I can't comment on the others as I know very little about them, but which model Stagea are you talking about, C34 or M35?

The 34's most commonly run the RB25, 4WD and an auto. You can get them in RWD, and you can also get a manual, but manuals are rare. The RB25 is pretty much bulletproof as long as you don't go too silly, I used to have a Skyline putting out just over 300rwkw from an unopened 160,000km engine, and mates with built engines have seen well in excess of 500rwhp - longevity is as much in the tune as it is in the build, some would say more so.

You can also get a 260RS, which is basically a GTR wagon. RB26DETT, 4WD, etc. 260awkw is as easy as an exhaust and removing the restrictor in the wastegate line, basic mods will see well over 300, then the sky's the limit.

Check on http://www.skylinesaustralia.com for more info, they have a whole section dedicated to Stageas.

Hi,

Personally I'd go the Nissan. Tough as nails engine, and they are pretty damn rare over here (WA) - so I'd definitely go the Nissan.

Cheers,
Nik

Fuel economy in the Stags is pretty average, the factory ECU runs incredibly rich though, especially if you start modifying. Get an ECU upgrade and a decent tune and you'll make more power, more torque, it'll be smoother, AND it'll use less fuel.

If size and weight puts you off, it might be worth revisiting exactly what it is that you're looking for in your car - if you want a small car that's also a wagon, the Stagea isn't it. Scratch it completely from your list and move on! That said they aren't enormous, probably no bigger than a current model Liberty wagon I'd guess, probably a little smaller than a Commo/Falcon wagon. I'm just guessing though, if it matters to you then look up their measurements and find out for sure.

FYI if you're considering buying a much easier to find auto and doing a manual conversion, it's not cheap or easy. A close friend did one on his RS Four V years ago, it was the 4WD version so it needed a GTR 5-speed rather than the GTS25t box though. Anyway, it required such fun tasks as unpicking the firewall and replacing it with a 260RS one, locating a suitable pedal box and interior trim pieces, finding an ECU that would run it (he needed tuneable and at the time PowerFC was it), replacement diffs and cradle/subframe, etc etc. The RWD swap may be heaps easier, I'm not sure, but if it were me I'd find one that's already a manual, or buy the 260RS.

Anyway I'm pretty sure both the GTR and GTS25t (RB25DET) gearboxes are identical except that the GTR box has stronger synchros and obviously has the 4WD bits hanging off the side. In either case, unless you make stupid horsepower, run a triple-plate clutch or drive with no mechanical sympathy, you're extremely unlikely to break them. A mate was putting around 400rwkw through the RWD box and it handled it fine.

Pretty much everything is extremely well tested on them by now, so if you're thinking about doing anything then chances are someone else has already done it, and made all the mistakes haha.

It probably sounds like I'm really pushing the Stagea, but that's not necessarily the case - it's just the only one I have any experience with haha

Obviously as a skyline driver, I'm bound to be a bit biased towards the Stagea, but I have to reiterate what subnub is saying about the RB25 (or RB26 if you go the 260RS) engines being pretty much bullet-proof if they're tuned right. An aftermarket ECU costs next to nothing, get a decent tune and you'll find decent power AND better fuel economy.

haha as long as i can get around 400km i'm not fussed about fuel consumption, but some figures of 250-300 are quite alarming (assuming mods or faulty o2 sensor)

on the other hand its looking  more likely to be a stagea atm (have a couple lined up)

The Stagea has a damn ugly looking front end on it imo , rear looks good though.

I like my Legacy due to pretty much all mechanicals and cosmetics can be found throughout the Aus range of Libertys and Imprezas.

Even though im 17 and havnt driven either cars id prefer the Stagea. Theres more aftermarket support (from what ive gathered) for them and, as stated before, are bullet proof.

Viva arage here has a Stagea thats been heavily modified (well the exterior atleast) has a R34 GTR front end on it, flared guards, matte black paint, Volk racing wheels of some kind and a dark as tint. Looks absolutly pornographic LOL.

Anyway good luck which every way you go bud.

legacy rsk;163287 wrote:

looks i would take the legnum (pic of my mates belowhe owned both) over the stagea (unless you get one like the pic), but i would buy a gtb anyway...shane

Well couldn't care less about the looks, more of a  performance outlook for me. Just don't want a "ricer" so to speak and would rather something different to the standard run of the mill fal****s and holdens.
Rang a few people about the stageas so i've got sometihng to work on

I looked into this not long ago.

The nissan is a porker of a thing.
The legnum is too rare for parts.

GTB = win.

If you were in Perth I could point you to a dealer that always has 5 or 6 Stagea on the front lot.

For me, Legnum is better looking over the stagea, but surely the stagea has more go?

Tough call if your not particularly loayl to either of the 3 brands.

oh and as for the legnum, we went to sinergy motorsport in the city and they told us NOT to buy one!! that was compared to the stagea.