I used to make fun of Lancers because they were so common in the Philippines. It seemed as if the "Boxtype" was the most popular car around. I used to question the Lancer's capabilities compared to a car like the Honda Civic VTEC. Which is a car that nearly every pinoy family in the US has. (My brother and sister have matching VTEC Civics, and just recently my mother purchased one for herself as a commuter) However, after playing "Grand Tourismo 2", my opinion has changed and made me re-evaluate the Lancer. It definitely has potential. This World Rally Champion boasts a conservative 280bhp, from a turbocharged 2.0 liter DOHC powerplant matched to four-wheel drive. Enjoy the pics of the Lancer in my two favorite colors. Perhaps someday maybe I can buy one. It's only P2,000,000 :) Yeah right!
A signifigantly reduced...ahem....1.3 liter Lancer would cost about P478,000 ($11,950USD). For a little more I could get the "top-of-the-line" 1.6L going as high as P615,000 (15,375 USD), like the one on the lower right. Admittedly, the regular Lancer is no where near the performance of the Evolution VI. Dang...the 1.3 only produces a wimpy 80bhp and it's carburated!!!! While the 1.6 on the other hand, makes a decent 115bhp plus adding fuel injection. Yet they are both still just SOHC!!! I think I'll have to review my statement about the VTEC which performs "ALOT" better for the cost. But I must remember that I'd be buying a 3rd world spec car for a 3rd World environment. :) It's not likely that I'll be using her to race others at White Plains.
Oh well...at least I can have a Lancer that looks sporty. Hmm...perhaps I'd have a shop "modify" the body to look like the Evo. Let's see, add some rims here, some moldings there, a wing, a hood scoop, and change the tail lights. Basically, they look sorta the same "as is"...don't they? :)
Although, considering that performance is rather below average, it would be almost the same as driving a Kia Pride. However, the Lancer is more respectible. It's more "sikat" (in style) and would make a better balikbayan car. Something a lawyer could drive. :) But the cost to maintain such a nice car as well as to keep it in storage outweighs its practical use as an occasional vacation car. It would be such a waste to use it so infrequently. Very selfish, considering how many people do not have even one car.
In contrast, it would be more of a waste to loan it to someone who would no doubt subject it to abusive use in Manila, only for me to comeback every so often and see the results of added wear and tear. Hmm...I guess the Pride would be the better choice after all. I'm sure my lola wouldn't mind. :)
To see the Lancer in action rent Jackie Chan's movie, "Who Am I?"
