daily driving a bone stock rs200z 6mt altezza right now best car ive ever owned. bullet proof motor and trans, good looks, LSD, and plenty practical. pulls like my wrx above 6k rpm and handles crazy well for stock suspension. gets tons of looks here in north america and I couldnt be happier. if anyone is deciding between these two cars or just deciding whether to get an altezza or not... do it!
They’re certainly good, and agree they look great and have a nice feeling transmission. But having driven 1000’s of cars I can safely say anyone who thinks an Altezza is the best car ever hasn’t driven anything else haha
that why i said best car I've owned, not best ever, read carefully before you respond. worked at a car dealership and definitely driven much better cars than some old toyota lol.
@@user-qf7nm9tr8w Probably different for those of us who live in NZ. Altezza's are extremely common and everybody shits on them (both because they get a bad reputation but also people love to abuse on the car itself) Most people don't pay any attention to them but I consider them to be the "better" version of a 6th gen civic where you get basically the same car but as a Toyota with RWD and other things that you won't get unless you buy a top-spec Civic with all the goodies.
That Altezza was modded for looks and only looks, all the mods do not aid performance one bit, in some circumstances it decreases performance, yes the wheels do look good on the car but why slam it and put tons of camber on, maybe lower it an inch but don't touch the camber, it was like that from factory for a reason! I've driven a number of stock Altezza rs200 manuals and they drive amazingly just don't touch the camber! The reason the rear kicked out so unpredictably was because of shoddy tyres, best tyres I've found for an Altezza or any 'performance' car in general are Bridgestone Potenza Re003's they just are so predictable. I have no idea what's going on with that transmission or short shifter but the throw of the stock transmission was perfectly fine and why get a short shifter when there are no other supporting performance mods? Also done right a 3SGE can sound absolutely amazing, chuck a good header and exhaust on and the noise is just incredible. Just my opinion. No hate at all love the look but just a bit confused at the mods.
I couldn't decide between the Altezza and the Euro R 4 years ago. Decided to get the Euro R because the owner was dragging to close the deal. 4 years alter NO REGRETS at all.
I've driven two different 6 speed manual RS Altezzas, one is a bone stock example owned by an older gent. Both had problems for me going into 2nd gear, they just feel awkward. I've not driven a manual quite like it because they feel nice into the other gears, just that 2nd gear. I agree with everything that you said about the beams 3SGE. It just doesn't have that pull like the Honda VTEC in the higher revs. Great content again, enjoyable watch.
Its the 2nd gear synchroes if u granny shift it will grind u have to kinda flat foot it its a pain with the old toyo gear boxes its either u get it or dont and it takes a while to get use to🤣
Couldn’t agree more. Until now I still hate the feel of going into 2nd gear, thought it’s only my car issue until I tested my friend’s altezza and I get the same issue when I shift early to second. It seems like the only way I can get the gear shift smoothly to second is flat out to 3.5K above then it will shift smoothly. Having a 4-1-1 header doesn’t help either cause the lower end isn’t much responsive, so I just have to get used to flat out in 1st just to get a smooth shift 😅 but I’m glad that this is the J160 gearbox issue happening with everyone else and not just me
The Honda Euro is a absolutely amazing car , it puts a lot of other cars to shame , loads of power, even stock, way better handling, I feel safe pushing my Euro to it's limites😅 it's capable of two hundred and thirty KLMs an hour stock
I have put some miles on a BEAMS Altezza. Similar experience, they step out in strange ways. Could be the helical diff, they are unpredictable when they break loose. Aside from that they go well for a 2.0l.
many write that toyota is bad with suspension, but they don’t understand that compared to Honda, they have a huge difference in stock, it’s just a different level, on the ring and EK9 civic leaves Altezza, that says a lot. Honda have long known
I don't think altezza even has double wishbone suspension tbh Toyota hasn't ever been on the same level with the suspensions and road feel as honda. That never was the goal though. same goes for the people always saying every honda slow, they weren't ever designed to be fast in a straight line, rather on mountain roads and good race tracks ( not shitty nürburging that only requires the most power to perform good :D )
@@AaroKo altezza has double wishbone front and rear like most rwd toyota sedans from the era, and if nurburg was only about power the tesla plaid wouldnt have only been like 8 seconds faster than a ctr with 1/3 the power lol
You compare the Altezza on rain (RWD) vs Accord on dry road (FWD), which couldn't be more biased against RWD. There's no way a FWD will ever have better driving dynamics than RWD, especially a RWD with 50:50 weight distribution, with double-wishbone front and multilink rear. It must be this specific RS200 sample that made you feel that way about the model.
I’ve driven multiple Altezzas in the dry since and they’re all equally as average to drive. I mentioned in the video I drove the Euro R to the place we filmed these two cars on the same road as the Altezza in the rain and it was completely composed, the Altezza was awful in the dry and the wet. They’re simply not very good cars
@@KiwiCarLife You were complaining about the Altezza on wet road surface. You will be remembered as "that guy who claimed 50:50 RWD is worse than average FWD car". You obviously have a bias against the car or simply fail to see how capable it is or just can't drive RWD for some reason. I have an IS200 (same chassis) and it is a proper sports sedan with just the slightest anti-roll bar modification and Bilstein shocks on stock springs. The grip in turns is unreachable for any FWD that will 100% certainly understeer.
