mazda2 is just a new car that has the technology of the mid 90s
I wonder if one could be imported like the newer Minis being brought in and registered as older ones. 
You'll need to log in to post.
