ARegoli
Well I'm not too fussy about the power steering, I'd love to drive a car without it because I think that it would feel like more of a journey every time I drive. What's everyone's opinions on the power/ torque of the Bathurst? I've heard they are a bit gutless.

I know we were having a PM discussion but just wanted to share just in case someone else wants to lend their opinion.

A 3rd Gen 3sge (so 94+ Bathurst) makes 173hp, and has a 0-100 of 7.4 seconds.
A Silvia S13 SR20DET has a 0-100 of 6.5 seconds.  So imagine a non-turbo S13..

The MR2 is just trailing behind it, and that's without a turbo. Fair enough some people can call it gutless in comparison to some of the more sought-after 'JDM' cars, but it holds it's own considering it's aspirated. If we compare naturally aspirated 90s Japanese cars, there's not much else faster than this. 

Hoonsy
Coming from a P plater who also bought a 94 Bathurst, I'd recommend you go for a 94+ G-Limited. The Bathurst is the more racecar-spec model, but in a good way - no power steering, lame hard seats (regular are plush and fluffy_ and having no centre console box is more of a disadvantage than anything.

Bathurst is still good, but I'd have picked a G-Limited if I had a choice; only went Bathurst since it was a steal! ($4700 with rego/rwc compared to $6000+ for a G-L)

Hoonsy

ARegoli
Well I'm not too fussy about the power steering, I'd love to drive a car without it because I think that it would feel like more of a journey every time I drive. What's everyone's opinions on the power/ torque of the Bathurst? I've heard they are a bit gutless.

I know we were having a PM discussion but just wanted to share just in case someone else wants to lend their opinion.

A 3rd Gen 3sge (so 94+ Bathurst) makes 173hp, and has a 0-100 of 7.4 seconds.
A Silvia S13 SR20DET has a 0-100 of 6.5 seconds.  So imagine a non-turbo S13..
The MR2 is just trailing behind it, and that's without a turbo. Fair enough some people can call it gutless in comparison to some of the more sought-after 'JDM' cars, but it holds it's own considering it's aspirated. If we compare naturally aspirated 90s Japanese cars, there's not much else faster than this. 

 
 
I've never heard of any ADM cars being described as 'G-limited' That's a JDM only spec as far as I know. And the G-limited could have any options nominated by the buyer, so you can find fully optioned G's as well.
 
Not 100% on these dates, but ADM 'GT' and 'Bathurst' spec started with the rev3 (1994?). All ADM cars from this date the same trim on the seats, except for the GT which had full leather. No cars ever, anywhere, had 'plush and fluffy' JDM GT's had leather/suede seats, but the lower spec JDM had cloth.
 
The Bathurst was released as the 'tribute' for the race. It was the bare bones 'lightened' model, no p/s no a/c no fog lights, etc etc, but the buyer could add any of these to their Bathurst when ordering. So not many actually were bought totally bare bones. Not too many that I have seen anyway. Car feels good with or without power steering to me.  
 
As far as the Bathurst being gutless? Well it's the same engine for all ADM MR2's after 1994 (or mid 1993?) They may have certain HP on the day they rolled out of the showroom, don't think they will be at that figure now. They aren't underpowered though, I had an ADM GT for years and loved it.
 
I bought that GT at 80k and sold it when it was close to 300k. The car never missed a beat in any respect and the guy  that bought it off me (a forum member who posts irregularly) has enjoyed it as well and from what he tells me shows the tacho the higher numbers when he can. And (touch wood) the car is still strong. 

Dudeman
-snip-


I've never heard of any ADM cars being described as 'G-limited' That's a JDM only spec as far as I know. And the G-limited could have any options nominated by the buyer, so you can find fully optioned G's as well.
 
Not 100% on these dates, but ADM 'GT' and 'Bathurst' spec started with the rev3 (1994?). All ADM cars from this date the same trim on the seats, except for the GT which had full leather. No cars ever, anywhere, had 'plush and fluffy' JDM GT's had leather/suede seats, but the lower spec JDM had cloth.
 
The Bathurst was released as the 'tribute' for the race. It was the bare bones 'lightened' model, no p/s no a/c no fog lights, etc etc, but the buyer could add any of these to their Bathurst when ordering. So not many actually were bought totally bare bones. Not too many that I have seen anyway. Car feels good with or without power steering to me.  
 
As far as the Bathurst being gutless? Well it's the same engine for all ADM MR2's after 1994 (or mid 1993?) They may have certain HP on the day they rolled out of the showroom, don't think they will be at that figure now. They aren't underpowered though, I had an ADM GT for years and loved it.
 
I bought that GT at 80k and sold it when it was close to 300k. The car never missed a beat in any respect and the guy  that bought it off me (a forum member who posts irregularly) has enjoyed it as well and from what he tells me shows the tacho the higher numbers when he can. And (touch wood) the car is still strong. 

I think I was referring to the cloth seats then. My mate has a 91 G-Limited (import), so that +1's to your statement about the G-Limited only being import - something I didn't know! I just said 'plush' because they are really soft seats compared to mine.

Thanks for all the help guys. 
Does anyone have a good idea about the price range that I'll be looking at if I'm searching for a good condition bathurst?

Current prices on CarSales range from $7800 to $11000. Only 5 listed at the moment.
There was only a touch over 300 Bathursts ever made, so finding a clean one is getting harder.  If you spot a good one... snap it up! 
 

I've a '95 Bathurst. I'd strongly recommend them. I bought mine 2004 from original owner who ordered it with ABS, driving lights, centre console box. The latter is very useful IMO as cabin storage is at a premium. Centre console boxes are fairly easy to find 2nd hand and simple to fit. The standard cloth seats are fine and very comfortable on long trips (I've driven mine to Sydney a few times as well as Tasmania and never ever suffered).
I love the fact my car doesn't have power steering. It's a positive feature of the car. Steering feel is wonderful and the lack of power steering isn't noticed once underway. Don't let this discourage you. The only advantage of power steering in SW20's is steering ratio is slightly quicker in PS cars.
The 94 & 95 3SGE's developed 129Kw. From '96 to end of production of SW20, due to pollution control changes, power dropped 4Kw to 125Kw. Power is OK as car weighs about 1150Kg. Bear in mind they won their class at Bathurst 8 years in a row at 12Hour. In '94 they came 4th & 5th outright & finished on same lap as the top three winning cars (Porsche 962C and 2 Mazda RX7 SP25's) so they're hardly underpowered.
One advantage of NA engine is brilliant mpg. I regularly see over 40 mpg (<6 litres/100Km) on a trip travelling at 100-110kph. You can do over 800Km on a tank of fuel.
cheers
Steve
Every K over is a thriller.