I've driven an 02 1.8t, and truly enjoyed the drive. The cute little turbo in the 1.8t seems to always be on boost, hence the enjoyment. However, the stock R is vicious in the top end just when the 1.8t runs out of breath.

I have respect for the 1.8t for it's excellent driveability.

 

I guess I'm either too accustomed to all-motor setups or haven't driven enough big-turbo/loads-of-lag FI cars, but it actually had a bit much too lag for me. I guess I'm just not a turbo kinda guy... :roll:

 

The 1.8t engine is actually known for it's lack of lag. Lag is part of driving a turbo. Once the boost kicks in just over 2000 rpms it pulls hard. Cars like the WRX have really bad lag but pull very hard up high. The lack of lag is what makes the turbo such a great daily driver. The power is spread out over the rpm range unlike most turbos. It was hard getting used to it at first coming from a N/A engine but once you time your shifts right and learn the power curve it becomes addictive.

 

For me, it depends on what purpose I have for the car. As an owner of an integra, sentra se-r and a rwd boosted beater (conquest tsi) I must say that I like boosted cars on the street. Drives like a perfectly normal car normally but when needed you get the fun feeling that boost provides and extra power.

For track/road course use I prefer a linear powerband, which I had acheived in the GSR quite nicely. NA is best for ME when it comes to road course use, and I also prefer RWD on track But my only RWD car is boosted. :shrug: oh well

 

The beauty of lag is the rush of adrenaline and the kick in the ass you get when boost comes on suddenly. The 1.8t has absolutely minimal lag in my world.