Fiat coupe 16v turbo
Discussion
20vt is definitely more refined, more powerful, more economical and (IMHO) more tuneful with its 5-pot motor
The 16vt is slightly more nimble (lighter engine) and definitely rarer (less than 100 left )
The 20vt has better brakes (4-pot Brembos) and better cabin ventilation. The 16vt is (marginally) easier to work on.
Also something to consider - we've found that early models seem to be less prone to corrosion - most of the seriously rusty cars are 98-onwards with the very latest Plus and 20VT[6] models being the worst
I've had both ends of the scale - a very early 16v non-turbo (chassis #13), which I loved for its purity and responsive engine. I also have a highly modded 20VT Plus, which I love for its performance.
Both variants have their appeal. I reckon the early 16V / 16VT will be the first to hit genuine classic status, followed very closely by the 20VT LE (which is already showing signs of strengthening prices for the best examples)
The 16vt is slightly more nimble (lighter engine) and definitely rarer (less than 100 left )
The 20vt has better brakes (4-pot Brembos) and better cabin ventilation. The 16vt is (marginally) easier to work on.
Also something to consider - we've found that early models seem to be less prone to corrosion - most of the seriously rusty cars are 98-onwards with the very latest Plus and 20VT[6] models being the worst
I've had both ends of the scale - a very early 16v non-turbo (chassis #13), which I loved for its purity and responsive engine. I also have a highly modded 20VT Plus, which I love for its performance.
Both variants have their appeal. I reckon the early 16V / 16VT will be the first to hit genuine classic status, followed very closely by the 20VT LE (which is already showing signs of strengthening prices for the best examples)
226bhp said:
Cheap to buy, not to run.
Not always - buy wisely (which probably means not cheaply) and they shouldn't be any more expensive than any current 200+ bhp carFactor in depreciation on any modern car with broadly similar performance and suddely the Coupe becomes quite cheap to run
As long as the car isn't modded, there's no reason why a Coupe shouldn't be run on less than a grand a year for routine maintenance and the occasional repair. Plenty of people on FCCUK reporting near-zero expenditure on breakages or failures - just the usual consumables. Preventative maintenance is the key - don't wait for the failure.
Been running my 20V VIS for nearly 6 years now, 52000 miles in and still enjoy every drive in it.
Last year 17000 miles covered between MOT(both passed at no extra cost):
Servicing costs: 5 litres Oil and filter (twice)
Breakdowns: Nil
Avg MPG: 35
Fun: loads
These are really underrated cars that if you buy wisely and can wield a spanner proactively aren't necessarily a money pit.
Last year 17000 miles covered between MOT(both passed at no extra cost):
Servicing costs: 5 litres Oil and filter (twice)
Breakdowns: Nil
Avg MPG: 35
Fun: loads
These are really underrated cars that if you buy wisely and can wield a spanner proactively aren't necessarily a money pit.
Front end grip isn't a problem in these! 65% of the weight is over the front wheels.
I had a 20VT with some minor mods and it was awesome running about 270bhp.
My only advice would be to join the FCCUK forum and read, read and read,
Buy a car on history rather than spec, I personally prefer the five pot, but if there was a 16v and 20v for the same money, I'd buy the 16v if it had been better cared for.
There are always nice cars on the forum for sale and the prices are criminally low, for now...
I only got rid of mine to buy a cheaper to run car (Panda 100HP) in order to save up for my dream Alfa 1750 GTV.
I had a 20VT with some minor mods and it was awesome running about 270bhp.
My only advice would be to join the FCCUK forum and read, read and read,
Buy a car on history rather than spec, I personally prefer the five pot, but if there was a 16v and 20v for the same money, I'd buy the 16v if it had been better cared for.
There are always nice cars on the forum for sale and the prices are criminally low, for now...
I only got rid of mine to buy a cheaper to run car (Panda 100HP) in order to save up for my dream Alfa 1750 GTV.
I preferred my 16V Turbo to my 20V Turbo. The engine had more torque and was less all or nothing once tuned. 270-ish bhp is quick enough and reliable compared to a 300bhp 20Vt conversion. Because the engine ls less labored the 16V turbo was surprisingly economical compared to the 20Vt as well.
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