Hello guys and gals, I have a big favour to ask you. I need as many people as possible to fill out my survey. I can't tell you the exact reason why I need you to fill out the survey for 30 days. All I can say this: the results of this survey will be of benefit to all of us sport compact car enthusiasts.
This is a rare opportunity to actually have your voice heard by the automotive industry. Please don't ignore it!
I wish I could say more, but it would nullify the results of the survey. Trust me, it is worth your time.
I have posted this survey on a few automotive forums dedicated to sport compact cars. If you post to different forums, please only take this survey once.
Please copy and paste the questions below into your reply. I'll go first (below). Once again, I thank you heartily.

Section 1: What do you look for in a sport compact car?

What would turn you off from buying a sport compact car?

If you could design the perfect sport compact car for you (be
reasonable) for the same price range as the vehicles listed below, what would it be like?


Section 2: Please rank the following coupes and 3-door hatchbacks from 1-9, where 1 indicates the vehicle you would be most likely to buy, and 9 indicates the vehicle you would be least likely to buy.
Acura RSX Type S
Chevrolet Cavalier Z24/Pontiac Sunfire GT coupe
Ford Focus SVT
Honda Civic SiR
Hyundai Tiburon GT
Mini Cooper S
Mitsubishi Eclipse V6
Toyota Celica GTS
VW Golf GTi

Rank the following sedans and 5-door hatchbacks.
Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 sedan
Dodge SRT-4
Ford Focus SVT 5-door
Mazda Protege5
Mazdaspeed Protégé
Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally
Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
Pontiac Vibe GT/Toyota Matrix XRS
Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
VW Jetta 1.8T


Section 3 (optional): For any/all of the above following cars, list a few things you like most about the vehicle, and a few things you like least about the vehicle.

Section 4 (optional): Demographics. Tell us a bit about yourself. Only answer if you feel comfortable doing so.

P.S. Sorry I haven't been on here much lately. Work has been crazy!


Section 1: What do you look for in a sport compact car?
Excellent handling, fit and finish, shifter feel, clean but aggressive exterior styling, attractive wheels with low-profile performance tires, 0-60 time under 8.5 seconds, room for a few friends


What would turn you off from buying a sport compact car?
More show than go, not enough differentiation from the "standard" compact car on which it is based

If you could design the perfect sport compact car for you (be
reasonable) for the same price range as the vehicles listed below, what would it be like?
High revving and naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine (or V6 under 2.5L displacement), RWD ideally, sedan body style, short overhangs, well-bolstered bucket seats, excellent (or easily upgradeable) sound system, excellent shifter feel (MUST be standard transmission), mellow exhaust note, excellent handling with little body roll, curb weight under 2800 lbs (or in that region).

Section 2: Please rank the following coupes and 3-door hatchbacks from 1-9, where 1 indicates the vehicle you would be most likely to buy, and 9 indicates the vehicle you would be least likely to buy.
1 Acura RSX Type S
9 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24/Pontiac Sunfire GT coupe
2 Ford Focus SVT
7 Honda Civic SiR
6 Hyundai Tiburon GT
5 Mini Cooper S
8 Mitsubishi Eclipse V6
3 Toyota Celica GTS
4 VW Golf GTi

Rank the following sedans and 5-door hatchbacks.
Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 sedan
2 Dodge SRT-4
5 Ford Focus SVT 5-door
7 Mazda Protege5
1 Mazdaspeed Protégé
9 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally
3 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
8 Pontiac Vibe GT/Toyota Matrix XRS
4 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
6 VW Jetta 1.8T


Section 3 (optional): For your top 3 choices of the above vehicles, list a few things you like most about the vehicle, and a few things you like least about the vehicle.

Acura RSX Type S
Likes: Interior fit/finish/design, reliability, shifter feel, engine
Dislikes: Slightly bland exterior style, sub-par factory tires, slightly expensive

Ford Focus SVT
Likes: Handling, understated but attractive body kit, engine, optional sound system
Dislikes: Tall seating position

Toyota Celica GTS
Likes: Handling, styling, most "race-car like" styling of the group, light weight
Dislikes: Gearing makes it hard to keep it in the power band, limited rear seat room

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Mazdaspeed Protégé
Likes: Excellent stereo system, exclusive, exterior and interior styling, driving dynamics
Dislikes: Limited colour choice, seat bolstering needs improvement

Dodge SRT-4
Likes: Brutal acceleration, styling, excellent seats
Dislikes: Open diff and skinny tires could make hard acceleration tricky, unknown reliability of powertrain, interior could use more refinement

Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
Likes: Excellent value in Canada, low-end torque, excellent seats
Dislikes: No standalone ABS option, rear end styling


Section 4 (optional): Very general demographics. Tell us a bit about yourself. Only answer if you feel comfortable doing so.
I'm 24, male, and my previous cars were a 1986 Mazda RX-7, a 1991 Mazda MX-6, and I currently drive a 1993 Asuna Sunfire.

Section 1: What do you look for in a sport compact car?
I look for power is cornering capability; in many times, cornering usually also means light weight. I also look for reliability and the sport image. RWD is a must.

Name some important attributes that a sport compact car should have.
-power, cornering, reliability

What would turn you off from buying a sport compact car?
-price, FWD

If you could design the perfect sport compact car for you (be
reasonable) for the same price range as the vehicles listed below, what would it be like?
-2.0turbo pushing around 250HP, RWD, well-balanced in weight and tuned to corner as well.

Section 2: Please rank the following coupes and 3-door hatchbacks from 1-9, where 1 indicates the vehicle you would be most likely to buy, and 9 indicates the vehicle you would be least likely to buy.
1 Acura RSX Type S
9 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24/Pontiac Sunfire GT coupe
5 Ford Focus SVT
7 Honda Civic SiR
8 Hyundai Tiburon GT
3 Mini Cooper S
4 Mitsubishi Eclipse V6
2 Toyota Celica GTS
6 VW Golf GTi

Rank the following sedans and 5-door hatchbacks.
10 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 sedan
9 Dodge SRT-4
7 Ford Focus SVT 5-door
3 Mazda Protege5
2 Mazdaspeed Protege
6 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally
4 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
8 Pontiac Vibe GT/Toyota Matrix XRS
1 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
5 VW Jetta 1.8T


Section 3 (optional): For any/all of the above following cars, list a few things you like most about the vehicle, and a few things you like least about the vehicle.
Most liked (for all of them)
-reliable, power
Least liked
-FWD! (if appliable)

Section 4 (optional): Demographics. Tell us a bit about yourself. Only answer if you feel comfortable doing so.
-I'm studying in Canada, but I came from HK. 21 years old.

Section 1: What do you look for in a sport compact car?
Light weight, good balance, reasonable power, rwd, attractive looks

Name some important attributes that a sport compact car should have.
reliability, rwd, seats with side bolstering, excellent handeling

What would turn you off from buying a sport compact car?
fwd w/o limited slip, cheesy styling, piss poor handling

If you could design the perfect sport compact car for you (be
reasonable) for the same price range as the vehicles listed below, what would it be like?
lightweight, rwd, well sorted suspension layout, 4 wheel discs, moderate power, attractive styling.

