That was probably the best worded advice I've ever seen on this forum. Thank you very much.
The thought of having 300awhp does sometimes linger in my head. My issue is the price of a swap, around 7k for an Ej205 from a newer WRX.
Thanks od_man, really appreciate that!
That would be the result of many of my hours spent thinking and writing(I happen to be a writer)
I constantly analyze and reflect on situations related to the auto industry and that of my own in order to better understand ones methodology and reasoning, it keeps me entertained haha
Much like you, I have placed myself in a state of no-mans land. I love my car, it's great. However I want that ability to have a million horses under my right foot if I so choose. After thinking about it and justifying the real reason I wanted it (as said above) I deemed it was also not financially smart. I would rather keep the reliability, fuel economy and comfort in exchange for those small moments to fly.
However I have come to a happy medium, after all the end goal isn't what's most important but rather the journey to achieve it.
In compensation for power, I have decided to aim my sights at another aspect that most people over look: weight. I want to be able to accelerate/have the same thrill as an STi with 300+ hp but in a smaller package; lower common denominator. That is why I am considering small cars as an alternative to massive power.
Just an example, an AW11 Toyota MR2 with a swapped 3sgte engine will accelerate faster then a lotus exige, crazy to think about. It's all about power to weight ratio.
This is one of the reasons I have been so turned onto Kei cars recently, much like the March superturbo or honda city turbo II. They weigh next to nothing and still manage to crank out 130hp. I have yet to drive one but based on a few mods, their power to weight ratio is astonishing and can achieve awesome results. Since they are so light weight and some being awd, their agility and nimbleness is also, very impressive!
So what I plan on doing is one of a few things: save up some cash to improve my mazda's swag, save up cash for another car and for mods for it.
I'm considering a Mazda familia GTR, which when properly restored/tuned is almost illegal, an Impreza 2.5rs rsti swap, ek civic track build or even an MR2.
The added benefits of two cars satisfies everything I'm looking for without subtracting from either car. It's very difficult to build an all round amazing car for everything you want because obviously it will lack in certain areas, which is why having two counters that very idea. The only negative aspect it affects, is your wallet. Personally I have the patience for it despite my temper tantrums every now and then and I know it will all be worth it!
I'm not suggesting you should consider doing similar to me but rather understand that one car cannot satisfy all your needs to its fullest.
Perhaps save up for another Impreza and swap that instead