If driving fast on public road is considered racing (even though it's not condoned in TN), then YES.
Do they make good track cars? Short answer is YES.
Very low on power? It's a handling car, so power isn't everything (what's the point of more power if the driver has no skills to use and control it?). And if needed to be, just ask Wraith about his supercharged Echo and he'll tell you otherwise.
^^^Yes the suspensions are cheap (macstruts front, torsion beam rear), but the Echo is a relatively cheap car to begin with
It's subjective to say whether the suspension setup (or the Echo in general) is good for racing or not. Keep in mind the car was never "designed" with racing in mind, but those track-Echos proved such a theory wrong, as they can outcorner other more powerful but heavier cars on the same track.
Cheap is also good in a sense that, any damage done to the suspensions can be fixed at relatively cheaper price, compared to let's say trying to fix the older civic's double-wishbone setup.
Regarding whether Echo is a better racer than a civic, that's subjective as well. However, most people would weigh towards a civic (EG, EK, EP) as a better racer, usually because of the double-wishbones and higher power output (along with VTEC this and that), and all the modifications available in the Honda community. A supercharged Echo, however, can give those civics a run for their money.
Umm, seriously, for all you doubters and haters or just curious, just take a look at Wraith's track day story. I won't put up a link to that but I believe someone here already did.
Seriously, asking questions would still get you nowhere. Just get a chance to test drive one and find out for yourself!! PS: The new Yaris has the best braking performance within its own class (beating the Honda Fit, Mazda2, Mitsu Colt, etc), as was observed from an episode of Best Motoring, which should only be a reference, but regardless it's pretty impressive.
A supercharged Echo, however, can give those civics a run for their money.
A N/A Echo with bolt ons ( intake , header, and exhaust) with alot of suspension work can out run a civic very easily ... A Supercharged one with take down the big boys...
And trust me the suspension isnt cheap... Think about it ... The AE86 Corolla is one of the best handling cars out there. And its shares the same principle as the Echo... The AE86 solid rear axle, The Echo torsion beam ( might as well be a rear axle), The AE86 and The Echo has their spring and shocks divorced...
And trust me the suspension isnt cheap... Think about it ... The AE86 Corolla is one of the best handling cars out there. And its shares the same principle as the Echo... The AE86 solid rear axle, The Echo torsion beam ( might as well be a rear axle), The AE86 and The Echo has their spring and shocks divorced...
Oh I know, I'm not saying that it's "cheap" like you could get replacement parts from Price Costco. I meant that it's cheaper in cost relative to double-wishbone setups. I guess I should have said that in defence to what mr2driver said, but taken out of context in terms of real dollar signs.
So Wraith, what's the real cost of switching to coilovers? Since that's the ultimate (and most expensive but worthwhile) modification to turn something into a track racecar?
Oh I know, I'm not saying that it's "cheap" like you could get replacement parts from Price Costco. I meant that it's cheaper in cost relative to double-wishbone setups. I guess I should have said that in defence to what mr2driver said, but taken out of context in terms of real dollar signs.
So Wraith, what's the real cost of switching to coilovers? Since that's the ultimate (and most expensive but worthwhile) modification to turn something into a track racecar?
selling my Custom Tein coilovers with Swift Competition springs for $1300... To put together the same setup would run you close to $2500.00 dollars...
^^^Yes the suspensions are cheap (macstruts front, torsion beam rear), but the Echo is a relatively cheap car to begin with
It's subjective to say whether the suspension setup (or the Echo in general) is good for racing or not. Keep in mind the car was never "designed" with racing in mind, but those track-Echos proved such a theory wrong, as they can outcorner other more powerful but heavier cars on the same track.
Cheap is also good in a sense that, any damage done to the suspensions can be fixed at relatively cheaper price, compared to let's say trying to fix the older civic's double-wishbone setup.
Regarding whether Echo is a better racer than a civic, that's subjective as well. However, most people would weigh towards a civic (EG, EK, EP) as a better racer, usually because of the double-wishbones and higher power output (along with VTEC this and that), and all the modifications available in the Honda community. A supercharged Echo, however, can give those civics a run for their money.
Umm, seriously, for all you doubters and haters or just curious, just take a look at Wraith's track day story. I won't put up a link to that but I believe someone here already did.
Seriously, asking questions would still get you nowhere. Just get a chance to test drive one and find out for yourself!! PS: The new Yaris has the best braking performance within its own class (beating the Honda Fit, Mazda2, Mitsu Colt, etc), as was observed from an episode of Best Motoring, which should only be a reference, but regardless it's pretty impressive.
^^^ I apologize for the late reply, busy with school and such.
Anyway, that episode of Best Motoring is the 2005 September episode, featuring the new Ferrari F430. The 2nd main feature is the said sub-compact braking performance analysis, and the 3rd feature is Gansan (the old guy who's still fast) arriving in the states test driving the GS430 and the Infiniti M45 and the Caddy CTS (I believe it's the CTS).
Enjoy if you can find and buy it, otherwise try your luck with bittorrent.
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