Section 2: Please rank the following coupes and 3-door hatchbacks from 1-9, where 1 indicates the vehicle you would be most likely to buy, and 9 indicates the vehicle you would be least likely to buy.
1 Acura RSX Type S
8 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24/Pontiac Sunfire GT coupe
4 Ford Focus SVT
6 Honda Civic SiR
7 Hyundai Tiburon GT
2 Mini Cooper S
6 Mitsubishi Eclipse V6
3 Toyota Celica GTS
5 VW Golf GTi

Rank the following sedans and 5-door hatchbacks.
10 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 sedan
2 Dodge SRT-4
8 Ford Focus SVT 5-door
3 Mazda Protege5
1 Mazdaspeed Protégé
9 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally
4 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
6 Pontiac Vibe GT/Toyota Matrix XRS
5 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
7 VW Jetta 1.8T


Section 3 (optional): For any/all of the above following cars, list a few things you like most about the vehicle, and a few things you like least about the vehicle.
quality, excellent handeling, decent power on the cars 1-4

Section 4 (optional): Demographics. Tell us a bit about yourself. Only answer if you feel comfortable doing so
23 year old male. grew up driving rx7's

Grimace, is this your survey or is it something you found on another site?

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Section 1: What do you look for in a sport compact car?
Light weight, outstanding handling and fun-to-drive feel, attractive (not necessarily trendy or wild) styling, rear wheel drive with limited slip, comfortable interior, easy to modify the vehicle for more power, better handling. Also a responsive engine with a linear powerband, and comfortable, supportive seats with ample side bolstering. Can't forget about bulletproof reliability. :)

Name some important attributes that a sport compact car should have.
Um, see above. :)

What would turn you off from buying a sport compact car?
Overweight (350Z), too much body roll, weak all-season tires from the factory (WRX, Civic Si), goofy styling (Cavalier), sloppy shifter/steering feel, cheap interior.

If you could design the perfect sport compact car for you (be reasonable) for the same price range as the vehicles listed below, what would it be like?
Something like this: http://www.reasonability.net/~fairbank/newae86.html


Section 2: Please rank the following coupes and 3-door hatchbacks from 1-9, where 1 indicates the vehicle you would be most likely to buy, and 9 indicates the vehicle you would be least likely to buy.

Ford Focus SVT
Acura RSX Type S
Mini Cooper S
Toyota Celica GTS
VW Golf GTi
Honda Civic Si
Hyundai Tiburon GT
Mitsubishi Eclipse V6
Chevrolet Cavalier Z24/Pontiac Sunfire GT coupe

Rank the following sedans and 5-door hatchbacks.

Mazdaspeed Protégé
Dodge SRT-4
Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
Mazda Protege5
Ford Focus SVT 5-door
Pontiac Vibe GT/Toyota Matrix XRS
Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
VW Jetta 1.8T
Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally
Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 sedan

Section 4 (optional): Demographics. Tell us a bit about yourself. Only answer if you feel comfortable doing so
22y/o white male, born and raised in California. Frequent autocrosser and track day participant. Full time car nut.

Section 1: What do you look for in a sport compact car?
First is a Fastback/hatchback styled model. Then it must be agile, fun-to-drive with nimble and secure handling with great brakes. Aggressive exterior and interior styling with a high regard toward fit and finish. Attractive wheels with low-profile performance tires. 0-60 time under 8.5 seconds. Perhaps comes with a Turbo-version. Also, the Automatic model comes with buttons on the steering wheel. Plus room for a few friends to be able to sit in the back seat. Overall designed to be spacious for its size (good trunk space with back seats up). If it's a hardtop, some kind of sun/moon roof feature. Also very important to me is having a car that is safe (side airbags + ABS & traction control being available) and also having a reliability history that is very good or even above average!

Name some important attributes that a sport compact car should have.
Same as above. Plus an other must is having complete gage displays like: engine manifold vacuum and or engine temperature, voltage and oil temperature/pressure! Simple dashboard warning lights, alone by themselves are unacceptable! I personally prefer the analog gage displays (but I’d take some kind of digital styled meter or bar readout over a warning light) … A couple of times they warned me of problems before things just broke down and failed. I would prefer that these come as standard equipment but it would also be acceptable as an optional package (I only am aware of the Nissan 350Z offers a Gauge Cluster and Subaru offers the Performance Gauge Pack as an option).

What would turn you off from buying a sport compact car?
Not enough differentiation from the "standard" compact car on which it is based.

If you could design the perfect sport compact car for you (be reasonable) for the same price range as the vehicles listed below, what would it be like?
All of the above! Must have a Fastback/hatchback with a back seat and good rear trunk storage space. Good visibility from inside, looking out. An adjustable dash and steering wheel. Plus, I'd like to see hide-away headlight make a come back. Good gas milage as well as good performance. Possibility a gas/electric hybrid engine. Well-bolstered bucket seats, excellent (or easily upgradeable) sound system, mellow exhaust note, excellent handling with little body roll. Plus a variety of appearance/body Kits with either rear spoilers or wings. Also, cause I fall into the older age demographic, I'd like a nice design for body side protection molding to protect the car from those parking lot dings.

Section 2: Please rank the following coupes and 3-door hatchbacks from 1-9, where 1 indicates the vehicle you would be most likely to buy, and 9 indicates the vehicle you would be least likely to buy.
1 Acura RSX Type S
9 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24/Pontiac Sunfire GT coupe
6 Ford Focus SVT
5 Honda Civic SiR
4 Hyundai Tiburon GT
3 Mini Cooper S
8 Mitsubishi Eclipse V6
2 Toyota Celica GTS
7 VW Golf GTi

Rank the following sedans and 5-door hatchbacks.
10 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 sedan
7 Dodge SRT-4
6 Ford Focus SVT 5-door
1 Mazda Protege5
2 Mazdaspeed Protégé
8 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally
4 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
5 Pontiac Vibe GT/Toyota Matrix XRS
3 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
9 VW Jetta 1.8T


Section 3 (optional): For your top 3 choices of the above vehicles, list a few things you like most about the vehicle, and a few things you like least about the vehicle.

Acura RSX Type S
Likes: Fastback/hatchback, interior fit/finish, reliability, engine, Standard side airbags + ABS brakes.
Dislikes: Slightly bland exterior style, knob controls and dash design, sub-par factory tires.

Toyota Celica GTS
Likes: Fastback/hatchback, styling, handling, good hatch/trunk space.
Dislikes: Limited rear seat room and driver's side - visibility behind "b" pillar.

Protegé5
Likes: Sound system, exclusive, exterior and interior styling, driving dynamics.
Dislikes: Seat bolstering needs improvement, Driver - side mirror needs to have more available movement to remove side blind-spot. Also, have more available intermittent wiper speeds for front windshield than only one choice.