@@Druze_Tito I’m happy to be known as the guy that claims the Altezza is worse than the Euro R. But given I own an M3 with 50-50 weight distribution, I think your claim falls short. Just because a car has certain attributes on paper doesn’t mean it’s actually good in practice. And speaking of bias, you own an IS200 so ofc you’re biased towards it too! At least I’ve driven both (in the wet and dry outside of this video, my friend has a mostly stock one) so I actually know what I’m talking about from experience, not just “saying” FWD can’t be as good because you don’t own one. Watch my recent track day video and you’ll see my 130i (with a lot more power than your IS200) struggling to keep up with a Euro R, yet keeping up with a SUPERCHARGED altezza on coilovers and slick tyres. Enough said! Proof is in the pudding!
@@KiwiCarLife Claiming a FWD can be as good as an equally powered RWD says enough about your competence in racing. You just hate the Altezza, period. The M3 is a breed of its own, not for this conversation. On a twisty road, you will eat my IS200 dust in your Euro R. ;) And I will switch it to LPG just for the fun of it. Just because you have no clue how to drive an RWD doesn't mean those cars are equal to your favorite car. Obviously you have no clue how to drive an RWD. And if an Altezza can keep up with 3.0 NA - that's a compliment, even with a SC. I hope you have wet dreams about some FWD supercar. Oh, wait...Are there any?
@@Druze_Tito you’re a funny man! “Equally powered RWD” - 154kW vs 162kW “I will eat your dust” - 118kW vs 162kW “You’ll switch to LPG” - weird flex “I have no clue how to drive RWD” - having owned Z4, 130i, ISF, M3 all with 2-3 times the power of your IS200 and reviewed multiple high hp RWD cars and slid them about on the channel. I don’t doubt your driving ability but to attack mine because I don’t like a car you own is just petty. My point there was that the 130i was a base test. The Euro R and Supercharged Altezza were similar speed, therefore a stock Altezza would be much slower.
Short shifters that rattle like that aren't worth it (basically all of them), been there done that. It's typically because they use a stiffer bush at the shifter linkage which doesn't absorb vibrations from the trans and that rattles other components above it, like the gear knob. Rear end feel is prob a combo of the tyres+alignment. Just looking at it in the stills it seems like it has a bunch of rear camber
My 99 is300 (2jz) is a beautiful car Best handling car I’ve had other then my Toyota 86 So easy to handle and controlling drifts is easy too ! Hope you can find another and give it another shot The chassis and setup are built to handle like a breeze
You had traction control off the entire time you were driving the altezza, in the west of course it’s going to kick out, should’ve done them both in the dry.
i had a honda accord sir coupe years ago the H22A 2.2l DOHC VTEC engine was amazing. revved really high and you really felt that VTEC kick in. but it was fwd. i would take a reliable rwd toyota with lsd over that anyday. similar power too. i did love that vtec kick though. but technically you dont actually want to feel the vtec kick, you want you power delivery super smooth and linear. unless its for fun factor. then you want vtec. heck yeah.
I agree RWD is normally better, but in this case the Altezza has such an average engine and chassis, and makes so little power that you ain't gonna be sliding this thing no matter how hard you try (certainly not in the dry), there really is little benefit to getting the Altezza. If you want a proper RWD car, get a BMW.
Great video Liam! You see a heap of Altezza's about the place and I've always wondered what one like this drives like. You always manage to get some brilliant cars on the channel too, this one being a beautiful example. Although I've never driven an Altezza myself, your comments once you're back in the Accord resonate with me. Although I wouldn't mind some RWD fun from time to time, nothing beats being able to absolutely flog my 97 accord through some tight bends knowing exactly how the handling and steering will respond. Plus the sound of a Honda engine on VTEC can't be beaten ;)
I own in the same Altezza in blue, seemed as if the car hasn't been well looked after just by listening to it, cheap tyres, and likely needs a suspension overhaul based on the way it's handling. I'd love to drive a Euro R to see how they compare as I've owned a CL9 and thought it was nice, but needed the mods your old one.
