Is it just me or is the modded 1.8T engine very deceptive in its performance - its Better than it feels ?

I've had a couple of friendly straight line sprints against classic Impreza Turbos (99MY, 00MY) recently, and there really is nothing in it between 30 and 80 mph.

I'm surprised because I owned a 99MY Impreza Turbo and even before I chipped it, I would swear that it was faster in the mid-range than my Jabba'd Octavia 4x4.

My questions ? :-

- Is it the fact that the power/torque characteristics are different and the engine is quieter that makes the Octavia seem slower ?

- Why should the Impreza be faster from a standing start with similar power - is it a weight advantage ?

Before anyone says it, yes, I know that the Impreza would disappear at the first twisty bit :1:

That's strange, I have a slightly different experience, but that's not just comparing the 4x4 with the GT Turbo but with the WRX too.

To me the Octy feels faster than it is because of the thump in the back above 2500rpm, but is still faster than others expect it to be, whereas the GT Turbo gives an even bigger thump but higher up the rev range and therefore feels quite similar. However, the WRX felt slower than it was because of the much more progressive turbo kick-in, and it probably is slower in the middle rev range, as it only really speeds up after 3500rpm. The Impreza's low-end grunt (both GTT and WRX) is disappointing, which is why you probably had an advantage from the start if both of you were cruising in a relatively high gear.

Nope, not all down to weight. Its down to the shorter gearing and the better traction off the line.

As for the twisties

speaking from experience, I can sit with classic and bugeye impreza's through twisties of all speeds, it's not a problem at all, in fact the way our turbo comes in if anything they can hold you back a little out of corners.

(both around 260bhp)

The octavia is oddly deceptive, never feels that quick until you are against (what you imagine) quicker machinery.

Tried to keep up with a GT3000 yesterday, but he was just a tad too much for me :( Must improve my driving skills

... Or bhp Quinten.

Jon Tavia

As the 4x4 is shorter geared than the Scooby is and has 4x4 , then it must be weight to explain a second difference in the 0-60 ? (6.5 v 5.5 from personal experience)

Rob

I think clutch has something to do with it also?

Originally posted by Quinten in this post

Tried to keep up with a GT3000 yesterday, but he was just a tad too much for me :( Must improve my driving skills

(Nick in dumb-ass mode again ) What's a GT3000 please?

Nick,

Mitsubishi 3000GT twin turbo big boys toy, just over 300hp!!

Must be the driver then eh!!!

Definitely driver error

Mind you, I had a play with a Jag this morning, and lost, but only just

XKR with rather "fruity" exhausts, sounded more like a TVR than a Jag. Awesome sounding and remarkably brisk

He was a little shocked that I was still behind him (albeit slowly dropping back).

Had he previously seen the 1.4 badge?

Yep! When I outbraked him and then went round a roundabout faster than him.

On the inside? That's always good for a laugh

Not as much of a laugh as going round the outside!

Did that to a TT earlier this week, really seemed to upset them.

(in the wet, naturally)

Er - for inside in my earlier mail read outside - I think we mean the same thing, i.e. good guy in the Left (i.e. longer route) lane, hapless victim in the Right (outside on the straight but inside going round the roundabout) lane.

Clearer now? :p

to clarify... mine was a left hand bend with a short dual carriageway section, had to get round him before it went to one lane...

Thats what I meant Nick.

Ian, you are just an hooligan

LOVE whipping TTs, especially on the twisty roads, they usually floor it then when they realise you're beating them they cut the power and pretend they weren't really trying .... :p

Well, he was meandering, so went to go round him, he must have spotted me in his mirrors cos half way round he decides to boot it, so I have to do the same - lovely little twitch \ back steps out \ ESP flashes, road was very greasy, and I blat past him.

Must have been quite a sight to a TT driver, to see a family estate do that to him.

Originally posted by Tavia4x4 in this post

Must have been quite a sight... to see a family estate do that to him.

I think that all the time as well

... Er gents < desperately adopting best business " let's get back on topic" mode > what about the engine - deceptive or what ?

My only other idea is that the flat four isn't that keen on revving much above 6000rpm. Ok you can go into the red over 7300 but there was never any point. SO, that's why I can keep up without a problem ? :confused:

What - your Octavia will rev over 5600 without running out of puff? Mine won't :(

Mine revs and pulls all the way to the redline