---

Ford Focus SVT
Likes: Handling, styling.
Dislikes: Tall seating position, subpar reliability.

---

Section 4 (optional): Very general demographics. Tell us a bit about yourself. Only answer if you feel comfortable doing so.
I'm 47, male, married and have 2 car-seat aged children. Originally from Detroit Michigan and use to go to the Auto Show their religiously, moved to L.A. and did the same. I love to draw and when I was growing up I wanted to be a "futurist" car Designer like Sid Mead or a comic book artist or make Movies but instead I went into Advertising (and I still enjoy reading comic books and making my own digital movies). After owning a few used cars that where strictly transportation, my first new car that I bought was the AMC Pacer when it came out in 1975 (I loved the unique look and versatility of it's design), next, bought used a 1973 Grand Prix with a 400 four barrel. To date, this was the fastest car I have ever owned or drove. Next, was a used 4-month-old 1980 red Corolla Sport coupe fastback/hatchback --- First car I kept for 10 years. It was a great little car! Than I bought (after researching and test-driving for 1 1/2 years) a new black 1990 Ford Probe that fulfilled a Batmobile fantasy every time I popped up the headlights at night (I kept that car for 13 years). Back in 2000, we got a new Passat for my wife to drive. Then, this last February 1st, I ended up for myself, with a "Black Mica" Protegé5. then (hopefully) in the next 2-3 years I'll trading it up for my dream car (which just might be an RX-8 - but I have yet to drive one, so that all remains to be seen ...)

Bryan H - It is my survey.

Thanks for all the responses, keep 'em coming!

Section 1: What do you look for in a sport compact car?
I believe that the most important aspect in a "sport compact", is (other than it being the correct size to designate it as a "compact car") sport. "Sportiness" is an overused term, and something which manufacturers are diluting more and more all the time. Looks are not unimportant, but something which is over emphasized, and styling is usually over done on modern youth-market vehicles.

Name some important attributes that a sport compact car should have.

As a compact car, as opposed to a sports car, it should still provide some basic level of functionality. Basic, which does not necessarily mean accomodating, seating for four, with comfortable seating for two as a must. Some amount of trunk space (be it big or small) is a must. Other considerations like rate of fuel consumption, ride "quality", luxuriousness of interior, level of cabin noise, and non-basic accessories (like heat, and crank-operated windows) are completely secondary to outright speed.
Power to weight is fairly important, but moreso is having aggressive gearing, and very quick and balanced vehicle dynamics. Overall balance must be good (not a 60/40 split), factory rubber must be fairly sticky (although some comprimise should be made for cost and durability), and braking systems should be adequate (not oversized for the application, and not a place where costs are cut). Driving feel is the single most important aspect, as it includes all of these: the drive must be envigorating, exciting, and completely satisfying for Mr. Joe Average .

What would turn you off from buying a sport compact car?

Cheezy styling (ie: Neon SRT-4 with the non-functional hoodscoop), "trying-too-hard" trendiness, cutting the wrong corners to reduce cost, an inadequate engine, or costing too much for what you're getting. The package which is presented has to be quick (NOT just in a straight line), fun, practical, and cheap.

If you could design the perfect sport compact car for you (be
reasonable) for the same price range as the vehicles listed below, what would it be like?
Primarily, i would begin with a CAPABLE mass produced chassis. Moderate strength modification is a must. A configuration which would allow a rear-wheel drive powertrain is extremely desireable: FWD cars are personally uninspiring, and fast ones have terrible torque steer, and awful vehicle balance (in general). A suspension system which is at once capable and cheap would be brilliant, but err on the side of cost for sportiness; McStruts are barely adequate for a sport compact, and a straight no-no for real sports cars. A very slick and aggresively geared 5 speed tranny (6 speeds aren't absolutely necessary, but okay if the price is right), and a tight and full-of-feel steering system (with some decently quick steering ratios) are both aboslute necessities.
The interior should be sturdy, well textured, visually balanced, and undistracting. Controls ought to be easy to see, and unobstructive of operating the car (like not having the audio controls right in front of the shifter).
Throw some aggressive headlights, and functionally beautiful ducts in there, with some generally unboring curves around, and you've got a winning exterior. Big glass is important, too: high "belt-lines" dissociate the driver from the road, and add visual mass to the car.
An engine with all the right stuff: at least 2.0L in displacement, not too short on power, and easy to modify (let's all take a lesson from Honda and Nissan [SR20] on that one). If we're talking "dream car", put a detuned RENESIS in it, and call it perfect.

If you want something specific, +160hp, -2600lbs., RWD, 2+2 with a coupe-style hatch, manual, can hang with a Miata around a corner. Give me scary, elegant looks, like a mini Skyline R34.

[b]Section 2: Please rank the following coupes and 3-door hatchbacks from 1-9, where 1 indicates the vehicle you would be most likely to buy, and 9 indicates the vehicle you would be least likely to buy.

1. Toyota Celica GTS
2. Hyundai Tiburon GT
3. Acura RSX Type S
4. Honda Civic SiR
5. VW Golf GTi
6. Mini Cooper S
7. Ford Focus SVT
8. Mitsubishi Eclipse V6
9. Chevrolet Cavalier Z24/Pontiac Sunfire GT coupe

Rank the following sedans and 5-door hatchbacks.
1. Mazdaspeed Protégé ( NO!! i'm not being Mazda baissed: truly class of the field)
2. Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
3. Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
4. Dodge SRT-4
5. Ford Focus SVT 5-door
6. VW Jetta 1.8T
7. Pontiac Vibe GT/Toyota Matrix XRS
8. Mazda Protege5
9. Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 sedan
10. Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally

Section 3 (optional): For any/all of the above following cars, list a few things you like most about the vehicle, and a few things you like least about the vehicle.
My big winners (Celica GTS, Mazdaspeed Protege, Tiburon, Impreza) all win not because they are Japanese, "imported", or are recognizeable names. They win because they deliver what i want: exciting vehicle dynamics, accomodation for two, and a smidgen of practicality. Toyota is known for bullet-proof cars, and the Celica is slightly larger than the Tiburon, thus it wins out although both cars are terrific: it would be a hard decision with Hyundai's aggresive pricing.
The Mazdaspeed Protege is actually probably the first car i would consider out of all of the cars mentioned. It has good power, excellent chassis dynamics, seats four, has a decent interior, tasteful exterior accessories, and a useable trunk. The Impreza gets the nod over the very very tight four-door class because of its killer AWD system: although not inherently sporty, it's better than FWD.

My big losers lost big because they don't give me what i want the most: sport. The GM offerings are down on handling, power, and technology, albeit cheap. The Mitsubishi Lancer is a terrible automobile, and calling the OZ Rally edition "sports" is a joke: it's only an appearance package. The Mitsubishi Eclipse has gained too much weight, and concentrates too much on power, with an unjustified cost in my opinion.

