[JC]

Originally Posted by sperry

I'm betting it's just that everyone else got so much better with smaller cars. The Cits and Pugs were much better platforms... afterall, even with the updates over the years, the GD chassis really isn't all that far removed from a '92 Legacy.

Exactly. Everyone else got smaller faster cars and Subaru got a bigger slower one. Doesn't sound like that would be Prodrive's choice to me.

Originally Posted by sperry

People were bitching about the lack of a coupe, and the reasoning I always heard was "Subaru redesigned the car as a 4-door only because it makes for a better rally car".

People said that the bugeyes looked like a Mercedes E Class too. People will say a lot of things to justify stupid purchases. Some will even spend tens of thousands of dollars try to make a bugeye fast. Clearly these people lack proper judgment and perspective.

Originally Posted by nKoan

Basically, saying that the GC chassis is better because it was more successful in its era of rallying is not fair. The sport and the competition changed a lot between the GC and GD eras and the correlation does not equal causation.

Incorrect, the GC chassis just made all other vehicles pale in comparison. It was only with the introduction of the GD that other cars were able to compete again. Don't make me quote wikipedia I GUARANTEE it will agree with me.

Originally Posted by Dean

Well, here is an official Subaru press release. While they do not directly link the chassis changes to Rally, they certinaly follow closely on their heels..

And a more current article specifically uses the words "Competition-Bred Chassis" followed by: "A super-stiff Ring Frame Reinforced body structure...". That tells me that at least some portion of the chassis design is related to Rally...

While I agree safety was a large part of the change, I find it hard to believe they did did not include performance and handling as criteria in their design.

Where is Austin when we need him? Torsional rigidity is almost a good thing in a sprung chassis.

Nothing in that says increasing chassis stiffness was to be more competitive in racing. Do you really think if Prodrive had free reign to design a chassis they would have added 300lbs to the car? I mean honestly guys. They made the car safer, quieter, and more solid. That's so they can sell more cars not win more races.

Originally Posted by cody

At least make a short bus joke.

That WAS a short bus joke. You are in the middle of a JC and Scott GC vs GD debate, there is no room for slow thinkers here. Try to keep up Sally or become one of the many members who get mowed down in the crossfire.