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Is Altezza A Great Ride?; thinking of getting one
Topic Started: Feb 19 2007, 01:41 AM (935 Views)
barney
Soccer Mom
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Hi Mates,

I'm new here to this Altezza forum and im glad to be a part of it now :D .

Alright, i have a few questions to all the current Altezza owners. What do you think of the Altezza? Is it a good ride and comfortable ride? I'm was seriously thinking of getting the S15 in the 1st place but Altezza just pop into my mind. S15 is more like a sport car with 2 doors and turbo charged engine where else the Altezza RS200 is a 4 door sport sedan. I'm looking for a comfy ride that has the power on the wheels so that is why im looking at the Altezza. Handling wise, which is better?

One more thing, Altezza is a FR so can it drift using all standards mods? Im trying to ask if the Altezza can drift like an AE86. Im not a drift maniac or in the 1st place. Just want to get the feel of sliding the car with a FR 2-3 corners just for the sick of fun once in a while. Can the stock Altezza do that?

I guess that's all i want to ask here. Tell me what do you think about the Altezza please! Thanks~
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greeneyes
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Targa Master
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Handling is superb, and drivability better than an S15.

It has a comfortable ride and still keeps good cornering, but the low-end power is nothing like a turbo when it starts to boost.

If you want drifting, just put cheap Chinese tyres on the back! :lol:
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TRDteaser
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Soccer Mom
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I've owned alot of cars but the Altezza is by far the best one I've owned. It handles well at high speed and has definitely got alot of power.

Green Eyes is right about the tyres. Just throw them on the back and your away. I've drifted mine a few times. There not exactly a drifting car but it can be done.

I fullly reccommend the Altezza!!!
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xero
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3X Repeat Offender
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I test drove an s15 before the altezza... The s15 felt lighter, but the driving position didnt really suit me... The altezza is comfy, good on long trips, handels very nicely at high and low speeds, the s15 dosent have the rev range of the altezza, and the power is higher in the revs, which is fun to play with :D

Over all the altezza is the better car, especially if you have mates that need carting around... and its not much heavier, with altezza at 1360kg's, and the silvia at 1240kg's... not too much in it...
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Dodgy guy
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I've got a mate who owns a s15.

When i've driven it i found that the S15 is quicker in a straight line but seems to lack the balance the altezza has.

However if you want to mod your car - the S15 seems to be alot easier in the sense theres alot you can do to squeeze alot more power out. The RS200's come near maxed from factory.

Price wise they are both about the same.

I'd pick the altezza just cos it looks nicer, one of the best handling RWD's ive heard of and its toyota - itll last forever!! :woot:
"HONDA......see god does have a sense of humor"
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CoffeeBoss
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Consider you will mostly only get good reports from an Altezza forum on the question of 'Is Altezza A Great Ride?'

That said, stock for stock the Altezza handles at least as well as an S15, but you get more boot space and 2.5 extra seats.

For drift, as Keith said, cheap rubber on the back. For serious drift, improved chassis rigidity and more torque via headers or forced induction would probably be the order of the day. But always start with improving driving technique first.

It is considered by many Toyota fanboys, and the Best Motoring guys, to be the spiritual successor to the AE86.
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jeremyflower
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Anything but soccer mom...
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Yeah we're not really the best people to ask for an unbiased opinion ;-)
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Dodgy guy
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have a look at the dog and lemon guide too
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alimac
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Canterbury, NZ
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Dog and lemon guide won't tell you about the RS200 though
Yellow RS200z 6MT
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drjay
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Lowered
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barney,Feb 19 2007
02:41 AM
One more thing, Altezza is a FR so can it drift using all standards mods? Im trying to ask if the Altezza can drift like an AE86. Im not a drift maniac or in the 1st place. Just want to get the feel of sliding the car with a FR 2-3 corners just for the sick of fun once in a while. Can the stock Altezza do that?

Sorry to sound stupid but I assume FR means something about front wheel drive? Altezza's are Rear wheel (or four-wheel eh Al). The AE86 reference doesn't help, most were FWD but of course there was the old Trueno RWD (ahh... those were the days...)
Current ride: 2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Previous rides: 2007 Subaru Impreza S-GT, 2007 Golf GT, 2003 Nissan 350z, 2001 Altezza Gita AS300, 1996 Honda Civic Type-R, omg I'm getting old.
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jeremyflower
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Anything but soccer mom...
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drjay,Feb 19 2007
08:47 PM
barney,Feb 19 2007
02:41 AM
One more thing, Altezza is a FR so can it drift using all standards mods? Im trying to ask if the Altezza can drift like an AE86. Im not a drift maniac or in the 1st place. Just want to get the feel of sliding the car with a FR 2-3 corners just for the sick of fun once in a while. Can the stock Altezza do that?

Sorry to sound stupid but I assume FR means something about front wheel drive? Altezza's are Rear wheel (or four-wheel eh Al). The AE86 reference doesn't help, most were FWD but of course there was the old Trueno RWD (ahh... those were the days...)

It's a Gran Turismo reference.

FR = front engine, rear wheel drive
FF = front engine, front wheel drive

Hope that helps...
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TTEETT
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drjay,Feb 19 2007
08:47 PM
barney,Feb 19 2007
02:41 AM
One more thing, Altezza is a FR so can it drift using all standards mods? Im trying to ask if the Altezza can drift like an AE86. Im not a drift maniac or in the 1st place. Just want to get the feel of sliding the car with a FR 2-3 corners just for the sick of fun once in a while. Can the stock Altezza do that?

