Beginner Rallycross Car? (+Daily Driver)

[u/Ordinary-Ad5146]

I have a multiple sided question regarding beginner rallycross cars. To start, I currently daily drive a 1990 Mazda Miata, which is currently setup for street/track driving. I've been considering getting a new daily on the account that the Miata probably isn't the safest daily (front airbag needs to be replaced and everything driving around me is a lifted F150 or large SUV). Most of the time people just don't see me on the road.

I'm also taking this opportunity to get an entry level rallycross car. I've wanted to get into rallycross for a while now, but didn't have a reason to get a whole new car. I know I can rallycross the Miata, but it's purpose built now for the HPDE track days, which I do a couple times a year. All in all, my goal is to find an entry level rallycross car that has modern safety features (front, rear, and side airbags, etc.).

So far, my choices are as follows:

• 2008-13 Subaru Impreza Hatchback
  • I like the extra room in the back on the Hatchback for day to day use
• 2008-13 Subaru Impreza WRX Hatchback
• 2013-2020 Subaru BR-Z / Scion FR-S

I'm currently leaning towards the 2008-13 base Impreza as I've heard a non-WRX model is a good place to start in the sport. I also feel like the 265hp of the WRX is a bit overwhelming for me considering I'm use to about 100hp haha. I haven't seen many people use this 3rd generation Impreza in the first place, so I'm not sure if it's the best choice. If daily driving safety wasn't a concern I'd get a 2007 Impreza (Hawkeye), but it's kind of the whole reason behind the purchase (07 lacks in safety features). The rallycross aspect is a fun bonus.

Anyway, I'd appreciate any input on this topic! I know it's probably not a typical topic for rallycross, but I wasn't finding much online to help make my decision.

[u/Entire_Bluebird_7802]

I started RallyX in an 03 wrx and definitely took ~a season to grow into the car and handle the power without overdriving. Power to weight won't be great on the impreza if you are going to keep it dailyable but it shouldn't stop you from being able to have fun and be mildly competitive in a stock class. If I were to do it again I would do the wrx>base for sure, just make sure it's been very well maintained if you do.

A friend of mine has a new 86(BRZ/FRS clone) that he rallycrosses and he/it are super competitive in stock form, also super fun. If you like your miata and RWD I would 100% recommend an 86/BRZ/FRS as a rallyX+daily option. Be aware that if your courses are bumpy you will likely lose/scuff bumpers so I would recommend getting one that already isn't the prettiest.

[u/Ordinary-Ad5146 → u/Entire_Bluebird_7802]

I can definitely see getting the WRX would be a solid foundation to grow on. For now, I'm primarily looking to just get into the sport and have fun, while also keeping repair costs down.

[u/Entire_Bluebird_7802 → u/Ordinary-Ad5146]

That was also my mindset going in. I just got the WRX because it was nearby and dirt cheap. I was definitely frustrated at first because I was bad but idk if having less power would've helped or not. So far it has been nothing but reliable. I don't daily it though so definitely a different situation. The turbo and awd combo makes it a lot of fun and my NA and RWD friends that have hopped in it love it.

That said, for a daily combo the BRZ seems like the move considering they have come down in price so much and are pretty reliable. Unless you really want to switch to AWD platform from RWD. If you are racing NWRA you wont be at a competitive disadvantage because they split FWD and RWD, and unlike HDPE and AutoX, FWD typically has a big advantage on RWD.

[u/Ordinary-Ad5146 → u/Entire_Bluebird_7802]

Cool, thanks for the feedback! I'm glad to hear the WRX is working out for you!

Honestly, the WRXs in my area (ones not modified to hell and back) have about a $1-2k difference from that of base Impreza's. I was mainly considering them just because the price wasn't that bad. However, my main concern for the WRX is the reliability over daily use and the price to repair.

I'm definitely not opposed to the BRZ/FRS! They look great and seem to be fun cars to drive. I'll give them another look! I think the only reason I put them behind the Impreza is because of the lack of storage from a daily driver practicality.

For context, I'm located near SF/San Jose California. Most of the RX is located near Sacramento, under California Rallycross Association.

[u/Entire_Bluebird_7802 → u/Ordinary-Ad5146]

Not sure what your classes would be like. I got into it with the only goal being have fun but by like my 3rd race I wanted to be competitive to some extent. Im sure with your experience in other racing you will know if this will be the same for you or if you wont care too much about placing.

If you do go turbo just make sure that if it's been modified at all its got a proper tune on it or that it has never been modified, otherwise you will blow that thing up.

Storage is tight but surprisingly not that terrible for racing, my buddy was bringing a full set of spares to swap on and race on back and forth to every race. Regarding daily drive use though definitely big difference there haha

[u/Ordinary-Ad5146 → u/Entire_Bluebird_7802]

Yeah I'm trying to avoid modified WRX's, but it's pretty hard to find one. Regardless, what I get I'll probably get a tune and/or have a mechanic check it out.

Wow, that's awesome he was able to fit the race spares in there! I just looked it up and it seems you can put the rear seats down to open up the area to the trunk giving you tons of space. This might meet my needs for a daily driver.