Section 4 (optional): Demographics. Tell us a bit about yourself. Only answer if you feel comfortable doing so.

I am a 19 year old, caucasian, middle class male. I attend university, and live in the suburbs of Vancouver, BC, Canada. I drive a Toyota Echo, but will buy a late 1980's RX-7 as soon as i can afford one. I am a sports car enthusiast, not a "sport compact" wannabe. I know exactly all the right answers, so listen to me.

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so Grimdiggly, what's goin' on with this thingy, eh?? you gonna inform us on what you're gonna do with these once you've done what you're gonna do?? ;) ahahaha...

anyhoo, great to see you back amongst the living... ;)

i made sure to not read anyone's responses until i was finished: hey Bryan, are we joined at the brain, or what??? :D

Section 1: What do you look for in a sport compact car?

The overiding theme is fun, cool/trendy looks, reliability and just enough practicality (but not too much). In my opinion, the recipe for this is light-weight, great agility, sharp steering, a short, quick shifting gearbox, an exciting engine, good brakes, low profile and nice curves. Rear visibility must be good, since the car should be able to weave in and out of traffic easily. IMHO, a high reving NA engine is a better option than a turbo due to less torque (ignoring the impact of gearing), which should help keep the weight down and ensure the car is light and tossable. The car should place more emphasis on handling than outright maximum straight line speed (though it still should be quick). In addition, I do look at fuel economy and emissions vs. similar performing cars, but this probobly isn't a major concern for most others.


What would turn you off from buying a sport compact car?

Heavy weight, poor handling, too many creature comforts, tacky/ricey body kits, notchy shifters, uninsipiring power plants.


If you could design the perfect sport compact car for you (be
reasonable) for the same price range as the vehicles listed below, what would it be like?

A RWD toyota celica, with a limited slip differential, a honda/mazda gearbox, a high output (i.e. ~ 240 HP) I-Vtec honda engine or the renesis (engine output may have to be limited to meet the cost constraints for the class), a reworked rear window to allow good visibility. Removal of some sound dampening material to reduce weight. Performance tires and brembo brakes to be standard as well.

Section 2: Please rank the following coupes and 3-door hatchbacks from 1-9, where 1 indicates the vehicle you would be most likely to buy, and 9 indicates the vehicle you would be least likely to buy.
1) Acura RSX Type S
2) Toyota Celica GTS
3) Ford Focus SVT
4) Mini Cooper S
5) VW Golf GTi
6) Honda Civic SiR
7) Hyundai Tiburon GT
8) Chevrolet Cavalier Z24/Pontiac Sunfire GT coupe
9) Mitsubishi Eclipse V6

Rank the following sedans and 5-door hatchbacks.

1) Mazdaspeed Protégé
2) Dodge SRT-4
3) Ford Focus SVT 5-door
4) Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
5) Mazda Protege5
6) VW Jetta 1.8T
7) Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
8) Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally
9) Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 sedan
10) Pontiac Vibe GT/Toyota Matrix XRS


For any/all of the above following cars, list a few things you like most about the vehicle, and a few things you like least about the vehicle.

Acura RSX-S - For -Great gear box, fun powerplant, with nice mid-range power, but a good top-end that makes it fun to drive. Very good fuel economy & emissions for the level of performance.

- Against - Too much emphasis on luxury and a bit heavier than it should be. Should have stayed with the double-wishbone from the integra instead of changing to the macphearson struts. Needs an LSD.

Celica GTS - For - Phenominal steering, very light and tossable, nice styling, like the race-car interior feel.

- Against - Horrible gear box, not enough of a powerband, terrible rear visibility. Needs an LSD.

Mazdaspeed Protege - Well balanced, great handling.

- Against - Not the best looking car. Would prefer a high-reving powerplant to the small turbo option.

Neon SRT - Tremendous straightline performance for the money and decent handling (if you can live with horrible torque steer).

- Horrible torque steer. Defintely needs an LSD!

Demographics. Tell us a bit about yourself. Only answer if you feel comfortable doing so.

28 Year -old professional who has been driving economy cars his whole life, with a few experiences on the green grass on the other side of the hill. About to move to the other side of the hill :)

<b>Section 1: What do you look for in a sport compact car?</b>
First of all, it has to look good. Girls know practically nothing about cars, so all they can base their opinions are on the looks. Case closed. Second, it has to be very nimble, and have an appetite for pavement.


<b>What would turn you off from buying a sport compact car?</b>
When a car doesn't look "right". or when it tries to be something it doesn't understand. (Cough cough Tiberon cough cough)

<b>If you could design the perfect sport compact car for you (be
reasonable) for the same price range as the vehicles listed below, what would it be like?</b>
A very light car, that has larger wheels, and knows how to look good. Something that has a lot of religion to follow, like the WRX. I hope you kinda understand what I mean by that. Personally, I'd love to have a 2 door compact car with a rotary engine. That thing is so small, with moderation, you could have a Kia Rio sized monster.

<b>Section 2: Please rank the following coupes and 3-door hatchbacks from 1-9, where 1 indicates the vehicle you would be most likely to buy, and 9 indicates the vehicle you would be least likely to buy.</b>
1 Acura RSX Type S
2 Toyota Celica GTS
3 VW Golf GTi
4 Ford Focus SVT
5 Honda Civic SiR
6 Mitsubishi Eclipse V6
7 Mini Cooper S
8 Hyundai Tiburon GT
9 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24/Pontiac Sunfire GT coupe

<b>Rank the following sedans and 5-door hatchbacks.</b>
1 Nissan Sentra SER Spec V
2 Mazdaspeed Protégé
3 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
4 Dodge SRT-4
5 Ford Focus SVT 5-door
6 Mazda Protege5
7 Pontiac Vibe GT/Toyota Matrix XRS
8 VW Jetta 1.8T
8 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 sedan
9 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally

<b>Section 3 (optional): For your top 3 choices of the above vehicles, list a few things you like most about the vehicle, and a few things you like least about the vehicle.</b>

Acura RSX Type S
Likes: Interior is amazing, Acura quality. Shifter is smooth, handling is precise. Rather good fuel economy and seating position. Engine is fast, but requires high revs.
Dislikes: Just one thing, and thats the most depictive of what you buy:The price :(

Toyota Celica GTS
Likes: Handling, toyota quality and price, engine, aggressive styling
Dislikes: aggressive styling :D

Volkswagen Golf GTi
Likes: Faster than Keech running to the john after a night at the all you can eat chinese smorgasboard by Royal Oak hill, handles like chopsticks on a chinese hand. Styling isn't too too bad.
Dislikes: Shifters good, but not great. The engine is too high tech for me to even think about touching. Who really wants to race around in a "Family Wagon?"

