I'm on the edge of buying 2001 Prelude SH (51,000 miles). I am ditching a 2005 Subaru Legacy GT: it is fast, but it handles/wallows like a speed boat and is poorly built.

Why is the Prelude SH so infamous for being so amazing?

 

uhh theyre nice but Im assuming with a few suspension mods you can get that Subaru to handle well. Dont expect the Lude to be anywhere near as fast as a Legacy GT. Im sure it does handle better tho.

Ive also never heard anyone complain about build quality on a Subaru. Something in particular **** you off about it?

 

The most notable handling feature of the SH's is the ATTS (automatic torque transfer system); think of it kind of like a computer controlled, infinitely variable LSD. Basically, the ATTS system monitors a variety of sensors and then determines how best to split the torque between the drive (front) wheels; one instance is that in mid turn it delivers more power to the outside wheel than the inside to fight understeer. The SH model also has revised suspension compared to the base model, including double ball joints at the front to control caster changes in mid turn.

 

I value handling over straight line pace these days. I want Porsche-like communication through the steering wheel; something for the curves when I am in the mountains.

As for the Legacy GT, it creaks, wallows and shimmies unlike my friend's WRX.

 

Actually, gstrudler the car I am most interested in is in Portland, just down the street from you... I've never bought a car online, but its Carfax a checks out and I called the dealer who serviced the car since it was new; on paper the thing is perfect.

Would you be my best friend for a day and test drive it for me? Unless you are in the market for a new SH... in which case, back away, please.

 

lol ^^^^^

 

you dont want an SH........ go with a base

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by streetracer6rpt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">you dont want an SH........ go with a base</TD></TR></TABLE>

Why? The guy just said handling is more important to him than speed. The SH is better suited. Plus, you can still make SH's quick without compromising the ATTS.

 

Having an lsd can improve your handling bigtime! Go for it.

 

I went with a base over an SH cause i red that you shouldnt lower the SH . It said it would mess with the ATTS. I will just add front and rear strut bars to increase the handleing ..


Modified by syne at 4:52 PM 10/25/2008

 

I just drove a beat up 77,000 miler SH and the handling is amazing. The car corners flat and feels small. Really dug the car, you know when the ATTS working. It just sorts out whatever you throw at it.

My mind is reeling...

 

either way, any lude is a pretty sound choice...base, just add strut bars and lower...sh, just throw and go...

 

To clear up the misconception, you CAN lower an SH (I know this from personal experience) without any adverse affects other than tire wear. And as also mentioned the suspension is different between the base and the SH beyond just the ATTS system. And no, an LSD does not do the same thing as the ATTS system.