Test drove an Ibiza Cupra 1.9 TDI 160 over the weekend. Did not feel that much faster than my standard Furby. If anything, it felt slower. I remember reading somewhere that the TDI 150 distributes it's power more evenly over the rev range so this might have had something to do with it? It just didn't seem to have the same shove ya back in the seat feeling as the vRS does. Anybody able to enlighten me?

Other than that, it was a fantastic car and leagues ahead of the vRS handling wise!

I don't know about the PD160, but the PD150 has a larger turbo than the PD130. This means that it takes longer to spin up and therefore won't have the same initial thrust as the PD130. However once the turbo has kicked in the PD150 will start to catch up. All in all, I don't think there is much difference between these engines.

Get you rfurby lowered (springs), rear ARB, front upper strut brace, 17's and then see which you prefer handling wise, it's a transformation let me tell you... besides I much perfer the looks of the vRS over the ibiza, its looks much bigger and chunkier... just my opinion though... as they are very similar cars anyway...

Get you rfurby lowered (springs), rear ARB, front upper strut brace, 17's and then see which you prefer handling wise, it's a transformation let me tell you

And then do the same to the Ibiza and see which you prefer

Chris

TBH 30 horses isn't that much of a difference on the tarmac.

Edit: The Cupra will always be cooler though.

Get you rfurby lowered (springs), rear ARB, front upper strut brace, 17's and then see which you prefer handling wise, it's a transformation let me tell you... besides I much perfer the looks of the vRS over the ibiza, its looks much bigger and chunkier... just my opinion though... as they are very similar cars anyway...

Ditto...I much prefer the look of the Furby, it looks well butch. Although I did like the wheels on the Cupra but they look very easy to kerb as they protrude out an inch or so from the tyre track.

I plan on getting the rear ARB alright to try sort out the handling.

Aside: Is an ARB (anti-roll bar) the same as a strut brace? (Sorry if that seems like a silly question)

If you compare 0-60 times the Cupra is alot quicker!!!

the Jabba ARB is fitted to the rear suspension underneath , the front already has an anti roll bar . the strut brace is fitted to the front suspension top mounts under the bonnet to stop movement between that area ,so no they are not the same

I have just come from having the SEAT Leon 150 tdi FR which I got in Jan. TBH the vrs doesnt feel anywhere the same as the Leon in terms of power to me...the 150 spools up later this is true but it pulls a hell of alot higher up the rev range. I find the VRS a bit breathless in comparison. Not sure if maybe the 160 ibiza has a more laggy response giving you that slower feeling, it also depends on the mileage on the car, the leon was not rev happy at all until at least 5k on the clock - where in the vrs's defence it was happy to pull strongly straight away! Its so difficult to compare two cars as well since some cars are just faster than others for no reason !!

The PD150 is mapped to use the (slightly) larger turbo it comes with, it spools up a little slower but holds boost for longer, and it is mapped to 150bhp as standard. The PD130 in the vRS drops off very significantly after 3.5-3.7k unless you get it remapped and add the PD160 air intake.

The 160 ibiza should pull a little harder than the '150 again.

Other things to note are the FMIC (which does make a noticable difference on my remapped PD130).

Handling wise next - the Seats are better handling out of the box, they're more sporty cars as standard if nothing else.

Both are fun cars in their own way

The Ibiza might not feel quick. But read it's speedo...That show's the real power of it.

The Ibiza might not feel quick. But read it's speedo...That show's the real power of it.

Yeh one thing I did notice in the Ibiza was that the speedo went higher.....as in 80mph in the Ibiza was in the same position as 60mph in the Furby so when you look down mentally it probably didn't feel as quick.

Here is my opinion on this debate. I drive both cars on a daily basis. My own is a Cupra 160 PD TDI remapped to 198 BHP and the girlfriend has a Fabia vRS remapped to 175 BHP. Both done by chipboost.

The Cupra IS THE QUICKEST! However it doesnt always feel it but watch the speedo and you realise. However the vRS feels faster at low revs while the larger turbo and FMIC on the Cupra delay the power delivery. On hot days in summer though your pleased of the FMIC while the vRS is suffering from heat soak. The 160 runs 1.55 bar boost standard while the 130 PD runs 1.35. Out of interest a 150 PD runs 1.50.

As for handling to be honest they are different cars with different styles. The Cupra is great if your out to "play" but hard work on long trips and broken roads. The Skoda is softer in the corners but much more comfortable for your passengers.

And the wheels, Cupra wheels IMO look great but kerb VERY easy. I live down a farm track and they soon show signs of injury while the vRS wheels are so far looking good.

Hope this little write up helps.

Not much in it performance wise. But, the Ibiza looks a girly car at the front to me, the rear looks o.k and that's the difference to me, the looks.

I Don't like the Spanish looks of the Ibiza, never have. The Fabia has chunky goods looks IMO and that's reallly sways it for me.

Also the interior in the Fabia is better, so are the seats, the Headlining in black, the front & rear lights, the Grille, but that's my opinion.

Would I buy an Ibiza, no.

Not much in it performance wise. But, the Ibiza looks a girly car at the front to me, the rear looks o.k and that's the difference to me, the looks.

I Don't like the Spanish looks of the Ibiza, never have. The Fabia has chunky goods looks IMO and that's reallly sways it for me.

Also the interior in the Fabia is better, so are the seats, the Headlining in black, the front & rear lights, the Grille, but that's my opinion.

Would I buy an Ibiza, no.

Personally I find that the seats in the Furby aren't all that comfortable, my previous car (a '98 Escort:eek:) was a lot less tiresome on a long journey. Also maybe it's just that I'm quite slim but I move about in them a lot in corners.

I've no doubt alright that the Ibiza is the quicker car but the sensation of acceleration is definitely greater in the Furby.

yellowcupra - appreciate the informed view.

Insurance is quite a lot more on the Ibiza and the build quality is not as good either

Insurance is quite a lot more on the Ibiza and the build quality is not as good either

Nothing wrong with the build quality as far as i can remember. What have you found wrong with the build quality?

The performance difference is very noticeable. I raced a Cupra 160 at Santa Pod, having mullered it off the start in my vRS, I had 2 car lengths at least on it. Then it simply drove past me, pulling out 1 car length on me at the 1/4 mile. 15.9 secs with a crap start to my 16.2 secs with a great getaway.

Reffro, When you say 'almost' completely standard, what Modifications are you meaning?

Also, where in London are you from?

The performance difference is very noticeable. I raced a Cupra 160 at Santa Pod, having mullered it off the start in my vRS, I had 2 car lengths at least on it. Then it simply drove past me, pulling out 1 car length on me at the 1/4 mile. 15.9 secs with a crap start to my 16.2 secs with a great getaway.

What, 0.3 seconds VERY noticeable ??? :confused: That's what i'm talking about, nothing in it.