Hi everyone, I am new to the forum, currently living the UK. Hopefully can get some help from anybody with more experience.

Been looking around my local market for a solid workhorse to use 50% for work 50% personal. Having looked at the UK Jazz Si and the FK2 1.8, I like both but really like the Jazz, the problem with both in the UK however is rust, and given how expensive used cars are, I have decided to import a fit from Japan, this will be my second personal import.

Quickly, I have come across a dilemma. Should I go for a 1.5 RS 6mt (ge8) or the 1.5 RS Hybrid 6mt (gp4). The hybrid gets up to 18mpg more apparently, which for work would seem the obvious choice. The hybrid seems to be essentially the same setup as the CRZ but in a lighter body, its torque curve is wildly fatter than the normal 1.5 RS which has a completely different engine.

I can't find any direct comparisons from anybody with experience of both cars, however what I am guessing is the Hybrid will be a bit more laid back with all the torque and the normal RS possibly a bit more of a traditional VTEC experience, which I absolutely love and could opt for over the mpg of the hybrid. The hybrid has an extra 90kg, which I am guessing is made up for by the extra torque, however I would worry it would dull the handling experience. What do you guys think?

Also, wondering what is the go to suspension setup for these? I don't like coilovers on a daily, so am thinking Bilstein B6 & stock springs.

Any tips, thoughts or comments based on experience would be much appreciated.

 

Hi, I'm also in the U.K and have a GE8 RS, petrol (CVT, because I do mileage) and a GP4 hybrid. To answer the question, the GP4 is actually faster and has a lot more torque, despite mine having higher mileage and no mods compared to my lightly modded GE8 RS. The weight difference is noticeable when cornering, but the hybrid seems faster IMO. I like the Hybrid but prefer the petrol. I wouldn't be getting another hybrid, not for any other reason than personal preference. I do long journeys on A roads and therefore wanted the hybrid. It would be nice to know what differences there are between the 2 as I am trying to mod the GP4 also, but there seems to be far less specific GP4 parts when enquiring. I am (tomorrow) getting a cat-back system fitted, but the rest of the exhaust I will probably need something building for me, regarding the headers and cat, as they seem differently placed than the GE8. Don't know if that helps you make your mind up.