98 VTI-R handling through twisties compared to a 08' Ford Focus

[GUM80Y]

Howdy all,
I am in need of a new car since I wrote off my old vehicle (1992 Toyota Cressida). I've got a deposit on a 1998 VTI-R with 190,000km - stock. Only mods are aftermarket wheels (17" running some crappy Nankangs) and exhaust.

My favourite type of driving is through the mountains along the Old Pacific Highway (from Berowra up to Gosford, for those who don't know about it). I usually use a 2008 Ford Focus CL (2L 4cyl FWD) when doing that type of driving. Only thing I've changed on it are the wheels running 215/45/17 Dunlop SportMaxx. It am very impressed with the handling and grip from the Focus on this road. Only thing I can fault is a bit of oversteer due to the ride height and brakes overheating (given, this vehicle isn't exactly designed for this type of driving).

My question is that how will the two compare along the twisty mountain roads I love so?

[Tai]

Why don't you take it out for a drive and compare?

You have access to both cars

[GUM80Y]

Why don't you take it out for a drive and compare?

You have access to both cars

Dealership is about 50km from the beginning of the old road

[Tai]

Well one thing I would chage on your Integra is the wheels to 15-16" and better tyres.

[GUM80Y]

Well one thing I would chage on your Integra is the wheels to 15-16" and better tyres.

It's got some 17" chrome ones which I plan on removing ASAP. I can get a hold of some good 16" with good rubber, would they be preferable to having 17s?

[dougie_504]

Yes, or even 15's IMO. 17's look nice but they're damned uncomfortable and you get a lot of involuntary steering from bumps/potholes in the road. And because of the lower profiles it's harder to grip on launch sometimes.

Personally I just like 15" I reckon it's perfect for looks/performance.


Are you going to modify the suspension on the VTi-R? Coilovers? Sway bars? Strut braces?

[senna]

For old Pacific highway you will want something that is very compliant - perhaps a Koni Spring and shocks combo, improved performance and good ride quality.

My other half has a Focus, and i agree with you on the brakes! Definitely need a bit of an upgrade for alot of "spirited" driving!

[infurNOS]

Look at purchase an ITR LSD aswell. One of the most under-rated performance mods out there but oh man, it will improve your cornering speed with the added traction immensely!

[GUM80Y]

How much would a new koni shock / spring combo set me back? I imagine we'd be looking somewhere in the $1000 price mark including labour and installation.

Same for the LSD, how much would that cost me?

[senna]

Installed the above combo will be around $1300 including alignment, you can get into coilovers for similar money, but considering the roads you are driving on, the Konis will by much nicer!

[infurNOS]

How much would a new koni shock / spring combo set me back? I imagine we'd be looking somewhere in the $1000 price mark including labour and installation.

Same for the LSD, how much would that cost me?

i recommend:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Koni-Yellow-...sories&vxp=mtr
+
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1020-02-Grou...sories&vxp=mtr
+

and you don't really need an OEM ITR lSD as they can get pricey but OBX are a good brand

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OBX-Helical-...item231a154ac4

seems to be around $1600 for just parts.....not cheap but what GOOD performance parts are?

[Mikecivic78]

The Focus will out handle you because it's ten years younger than yours. It has fresher bushes and stiffer chassis

I'd recommend ITR rear sway bar, Koni yellow and Ground control + front and rear strut bars for handling. But at 190,000 and 14 years, your bushes have seen better days.