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Nissan Sentra SER Spec V
Likes: Amazing price for what you get, few problems with the car after the 2003 improvements, feels like it could be 4 grand more. Aggresive styling and especially aggresive attitude. Nissan build quality. Comfortable and enjoyable interior. That 2.5 Altima engine gives a beautiful sound full of 180 lbs ft.
Dislikes: Limited colour choice, it's a "fatass"

Mazdaspeed Protégé
Likes: Nimble, styling, interior, sound system shatters your hearing
Dislikes: It's more expensive than all the competetiors, and it's a <i>MAZDA??</i> Not quite as quick as the competitors, slightly heavier. Sound system shatters your hearing!

Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
Likes: Dirt cheap AWD, candy sounding engine. Styling less crazy as WRX.
Dislikes: It doesn't quite fill the whole attitude of a Sports Sedan...it's missing something (Better work on that Subes!)

Okay. The Hyundai still has that Yugo train of thought which turns me off, the Mitsubishi is just plain wrong (I'd rather race around in a Outlander! (And believe me, I hate them!) The GM cars are 10 years old, and still aging, and they lack any sort of sport. The Mini is more for older people, I don't like the Retro styling. It'll also break the bank. Volkswagens just don't have that youthful edge. God, even Toyota has more of that! And come on, it's Toyota for petes sake!

<b>Section 4 (optional): Very general demographics. Tell us a bit about yourself. Only answer if you feel comfortable doing so.</b>
I'm 15, male, and have driven 3 cars, a 1998 Toyota Corolla, 1990 Ford Aerostar and a 1991 Nissan Maxima.

Section 1: What do you look for in a sport compact car?

performance, styling, affordability, aftermarket support ...

and when i say performance, i mean overall performance and balance, not just in a straight line.

styling includes the interior fit and finish and overall feel the design invokes.

affordability as in value and "bang for the buck"

What would turn you off from buying a sport compact car?

the lack of performance and/or style. a high price wouldnt turn me off from wanting the car, but it certainly wont encourage me to buy it.

If you could design the perfect sport compact car for you (be
reasonable) for the same price range as the vehicles listed below, what would it be like?

rear drive, front midship,rear midship or rear engined, no more than 50% of its weight at the front wheels. at least 220hp. at most 3100lbs. 2+2 seating. perferrably NA, rotary or more than 4 cylinders. (this might not be possible for this price range)


Section 2: Please rank the following coupes and 3-door hatchbacks from 1-9, where 1 indicates the vehicle you would be most likely to buy, and 9 indicates the vehicle you would be least likely to buy.
1 Acura RSX Type S
9 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24/Pontiac Sunfire GT coupe
3 Ford Focus SVT
8 Honda Civic SiR
7 Hyundai Tiburon GT
4 Mini Cooper S
6 Mitsubishi Eclipse V6
2 Toyota Celica GTS
5 VW Golf GTi

Rank the following sedans and 5-door hatchbacks.
9 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 sedan
2 Dodge SRT-4
6 Ford Focus SVT 5-door
7 Mazda Protege5
1 Mazdaspeed Protégé
10 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally
3 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
8 Pontiac Vibe GT/Toyota Matrix XRS
4 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
5 VW Jetta 1.8T


Section 3 (optional): For any/all of the above following cars, list a few things you like most about the vehicle, and a few things you like least about the vehicle.

overall balanced performer
overall fit, finish, and styling of interior
exterior styling
MASSIVE amounts of HP
6 cylinder engine


Section 4 (optional): Demographics. Tell us a bit about yourself. Only answer if you feel comfortable doing so. [/B]

23 year old, middle class male

is this some kinda marketing survey ?? i would like to kno what company this data is going to.

Section 1: What do you look for in a sport compact car?
Excellent Handling, 6.0 seconds 0-60, decent fuel economy >20mpg, aggressive but restrained looks, base price around US$30k,

What would turn you off from buying a sport compact car?
“Trying to hard look” e.i. Whale Tail, and all the other “ricing” which is should be left entirely to aftermarket teenagers.

If you could design the perfect sport compact car for you (be
reasonable) for the same price range as the vehicles listed below, what would it be like?
Excellent Handling, 5.5 seconds 0-60, decent fuel economy >20mpg, aggressive but restrained looks, base price around US$30k,


Section 2: Please rank the following coupes and 3-door hatchbacks from 1-9, where 1 indicates the vehicle you would be most likely to buy, and 9 indicates the vehicle you would be least likely to buy.
1 Acura RSX Type S
9 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24/Pontiac Sunfire GT coupe
4 Ford Focus SVT
2 Honda Civic SiR
8 Hyundai Tiburon GT
3 Mini Cooper S
5 Mitsubishi Eclipse V6
6 Toyota Celica GTS
7 VW Golf GTi

Rank the following sedans and 5-door hatchbacks. (1-10)
10 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 sedan
9 Dodge SRT-4
3 Ford Focus SVT 5-door
1 Mazda Protege5
5 Mazdaspeed Protégé
8 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally
6 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
4 Pontiac Vibe GT/Toyota Matrix XRS
7 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
2 VW Jetta 1.8T


Section 3 (optional): For any/all of the above following cars, list a few things you like most about the vehicle, and a few things you like least about the vehicle.

Least liked about Ipreza & Lancer: Butt ugly styling

Section 4 (optional): Demographics. Tell us a bit about yourself. Only answer if you feel comfortable doing so.
Age: 40
Income > $100k/yr
Single (again!!!!!!!)
Homeowner

Section 1: What do you look for in a sport compact car?
A car that screams drive me hard, this encompasses the fun factor, which to me is, most importantly is handling meaning a car that u can push at 90 into a corner and have confidence in it, a 0-60 under 6.5, a 1/4 mile under 14.2, Rear Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive depending upon if the added weight is worth the power transferred to the ground, High build quality exterior as well as interior, a curb weight of around 2800, a price of about 30k, an aggressive look as well as stance, reliability 100k miles+, practicality, and lastly the WOW factor just something that makes everyone go ooouuuuu ahhhhhhhh.

What would turn you off from buying a sport compact car?
Compromises, such as curb weight for more "features", an automatic tranny, raw power with nothing to back it up i.e. a spin out machine, God awful styling i.e. lancer evo/WRX, a redline under 7500, to much understeer, not being able to feel the car as when you take a turn to much comfort in other words, bad reviews from highly regarded magazines etc, and anything contrary to what was mentioned in question number 1.

If you could design the perfect sport compact car for you (be
reasonable) for the same price range as the vehicles listed below, what would it be like?

