s3 1980-87 what is the most desirable model (excl essex)

[bp81]

Hi Guys

I have a v8 and am looking at getting into a s3 esprit as well and wondered what the general consensus is on the different models hc turbo, turbo, wet sump, dry sump, n/a etc etc.

Appreciate anyones thoughts!

Cheers

[bp81]

Thanks Pat, sorry I must have missed your reply that makes total sense to me. The issue is I agree most early esprits are in the shadow of the essex and as I dont have the patience and probably not the budget to acquire an essex what is next best option?! I know a lot would argue the n/a is a much cleaner looking car possibly more connection to a s2 or s1 but I love the look of the turbos stance the rear window etc so i guess I am stuck

[bp81]

Thanks for your thoughts guys I have recently acquired this little beaut an 1981 dry sump turbo esprit recently recommissioning by gst after circa 25 years in hibernation!

[bp81]

Nose to nose with v8

[bp81]

The turbo has recently been restored by gst and drives fantastic and I really enjoy driving the car fairly hard getting up the rev range and flying round at 40--60 mph. The v8 on the other hand is obviously much more powerful and I have to be a lot more careful with the car because of the power and I am using a lot less of the cars capacity. I have only done a couple of hundred miles in both and am still learning the cars but if they were both new I would probably say the turbo as I do always have at the back of my mind one is not far off a modern car and one is 35 years old so I am naturally a bit more cautious with the turbo.

In summary the turbo is a fag paper ahead of the v8 but that could all change the next time I drive one still early days for me.

[bp81]

Thanks c43, have you had other esprits? what is it you are after as I have had a few offered to me since I got mine.

[bp81]

Hi Yardelli, I'm sorry I couldn't give you a price but what I could say is that if you are keeping the car there isn't a better man out there to restore her mechanically than Gerald. The car literally drives better than a new car, no rattles so tight and reliable.