ok, this isn't a street race thread, just a comment on a fast car I came accross..

it was an MG (the one based on the rover 45!) now, most MG buyers tend to opt for the cheap one with the low power... but this one... has to be said MUCH faster than my fabia (we had a bit of a play on the m/way..... all below the speed limit...) we took the same exit off, and I got close for nose at him.... (and his car)

it said 180 on the back... anyone know which enigine this is? I thought the 180 was the V6, but didn't think they put it in the MG ! anyway he had an aftermarket exhaust, and a web-site sticker in the window... would assume it's modded and pushing more than 180bhp, but more power than mine anyway, and in a similar weight car, so after looking, I wasn't surprised he was faster

anyway... dont come across many that seem so quick, so thought I'd give his car a bit of credit

ok' date=' this isn't a street race thread, just a comment on a fast car I came accross..

it was an MG (the one based on the rover 45!) now, most MG buyers tend to opt for the cheap one with the low power... but this one... has to be said MUCH faster than my fabia (we had a bit of a play on the m/way..... all below the speed limit...) we took the same exit off, and I got close for nose at him.... (and his car)

it said 180 on the back... anyone know which enigine this is? I thought the 180 was the V6, but didn't think they put it in the MG ! anyway he had an aftermarket exhaust, and a web-site sticker in the window... would assume it's modded and pushing more than 180bhp, but more power than mine anyway, and in a similar weight car, so after looking, I wasn't surprised he was faster

anyway... dont come across many that seem so quick, so thought I'd give his car a bit of credit [/quote']

You are correct, it is a V6. And it is relatively quick, about 7 sec to 60. But STILL a Rover, isn't it!

They are meant to handle fantastic as well!!

The ZS 180 is the top spec V6 Rover 45 and is probably one of the best all round packages Rover/MG have come up with. However on any n/a engine they'd struggle to get any more than 10bhp with breathing mods unless they spend a fair bit on cams/throttle bodies & a remap.

I had a play with one when i had my rallye and there wasn't much in it but i just pipped it at the end probably down to bottle. On my own private runway of course!

itsa 24v quadcam 2.5 v6, my mate had one

lots of traction issues in them though

you say they won't be able to gain much from simple mods but that depends massively on whether its been 'de-tuned' to 180bhp, considering the same engine in the ZT makes 190bhp

itsa 24v quadcam 2.5 v6' date=' my mate had one

lots of traction issues in them though

you say they won't be able to gain much from simple mods but that depends massively on whether its been 'de-tuned' to 180bhp, considering the same engine in the ZT makes 190bhp [/quote']

Good Point.

The 160 MGs are pretty quick too. Assume they have a tweaked 2.0 or 1.8 n/a engine?

I think the 160 is the 1.8 VVT ...... (could be wrong!)

The 160 MGs are pretty quick too. Assume they have a tweaked 2.0 or 1.8 n/a engine?

The Zr160 IS QUICK for a 1.8.

:iagree:

had a play with a mod'd one from a rolling start and there was virtually feck all in it. don't under estimate them

Rock-hard suspension on them but they don't half shift - my uncle has one and it's actually a pretty good car. Surprised they bought one based on their driving habits but that's another matter entirely

180bhp out of a 2.5 V6 lump does seem rather poor by todays standards, but fair play to you, takes a bit of courage to post an 'I've Been Beaten By" type thread

180bhp out of a 2.5 V6 lump does seem rather poor by todays standards, but fair play to you, takes a bit of courage to post an 'I've Been Beaten By" type thread

Not really...

BMW 2.5 = 193bhp

Vauxhall 2.5 was 170 etc etc

and theres no mechanical differences between the 180 and 190.

Fabia 1.9 SDI = beaten by everything.

At least I know no to try.

I had a 96 Civic at one stage. Basically same shape as the 45. It was only a 1.6 8v but i've never driven a better composed car in my life. The 180bhp MG engine must be sweet in that Chassis.

quite nice for a rover

the latest face lift was a marked improvement i think myself. they look quite mean i think

45 platform even though it was the oldest out of the group was the best. Even in the weedy 1.8nasp it was sporty feeling.

The 2.5 even though it only had 180bhp it was a fair torque car, so I'm not surprised it had a fabia diesel. Though the 2.5KV6's head will probably have failed within a few miles! lol

The ZS180 is a fine car. Might not be to everyone's tastes when the looks are considered, though you can get more understated ones... but performance-wise, they're a bargain.

Approx. 180bhp (slightly less), one of the best FWD chassis set-ups ever made, fabulous grip, a very flexible engine and a sound track to rival any of the best V6 motors. When following my brother when he had one as a company car, I was hard pressed in my Impreza to keep up, so I know the vRS wouldn't have a chance.

AFAIK the V6 engine is okay - the head gasket issues are on the 1.8 engines - K series, that feature in the ZR and MG TF ranges. The V6 uses a bit of oil, but nothing unusual! They're thirsty though, but c'est la vie!

My brother's had 3 or 4 of them over the years as co-cars, and not had a problem with any, and he's not treated them well (!!).

Personally I'd prefer the MG ZT 190, but that's on looks... the ZS is faster.

Drove toe ZS 180 at Thruston. I was very impressed with the engine and the handling, shame about the 1980's interior

Didn't realise how much of a good looking car the face lifted version was, I like it even though it's based on such an old platform.

LOL! didn't realise I'd started an MG appreciation thread!!!

well , to be honest, at the time I bought the fabia, MG were dying, so there were some bargins to be had, I nearly went for a 120bhp ZR (the25 dunno if ZR are the right initials!) 'cause I couldn't afford to insure the 160bhp one (or pay for the fuel) for learners! but I seriously considered it.. the 'old' design put me off a bit, but some serious discounts were to be had.....

edit: the lack of proper warrenty sealed it as a 'no' ..... and after a year of vRS ownership I'm glad I made the choice I did.. best car I've ever owned! (bar my old lancia thema turbo...)