I currently am driving a 4-door 1986 323 DX, 1.6L manual. It has served me admirably, having yet to break down with 190,000 miles on it. I love the way it handles, and it has plenty of room for my purposes. However, it is getting pretty long in the tooth. I am currently looking at a '99 Protege LX 1.6L manual, and I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me as to how the two cars compare in terms of driving habits.

Thanks in advance.

 

hmmm from what i know and have tested

my protege has excellent handling....but you say your going for the 1.6L manual....well cuz your going for a 99...I'd say go for the 1.8L manual...thas what i have (see sig below)

I find the 1.8L needs more power....so I just think the 1.6L won't do you any justice...but you'll have to get opinions from people with the 1.6L

seriously tho...if you can...go for the `01+ 2.0L, but seeing that your looking for a 99 (trying to save some money), go for the 99 1.8L

the best thing you can do, is take one for a test drive.
then you by yourself can compare how the two cars drive.

thas all i gotta say

(i've never driven an `86 323, so you gotta take that into consideration too)

 

By all means I'm trying to save some money, there's a reason I'm driving a 15 year old car ya know

 

Welcome to the board Erik. I'd say if you're pleased with your 323 in terms of handling/performance/reliablitiy, the '99 would be a nice step up for you. If you're looking to get a little more punch, try and find a 1.8 around somewhere. Also, if you hunt long enough, you may be able to find a nice 1st gen pro (90-94)on the cheap (I just did ). The LX is amply quick, handles great, and is a great buy I think.

I have the same engine as you do in MY 323 ('90), and while I love the car, it's like driving a truck compared to the Protege LX. Either way, I don't think you could go wrong!

 

sorry dude!!!!
I'm just trying to help you out....cuz of what I've seen....most people wiht the 1.6L are saying theres not enuff power....

but by all means get what you feel is right for you....all pros are great no matter which ones you get.

I haven't checked up on prices...but i'm thinking that the `99 1.6L, and the 1.8L are genrally close in price....someone corect me if i'm wrong

plus later on if you decide to mod the car...allot of mods made for the 2.0L will fit the 1.8L easily...or with very little modification, but they will not fit the 1.6L

or you can go for the 90 - 94 pros...buy that..and try to save up a little more money and then later on get a newer protege