Which would YOU choose?

"Jonee" (Jonee)
10/30/2013 at 13:08 • Filed to: Which car is better?

A pair of love it or hate it cars. A Subaru Baja (stick, of course):

http://www.prestigemotorimports.com/detail.aspx?id…

Or a Nissan Juke (also manual):

http://www.rossnissan.com/used/Nissan/20…

I test drove a Nismo Juke with the 6-speed and thought it was a hoot.

DISCUSSION (36)

Tom McParland > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:10

I'll take the Juke...great handling and punchy engine. Too bad you can't get 3-pedals and AWD.

ddavidn > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:10

Baja, but I would take either.

For Sweden > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:10

Baja

Is this even a question?

Jonee > Tom McParland
10/30/2013 at 13:12

Yeah, any idea why the stick would only be available on the FWD?

Tom McParland > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:14

Low take rate...and because of the unique AWD system in the Juke the engineering costs for both a FWD, and AWD setup are too much to justify less than %2 of buyers.

Jagvar > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:14

I actually don't hate either of those cars. I've never had any beef with the Baja (loathe the Aztek, though).

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:14

Baja!!

80CobraKid > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:16

Ever since I was a kid I've loved the Baja for some unknown reason. It's just so awesome.

SonorousSpeedJoe > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:17

Normally, I'd take the Baja, but I'd take the Juke since that Baja doesn't appear to be a Baja Turbo. On top of that, I think I've honestly grown to like the Juke at this point, what with the Juke-R and Nismo versions.

ATX211 > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:20

Baja. But mainly because the headlights are in the proper configuration.

/ihatechange

/alsomanualwithbed

/alsopaulhoganhatesjukes

Dusty Ventures > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:22

Kinja'd!!!

Dusty Ventures > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:25

Also, for gits and shiggles I looked up "Nissan Juke rally car." It's hideous!

Kinja'd!!!

feather-throttle-not-hair > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:26

I dont mind the Baja despite its ugliness. The Juke bugs me because they SUV ified what should have been a decent little warm hatch.

Tough choice, though since the Baja doesn't look like a turbo. I'd probably take the Juke.

Casper > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:27

I would take the "hopped up" Juke. It has more upgrade potential than the Baja for areas that I would play with it in.

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:29

Subaru because its sorta an Ute.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:30

Step 1) Get baja

Step 2) Put on STI wheels and a drop in ride height

Step 3) Put on an STI front end (or something close to it

Step 4) Upgrade the engine

Baja STI. Manual, AWD, 300ish hp turbo crew cab pickup. Instant win.

Jayhawk Jake > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:36

I think the Juke would be more fun, but the Baja would be more useful.

Baja it is.

area man > Dusty Ventures
10/30/2013 at 13:37

That can't be real! Christ, it's like a giant stepped on the front!

Jonee > Jayhawk Jake
10/30/2013 at 13:39

Practicality over fun???

Takuro Spirit > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:40

Baja + STi engine swap

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:41

I'd definitely go with the Baja. This one comes from my home state! http://bit.ly/Hfjg7h

Jayhawk Jake > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:47

Well, I could use the utility of the Baja. Plus it's AWD with a stick, so it surely is some fun.

My hovercraft is full of eels > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:55

Baja. No question. I think they were not sold in Europe (and even if they were, they are very rare), so it counts as and exotic here. That, plus I find the Juke hideous.

glassman222 > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:56

Baja. Because its a Subaru.

cazzyodo > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 13:57

I could have fun with either but for some reason want the Baja. Possibly because I sat in a Juke and felt like the walls were moving closer to me.

Makoyouidiot > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 14:07

Note: Bajas hold their value like crazy.

Jonee > Makoyouidiot
10/30/2013 at 14:08

This is true and they're rare enough to be collectible one day.

AbigGRNboot > Dusty Ventures
10/30/2013 at 14:10

Total Juking madness

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Jonee
10/30/2013 at 14:51

Baja ALL DAY EVERY DAY.

Juke is an automotive abomination.

Baja is a good idea that was a little short on execution and didn't catch on. It should have been thoroughly and intelligently revised with 3.6L H6 and Boxer Turbo Diesel options, 5EAT-VTD or 6MT-VTD transaxle, and based on the SH Forester's body as an SUT, not outback; and not cancelled.

It also should have used Tribeca drivetrain pieces, such as an R180, or even an R200 or R230 rear diff with a limited slip, and bigger hubs and brakes with 5x114.5mm/4.5inch bolt pattern for the wheels, and a factory transmission cooler for the automatic.... With either a torquey H6, or a turbo diesel, that should be well capable of meeting or surpassing Tribeca's 3500lb tow rating, much higher than Forester, Outback, or Baja's anemic rating. If it can't haul much in the bed, it should be able to tow.