Sorry to sound stupid but I assume FR means something about front wheel drive? Altezza's are Rear wheel (or four-wheel eh Al). The AE86 reference doesn't help, most were FWD but of course there was the old Trueno RWD (ahh... those were the days...)

All AE-86 are rear drive.

The S15 and Altezza’s are two very different cars, it’s a funny comparison.

I would go for the Altezza if you like to cart family and friends around a lot, but also enjoy the odd spirited blat in the country, the Altezza has awesome chaises balance and very adjustable natural handling, making it a brilliant car for someone who is not used to rear wheel drive.

I would go for the S15 if you don’t need the practicality of a 4-door and you looking for a more focused sports car, its handling will most likely be a bit of a hand full at first but once mastered these cars are absolutely sensational.

Personally id go for the S15 as they are rare as hens teeth in comparison, they are still very popular in Japan witch means you wont find 10,000 of them for sale on trade-me and they will still be worth over 10 grand in 5 years.
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Spanky69r
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jeremyflower,Feb 19 2007
06:07 PM
Yeah we're not really the best people to ask for an unbiased opinion ;-)

exactly what i was goin to say
coming onto a altezza forum ur always gonna get a swayed vote towards that car

having owned a s15 spec r and altezza rs200

hmmmm yeah 2 different cars really

yeah the s15 was more of a sports go fast car, definitly faster and doesnt handle to bad
of course theyre both gonna handle pretty ave unless u start doing suspension mods

the altezza for me was just a cruising car

hmmmm what one would i pick? hmmmm well lets just say id only get another altezza if it was turbo'd, and would pick it over the s15 ONLY because of the 4 door situation
CJC
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drjay
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TTEETT,Feb 20 2007
03:28 PM
All AE-86 are rear drive.

So I did sound stupid (lucky I apologised for it first eh ;)) I was getting myself mixed up with the AE82..
Current ride: 2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Previous rides: 2007 Subaru Impreza S-GT, 2007 Golf GT, 2003 Nissan 350z, 2001 Altezza Gita AS300, 1996 Honda Civic Type-R, omg I'm getting old.
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Jase
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Auckland, NZ > Tsing Yi, HK
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Altezza = 4 door = good
S15 = 2 door = not as good

Altezza = N/A = cheaper insurance and less fuel = not as quick
S15 = Turbo = expensive insurance and more fuel = quicker

Altezza = 6 speed = S15 = good

Altezza = FR = S15 = goooood

:rolleyes:
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Spanky69r
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Jase,Feb 22 2007
07:45 AM
Altezza = 4 door = good
S15 = 2 door = not as good

Altezza = N/A = cheaper insurance and less fuel = not as quick
S15 = Turbo = expensive insurance and more fuel = quicker

Altezza = 6 speed = S15 = good

Altezza = FR = S15 = goooood

:rolleyes:

hahah funny u say that

my s15 was cheaper and insured for way more
CJC
We Run Shit
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barney
Soccer Mom
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Wow. quite a number of respond there :D . Thanks for the feed back guys!!! I guess i'll settle it over with an ALTEZZA!! I've just dump in my deposit to get the car already! Not sure when can i get the car, may be in 1-2 weeks.

To me the Altezza is much appropriate car to drive. If i get a S15 i my parent will not be that happy and if im going to fetch some friends to some place it's gonna be difficult. So the Altezza wins over the S15. The Altezza cannot run as fast as the S15 but mods can be done to over come it with a TURBO. Don't forget the Altezza really looks good for a 4 door sport sedan car...am i right guys B) ?

Well...once again thanks guys. Once i get my hands of the car i'll share some pics with you guys here on this forum. Looking forward to learn from you guys~ ;)
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Wagon
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Soccer Mom
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For sure the Altezza is the best car I have owned. It is really comfortable and has plenty of power, plus a great sound.
My mate is building an S15 and is spending heaps on just getting standard parts for it. And being so rare the modding might be a bit more than a Tez.
:)
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JACK
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N/A Nut
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the S15 is a fun car to drive but with the spooling of the turbo and setup it can be very deadly :D well deadly on your pocket coz it will spin out easily.

altezzas tend to be more stable and controlled but it might have to do with the fact that its got quiet a few ponies less in power both on the lower and upper end of the rev scale.

I bought mine instead of the S15 because I wanted 4 doors and coming from a DC2 integra... its been great !

but the fun factor of driving has gone because i now drive an altezza.... don't get me wrong... great cars.... fantastic cruisers but they are ccrap for low end power... ie traffic jams... and not that fast if you are a part time speed freak like me.

great thing about altezza's is that they drive quite well... stable is a good word to describe it..


I have to say though.... the freeken loose bolts and rattles in the car anoys the hell out of me!
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Spanky69r
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Wagon,Feb 27 2007
07:18 PM
For sure the Altezza is the best car I have owned. It is really comfortable and has plenty of power, plus a great sound.
My mate is building an S15 and is spending heaps on just getting standard parts for it. And being so rare the modding might be a bit more than a Tez.
:)

modding a s15 is rare?

sr20det engines are easy to get parts for, both standard and aftermkt

i reakon in terms of modding exterior i reakon the tezza is harder in NZ to get parts for
and the engine isnt exactly the easiest or cheapest
CJC
We Run Shit
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