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S Cars Go: No Snails Here | |
Going from the most expensive, the Jaguar, to the $32,000 Subaru WRX Sti, and finally the $26,000 Dodge SXT is a pleasant enough task and certainly provides an array of impressive machinery for most every budget. However, the most extraordinary element that these three S cars share is a civil ride and room for five under their sedan tops. It is difficult to image that passenger cars can offer such performance while being perfectly able to pick-up visitors from the airport, carry plenty of groceries, or drop the children off to school without even having to check the gauges for overheating or the driveway for oil drips. The good old days are now. The $63,000 Jaguar S-Type R can move to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds thanks to a supercharged 4.2-liter engine that sends 390 horsepower through a six speed automatic transmission. It makes a statement sitting in your driveway or on the motorway as the R model creates a beautiful beast with this notable vehicle. Of course, for that price you get considerably more than a performance. Heated 16-way power front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded sound system, six-disc CD changer, xenon headlights, a nice looking rear spoiler, computer-controlled shock absorbers, 18 inch tires, electronically controlled anti-lock braking system with yaw control, and huge Brembo brakes are all part of the deal. Mom’s view: I love the S Type. It is lovely to look at and distinctive. The turning radius of 37 ft. 8 inches isn’t too bad, and it delivers thrilling performance. On the other hand, I did not like the interior treatment. The gray wood trim wasn’t very classy looking, the cupholders were not well placed, the interior fans when set on high were quite noisy, and my matronly body just did not fit well into the sporty seats. Although I like a powerful car, I would pass on the R and consider the $50,000 V8 version that has an ample 293 horsepower and the six-speed transmission. This is also a stellar performer and comes with lots of standard features. Of course, for that price you get considerably more than a performance. Heated 16-way power front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded sound system, six-disc CD changer, xenon headlights, a nice looking rear spoiler, computer-controlled shock absorbers, 18 inch tires, electronically controlled anti-lock braking system with yaw control, and huge Brembo brakes are all part of the deal. Mom’s view: I love the S Type. It is lovely to look at and distinctive. The turning radius of 37 ft. 8 inches isn’t too bad, and it delivers thrilling performance. On the other hand, I did not like the interior treatment. The gray wood trim wasn’t very classy looking, the cupholders were not well placed, the interior fans when set on high were quite noisy, and my matronly body just did not fit well into the sporty seats. Although I like a powerful car, I would pass on the R and consider the $50,000 V8 version that has an ample 293 horsepower and the six-speed transmission. This is also a stellar performer and comes with lots of standard features. On a daily basis, only the dreadful gas mileage prevented me from being pleased. It sucked premium gas at about 17 mpg on the highway and when you wanted to hear the joyful, turbojet like whine of the supercharger you could pretty well find yourself getting under 15 mpg. However, it was worth it for a while as the kick of the supercharger was definitely a hoot to boot. You need to sit in this model for a while to see if you like the thigh support the seats offer. I didn’t fit the model. The driver has a fair amount of space, but the backseat is a tight fit. The trunk is ample, being fairly deep, but not too wide. There is a ski pass through that features a drip liner. I don’t know if this car would be my first choice for driving in thick snow because of its low ride height and wide tires. However, if the roads are clear the R is definitely going to get you to the front of the ski lift. Although the brakes are excellent, the pedal action feels remote and its takes a while to get used to the long pedal travel. I also would prefer a little more help turning the wide tires when parking the R. The steering feels okay at speed, but was too heavy for me around town. Dad’s view: Around town the R is graceful and elegant. The wide tires and mesh grill tell the well informed that this is the “one” they have been reading about. On ramps are almost a waste of time because you are going well above the posted speed limit within seconds and only the fear of losing your driver’s license holds your speed in check. The transmission is much better than previous models except that there is a harsh jolt between first and second gears when you’re stopped on an incline and slowly depress the gas pedal. It is disconcerting, but only occurs in these situations meaning that the computer, transmission, and engine may need some fine-tuning. You can use the sport mode and/or shift for yourself, but be warned that this car accelerates very rapidly and by the time you shift into third you are well above any speed limit. I was very pleased that the old “J-gate” shifting pattern has finally been modernized. It is now easy to shift from park to drive and into reverse. The real forte of this R model isn’t the speed, but the handling. The ride over irregular pavement isn’t harsh despite the low profile P275/35R18 tires, but it really likes better-maintained roads better, and it loves corners. This car scoots up mountain roads without much body roll and with a tolerance for any curve. It is as fast as any car in this type of environment and, unlike many more others, offers a civilized ride while delivering the fun. I never felt at home inside the S-Type and, although I loved its youthful nature. The dark and cramped interior made me feel that I was sitting on rather