Up until the BF2, as mentioned before, the XR6 had an inferior engine to the F6. In the BF2 XR, the engine was given the F6 valve springs and rods. I believe it also has better suspension? To say the F6 is an XR with a better bodykit and what-not, is stupid. The typhoon is a performance vehicle version of te XR and out of the factory, comes as a performance vehicle. It has more boost, better engine (until BF2), better springs, better brakes, better interior. People have their own opinions about which is better for money, but facts are facts and you can't bend them. - To the OP: I'd get a BF Phoon with low kays if you can. That way you wont have to spend the $ later on decent brake upgrade, and it's still a load of fun while you're saving for engine work.