Hello all. This is my first post on this forum and I wanted to ask a question. I tried searching but I couldn't find anything that helped me. I recently came from a Mustang forum (wanting to get an 05 V6 which is impossible) and so I don't know much about the Scion tc. I think it's a beautiful car and I like it when the torque numbers are higher than HP. My question is, is this car a quick accelerater and is it fast. I never know with 4 cyl cars because the last one I had was my 89 Ford Tempo. In essence, I'd like to know if I'm going to enjoy this car. On that same note I'd also like to know if I should get the 5 spd or the automatic. In other words, is there a performance difference between the two and is one more enjoyable to drive than the other. Thank you very much for your opinions and your time.

 

5sp is the way to go if you want speed. the stock 1/4 times are in the 15's. i think the lowest i'v seen was 15.4 hope that helps.

 

The 5-speed tC is reasonably fast (not as fast as the V6 Mustang you want, though) but the automatic tC is considerably slower due to gearing. There are other things to consider, but if you want to go fast, go with the Mustang (or a Neon SRT-4, for that matter.)

 

I absolutely love my tC. I used to have a 99 Grand Am GT V6 and that thing was fun to drive but my tC would outperform it even though the Grand Am had more horsepower and two more cyclinders. My first car was an 89 Mercury Topaz (same thing as the Tempo) but it's a total dog compared to the tC. For a four-banger it's very torquey (sp?) and very quick footed and a blast to drive and you won't find anything better this side of $20K.

Personally I love the feel of the 5-speed and I drive an hour everyday stop-and-go but the manual doesn't bother me. I'm never going back to automatic.

 

It doesn't neccessarily have to be fast as long as it's got enough get up and go to keep it's own. You know, be able to pass when you want to and get up to highway speed without slowing anyone down (like my Tempo). I'd go with the Mustang but with my trade-in value at $2500 and I owe $5500, it put the Stang out of my reach. This was second on my list however.

 

This car is pretty quick dude! Last week, an IS300 pulled next to me at the stoplight before the highway entrance, and he floored it to overtake me at the merging point, so I floored it too. I was on his tail until my exit 10 miles down.

I think it's quick for a 4 cylinder... it's not as fast as an RSX Type-S or those turbo 4's, but N/A it's quick. The gearing is close ratio too to help with this.

And coming from a 3.4 Firebird v6, and can definately vouch that this car is faster... heck, a non-vTec Civic could smoke my old Firebird... that I couldn't believe until my nephew showed me.

If u do decide on a tC, get the 5 speed.

 

I have no doubt that the tC is a more practical car than the Mustang, and will most likely hold its value better as well. The hatchback and fold-down rear seats allow you to carry big things and the large rear seat area allow you to carry four people in relative comfort. I understand that the new Mustang is pretty small even for two people. As far as performance handling, the Mustang is probably better because it's rear-wheel drive, but the tC might edge it out in comfort as it's all-independent and has pretty advanced suspension mounts. For the price, the tC wins as an all-around car.

 

how often do you see a mustang on the street?

how often do you see a tc on the street?

point made

 

Right now it's about the same for both because I was talking about the new Mustang. However, I think I've decided to go with the tc 5-spd due to the value and all of your input. I found a silver 5-spd near my work that I think I'm going to go check out after work. Thanks for all your help and I may become a regular contributor to this forum now. Once again, thank you.

 

Well I'd like to be the first to say welcome (if you get the tC)and you'll love the 5-speed. The thing's got mad accelleration in 3rd gear, perfect for merging onto the highway.

JasonH made a good point on the leg room of the Mustang. My mom had a 99 'Stang and you could not put an adult in the back seat. You had like 2" of leg room back there, why even put seats if you can't fit anyone back there?

 

Thank you for the welcome and as far as the rear seating in the Mustang, it's mainly there to lower insurance rates. A two-seat sports car with 210 HP would be more expensive to insure than a four seat sport coupe with 210 HP. Don't know why but that's it.

 

you guys are all talking old mustang.. the new mustang is like a whole new car...

but yes, the tC is more practical..

id take a v8 mustang above the tC tho, 300hp, bewlow 25k. yum!

 

yeah but it's still a Ford

 

ford = found on road dead
ford = fixed or repaired daily
ford = F**ked over rebuilt dodge

 

First On Race Day

 

 

Umm... well the tC is just as fast if not faster that the new 05 mustangs. I beat my friends 04 by a car length but I know the new ones have like 5 more horses or something... Trust me bro you wont be dissapointed.

 

I came from a v6 350z 6 speed. This car can handle its own.

 

I was talking about the new Mustang. It's still tiny inside, smaller than my friend's 2000 Prelude in the front and back. Considering the overall size of the Mustang, that seems like a big mistake and makes the car more than a little impractical.

 

first to blow an engine? drop out of the race?