I am looking for a new car with more space and stylish

my choice has come down to protege 5 and impreza 2.5 TS wagon

i have a tough decision here

i like the AWD and HP of the impreza and the look and options of protege 5


anyone can help me with that??

price is just four grand canadian in difference....

thanks

You sure it's 4k Canadian? I thought the TS was only like 2k more, I'm actually about to trade my 2001 Protegé for a 2003 TS, I like the Pro, it's a good car, but come on, it's got AWD, 35hp more, AWD, less common, AWD, etc... the profiles of both cars are about the same but you're right about the front end of the Mazda being better looking (IMO). sticker on the TS is like $21995, I think the P5 is around 20-21k.

Did I mention the AWD!?!

Either way you'll end up with a pretty good car.

Where are you in Canada? If you're near TO try
http://www.toprotege.com/
They're a pretty good bunch of guys too.

Do not for get about the Matrix/Vibe... ;)

Get the TS Wagon!

I Love mine.

:D :D :D

Wayner

I haven't driven the TS wagon, but I did drive the Protege5... I loved the style and handling, but it just didn't have enough power for my taste. If you plan on getting automatic, then the Protege is just downright slow. Plus... say it with me everybody... AWD! :D

AWD baby and feel the scooby love. Proto 5's are everywhere.

A TS with fogs, tint, and a spoiler is a fine looking ride. After you've owned it a while you can start buying WRX components for cheap from people selling them to upgrade their Rex's.

Also, have you considered finding a 00-01 RS? Good deals out there if you're patient.

And did I mention AWD?

Originally posted by Whelp
Do not for get about the Matrix/Vibe... ;)

I think the matrix/vibe might compete if and when they correct their marketing mistake.

The AWD version is Automatic only, and comes with a whopping 123hp and the base MSRP is the same as the XRS(GT) model.

The XRS(Vibe GT) version has all the show, and the 180hp engine, and FWD only. Go figure.

I think this will keep the serious AWD consumers away and hopefully drive them to Subaru showrooms.

My friend Slater was in a 2000 RS and traded it for a protege 5, Hes had it 2 weeks. Now its off to the shop to get a RS again :)

His excuse,

Power sucks (wont notice it unless you have owned a 2.5 so you wont know what your missing) and AWD. Nothing more annoying in wet weather then coming to a corner you know and hitting the gas pedal to the delight of the front wheels spinning away from you.

Get the Ts. Mazda, no power, Matrix/Vibe...they're like converse all-stars, everywhere and no AWD and Subaru relibility. In addition, you cannot talk about those other cars on i-club.

I've had four Subarus. My sister has a Camry...my God, that thing is NOT made like the Subaru(IMHO). Working on it vs. mine, no comparison. Get the TS!

!Man, get the 2.5 TS ! Protege5 doesn't have AWD, And plus 2.5 TS has more power!
After you get your 2.5 TS, put some rims on it! I hate wheel caps!:cool: :eek:

I just bought an automatic '02 TS in Sedona red. Had 17K on it and paid $18500 through a private sale. The lady I bought it from gave me the sales receipt.....she paid just under 28000 for it with taxes and pdi etc.

I like the car, but I don't like the colour at all, just bought it because it was a good deal. It surprised me to see that it was pretty quick, without the peakiness of the Protege 5's little engine. Also, build quality is better on the Subaru. The car was designed to handle around 300hp so it's structure is much tighter than the Protege. With the AWD, you can really feel the back wheels help the car rotate through turns and in the wet.....no contest.

However, in the dry, a stock Protege easily outhandles the TS. A couple of factor contribute here...1)The Dunlops and 16" rim combo is killer for OEM equipment at this price. 2)The weight advantage of the Protege. 3) Suspension is tuned for a much sportier ride.

Given a choice, I wouldn't trade my TS for a Protege 5.....but I would definitely trade for different colour....and 5spd.

