Better than expected - Morris Marina TC. Plenty of over-steer, sloppy handling and 100bhp gave it bags of character. Generally fun. 
  
Better than expected - 3rd Gen Honda Prelude 2.0i 16v 4WS. Everything is amazing about this car. 
  
Better than expected - Peugeot 309 GLD. Will go anywhere (on road and off, in and out of water) without getting stuck, well balanced chassis and incredibly reliable. 
  
Worse than expected - Seat Leon Cupra 1.8t. Flat, unresponsive engine, far too over-complicated for what it is. Generally un-inspiring. 
  
Met expectations - Mitsubishi Evo 2 - Knew it would be amazing, it is.