than in a luxury performance car. I much prefer the larger Jaguars, although they are not as fun to drive at speed. I only got 15 mpg in testing the R, but I doubt anyone is going to get much better unless they use cruise control and are up for sainthood. Working woman’s view: I felt cozy in this Jaguar and was appreciative of its retro exterior styling. The adjustable pedals and steering wheel made it easy for me to get comfortable, but the seats were too hard for me. I think over time I would have appreciated them more. The 3800-pound Jaguar hugs the road with a weighty feel. It does not so much step over bumps but seems to squeeze them back into the pavement with its heft. I felt the speed was more than adequate. If you go over 3500 rpm you better have a flight plan for the next block because this Jaguar doesn’t just accelerate, it leaps. Just in case, it has good crash scores, and the usual safety features such as airbags and activated seat belts. College going male: Overkill. Environmentally sour. Too feminine for me. Other than that this isn’t too bad a car. The rear seats are cramped for headroom, but the sound system is above average. The ride isn’t cruel, and the engine sound is satisfying. I wouldn’t buy it, but I doubt Jaguar had my kind and me in mind when they built the S-Type. However, my girlfriend is crazy about it. Next in line and the fastest of the three S cars that go is Subaru’s sensational WRX STi. Its high rear spoiler, tough guy stance, and dragster sized hood scoop almost give this Subaru the appearance of a cartoon car. And, to most people that is exactly what their reaction is going to be. They just won’t get it. But that’s the best news of all because it means there is going to be more of these little jewels for you and me. We can spend our days scampering around corners, climbing hills, caressing valleys, and demoting more expensive, better looking cars anywhere, anytime, any weather. You see, this quirky looking Subaru gets 22 mpg, has 300 horsepower, and can get to 60 miles per hour in about five frenzied seconds with its all wheel drive programmable differential applying that energy wherever you want it for about $32,000. In fact, your only worry is gong to be how you are going to pay the insurance premium. Mom’s view: The car is much better looking than the regular WRX and it is a much racier vehicle in all ways. I disliked the rear spoiler, but when you are packing this much horsepower in a 3200-pound vehicle it is probably needed by those hell bent on losing their driver’s license. The problem with the large and expensive rear spoiler is that it interferes with rear visibility. Driving the car is easy, but you must be very tender with your right foot because the STi was born to run. In fact, it is so smooth that you don’t even have to downshift on the freeway to pass. You can just leave the STi in sixth gear, which is overdrive, and it pulls from 50 mph to faster than I care to drive. I did notice that this Subaru had an abundance of comfy features despite its rich racing heritage. Besides the aluminum hood and functional hood scoop, you get great headlights, intermittent wipers, air conditioning, rear window defogger, and a nimble 34.5-foot turning radius. The interior is basic, the seats very supportive, and the radio is an option. This is a street version of Subaru’s successful rally car and it is not meant for a sissy. The seats are good, the steering wheel adjustable, and the gear selector easy to use. In fact, all the gauges and switches are exceptionally easy to use. That is, except for the shifter. It is easy to shift, but finding the gears properly, especially the third and fifth gear notches, takes a lot of practice. But we doubt anyone is going to mind this kind of practicing. Safety wise, Subaru has front airbags; front seat front and side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, and the best brakes you are ever going to find on a streetcar. You also get, and this is what I love about this Subbie, child rear safety locks, tether anchors for a baby seat, child safe rear door locks, and five mile per hour safety bumpers. Even in a car that could easily be used for rallying, Subaru makes sure that a family can feel secure. Now, you ask, what did a middle-aged woman think of a car truly designed to be a world-class racecar? Make mine silver and hurry up because I’m in love. I believe that is a lady’s way of saying you better keep your better half’s out of this machine or her fat SUV is going to be yours. Dad’s view: This is a wow-mobile. I didn’t waste any time notifying the 2.5-liter, turbocharged and intercooled “boxer” engine that it’s was time to play because that is what this Subaru is all about. With up to 14.5 psi of maximum boost this four-cylinder engine gives a power to weight and displacement ratios that are remarkable even for some racecars. The result is 0 to 60 times in the low, very low, five-second range. Yes, folks, this is an all wheel drive sedan with a nice sized trunk that is as fast as the much more expensive Corvette. It is important to get your order in early for this car because it is listed as a 2004 model so if you buy one now you get a free year before depreciation begins. But, I doubt you are going to lose much on this model because there is always someone who is going to want to know the feeling of owning a car that can claim to be king of the hill, especially if that hill is Pike’s Peak. The acceleration is extreme, but what is better is the driving because the steering ratio is fast, the independent suspension is firm, and the 12.7-inch front and 12.3-inch rear Brembo brakes with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution are awesome. Cornering has to be experienced. Not since we drove a BMW Z3 did we have as much confidence in a car and the Subaru is clearly superior even in dry conditions. The tires are 225/45R17 and we believe most buyers are going to change