1.8 vs 1.6 mx5

[Smashed]

Hello

been looking for a 1.8 mx5 but having trouble finding a bog standard one and I'm just wandering if I get a 1.6 model will I spend the whole time I have it wishing I got the 1.8?

I'm currently driving a 1.8 astra sri mk5. will the 1.6 mx5 be quicker I know the 1.8 would?

[MattjK]

It's a bit of a 'how long's a piece of string' question, that. They're old cars, and while some might be in the peak of health and putting out the manufacturer's claimed power etc, some might not be producing so much any more. A hundred things or more will vary from car to car, just in the way it feels and drives, so the best thing to do is start getting out to dealers and testing some out. That way you'll get a feel for what's good and what's bad.

[bluetone]

If you get an early enough 1.6 it would qualify for the less stringent emissions regs at MOT time, such that you can ditch the cat, fit a sporty exhaust and liberate some more bhp

July 31st 1992 is the key date: http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/205.aspx

There was also the dreaded 90bhp 1.6 model for a while; this was done to distinguish the 1.6 from the 1.8 when it was introduced. Check the above forum for more detail. HTH.

[MX-5 Lazza]

I'd say, if you have your heart set on a 1.8 then stick with the search and get one. You wouldn't have a problem at all with a 1.6 but you would always have that "what if" in your mind.
A 1.6 can be made to be just as fast as a 1.8 but a 1.8 can be made to be faster with much the same changes.
It's a bit academic anyway as they aren't fast cars anyway and engine power isntthat important (I should know).

The best advice is to set a budget, decide what spec you want and then to search the Market to find a car that fits. There are loads of them out there, you just have to be patient.

[Chris71]

Not an expert, but isn't one of the main advantages of the 1.8 some different chassis equipment - different brakes or LSD options or something? Might be a thought...

[Smashed]

Yeah I guess I really want the 1.8, my problem is insurance, I'm only 20 with no noclaims bonus, this limits me to the absolute bog standard mk1 1.8i which there aren't many about. I really want to get into track days but also have something fun to drive day to day.

The astra is a good car and everything it just has no well passion I guess. Think I'll just wait and try find a decent 1.8 so if anyone has one to sell please mail me.

Cheers

[bluetone]

I am surprised there aren't many 1.8i out there.

BTW, it's the japanese Eunos imports that tend to have LSDs as standard.

1.8 has bigger/better brakes than the 1.6 (though they are all pretty poor by modern standards tbh).

Edited by bluetone on Saturday 28th March 18:34

[pmanson]

DTM and I were out playing this morning. He's got a 1.8 and ours is a 1.6.

There didn't seem to be a huge amount in to be honest.

I think DTMs is on 136k and ours in on 184k

[todd69]

Had 2 1.6s and currently got a 1.8, only noticeable difference is on the motorway, the 1.8 has the longer legs and doesn't sound like it's working so hard.