Yeah definitely running just fine. They just have quite a different powerband, and it didn't help I couldn't really get it near the top end coz of the shift knob racket
May that altezza set up......look like a stands set up......I owned a euro r dc5 type r etc I will choose my rs200 L tune altezza any day over them ...... altezza is the best driving car out there bro
@@KiwiCarLife the honestly truth is u are a honda guy 👦 can tell .....the altezza hands down is the the best 👌 car track or drift feel better look better
@@KiwiCarLife not all the celicas are fwd you have the gt4 witch is awd and turbo lol you guys don’t feel the vvti cuz u got a 4 door altezzas 9.5 to 100 celica ss3 6.5
I put my TSX on some nice suspension and tires and boy does it drive amazing. Especially with a rear sway bar. I took a really aggressive corner once at a high speed and I even got the rear end to swing out a bit somehow . It was so fun
The Euro is by far the best, smaller better looking and way better handling and speed, the two point four is unstoppable, it bets a lot of V8s yes a bit of work done but he'll it's a four
Yes and that fundamental difference makes vtec completely different from vvti. Literally every single car to come out after 2000 ish has some form of variable valve timing, vtec (at least in a performance setting like in the k20a) is completely unique
@@nikolaiylimys to be exact vtec was originally just lift control on B-series engines and after that many other 90s honda engines. and that was it all the way before the introduction of K-series that had both vvt and vvl and it's actually called I-Vtec on their valvecovers ;)
Frankly this one was very tastefully done, one of the nicest I've seen, it just wasn't set up for back road driving. And the owner knows that. He's not like me looking to absolutely blast down a back road
A few 1uz powered altezzas are running around and by all accounts absolutely transform the car. Can be done with the j160 as well. I owned a manual rs200 in blue and loved the way it handled and felt but another 50hp would have made it miles better. The v8 or straight 6 solve all of the issues I have with it
K20a6 are pretty gutless, they've no torque and have no vtec cross over like other K-series. 155bhp in a car that heavy while lacking torque gets very tyring to drive, then there's the 5 speed box and fuel consumption. My cl9 has around 70 bhp more and is better on fuel. They really are a bad choice of engine for this chasis
@@jsweeney1983 Not everyone is looking for performance. I am just interested in how it drives rather how fast it is and if it feels like a lesser car because of the engine or all together. Otherwise there are forged con rods, so you should be able to run 1 bar boost if speed is the goal. You can also swap a proper k20 or a k24 in it.
@@konholio2 I've owned a few type s 2.0 litre including the k0z2 and k20a6. They're underpowered for this chasis and are not economical is the point I'm making. It's not about having high power its not fuel efficient and for that reason I don't see the point it in comparison to stock k24. They do take boost well but again money would be better spent on different version of the cl7 if your going to chuck a ton of money at it. I've converted 3 type s to k24a and it transforms the driveablity of the car not only in terms of power but fuel consumption. The 5 speed ratios are far to long and torque is practically non existing compared to the k24 with a 6 speed. I've dc5 cams and a type r gear set aswell as a stage 2 reflash and can average 7.5 ltr per 100 kilometres on my daily commute, I'd struggle to get anywhere near that with a z2 or a6
IS200 owner here and it feels really weird that the altezza would behave like that, must be the setup like you said. Also considering the other altezza and IS200 you drove seemed alright to you it must be something with this one.
Im very sure its the setup, i mean it looks bad ass with that tight fitment but that's just a compromise in the real world, you have no room for the suspension to work, and that means every single little imperfection on the road can throw you off balance.
I believe this altezza is running a knockoff China Shifter, can tell from the length of the shifter. I’m running C’s Short shifter, and the shift is smooth like butter, better than stock. Also the rear suspension and alignment is definitely misaligned. It’s supposed to handle better than you did during light rain. You should repeat an altezza driving video when you can find one that’s in better condition than this for a fair comparison with euro R
Don't disregard the altezza, the one in this video is a show car setup, mine is a track/fast road setup and is the best car I've had for driving through mountain roads
altezza is the cheapest jdm rwd platform that can be tuned like its big bro supra. Designed by an ex ae86 engineer with double wishbone on all 4 wheels, rwd and engine just behind front axle for 50:50 weight distribution. The car in the video just need to be properly tuned, I drove one and I didn't get the unpredictable sideways. You are correct about the engine in sound department but its zippy enough for its generation. I guess if could swap a K series would make it perfect as 4 bangers is the way to go to keep the weight as balanced as possible.
every 3sge beams engine iv heard sounds like absolute garbage, people flog on hondas for sounding like crap but go to upper hutt on a friday and listen to the alteza's and they sound the defitionon of a fart cannon
I have owned a few Is200 and never had problem with gearing and the seats is good but for me the seats in is200 is to soft and is not nice in longer journes while in my ATR with thoose Cl7 Recaro seats is the BEST seats to go long journeys in and my back feels good in them also. Great video also 👍
aggressive styling mods, overdone camber, fart cannon exhaust, and shitty tyres. Just what you'd want on an altezza that goes to skids every Friday night.
Why give someone such a precarious car to drive. I wonder if he ever notices himself how dangerous it is.. Can't wait to wind out my Accord again. It's got a busted RH axle and steering pump. /sigh.
@@KiwiCarLife I’ll be honest I do miss my 08 Acura TSX CL9 6 Speed (Accord Type S) not as raw as your Euro R is but the K24a2 and the Accord chassis was amazing to drive more than the IS300 I had owned later. Fun fact the CL9 chassis here competed at SCCA Touring Car Championship and won it 3 times 2005, 2006, 2008.
daily driving a bone stock rs200z 6mt altezza right now best car ive ever owned. bullet proof motor and trans, good looks, LSD, and plenty practical. pulls like my wrx above 6k rpm and handles crazy well for stock suspension. gets tons of looks here in north america and I couldnt be happier. if anyone is deciding between these two cars or just deciding whether to get an altezza or not... do it!
They’re certainly good, and agree they look great and have a nice feeling transmission. But having driven 1000’s of cars I can safely say anyone who thinks an Altezza is the best car ever hasn’t driven anything else haha
that why i said best car I've owned, not best ever, read carefully before you respond. worked at a car dealership and definitely driven much better cars than some old toyota lol.
@@user-qf7nm9tr8w its a perfect first car for someone who wants something fast and reliable.