I have a question as far as power goes... Is that 35 or so hp that big of a difference if you start considering weight and everything? Is the RS a quicker car?

You can't forget about the torque. And even with the peak HP and torque numbers, you have to see how the power is distributed over the power band. The area under the curve of a dyno is what is ultimately important if you are talking about drivability. The Subaru is much quicker down low which is important if you are driving in anything resembling a city area.

Another thing....if you are getting an automatic, then forget about the Protege 5 entirely because that inline 4 really needs to be wound up to get any real power.

2.5TS. The torque is delicious and AWD is mezmerizing, esp in O'Canada where it O'snows a buttload. :) .. I hope to never again be without an AWD car, snow or no.

The TS got the brains and the P5 got the "looks". :D

lb
www.trancelab.com

I have extensively driven the Protege and the Impreza TS automatics. The Protege handles extremely well but it lacks the OOMPH of the Impreza TS. I really noticed this on the highway and on the steep hills of Quebec east of Quebec City. The Protege can make it up the hills but with a lot more effort. I wouldn't want to be caught there in winter without the AWD and higher torque and HP of the Subaru. BTW, both are very popular in Quebec.

I'd consider the TS over the WRX Wagon as well. There's something about low-end torque. I don't like having the rev the engine past 2k just to get the car rolling from a stop. TS is considerably cheaper for the same size car...function/utility, etc.

Good luck with your decision. :)


Skylab™

what do you guys think about the Matrix with 180HP??

what are you waiting for?? get the TS! myself driving a 2002ts with almost 6000km- bought new, and loving it. and a friend just got his 03ts at about $25000 (canadian), including taxes and stuff. so only about 3000 in difference between mazda and ts.... and the matrix? don't know about your area. but here in vancouver, for a new one, expect a waiting period up to 6 months!!

and can u say AWD?;)

Originally posted by Enigma 89
what are you waiting for?? get the TS! myself driving a 2002ts with almost 6000km- bought new, and loving it. and a friend just got his 03ts at about $25000 (canadian), including taxes and stuff. so only about 3000 in difference between mazda and ts.... and the matrix? don't know about your area. but here in vancouver, for a new one, expect a waiting period up to 6 months!!

and can u say AWD?;)

Would you post the breakdown of your friend's TS purchase? I live in Toronto and would like to get a TS. The dealer has offered $1200 off of MSRP. He said the price of the 2003 TS is $1,000 more than the 2002 because remote keyless entry and cruise control are now included.

yeah i am in vancouver

i went to the Subaru dealer in Richmond and never had chance to drive one

i will try to call them and see if they have any for me to drive.

my friend traded in his neon for about $4000 canadian. he got the rear spoiler for some $500, and the auto tranny (plus cruise control and keyless remote) for about $1000. so plus taxes and stuff, the total is about 26000. (my previous thread says 25000: typo)
he didn't want the fog lights: he'd rather spend money to convert original headlights to hid later

Originally posted by heng1028
what do you guys think about the Matrix with 180HP??

The XRS(Vibe GT) version has all the show, and the 180hp engine, and FWD only. Go figure!?!

I think this will keep the serious AWD consumers away and hopefully drive them to Subaru showrooms.

I've test driven the Matrix and the second thing I think that would drive people to Subaru is that that car does not really feel all that fast. That is one of the things that I don't like about those Honda and Toyota engines... you have to race the thing to 7000rpm to feel any of the power and it just feels like there is no torque.

Plus, the Matrix just felt weird to drive. I didn't like the shifter sticking out of the dashboard instead of the floor.

Originally posted by trouphaz
That is one of the things that I don't like about those Honda and Toyota engines... you have to race the thing to 7000rpm to feel any of the power and it just feels like there is no torque.

That isnt Honda or Toyotas fault, a 1.8 liter engine will feel weak compared to a 2.5 when below 6000 RPM no matter what. Try driving a 93-95 Impreza with a 1.8 liter engine, no bottom or top end compared to a Honda or Toyota engine.