AMAZING performance, Great style, innovation, practicality,:
27-31k
220+ hp
160+ Torque
8-9000rpm redline

Existing examples would include the Mazda Rx-8/Honda S2000


Section 2: Please rank the following coupes and 3-door hatchbacks from 1-9, where 1 indicates the vehicle you would be most likely to buy, and 9 indicates the vehicle you would be least likely to buy.
1. Acura RSX Type S
9. Chevrolet Cavalier Z24/Pontiac Sunfire GT coupe
4. Ford Focus SVT
7. Honda Civic SiR
6. Hyundai Tiburon GT
8. Mini Cooper S
5. Mitsubishi Eclipse V6
2. Toyota Celica GTS
3. VW Golf GTi

Rank the following sedans and 5-door hatchbacks.
10. Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 sedan
5. Dodge SRT-4
2. Ford Focus SVT 5-door
3. Mazda Protege5
1. Mazdaspeed Protégé
6. Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally
7. Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
9. Pontiac Vibe GT/Toyota Matrix XRS
8. Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
4. VW Jetta 1.8T


Section 3 (optional): For any/all of the above following cars, list a few things you like most about the vehicle, and a few things you like least about the vehicle.

Acura RSX Type S
Likes- Performance, Styling, and Build Quality
Dislikes- Bang for buck

Section 4 (optional): Demographics. Tell us a bit about yourself. Only answer if you feel comfortable doing so.

Age: 16
Gender: Male
Employed: Yes
Married: No

Section 1: What do you look for in a sport compact car?
Decent body styling. Something that would set it apart from it's stock brother (if there is one). Fast off the line, but has to be able to handle corners. Preferably a back seat, but a 2 door. Must have a decent transmission. Has to be affordable to young people.

What would turn you off from buying a sport compact car?
"Ricer" look, all show and no go. Putting some badging on it and trying to pass it off as a sports car. No manual. Poor handling ability.

If you could design the perfect sport compact car for you (be
reasonable) for the same price range as the vehicles listed below, what would it be like?
Start off at $20,000 with few opitons, but a powerful engine, and top out at about $30,000 with everything. A slick 6 speed. At least 160 HP and a light car (2750). Good seats (bolstering). A not overly aggressive styling, but sleek.

Section 2: Please rank the following coupes and 3-door hatchbacks from 1-9, where 1 indicates the vehicle you would be most likely to buy, and 9 indicates the vehicle you would be least likely to buy.
1 Acura RSX Type S
9 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24/Pontiac Sunfire GT coupe
2 Ford Focus SVT
3 Honda Civic SiR
8 Hyundai Tiburon GT
6 Mini Cooper S
7 Mitsubishi Eclipse V6
4 Toyota Celica GTS
5 VW Golf GTi

Rank the following sedans and 5-door hatchbacks.
Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 sedan
2 Dodge SRT-4
3 Ford Focus SVT 5-door
8 Mazda Protege5
1 Mazdaspeed Protégé
9 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally
4 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
6 Pontiac Vibe GT/Toyota Matrix XRS
7 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
5 VW Jetta 1.8T


Section 3 (optional): For your top 3 choices of the above vehicles, list a few things you like most about the vehicle, and a few things you like least about the vehicle.

Acura RSX Type S
Likes: High quality engine and transmission, Honda reliability, quality materials and costucion.
Dislikes: Expesive compared to some, odd front end styling.

Ford Focus SVT
Likes: Sleeper performance, fun to drive, realitively inexpensive.
Dislikes: Numerous reacalls, Ford product.

Honda Civic SiR
Likes: Honda relabililty, good engine, RSX performance.
Dislikes: Goofy styling.
---

Mazdaspeed Protégé
Likes: Powerful engine, unique interior looks, outside styling, faster than you expect from a Protege.
Dislikes: Hard to find (works both ways).

Dodge SRT-4
Likes: FAST, great seats, bang for the buck.
Dislikes: Possible unreliabilty, Ugly front end, overthetop spoiler.

Ford Focus SVT 5-door
Likes: Same as for above.
Dislikes: Once again ford relibilty.

howdy everyone i have been lurking on this forum for some time now and when i saw this post i just had to post a response.

Section 1: What do you look for in a sport compact car?

first the driving stuff. Easy over steer at safe speeds most easily obtained buy rwd, sub 9 sec 0-60, good steering feel again easily acheived by not using power steering, brakes that dont fade much, and finally a good rod linkage manual transmission

now the real stuff smallish size, 4 real seats and a real trunk(able to seat two 6'2ers and two 6 footers in a pinch along with my keg-a-Q and a cooler with be...r soda.) has a glove box that can actually fit the owners manual(not like my brothers PT cruiser) decent gas mileage around 24mpg is ok and a price ceiling of 24k

What would turn you off from buying a sport compact car?

looks that would make me want to puke(echo, aztek), trunk that cannot fit the keg-a-Q, utter lack of steering feel, cabin that is way too quiet, squealy understeering front wheel drive, automatic. manumatic only options,

If you could design the perfect sport compact car for you (be
reasonable) for the same price range as the vehicles listed below, what would it be like?

RWD, around 180hp 150 ftlbs of torque, 2 doors(plus maybe two suicide doors :) ), 4 real seats with a trunk that fits the keg-a-Q, easy, safe oversteer, around 2700lbs curb weight. rod linkage manual transmission with 6 gears if possible, an intresting and not too cheap looking interior and decent fuel economy

Section 2: Please rank the following coupes and 3-door hatchbacks from 1-9, where 1 indicates the vehicle you would be most likely to buy, and 9 indicates the vehicle you would be least likely to buy.
3 Acura RSX Type S
9 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24/Pontiac Sunfire GT coupe
1 Ford Focus SVT
5 Honda Civic SiR
6 Hyundai Tiburon GT
2 Mini Cooper S
8 Mitsubishi Eclipse V6
4 Toyota Celica GTS
7 VW Golf GTi

Rank the following sedans and 5-door hatchbacks. (1-10)
10 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 sedan
4 Dodge SRT-4
2 Ford Focus SVT 5-door
5 Mazda Protege5
1 Mazdaspeed Protégé
9 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally
6 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
8 Pontiac Vibe GT/Toyota Matrix XRS
3 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
7 VW Jetta 1.8T

Section 3 (optional): For any/all of the above following cars, list a few things you like most about the vehicle, and a few things you like least about the vehicle.

Ford Focus
like- Cheap, perfect size, good balance of handling, power, and braking, 6 speed. nice powertrain warranty

dislike- kinda cheap interior, engine is laughable considering the next generation 4cly family for ford is already out

VW golf/jetta

like- nice interior, stonking engine

dislike- kinda high price, shifter feels kinda vauge, steering is a sad joke offering no feel. Other cars make fun of it for eating too many doughnuts

Subaru

Like- sounds like a car should, awd is about as close as you can get to rwd in this segment currently(hint hint)

dislike- interior is pretty cheap, awd is really heavy

Section 4 (optional): Demographics. Tell us a bit about yourself. Only answer if you feel comfortable doing so.

Age 20, previous cars include a 83 BMW 320i that died with 268k on the odo, a 88 5.0 mustang, and my moms 99 cougar and my dads 96 miata (mmmm best tranny). currently looking to buy a beater for my last two years of colledge and to serve out the rest of the my time in the penalty box for getting a speeding ticket last year

I play rugby for UW madison, support all my states sports teams including the wayward brewers, and enjoy outdoors activitys including hunting fishing and driving for no good reason to places i have never been.

wheew! that was a long first post hope this helps

:cool: welcome to the forum Stefchu... thanks for contributing. :)

Ho boy Keech has a bad sig.

