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Old 29-04-2010, 09:09 AM   #1
Quazimoto
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Astina 323 SP versus Swift GTi driving experience

Hi guys, I first just want to say that I'm not hear to start a fight between Suzuki and Mazda or any bullcrap like that - I like most cars, especially Jap hot hatches, and to me it doesn't matter if one is a bit quicker than another, they're just cool cars.
I am just trying to find out, from someone who has driven BOTH of these cars, how the driving experience compares?

See at the moment, I own a Swift GTi and I am very very very nearly selling it - that is, I have a buyer but I'm just not sure I can let it go. All the Swift owners I know are telling me I'll regret it forever if I sell it (and since they're getting more expensive, not cheaper, then it probably will be my last opportunity to own one) and they say that because they may not be the fastest cars in the world, but according to all them (and to me) they're just so damn fun to drive. No one really knows what it is, whether it's the thrill of the tiny engine still managing to move you so fast, or because they're so light, or the noise or whatever...

But I'm thinking, most of those factors are similar to the Astina SP. Not quite as light, not quite the small engine but similar decent power from a small N/A engine. Now I am able to get a cheap, running SP if I so wish, I have the seller all to myself - so to get the opinion from the Mazda point-of-view (but preferably someone who's driven both) what are they like to drive? Fun or actually not that amazing?
By the way this is stock versus stock because my GTi is stock, as is the SP.

As a side note (separate question to how they compare to a GTi) an advantage the Mazda would have over the Swift for me is that I couldn't take the Swift rallying because it was in such good condition and they're not good off road anyway - but the SP is beaten up and cheap so I'd be happy to go rallying in it (not necessarily formal competitive rallying, just dirt road bashing) - what are they like on gravel/dirt?

Cheers guys.
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Old 29-04-2010, 09:38 AM   #2
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I have not driven both but am very familiar with the GTi...
I think the SP will be easier to live with, bit more practical - but the shier thrill of going through some twisties - I'd go with the GTi...
Light, nimble, very intimate cockpit and just a road legal go kart.
I have always had a soft spot for the GTi, so that would be my choice if i could own a car for the pure thrill of the drive...
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Old 29-04-2010, 10:13 AM   #3
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what do you call cheap? Could you afford/would it be practical to own both? One basher & one to look after & keep for a while yet?
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Old 29-04-2010, 12:15 PM   #4
bari
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i think the swift is a much more involving car and i love the 8000rpm redline, the car makes alot more strange whizz bang noises but i think that adds to the enjoyment.
the astina is more pratical and a bit more laid back but is still a pretty fun car

me personally would go with the gti its a bit more ruthless and involving
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Old 29-04-2010, 12:31 PM   #5
RedLineResident
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^ I think raw is what the GTi is all about...
Luxury is minimal but so is the weight. The engine is lively and willing and the whole package is very nimble...
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Old 29-04-2010, 01:11 PM   #6
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If I had a Swift GTi, I would change to something like a Starlet GT, but never a BG.
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Old 29-04-2010, 01:28 PM   #7
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Quote:
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If I had a Swift GTi, I would change to something like a Starlet GT, but never a BG.
but how awesome are they at locking the wheels up at 110km/h on the highway and not lose control
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Old 29-04-2010, 01:42 PM   #8
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MAO!
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Old 29-04-2010, 08:49 PM   #9
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only reason i got the astina was i couldn't find a gti priced realistically in SA *they are not worth 7K, my brother had one and i loved it. but come on 4k is the most i would pay maybe 4.5k (damn interstate prices driven by p plate laws, and cult following kinda like the 86's there not worth the money they pull either)

if i could find one cheap i would like it as a project car. that or a mini (still regret not buying a certain mini i was looking at along with the astina - parents didn't like it)

keep the gti, i love my mazda but the gti to me is one of the best cars, probably the japanese equivalent of a mini or even lotus.
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Old 29-04-2010, 09:08 PM   #10
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agreeing with everyone here. my cousin owned a GTi and it was a little go kart. very fun to drive with. whereas i own an SP its been pretty fun so far but if you like quick turns and lightweight vehicles i'd stick with the GTi. i heard that people put SR20 NA throttle bodies onto the GTi's.

