AMC Eagle Den Forum
EAGLE'S DEN FAMILY => Off topic => Topic started by: Nightpath on March 27, 2014, 11:20:42 PM
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I've always been curious, what would be the reasons to pick a wagon over an SX4 and vice versa. Anyone own each, or have owned them, and can give a little input?
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A wagon is much better for traveling, as you can sleep in the back if need be. I doubt that can be done in an SX4, or a sedan. I have had both for hard core off-roading, and prefer the SX4. I guess it all depends on what you use it for......Rich
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It's pretty much like any other car purchase. What's it being used for and what body style do you prefer visually. I love wagons and hatchbacks and I have owned both the SW and the SX4. I haven't had any drive time really behind the SX4, but I picked it up because I wanted that sportier look. It's gotta have the spoiler in the back though! That's what makes it cool! And if I ever get a wagon again it will have woodgrain. Another must in my book!
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The bulk of my driving is local, but I do tend to go off the beaten track. I do know that longer wheelbase is a smoother feeling ride, while shorter is easier for control.
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I've never owned a wagon, but one thing I really like about my Kammback is that it feels so nimble.
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My first "real" AMC (had a few Renaults prior to) was an 83 SX/4 Sport 258 5-speed...followed by an 84 wagon, same drivetrain. I can say with all certainty, if you're gonna go long-distance (500+), the wagon is WAY more suited to that type of driving. Tha SX/4 has more of a "sporty" feel to it, and is a little more handy in city driving. If you plan on having more than one passenger, DON'T go with an SX/4!! The rear seat is best folded down for added cargo space....no reasonably sized human is gonna fit back there. That was the reason the guy I bought mine from sold it. His 9 year old daughter wasn't comfortable!! Beyond that, it kinda just runs to your personal opinions on styling etc....
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I'd have thought that the space in the rear would be the same with the extra space having been removed from the trunk.
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The rear seat in an SX/4 is only habitable for a very small child (baby up to toddler size, though I would hate to try to get a car seat in & out of the car) or a small dog. There is just no leg room what-so-ever back there.
I have had both though I haven't got to drive my sx much. Other than interior space with the wagon clearly being the winner in that category I haven't notice much of a difference (yet). But I never got to take my wagon on a long trip, though I could see that it would've been the comfier of the 2.
So like others have said it all really depends on what your uses, needs, desires and possibly future plan to be.
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I just leave my seat backs folded down in the SX/4. Cheap 2-seater that way.
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The rear seat in an SX/4 is only habitable for a very small child (baby up to toddler size, though I would hate to try to get a car seat in & out of the car) or a small dog. There is just no leg room what-so-ever back there.
You ain't kidding either. Its got even less room then my mustang... And I thought that was bad lol.
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The SX/4 and Kammbacks are subcompacts. The Mustang is a Compact.
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HI I have had both and I prefer the wagon over the sx4 ......you can tell by the spelling sx4-----wagon ....the wagon is longer and for this old man longer is belter .....I forgot to say BIG old man .....My first AMC was a 1967 ambassador wagon990 then 1974 hornet wagon then 1977 hornet hatchback ,75 grem ,82 sx4,82 wagon and so on and on .......You can see the pattern that 1967 ambo was so nice ....It started it all........don
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I've had many AMCs over the years (couldn't afford to own Jeeps till '97 or so) and I drove my Spirit several years before turning it into an SX4 (Needed ground clearance) and I had Eagle wagons before as well as Full Size Jeeps. I like the wagons but don't like the narrow doors. I like the room to put stuff in the wagon and passengers can get in/out without having to flip the seat forward.
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I've never owned a wagon, but one thing I really like about my Kammback is that it feels so nimble.
the one time I test drove an sx4 it had amazing steering.
on another note, why are wagons abbreviated SW? is that just for sport wagons?
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SW = Station Wagon. An archaic designation. For some reasons the SX/4 steering seems more precise. I don't know why.
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Haha, I don't know why I didn't think of station wagon. I just say wagon I guess. Brain :censored:
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I have only had wagons (2). However, I nearly bought a sedan one time, and after thinking about it, I couldn't do it. Part of what makes the car so appealing to me is that it is definitely an active lifestyle vehicle. I put luggage on the roof, bikes and skies in the back, carry my tools to fix the :water reservoir: thing in the back, and can carry four VERY close friends :occasion14: (not all at the same time, obviously).
(Actually, the car has plenty of room for four; it is amazing really...I am 6'3'' and while it does not have the legroom up front of my Town Car, it is more of an upright seating position and I am actually pretty comfortable...and the rear has maybe only an inch less legroom than a car almost 30 inches longer)
If I bought an SX/4, it would be more of a collector car that I just drive around town......not the workhorse that my wagon is. I've gone back to a newer car and my Eagle, and for wear sake, I drive my (newish) Lincoln mostly, but if I am going biking, hiking, skiing, canoeing, etc...my wagon will be machine to do it.
Finally, I know Rafe mentioned that he has to have wood on his wagons....however, I LOVE my Sport Wagon....to me, it looks the most like what these cars are to us....car-ish creatures with the heart and soul of a Jeep. :eaglebig:
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I love my SX/4. Its a fun sport car that can go anywhere. But if I were to buy another Eagle, it would probably be a wagon, so that I could actually carry people and sporting equipment. But in order for a wagon to look the way I'd want it to, it would need a good amount of lift and some bigger tires, probably more than the 2" the IFS can handle.
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I've had both. I didn't notice any difference in steering or ride quality between the two but there was 15 years between drives in them. The wagon is a nice practical vehicle and the SX/4 is more of a toy/sports car. The SX/4 is quite a bit faster than the wagon but I don't know how much of that is due to the lighter weight or the performance upgrades to the motor. With just me and my husband the SX/4 is all we need and its my favourite because of the way it looks.
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Despite being the same from the A pillar forward. They are two completely different cars. The wagon is practical and smooth riding. The SX/4 is for fun and is basically a two passenger car.
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SW = Station Wagon. An archaic designation. For some reasons the SX/4 steering seems more precise. I don't know why.
Shorter wheelbase and less weight will do that
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hi, my favourite is the 4dr sedan! compact yet full size, elegant roofline, 4 doors for friends, it';s ALL good! gz
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The stock wagon suspension is too wussy and sloppy. Mine is more like a ralley car with a little extra junk in the trunk.