@@user-qf7nm9tr8w Probably different for those of us who live in NZ. Altezza's are extremely common and everybody shits on them (both because they get a bad reputation but also people love to abuse on the car itself)
Most people don't pay any attention to them but I consider them to be the "better" version of a 6th gen civic where you get basically the same car but as a Toyota with RWD and other things that you won't get unless you buy a top-spec Civic with all the goodies.
That Altezza was modded for looks and only looks, all the mods do not aid performance one bit, in some circumstances it decreases performance, yes the wheels do look good on the car but why slam it and put tons of camber on, maybe lower it an inch but don't touch the camber, it was like that from factory for a reason!
I've driven a number of stock Altezza rs200 manuals and they drive amazingly just don't touch the camber! The reason the rear kicked out so unpredictably was because of shoddy tyres, best tyres I've found for an Altezza or any 'performance' car in general are Bridgestone Potenza Re003's they just are so predictable.
I have no idea what's going on with that transmission or short shifter but the throw of the stock transmission was perfectly fine and why get a short shifter when there are no other supporting performance mods?
Also done right a 3SGE can sound absolutely amazing, chuck a good header and exhaust on and the noise is just incredible.
Just my opinion. No hate at all love the look but just a bit confused at the mods.
Fair enough
i think the grinding was the release bearing i have it in 3rd.
Altezza and Euro-R 🙂 my fave classic sports sedan ❤
Lovely cars
I couldn't decide between the Altezza and the Euro R 4 years ago. Decided to get the Euro R because the owner was dragging to close the deal. 4 years alter NO REGRETS at all.
I've driven two different 6 speed manual RS Altezzas, one is a bone stock example owned by an older gent. Both had problems for me going into 2nd gear, they just feel awkward. I've not driven a manual quite like it because they feel nice into the other gears, just that 2nd gear. I agree with everything that you said about the beams 3SGE. It just doesn't have that pull like the Honda VTEC in the higher revs. Great content again, enjoyable watch.
Thanks man and yeah have to agree
YES. The 1-2 shift as far as feel, and RPM drop are less than desirable.
Its the 2nd gear synchroes if u granny shift it will grind u have to kinda flat foot it its a pain with the old toyo gear boxes its either u get it or dont and it takes a while to get use to🤣
Couldn’t agree more. Until now I still hate the feel of going into 2nd gear, thought it’s only my car issue until I tested my friend’s altezza and I get the same issue when I shift early to second. It seems like the only way I can get the gear shift smoothly to second is flat out to 3.5K above then it will shift smoothly. Having a 4-1-1 header doesn’t help either cause the lower end isn’t much responsive, so I just have to get used to flat out in 1st just to get a smooth shift 😅 but I’m glad that this is the J160 gearbox issue happening with everyone else and not just me
I daily drive an EuroR. It's a joy to hear that engine Roar. VTEC kicked in yo!
Oh yeahh
The Honda Euro is a absolutely amazing car , it puts a lot of other cars to shame , loads of power, even stock, way better handling, I feel safe pushing my Euro to it's limites😅 it's capable of two hundred and thirty KLMs an hour stock
Honda Euro is the best, in every way, I just love driving it, I also love beating the Ford's and Holdens , puts the V8s to shame
It would be great to revisit this match-up in stock Altezza form.
Yeah will have to aye
Gotta love the sound of that 3S-GE BEAMS.
I think it’s pretty average personally
Just another worn out altezza. They're all 20+ years old now. I've got a 2jzge manual one and you don't have those same issues
Oh mate a 2jz one would be insane hhaa
@@KiwiCarLife Slide into my dms. Based in Hamilton
Which trans you running?
@lucasn5460 j160. Custom adapter plate. Goes good just too shorter gears for the 3 litre
Big fan of the euro R cl7 myself . My friend had a black one with mugen parts . He also got the limiter removed
Good vehicle
I have put some miles on a BEAMS Altezza. Similar experience, they step out in strange ways. Could be the helical diff, they are unpredictable when they break loose. Aside from that they go well for a 2.0l.
Glad to hear you agree. They are good cars but I found The handling a bit unpredictable
Altezza is Love, Altezza is Life. ❤❤❤
Yes
Would enjoy the weight classes mentioned in the stats
Can start doing that
@@KiwiCarLife rear seat space, boot space, I think would be good also.
many write that toyota is bad with suspension, but they don’t understand that compared to Honda, they have a huge difference in stock, it’s just a different level, on the ring and EK9 civic leaves Altezza, that says a lot.
Honda have long known
Indeed
I don't think altezza even has double wishbone suspension tbh
Toyota hasn't ever been on the same level with the suspensions and road feel as honda. That never was the goal though. same goes for the people always saying every honda slow, they weren't ever designed to be fast in a straight line, rather on mountain roads and good race tracks ( not shitty nürburging that only requires the most power to perform good :D )
@@AaroKo altezza has double wishbone front and rear like most rwd toyota sedans from the era, and if nurburg was only about power the tesla plaid wouldnt have only been like 8 seconds faster than a ctr with 1/3 the power lol
@@arcanevoid9199 if you are saying that tesla is good track car then that tells enough of your knowledge ;)
How about a Pulsar vzr VVL( blue top cylinder head) or the very rare pulsar vzr N1 VVL (Red top cylinder head)?
