Every now and then, there’s a car that differentiates itself from all others. Sometimes, one comes along that reminds us that not only Italians could build emotionally-attaching automobiles. By far, the two best ones are the 90’s era Mitsubishi Galant GTi and the Ford Lynx RS. Despite coming from two companies with remarkably different mindsets, the similarities are eerily obvious.
Show-Offs
The ribbed side panels and pull-type door handles of the Galant GTi are definitely a copy of Mercedes-Benz design cues of the era, and yet with the shark-like poise and aggressive aerodynamic kit, it leaves a lasting impression.
Drumming up the GTi’s revised look must have been a no brainer since most of the exterior parts are shared with the high-performance, rally-bred VR-4 of the era. Still, most didn’t care. It was the first to standardize familiar sporty trademarks such as 15-inch (195/65 R15) tires, dual exhaust tailpipes and a rear spoiler. Let loose on the road, the GTi’s impeccable stance brought about stares from just about anyone.
Ten-odd years later comes the Lynx RS. Unlike the GTi, the RS’s revised exterior isn’t a carry over of a previous design. The entire aerodynamic package including the front and rear bumpers are unique. And, it sure looks delicious.
The new look completely removes the Lynx Ghia’s pseudo-luxury trim and gains some sporty credentials. Of course, since the range-topping 1.6-liter had 15-inchers already, it was just appropriate to bump up the RS’s wheel size by an inch.
Working Out in the Gym
Sharing aggressive and athletic stances, it was just appropriate to shove more horsepower under the hood. Both have 2.0-liter engines, upping displacements from their lower brethren as well as 5-speed manual boxes.
The GTi’s 145-bhp output is closely matched by the RS’s 142. Beyond the figures though, it’s hard to tell them apart. Both have muscular, unadulterated burbles blowing out of free-flowing exhaust pipes. Even subtleties such as crank up sound and peak torque rpm are almost the same.
Though the GTi has a thousand more rpms than the RS (7,000 versus 6,000) on the road, it’s RS that has the advantage versus the GTi with the formers lower curb weight and 20 Nm more torque. 100 km/h comes in at 9.2 seconds for the GTi versus the RS’s 8.7–again, figures which are remarkably in the same league.
Beyond the drag strips though, both cars exhibit the same characters. On a good note they have easy-to-modulate but abrupt-biting clutches, excellent brakes, and a sporty ride that’s not too firm. Even the way both cars snap into oversteer at the limit’s the same, though the older GTi has more body roll.
On the flip side, both betray their humble econobox origins with clunky gearboxes which require precision to shift properly. The RS fares marginally better than the GTi in this department.
It’s for the Family Too
Since both have their basis on everyday family cars, they have excellent accommodations. Though the GTi is a bit longer, the RS’s wider body and longer wheelbase means it can carry five in better comfort. However, nothing can beat the GTi’s spot-on ergonomic seats which aren’t the least bit uncomfortable even after six-hour trip.
The RS has the advantage of providing a sporty driving environment; however it’s the GTi that’s the better operator. The controls are all easy to locate as well as operate. The notches on the stalks and the rotary switches are well defined making control-by-touch completely possible. At the same time, the large CD-sized speedo and tach meters are easily readable.
In terms of luggage accommodations, it’s a split-decision. The Lynx has standard 60/40 split-fold rear bench while the Galant has a ski-pass through. The RS’s boot is regularly shaped compared to the GTi’s obtrusive rear suspension components.
Legend and Legend in the Making
Now comes the obvious question: why the Lynx RS and the Galant GTi? Certainly the amount of radical sedan with humble beginnings are numerous, the TOMS Racing Corolla, Honda Civic SiR and Nissan Sentra GTS to name a few. Well, the answer is pretty simple. All of the competitors mentioned above lack at least one vital ingredient to be a pocket rocket: looks, performance and affordability. Remarkably, it’s the same with the current crop of sporty compact sedans.
When it comes to being a true factory-tuned pocket rocket, there’s nothing quite like the Mitsubishi Galant GTi and the Ford Lynx RS. These two will definitely be immortalized in the Philippine automotive hall of fame.
By Ulysses Ang | Photos By Ulysses Ang and Jason Ang
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