There is a slight popularity tax but sub two grand cars are still easily found. Cheap, lightweight, an endless list of aftermarket parts, make it a tuner’s car of choice. This list would hardly seem complete without a nod to the venerable Honda Civic. Depending on age and condition, prices can nudge pretty close to the five thousand dollar mark. Add to those a name that was built on its rally racing pedigree, and the RS becomes hard to ignore. What the RS may lack in power, 165 horsepower compared to the WRX with 227 horsepower, it makes up for in cheaper maintenance, engine bay simplicity, and lowered odds of blowing up. market it all started with this naturally aspirated, 2.5-liter AWD Impreza RS. Sure, the turbo WRX variants get all the press but in the U.S. With prices regularly south of $2000 and mostly Audi- and Volkswagen-sourced parts it’s easily one of the most affordable Porsches ever built. Designed with a rear-mounted transaxle it offers nearly 50/50 weight distribution, adequate power, and a low enough curb weight to not exaggerate the barely adequate braking power. The poor man’s Porsche might seem like an odd pick for rally cross but don’t discount it.
At less than 2500 pounds this is one nimble coupe and can usually be had for less than three grand. The little known S/R version of the mighty Escort came from the factory with more power, 143 horsepower compared to the stock 130 horsepower, Eibach springs, Tokico struts, polyurethane bushings, four-wheel disc brakes, and a short-throw shifter.
Look hard enough and it’s even possible to find limited slip differential equipped vehicles, making a near-perfect amateur gravel racer. Often overlooked as a potential rally crosser, the 325ix offers 168 horsepower and all-wheel drive at about half of our $5000 price cap. The Ultimate Driving Machine can thrive in the dirt if you let it.
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