those quickly for whatever use they have in mind for this mighty might of a car. There is a vague understeer when you first enter a corner, but just a touch of the throttle tucks the front in nicely. Beware, that the very large front scoop blocks your view of the apex, which is risky with the very expensive rims the Sti carries. We recommend you don’t practice on the streets with this car because despite its cute looks, it is a true performance vehicle. We took the Subaru over to Autolinks in Temple City where they specialize in high performance imported cars. The high level of civility the STi showed impressed owner/manager Clay York, who drives an imported Evo. He commutes to Japan on a regular basis and was familiar with the Sti name, Subaru Techica International. York even made some suggestions on how owners bent on violating their three year, 36,000 mile warranty could get more power from the Subaru for just a couple of grand more. (http://www.autolinkmotorworks.com) You get a lot to love with this Subaru. The sophisticated all wheel drive system has a center differential with both automatic and manual modes that allow the driver to vary the torque split for specific driving conditions via a thumb wheel near the console. That gives you six options for your locking differential to handle the 300 pounds of torque before they reach the 17-inch BBS rims. High intensity headlights, a button that enables you to inject water into the intercooler when you feel the need for additional speed and plenty of creature comforts such as climate control with air filtration, power windows, power door locks and mirrors, and cruise control are also standard. Young working woman’s view: How did they do that? Subaru took a racecar and made it gentle without losing any character. Amazing, and that price is unbelievable. What’ s even more fun is the wide birth slammed Civics, Mustangs, and BMWs give you when they see the small STi on the car. But what I enjoyed most was how civilized this Car is around town. It never makes a fuss. For example, when I missed a gear, its easier than you think, the Sti does not stall. The air conditioner cools well, the seats are easy to get in and out of, the cup holders work, there is ample storage space, the leather wrapped steering wheel feels good even in hot weather, and the tachometer gives you a warning light and a beep if you go over the 7000 rpm redline. Trust me, in low gear it does not take long to reach this level, because until you get to about 3000 rpm nothing much is happening. After that, start shifting and stay shifting until your angst proves too great. College-going male’s view: The first question that comes to mind is whether the STi is better than the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The answer is maybe. The Evo has quicker steering, is quicker accelerating, and has a tighter suspension. The brakes are even better. Unfortunately, this Mitsubishi is truly a performance car and it can easily wear on you as it literally pounds the pavement. Even the acceleration grows tiresome when you find yourself constantly searching for the right gear. So, if you want to race, get the Evo, if you want to have the rare combination of a racy car and a great ride, get the STi. Last and certainly the least powerful, was the Dodge SXT. Of course, this car is very well priced coming in at $26,000 and carrying some remarkable dealer incentives. Arching its back like a threatened cat, the Intrepid has had its image boosted with the addition of Intrepid SXT to its line-up. Boasting a 244 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 and firmer suspension the SXT and a trunk lid spoiler to help tout its racer image. Inside you can seat six adults and, if you can lift the extremely heavy trunk lid, there is plenty of cargo space inside. Mom’s view: The Intrepid was showing its age. It is a large, interesting looking vehicle with a roomy interior, adequate power, and above average handling abilities for a family vehicle. The car has good safety scores, but the turning radius, being a front wheel drive full sized sedan, is very large. I also found that the extra power did not come on until the tachometer was well above 3500 rpm. Dad’s view: The Intrepid SXT is an attempt to get new buyers by adding more power. The ride is fairly smooth over well-maintained road surfaces, but this is no sports car. It is long and the visibility to the sides and back is below average. The SXT also is noisy and the engine, although much more potent than the stock version, is largely neutralized by the four speed automatic transmission. One notable plus is the fact that this car is quite capable of obtaining 25 mpg in mixed driving. This is exceptional in such a large, powerful sedan. In addition, you get standard power disc brakes, AM/FM/compact disc 120-watt stereo with six speakers, eight-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, tilt steering column, fog lamps, a split folding rear seat, remote keyless entry, chrome wheels, and a very heavy deck lid spoiler. People find the SXT attractive and it offers a lot for a base rate around $25,000 or less if you take advantage of the good deals out there. However, it is best to remind yourself that this is first and foremost a family hauler and that the few thousand extra you are going to pay for the performance upgrades are well worth it if you like a little more pep. But, don’t expect miracles. Family conference: Three S cars that go all made us the envy of the neighborhood and we were hailed pretty much everywhere we went. Our favorite was the Subaru because it offered the best balance of performance and price. The Jaguar was stunningly beautiful and very elegant. The Dodge just never motivated us the way its sister, the Chrysler M cars did. For an additional few thousand dollars we would consider the crisper looking, more powerful 300 M. | |
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