Maybe one day
U should see how we drive an altezza in the Caribbean
VVT-I comes on at five thousand rpm
Lol
Which one should I get as a replacement to the skyline?? Can’t decide if I want rwd or to go back to fwd
Neither tbh, I’d be looking at BMW 335i. These will feel slow compared with an RB or VQ
@ bahaha my r33 was a single jingle rb20e. It was clean tho and looked fast but was slow as rocks its on my yt page.
You compare the Altezza on rain (RWD) vs Accord on dry road (FWD), which couldn't be more biased against RWD. There's no way a FWD will ever have better driving dynamics than RWD, especially a RWD with 50:50 weight distribution, with double-wishbone front and multilink rear.
It must be this specific RS200 sample that made you feel that way about the model.
I’ve driven multiple Altezzas in the dry since and they’re all equally as average to drive. I mentioned in the video I drove the Euro R to the place we filmed these two cars on the same road as the Altezza in the rain and it was completely composed, the Altezza was awful in the dry and the wet. They’re simply not very good cars
@@KiwiCarLife You were complaining about the Altezza on wet road surface. You will be remembered as "that guy who claimed 50:50 RWD is worse than average FWD car". You obviously have a bias against the car or simply fail to see how capable it is or just can't drive RWD for some reason. I have an IS200 (same chassis) and it is a proper sports sedan with just the slightest anti-roll bar modification and Bilstein shocks on stock springs. The grip in turns is unreachable for any FWD that will 100% certainly understeer.
@@Druze_Tito I’m happy to be known as the guy that claims the Altezza is worse than the Euro R. But given I own an M3 with 50-50 weight distribution, I think your claim falls short.
Just because a car has certain attributes on paper doesn’t mean it’s actually good in practice. And speaking of bias, you own an IS200 so ofc you’re biased towards it too!
At least I’ve driven both (in the wet and dry outside of this video, my friend has a mostly stock one) so I actually know what I’m talking about from experience, not just “saying” FWD can’t be as good because you don’t own one.
Watch my recent track day video and you’ll see my 130i (with a lot more power than your IS200) struggling to keep up with a Euro R, yet keeping up with a SUPERCHARGED altezza on coilovers and slick tyres. Enough said! Proof is in the pudding!
@@KiwiCarLife Claiming a FWD can be as good as an equally powered RWD says enough about your competence in racing. You just hate the Altezza, period. The M3 is a breed of its own, not for this conversation. On a twisty road, you will eat my IS200 dust in your Euro R. ;) And I will switch it to LPG just for the fun of it.
Just because you have no clue how to drive an RWD doesn't mean those cars are equal to your favorite car. Obviously you have no clue how to drive an RWD. And if an Altezza can keep up with 3.0 NA - that's a compliment, even with a SC.
I hope you have wet dreams about some FWD supercar. Oh, wait...Are there any?
@@Druze_Tito you’re a funny man!
“Equally powered RWD” - 154kW vs 162kW
“I will eat your dust” - 118kW vs 162kW
“You’ll switch to LPG” - weird flex
“I have no clue how to drive RWD” - having owned Z4, 130i, ISF, M3 all with 2-3 times the power of your IS200 and reviewed multiple high hp RWD cars and slid them about on the channel.
I don’t doubt your driving ability but to attack mine because I don’t like a car you own is just petty.
My point there was that the 130i was a base test. The Euro R and Supercharged Altezza were similar speed, therefore a stock Altezza would be much slower.
Short shifters that rattle like that aren't worth it (basically all of them), been there done that. It's typically because they use a stiffer bush at the shifter linkage which doesn't absorb vibrations from the trans and that rattles other components above it, like the gear knob. Rear end feel is prob a combo of the tyres+alignment. Just looking at it in the stills it seems like it has a bunch of rear camber
Yeah agree
My 99 is300 (2jz) is a beautiful car
Best handling car I’ve had other then my Toyota 86
So easy to handle and controlling drifts is easy too !
Hope you can find another and give it another shot
The chassis and setup are built to handle like a breeze
Yeah hopefully will do another video one day in the dry with a stock one
@@KiwiCarLife keen to see it man ! Great videos bro
You had traction control off the entire time you were driving the altezza, in the west of course it’s going to kick out, should’ve done them both in the dry.
Ah yes I’ll just change the weather on the one day I had to film then
Ah yes because you can’t turn on trc when it’s raining apparently 👍
i had a honda accord sir coupe years ago the H22A 2.2l DOHC VTEC engine was amazing. revved really high and you really felt that VTEC kick in. but it was fwd. i would take a reliable rwd toyota with lsd over that anyday. similar power too.
i did love that vtec kick though. but technically you dont actually want to feel the vtec kick, you want you power delivery super smooth and linear. unless its for fun factor. then you want vtec. heck yeah.
I agree RWD is normally better, but in this case the Altezza has such an average engine and chassis, and makes so little power that you ain't gonna be sliding this thing no matter how hard you try (certainly not in the dry), there really is little benefit to getting the Altezza. If you want a proper RWD car, get a BMW.
Great video Liam! You see a heap of Altezza's about the place and I've always wondered what one like this drives like. You always manage to get some brilliant cars on the channel too, this one being a beautiful example.