Section 1: What do you look for in a sport compact car?
Sportiness comes first. Decent power for the size of car. RWD preferred but AWD in a pinch and FWD in the right car. Good handling and good brakes. Nice styling that’s not over-done. a well balanced car with no torque stear. A cheap easily replaced stereo or even better a no stereo option.

What would turn you off from buying a sport compact car?
FWD. Packaging that makes the price skyrocket especially when it adds lots of weight and things I do not want. Simple packaging and lots of stand alone options that I can pick and choose from.

If you could design the perfect sport compact car for you (be
reasonable) for the same price range as the vehicles listed below, what would it be like?
I always liked the Pontiac sunfire original concept. If they had given us that car in RWD, with some Honda craftsmanship and materials, Mazda handling and manual shifter (6-speed close ratio) with a turbo option for extra power and Toyota and Honda ease of upgrade that would be my choice.


Section 2: Please rank the following coupes and 3-door hatchbacks from 1-9, where 1 indicates the vehicle you would be most likely to buy, and 9 indicates the vehicle you would be least likely to buy.
1 Acura RSX Type S
5 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24/Pontiac Sunfire GT coupe
6 Ford Focus SVT
4 Honda Civic SiR
7 Hyundai Tiburon GT
3 Mini Cooper S
8 Mitsubishi Eclipse V6
2 Toyota Celica GTS
9 VW Golf GTi

Rank the following sedans and 5-door hatchbacks.
9 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 sedan
4 Dodge SRT-4
3 Ford Focus SVT 5-door
6 Mazda Protege5
1 Mazdaspeed Protégé
10 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally
7 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
5 Pontiac Vibe GT/Toyota Matrix XRS
2 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
8 VW Jetta 1.8T


Section 3 (optional): For any/all of the above following cars, list a few things you like most about the vehicle, and a few things you like least about the vehicle.
The oz rally edition is just wrong. The 2.5rs is nice but I’d take the WRX now. The srt-4 is an all around great car but I don’t like the styling. The Mazdaspeed protégé is the one I would definitely like to have for the all around fun factor and styling (except that spicey orange paint)

Section 4 (optional): Demographics. Tell us a bit about yourself. Only answer if you feel comfortable doing so.
35 yrs old male Caucasian. Married no children (yet)
__________________

QUOTE:35 yrs old male Caucasian. Married no children (yet)

HAHAHAHAHA
YOu act like you're 4!!!!!!
Oh, what? Whhat! Whatcha goin ta do now, mr. Bling Bling from the Rent King!

actually i'm still 34 but not for long i knew you were out there waiting with a snide remark and yet i posted anyway:confused: uhh, whats a rent king? how long have you been 12 anyway? planning to stay in school forever are you?:p ;)

Whatcha goin ta do now, mr. Bling Bling from the Rent King!

turn off my computer and go home. sniff sniff sob

Actually, I'm not 12. I'm 50 in cat years so ha! lol

yes, how about some nice replies for G-Dawg, eh??

G-dawg? Ho boy. I have some work ahead of me. If I have a friend wjho wants to be a wigger, he damn well better do it right! *Takes him off to listen to Eminem for a couple hours*

Section 1: What do you look for in a sport compact car?
In order,
1. Manual Transmission
2. Excellent Handling
3. RWD!, AWD considered, never WWD (Wrong wheel drive, also known as Front wheel drive)
4. Decent Power (I own a Miata - that just *barely* qualifies)
5. Competetive in SCCA Solo II class
6. Not too ugly (I like subtle, classic styling)

What would turn you off from buying a sport compact car?
1. Automatic only
2. Bad handling
3. FWD
4. Lack of power
5. Not a fun autocrosser
6. Over the top styling

If you could design the perfect sport compact car for you (be reasonable) for the same price range as the vehicles listed below, what would it be like?
Take the base 2002 Miata with the sport suspension, and remove 200 lbs. No need for it to be convertible.


Section 2: Please rank the following coupes and 3-door hatchbacks from 1-9, where 1 indicates the vehicle you would be most likely to buy, and 9 indicates the vehicle you would be least likely to buy.
(Note, I would never buy any of them, since they're all FWD, but here's the list)
1. Acura RSX Type S
2. Toyota Celica GTS
3. Mini Cooper S
4. Honda Civic SiR
5. Ford Focus SVT
6. Mitsubishi Eclipse V6
7. VW Golf GTi
8. Hyundai Tiburon GT
9. Chevrolet Cavalier Z24/Pontiac Sunfire GT coupe



Rank the following sedans and 5-door hatchbacks.

1. Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
2. Mazdaspeed Protégé
3. Mazda Protege5
4. Dodge SRT-4
5. Ford Focus SVT 5-door
6. Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
7. VW Jetta 1.8T
8. Pontiac Vibe GT/Toyota Matrix XRS
9. Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally
10. Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 sedan

Section 3 (optional): For any/all of the above following cars, list a few things you like most about the vehicle, and a few things you like least about the vehicle.
Acura RSX Type S - Drove one, and liked the connectedness with the road. It was very communicative and direct, despite being wrong wheel drive. I *loved* the engine. Just not enough power.
Subaru 2.5RS, I don't consider it sporty, but it would make a good boring sedan, since it's AWD.

Section 4 (optional): Demographics. Tell us a bit about yourself. Only answer if you feel comfortable doing so.
26 years old, engineer, physics degree, long-term girlfriend/wife also an engineer. No kids, and no plans for any. Own a Miata as my daily driver, looking at the RX-8 to replace our boring 626 sedan, which we got before we were both working. Regular autocrosser, skydiver, high-end audio enthusiast (not car audio), juggler/unicylist/firebreather, complete college hockey fanatic.

dejavu! its like reading the same post over and over again. curse u grimace for making the survey so long! ;)

Then don't reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed it. No ones forcing you to.
Course you could say the same thing about breathing, yeah?

Thanks to everyone for taking the survey, it is greatly appreciated! If there is anyone else out there who wants to take it, but thinks its too long, the most important thing out of the whole survey is the ranking of the vehicles.

That and getting toasted. Nicely toasted.

Section 1: What do you look for in a sport compact car?
i look for a nice amount of power and tourque and i would
like a turbocharged engine.


What would turn you off from buying a sport compact car?
if like a million people have it, like for example civics,integra,ect.

If you could design the perfect sport compact car for you (be
reasonable) for the same price range as the vehicles listed below, what would it be like?
High revving, not heavy, turbocharge wit upgrades, fair price, carbon fiber stuff, mazda6 handling, and as fun as a miata:D .

