Fiat coupe 16v turbo

Author
Discussion

DEEMAN1

Original Poster:

17 posts

122 months

Tuesday 29th July 2014
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These seem to be an absolute bargain these days, probably the cheapest way to 200bhp.
I know the 20vt is the all round better car but the 16vt is a lot cheaper and rarer.
Does anyone have any experience of them?

What's the actual performance/economy like?

wal 45

654 posts

179 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
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I'd try the Fiat Coupe Forum for some views on the 16V Turbo, there are a few regulars with 16V cars.

Personally I'd go 20V as the 16V is thirstier, harder to get some bits for and that much older when looking at the bodywork aspects.

Great cars though whichever version you go for.

Nigel_O

2,852 posts

218 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
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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 eek )

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

10,203 posts

127 months

Thursday 31st July 2014
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Cheap to buy, not to run.

Nigel_O

2,852 posts

218 months

Friday 1st August 2014
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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 car

Factor 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.

wal 45

654 posts

179 months

Friday 1st August 2014
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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.




tomsnelling

278 posts

208 months

Saturday 2nd August 2014
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Do it! Great fun, mine is 270bhp 270lb/ft at the moment for a relatively low cost and has yet to blow up (touch wood!)






Edited by tomsnelling on Saturday 2nd August 22:15


Edited by tomsnelling on Saturday 2nd August 22:15


Edited by tomsnelling on Saturday 2nd August 22:17

OGR4M

845 posts

152 months

Wednesday 27th August 2014
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FWD - huge rear spoiler...

alex_p

217 posts

204 months

Wednesday 27th August 2014
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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.

Liquid Knight

15,754 posts

182 months

Saturday 30th August 2014
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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.