Although I've never driven an Altezza myself, your comments once you're back in the Accord resonate with me. Although I wouldn't mind some RWD fun from time to time, nothing beats being able to absolutely flog my 97 accord through some tight bends knowing exactly how the handling and steering will respond. Plus the sound of a Honda engine on VTEC can't be beaten ;)
Absolutely man totally agree
One of the top rated jdm cars
Which one?
Really it's dependable on the personal upgrades and tune ups but the Altezza RS200 has beautiful potential
I’ve seen that beams engine in an ae86 and had no idea what was special about it
Yeah they’re good, but like amazing like some claim
I own in the same Altezza in blue, seemed as if the car hasn't been well looked after just by listening to it, cheap tyres, and likely needs a suspension overhaul based on the way it's handling. I'd love to drive a Euro R to see how they compare as I've owned a CL9 and thought it was nice, but needed the mods your old one.
Tbh it was probably one of the cleanest examples I've seen, just not set up for back road driving with bumps and hard corners
@@KiwiCarLife I guess a shiny exterior and well kept interior can still hide a lot of mechanical sins 🙃 cheers for the review anyway!
Compare the accord with a Toyota mark ii or mark x if u can find one cuz it will be quite interesting
Yeah maybe
love your channel bro keep going hard
Thanks man
Why don't you race them anymore like you use to
Because it's illegal hahah
Nah unfortunately with a lot of these videos I've been miles from a motorway or just short for time so couldn't
@@KiwiCarLife oh I get it. I also have a 06 tsx kflash so I enjoy seeing what I can beat lol
Great video mate!
Thanks
Wad the vvt-i working on the beams? Surprised you felt so much difference between how it feels compared to vtec
i mean vvt-i doesnt do much compared to vtec & vvt-li
Yeah definitely running just fine. They just have quite a different powerband, and it didn't help I couldn't really get it near the top end coz of the shift knob racket
@@arcanevoid9199 it has dual vvt-i but no lift, just duration
@@craigauty6756 they are completely different systems even though k-series has both of them
@@AaroKo yes i think the 2zz is closer in design to vtec with cam lift and duration on both intake and exhaust cams?
May that altezza set up......look like a stands set up......I owned a euro r dc5 type r etc I will choose my rs200 L tune altezza any day over them ...... altezza is the best driving car out there bro
Fair enough, I wouldn't
@@KiwiCarLife the honestly truth is u are a honda guy 👦 can tell .....the altezza hands down is the the best 👌 car track or drift feel better look better
❤
Well you need to try the celica ss3 it has a 3sge beams in it and rwd and u feel the vvti
Aye?? All celica's are FWD haha and you do realise VVT-i is not like VTEC
It’s cracks me up when people say you can feel the VVti 😂
@@KiwiCarLife not all the celicas are fwd you have the gt4 witch is awd and turbo lol you guys don’t feel the vvti cuz u got a 4 door altezzas 9.5 to 100 celica ss3 6.5
@@enuf_psi6967 mr2 you have eather got a old 3sge in that with 140hp or u got a beams so idk how u don’t feel vvti pull u but I sure can in celica
@@enuf_psi6967 HAHAHAH same aye VVTL-i has an obvious kick, VVT-i has absolutely nothing. And bro you said the celica is rwd hahah
I put my TSX on some nice suspension and tires and boy does it drive amazing. Especially with a rear sway bar. I took a really aggressive corner once at a high speed and I even got the rear end to swing out a bit somehow . It was so fun
Yeah man with a few mods they’re great
You need to compare your euro r to a b18c integra
Maybe one day
The Euro is by far the best, smaller better looking and way better handling and speed, the two point four is unstoppable, it bets a lot of V8s yes a bit of work done but he'll it's a four
Yeah I’d agree I think it’s the better car
You said Honda has vtech and altezza does not, but the altezza 3sge has variable valve timing on both cams
Vtec is completely different to vvti
@@KiwiCarLife vtec is literally variable valve timing combined with lift electronic control
Yes and that fundamental difference makes vtec completely different from vvti. Literally every single car to come out after 2000 ish has some form of variable valve timing, vtec (at least in a performance setting like in the k20a) is completely unique
@@nikolaiylimys to be exact vtec was originally just lift control on B-series engines and after that many other 90s honda engines. and that was it all the way before the introduction of K-series that had both vvt and vvl and it's actually called I-Vtec on their valvecovers ;)
I got an is300 sportcross aka altezza gita... idk but with the 2jz the car is a beast
Yeah 2jz is decent
Pretty hard to find any respectably modified Altezza, would've been nice to try one with decent tyres and suspension :/
Frankly this one was very tastefully done, one of the nicest I've seen, it just wasn't set up for back road driving. And the owner knows that. He's not like me looking to absolutely blast down a back road
A few 1uz powered altezzas are running around and by all accounts absolutely transform the car. Can be done with the j160 as well.
I owned a manual rs200 in blue and loved the way it handled and felt but another 50hp would have made it miles better. The v8 or straight 6 solve all of the issues I have with it
Yeah agree
Two of my buddies have ditched the boat anchor 2j for UZs in their IS300s and wow what a change. 10/10 engine choice for a swap
Looks like you had the snow mode on in the Altezza? 😅
It’s manual they don’t have snow mode only the auto ones haha
@@KiwiCarLife Wrong!! I have a manual and it has snow mode Hahahaa.. Get your facts right!