Section 2: Please rank the following coupes and 3-door hatchbacks from 1-9, where 1 indicates the vehicle you would be most likely to buy, and 9 indicates the vehicle you would be least likely to buy.
1VW GOLF GTI
2FORD FOCUS SVT
4MINI COOPER S
6MITSCHUBISHI ECLIPSE V6
5TOYOTA CELICA GTS
3ACURA RSX TYPE S
7Chevrolet Cavalier Z24/Pontiac Sunfire GT coupe
8Honda Civic SiR
9Hyundai Tiburon GT

Rank the following sedans and 5-door hatchbacks.
7Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 sedan
2Dodge SRT-4
3Ford Focus SVT 5-door
4Mazda Protege5
1Mazdaspeed Protégé
8Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally
10Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
9Pontiac Vibe GT/Toyota Matrix XRS
6Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
5VW Jetta 1.8T

Section 3 (optional): For any/all of the above following cars, list a few things you like most about the vehicle, and a few things you like least about the vehicle.

MAZDASPEED Protege-
likes:its turbocharged wit intercooler and its a mazda.
dilikes:not enough horsepower and it need more boost.

Dodge SRT4-
likes-its turbocharged wit intercooler , and it has the best stock turbo on a sport compact car.
dislikes-its a domestic.

Hyundai Tiburon GT-
likes:aggresive look, it reminds me of the supra
dislikes-not turbo and its a hyndai(ewwwwooo)


Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V-
likes: the SER sign
dislikes- its a NISSAN (cheap ass fuckers) no turbo!




Section 4 (optional): Demographics. Tell us a bit about yourself. Only answer if you feel comfortable doing so
IM 14, IM IN 9TH GRADE , I WAS BORN IN 1988 IN OCTOBER,7, MY PARENST OWN A 1996 MAZDA 626 (wit fuel injection) AND A 2002 MAZDA MILLENIA. I LOVE MAZDA AND HOPEFULLY ILL GET A MAZDA ROTARY VEHICLE FOR MY COLLEGE PRESENT
:D

How is something having a TC and an intercooler good? The power it recieves from it may be good, but having a turbocharger is no means to buy a car. I'd rather have a 165 hp Sentra engine than a 170 hp Protege engine which is not N/A. Sure, it has a little more power, but it's got that turbo lag. Something VERY tricky to get rid of. Course, some companies make it non existant, like the R34.

Originally posted by ilovepotatos
How is something having a TC and an intercooler good? The power it recieves from it may be good, but having a turbocharger is no means to buy a car. I'd rather have a 165 hp Sentra engine than a 170 hp Protege engine which is not N/A. Sure, it has a little more power, but it's got that turbo lag. Something VERY tricky to get rid of. Course, some companies make it non existant, like the R34.

I agree with most of what you said, except about the 170 HP Protege engine. Its not laggy at all because it has the same compression as a regular Protege 2.0L. Upto 3000 RPM it feels the same as a Protege, after that it just keeps coming on strong. If you didn't look under the hood (or hear the BOV) you'd swear it was a small V6.

very true, callaway did an awsome job with the turbo set up. Like Grimace said, you would think it's got a N/A v6 under the hood judging from the way it drives.

Yeah, I've only seen 1 MPS Protégé in my life, and that was along a turnoff on the highway. I never got to listen to it, of course.
Grimace, do you have any links to pictures of your purple goodness? I could make some amusing pictures! (Or I could just be a fool), either way it makes EVERYONE else on the board look incredibly intelligent compared to me! :D :D :D

I found that picture by typing in "Grimace" in google's image search engine. :)
I'm afraid of what you'll do... very afraid...

*Begins the countdown to Armaggedon*

One more after this:

That's it! I promise!
*uncrosses fingers*

*can barely breathe as going hysterical with laughter*

Just doing my job.

You've got way too much time on your hands man! :D

LMAO hahahaha the marion jones bit put it over the top hahahah!!

*Government Warning*
The preceeding was an incredibly sick and childesh insult of Marion Jones. Do not worry, the authorities have "dealt" with the situation, and this self proclaimed "ilovepotatos" is currently locked in a room...with Marion Jones. What they are doing is not known, but please be advised that she is a sexually deprived hormone pumping ûberbitch. The preceeding was an incredibly sick and childesh insult of Marion Jones.
Oh yeah, and Grimace too.

Thanks for all the responses once again.
I'll let you guys know why I posted the survey early next week.

Disclaimer: I came from a big car family and have spent most of my life in the biggest sedans on the market. I'm a lot more focused on practicality, I think, than most people in this type of market. Value my input at 50% or 25% of everyone else's appropriately.

-Section 1: What do you look for in a sport compact car?

What I really want is reasonable speed, decent comfort, good handling, and great styling. However, I need reliability, safety, good visibility, and reasonable gas mileage.


-What would turn you off from buying a sport compact car?

Like I said, low reliability, poor crash ratings or braking, really bad visibility, or unusually bad gas mileage would stop me immediately. Otherwise, bland styling, poor performance, or markedly uncomfortable seating would be drawbacks.

-If you could design the perfect sport compact car for you (be
reasonable) for the same price range as the vehicles listed below, what would it be like?

RWD Civic Si would do the job, or RWD RSX with a slightly less bland appearance.

Section 2: Please rank the following coupes and 3-door hatchbacks from 1-9, where 1 indicates the vehicle you would be most likely to buy, and 9 indicates the vehicle you would be least likely to buy.
1 Acura RSX Type S
9 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24/Pontiac Sunfire GT coupe
8 Ford Focus SVT
2 Honda Civic SiR
6 Hyundai Tiburon GT
4 Mini Cooper S
5 Mitsubishi Eclipse V6
3 Toyota Celica GTS
7 VW Golf GTi

Rank the following sedans and 5-door hatchbacks.
8 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 sedan
9 Dodge SRT-4
7 Ford Focus SVT 5-door
4 Mazda Protege5
5 Mazdaspeed Protégé
6 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally
3 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
1 Pontiac Vibe GT/Toyota Matrix XRS
2 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
6 VW Jetta 1.8T


Section 3 (optional): For any/all of the above following cars, list a few things you like most about the vehicle, and a few things you like least about the vehicle.

The Jetta and Golf, Neon, and Focus have been having reliability problems. The Cavalier has below average crash ratings.

I'd say every other car in the group would be fair game for a test drive for me.



Section 4 (optional): Demographics. Tell us a bit about yourself. Only answer if you feel comfortable doing so.

26, married, soon to be parent. Cars: '86 T-bird, '87 Cutlass, '01 Impala.

Originally posted by Grimace
Thanks for all the responses once again.
I'll let you guys know why I posted the survey early next week.

I'm sure you're busy ... (and I've counted - it's been over 30 days ...) so here I am waiting to see if we've helped contribute anything useful to the world of automotive design (a childhood dream) or Ralph Naders Raiders ...

;)

you missed his other post (http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3685) :D ;)

Originally posted by zoom44
you missed his other post (http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3685) :D ;)

:)

Thanks, I was on vaction all last week and didn't notice the new post (but Family Guy's post showed up in the new post search and got me wondering ... )