... ahem, I don't understand why a 1.1 is (or can be) more sprightly than 1.4 :ne_nau:

This observation seems to be made in reviews of some models fairly frequently these days. I'm sure it's true since my 0.9 Polo years ago was nippier than a 1.4 Polo that I "moved up" to. How so?

Ta

Mo

Off Topic Mo....Sorry..."Hows me Cardie commin' on"

Weight is the only thing I can think of, or if talking about old/new - older bigger engines may be technologically worse than a modern smaller one?

Weight and gearing are two obvious ones

Jason, I'm not sure that would apply to "same year" models, unless one is unrevised older technology I guess.

Dr z - sorry if I'm being a dipstick - must "move up" to next brain capacity

How come a bigger engine doesn't compensate for any extra weight (assuming they've got the relative proportions right). OTOH, it might be that they have different purposes, e.g. for a 1.1 to be nippy in traffic and a 1.4 more suitable/comfortable for longer haul journeys? Haven't a clue about gearing relevance, I'm afraid.

FAO ag.morley: I'll tell you, if you tell me how you are doing with your flashing "P".

Ta

Mo

Weight

Gearing

State of tune

Torque delivery

Throttle sensitivity

Thats the main ones.

Chris

Volumetric Efficiency - a poorly designed 1.4 may not fill it's cylinders with air\fuel mixture as efficiently as a well designed 1.1 does?

Also, adding more valves per cylinder tends to result in torque and power being increased but chased up the rev range - resulting in a need to rev the engine more - if you're not a redline driver the quicker car may seem slower because delivery is lower.