@@azzetlagames8745 this one didn’t and even if it did I certainly wasn’t in snow mode! I had traction fully off
Nice video Bro.
what type of muffler does the altezza has on ?(Brand)
Not sure sorry, 5zigen or something
It's a Fujitsubo Legalis R axle back.
shame you couldnt get the altezza up to the 7-8 000 rpm range thats were mine likes to sit when passing or really good acceleration
Yeah frustrating aye
I own two Altezza RS200, never had an issue handling wise very predictable even when it goes sideways. I think that setup is just bad
Maybe
I need to know what kit is on the Altezza
It's like some factory option
Gita Neo front bumper and elegance sideskirts
I use Altezza and is weird that is acting like that. The car is amazing!
When set up right yed
It would be interesting to see you opinion on the K20A6 and N22 trims of the Accord 7
Done the n22, haven't been able to find an a6 het
K20a6 are pretty gutless, they've no torque and have no vtec cross over like other K-series. 155bhp in a car that heavy while lacking torque gets very tyring to drive, then there's the 5 speed box and fuel consumption. My cl9 has around 70 bhp more and is better on fuel. They really are a bad choice of engine for this chasis
@@KiwiCarLife Thanks, I didnt find it at first.
@@jsweeney1983 Not everyone is looking for performance. I am just interested in how it drives rather how fast it is and if it feels like a lesser car because of the engine or all together. Otherwise there are forged con rods, so you should be able to run 1 bar boost if speed is the goal. You can also swap a proper k20 or a k24 in it.
@@konholio2 I've owned a few type s 2.0 litre including the k0z2 and k20a6. They're underpowered for this chasis and are not economical is the point I'm making. It's not about having high power its not fuel efficient and for that reason I don't see the point it in comparison to stock k24. They do take boost well but again money would be better spent on different version of the cl7 if your going to chuck a ton of money at it. I've converted 3 type s to k24a and it transforms the driveablity of the car not only in terms of power but fuel consumption. The 5 speed ratios are far to long and torque is practically non existing compared to the k24 with a 6 speed. I've dc5 cams and a type r gear set aswell as a stage 2 reflash and can average 7.5 ltr per 100 kilometres on my daily commute, I'd struggle to get anywhere near that with a z2 or a6
What spoiler is that on altezza ?
Not sure sorry
IS200 owner here and it feels really weird that the altezza would behave like that, must be the setup like you said.
Also considering the other altezza and IS200 you drove seemed alright to you it must be something with this one.
Yeah think so aye. The IS200 was actually really good
Im very sure its the setup, i mean it looks bad ass with that tight fitment but that's just a compromise in the real world, you have no room for the suspension to work, and that means every single little imperfection on the road can throw you off balance.
Well the one u drove didn’t have a 2J in it so if u could find one maybe it will change your experience
Hahah
you drove the altezza on a wet road .i believe cars loses traction on a wet surface ..the car handles great even on stock suspension ....
I’ve driven a lot of cars in the wet, this car was borderline dangerous haha
I believe this altezza is running a knockoff China Shifter, can tell from the length of the shifter. I’m running C’s Short shifter, and the shift is smooth like butter, better than stock. Also the rear suspension and alignment is definitely misaligned. It’s supposed to handle better than you did during light rain. You should repeat an altezza driving video when you can find one that’s in better condition than this for a fair comparison with euro R
@@Sy3dz99 yeah I must find another altezza in stock condition
Beams engine ❤
Mm lovely motor
Maybe the altezza set up best for drifting 😁
It’s horrible for drifting too tho that’s the problem haha, it’s set up to be parked in at a car meet and looked at
The beams 3S just doesnt have the soul the k series has
Agree, it’s decent but the K series just sings
ill be honest and yes sorry for being late to the video, but its personal preference. Either way its a win win.
Yeah ofc I personally prefer the euro r. I’ve not driven an altezza yet that’s impressed me, short of the v8 swapped one haha
@@KiwiCarLife yeah thats fair.
altessa the better car obv
It really isn't
sideways on your closed road again lol, nice one 👍
Haha not intentionally this time!
@@KiwiCarLife lol yeah right honest officer...
Dear god that Euro R is tempting me to get one but being an old bastard I can't live without cruise control anymore. Kind of embarrassing I know..
Yeah I know the feeling. It’s frustrating not having it.
try a nissan bluebird sss or primera sr20ve vs euro r similar engine
Maybe
k20 is like sr20 but reliable :DD
It's like you've read my JDM bucket list. Scratching Altezzas off the list i think
Yeahh unfortunately it won't be on mine either
Don't disregard the altezza, the one in this video is a show car setup, mine is a track/fast road setup and is the best car I've had for driving through mountain roads
@@jamessutton-smith4263 you haven't had any proper honda it seems ;)
altezza is the cheapest jdm rwd platform that can be tuned like its big bro supra. Designed by an ex ae86 engineer with double wishbone on all 4 wheels, rwd and engine just behind front axle for 50:50 weight distribution. The car in the video just need to be properly tuned, I drove one and I didn't get the unpredictable sideways. You are correct about the engine in sound department but its zippy enough for its generation. I guess if could swap a K series would make it perfect as 4 bangers is the way to go to keep the weight as balanced as possible.
every 3sge beams engine iv heard sounds like absolute garbage, people flog on hondas for sounding like crap but go to upper hutt on a friday and listen to the alteza's and they sound the defitionon of a fart cannon
Yeah totally agree. A stock IS200 on re003's I drove 6 months back handled beautifully
@@atom608 aww c'mon is not that bad. It is decent enough by its own.
