The car was probably only putting out a little over the stock horsepower, when my dad decided to display how big of balls this little car had. I just got the car and it had been sitting for a while, my dad dropped the clutch somewhere around 3500 to 4000 rpms, we had beating on the car relentlessly all day, then the fun ended when the axle blew. This was under a very harsh beating though, and with the four wheel drive engaged and on dry pavement. The car lit up all four tires though. But for daily driving and a race every once in a while I think things should hold up pretty well.
Over all I think you should get it, they are very fun cars.
I have not started prepping it for rally, I still have to get my license. But after my senior year of highschool, its off to Tim O'neil rally shcool for me. This has been my dream for so long, Ive always wanted to participate in the club or pro rally, who would think I would do it in a mazda 323 though.
Good luck with the car
John