so yeah. stick with what you got and start modding. and keep us updated on your mods. im interested
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Old 29-04-2010, 09:16 PM   #11
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I'd stick the GTi, but... if I could afford both I'd keep both
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Old 29-04-2010, 09:48 PM   #12
RustyKaos
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Didn't the holden barina at one stage be a rebadged swift?
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Old 29-04-2010, 09:53 PM   #13
chewyryce
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RustyKaos View Post
Didn't the holden barina at one stage be a rebadged swift?
yes but not the GTi. that was Suzuki exclusive. only the carburettor engines were in the swift, barina and sierra. ive seen many engine swaps into those cars that didnt have that engine. but now days the GTi itself is hard to find. especially the series 2 models. you can tell by the body and lights which ones series 1 and 2.
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Old 29-04-2010, 09:59 PM   #14
marcs_sp20
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Quote:
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Didn't the holden barina at one stage be a rebadged swift?
Yeah they did, from like 1983 to 1995 or therebouts

Quazimoto,

Personally i'd be sticking with the GTi, not just because they are more "fun", but they have a larger following, so parts will be cheaper then the BG... Oh and did I mention Fun?

Friend of mine owns MR GTI (was in hot4's something like 10yrs ago now ), and man for a car that weighs less then a ton, goes like a rocket!

If you so desperately want a BG for rallying, go and find a SOHC and thrash the hell out of it
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Old 29-04-2010, 10:32 PM   #15
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I've seen ever version

in fact I think I saw what was left of RBABY recently. I could tel lyou storys about that thing.


but as for GTI's - originals are getting hard to find and in good nick in the future will make ultimate hot hatch dailys. In that I mean the bit you pointed out FUN FACTOR.

My mate had one with full group A cams lot - latter he had MX-6 turbo freak car -in that stock that thing being povo version was a 200SX eater.
but you know what he still miss's his GTI swift.
FUN FACTOR.
even with broken gearbo'x etc and few other issues. if his was not stolen I'm guess now he'd still have it.

FUN FACTOR.

No mazda other then a few Rx-7s and Mx-5's and for my case torque steering mx-6 do many car come along with FUN FACTOR.
I can only think of a few starlet GT is one
Clio 197 - and few big hitters like a VN/VP SS's and ZR Supra's and the like.

Depending on what turns you on.

but do note this

you can drive swift like that under the limit with smile on your face. go kart ride feel etc.

if you can keep it going and original just do it.

but no 323 is an upgrade - even famila GT-R is not upgrade.

for the fact you just can't drive it FUN anywhere - unlike the swift.
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Old 30-04-2010, 02:37 PM   #16
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Quote:
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I've seen ever version

in fact I think I saw what was left of RBABY recently. I could tel lyou storys about that thing.


but as for GTI's - originals are getting hard to find and in good nick in the future will make ultimate hot hatch dailys. In that I mean the bit you pointed out FUN FACTOR.

My mate had one with full group A cams lot - latter he had MX-6 turbo freak car -in that stock that thing being povo version was a 200SX eater.
but you know what he still miss's his GTI swift.
FUN FACTOR.
even with broken gearbo'x etc and few other issues. if his was not stolen I'm guess now he'd still have it.

FUN FACTOR.

No mazda other then a few Rx-7s and Mx-5's and for my case torque steering mx-6 do many car come along with FUN FACTOR.
I can only think of a few starlet GT is one
Clio 197 - and few big hitters like a VN/VP SS's and ZR Supra's and the like.

Depending on what turns you on.

but do note this

you can drive swift like that under the limit with smile on your face. go kart ride feel etc.

if you can keep it going and original just do it.

but no 323 is an upgrade - even famila GT-R is not upgrade.

for the fact you just can't drive it FUN anywhere - unlike the swift.
I completely agree
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Old 30-04-2010, 04:31 PM   #17
RustyKaos
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I say the swift for the fun factor and the BG for the rally.
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Old 30-04-2010, 04:48 PM   #18
mussing
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Would a BG even make a decent rally car? I mean, it weighs about a ton, doesn't have a huge amount of power, and it's FWD.
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Old 30-04-2010, 06:36 PM   #19
bari
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edit read the 1st post again

Last edited by bari; 30-04-2010 at 06:42 PM. Reason: mis info
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Old 01-05-2010, 09:37 PM   #20
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my stock astina sp only with a pod filter took out a honda VTI with zorst ...I love the free revving BP engines there awesome
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