Yep! give me the Euro R anyday!
Good car control in the wet mate, I think I would have been in the shrubbery if I had tried that!
Oh mate a lot of poo came out
I flew by a 2001 Usdm corvette at 120 kph, man lost his mind getting passed by an Accord in the wet 🤣
@@xenonsaccord4447 lol
No dig, No roll common man
Wasn't able to this time around
_maybe better called an Alterra_ 💡… _interesting review_ 👏🏼
Why's that?
@@KiwiCarLife ‘all terror’ … that’s how it came across 🤔
Toyota Altezza RS 200 Tuned by TOM'S JR 👍😊
Ah yes
Basically this is an American TSX and IS. This is a reason I rather have a European Japanese car than a American Japanese car.
Yup
I want a euro r
You shall purchase
Still one of the worst sounding cars in my opinion
Hahaha
With the wrong exhaust set up(95% of the time) these sounds raspier and worse than a single cam civic with a straight pipe
3sge sound good not the final gen tho gray no vvti and red top vvti sound amazing
With the Rong exhaust
I have owned a few Is200 and never had problem with gearing and the seats is good but for me the seats in is200 is to soft and is not nice in longer journes while in my ATR with thoose Cl7 Recaro seats is the BEST seats to go long journeys in and my back feels good in them also. Great video also 👍
Fair enough
He almost died in the Altezza 🤦🏽♂️😂
Yeah wasn't far off haha
I'm guessing those are some shiiiity tyres on that Altezza.
aggressive styling mods, overdone camber, fart cannon exhaust, and shitty tyres. Just what you'd want on an altezza that goes to skids every Friday night.
I dunno I thought it was very tastefully done. Maybe u gotta see it in person
@@KavinFan0803 that’s classic altezza drivers for ya
Euro r on top
Agree
Why give someone such a precarious car to drive. I wonder if he ever notices himself how dangerous it is..
Can't wait to wind out my Accord again. It's got a busted RH axle and steering pump. /sigh.
He just cruises around. I bet in the dry it would be fine
Altezza probably ruined by coilovers set too low & "drift setup" ugh people really ruin their cars so easily.
It's not "ruined" it's just set up for a different driving style to us
No point in carrying out this comparison when one of the cars has been ruined.
That is fair, but having driven stock Altezzas since, the Euro R is just a better car in every single way.
Good comparison but No race!??? 👎🏼
Racing is quite illegal
VTEC 4 life
Yuuurs
Transverse or longitudinal, not sideways/lengthways 🤦♂️
Yes
Accord❤
Lovely car
accord euro r , so remember gran turimo 4
Good car
ohh hell yeah
Yuuuurs
Seems you just don't have any luck with Altezza's being set up correctly lol
Haha yeahh well at least not set up for my driving preference. One day I'll find a stock manual one hopefully
K24 swap Altezza that would be the dream.
Ehh I think the altezzas issues go further than just the engine
@@KiwiCarLife I’ll be honest I do miss my 08 Acura TSX CL9 6 Speed (Accord Type S) not as raw as your Euro R is but the K24a2 and the Accord chassis was amazing to drive more than the IS300 I had owned later. Fun fact the CL9 chassis here competed at SCCA Touring Car Championship and won it 3 times 2005, 2006, 2008.
#K24 #Accord #HondaLove
Yessss
Honda ftw
Yuuurs
An accord is better to drive than an altezza lol wtf who tf is this guy 🤨 tezza is a jdm icon
Yep and it's severely overrated. Honda handles better, has a better engine, and in the real world, is much faster too.
@@KiwiCarLife i guess that's why the word is call 'opinion' 👍🏼
The stupid suspension, wheels and tyres fucked up the handling on the Altezza
Seems like it, but even the engine and transmission still aren’t great
Vtec o beams
Vtec
Altezza sounds equally as good as vomit.
Yes HAHAH
its just him he cant drive
Me? Careful bro
Something not right with that Altezza, clearly
Well, it's just not set up for my driving preference
honda is the best
try and review a 2010 civic si - 1.8
NZ never got a Si Civic, just normal type R imports.
@@zpe1200 thanks dude
Yeah we got the 1.8 tho
@@KiwiCarLife hatch and sedan ? or try and get a civic sedan 2.0 sport with the k20
Didnt the R18 in the US not even have intake VTEC like in Europe? It was like 118hp instead of the 138 it has here.
Altezza bros... I don't feel so good...
Hahaha sorrrrryyyy
Altezza is to low with probably shit tires
Yeah
Biased review. Just say you’re a Honda fan
Yeah I am, but this altezza was objectively not good. I’m yet to drive one that I prefer to a Honda.
Having had an altezza with those seats. They are horrible
Hahah