Is the V8 worth it? What if...

[karmavore]

Assume for a minute that the factory still produced 4 cylinders (and V8s for that matter), all things being equal (breaks, cockpit, and yes, gearbox) would three be *any* advantage (save bragging rights) to buying the V8? It would be more expensive to buy and to own and it's power potential couldn't ever be truly realized, at least in a practical manner.

Having said that, what are the *true* advantages to buying a late model V8 over an S4s? S4?

What are the disadvantages?

Luke.

[kmaier]

For me, many things.... engine is better in my view. No valves to adjust, cambelts are simple overall (with the right equipment), design is newer and easily produces enough power without stressing anything, hence the V8 engine should last longer. Gearbox shifter linkage is improved, the clutch is improved, the ECM is of newer design, I for one prefer the newer interior over the old. The AP Racing Brakes are better and the newer ABS system would appear to be an improvement as well. Granted, many things can be retrofitted... and if you really want, you can add intercoolers to a V8. So I guess it's somewhat of a personal preference... for me the V8 is great... performance is always great. I find it fairly easy to work on as well. So I guess to each his/her own. Once my warranty is up, I don't expect it to be a killer on maintenance either as I plan on doing it myself (sans cambelt services as LCU covers this).

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[rob.e]

Assume for a minute that the factory still produced 4 cylinders (and V8s for that matter), all things being equal (breaks, cockpit, and yes, gearbox) would three be *any* advantage (save bragging rights) to buying the V8? It would be more expensive to buy and to own and it's power potential couldn't ever be truly realized, at least in a practical manner.

Having said that, what are the *true* advantages to buying a late model V8 over an S4s? S4?

Luke

Drive say, an S4s and a v8 side by side and you'll know the answer. The clutch on a v8 is a joy compared to a 4 cylinder car. If you do any stop-start driving then the v8 is much easier on your leg muscles. I've used a 4 cylinder and a v8 esprit to commute to work, so i know Also, whilst the actual "all-out" performance differences between the 300 bhp S4s and 350 bhp (but slightly heavier?) v8 are negligible, the v8 has a massive torque advantage over the 4 cylinder. On a long cross country run the v8 will be a much better drive. Lots of low down torque . The 4 cylinder car will go like stink when its wound up, but i found on my GT3 that it was pretty lethargic off boost.

What are the disadvantages?

Luke.

Well, look at my profile mines been "a little pricey" to run

[madmike]

Assume for a minute that the factory still produced 4 cylinders (and V8s for that matter), all things being equal (breaks, cockpit, and yes, gearbox) would three be *any* advantage (save bragging rights) to buying the V8? It would be more expensive to buy and to own and it's power potential couldn't ever be truly realized, at least in a practical manner.

Having said that, what are the *true* advantages to buying a late model V8 over an S4s? S4?

What are the disadvantages?

Luke.

The previous posts pretty much covered what the main differences are...I also like the interior much better, can't question the better brakes (though you can easily upgrade that), and more torque, etc.

However, because you still have the same gearbox, you can't realize the full potential of the V8 as safely as you can the 4 banger. You can upgrade the V8 engine to the point where it's making ridiculous HP, and still be safe for the engine, but your tranny will suffer.

And with options like the high torque chip for the 4 cylender engines you can help close that gap a bit.

Still, the V8 is probably a better, more modern car. However, the question should be is it so much better that it justifies the price difference?

That I can't answer, as I don't own a V8. I'm sure the V8 guys feel it does, or they wouldn't have shelled out the bucks.

Mike

Edited to add: I own a 4 pot, and have been shotgun in a V8. After a ride in the V8, I swore I had to have one someday. You feel the power, and it is amazing. However, you don't get that turbo launch that Karl describes as the whack in the head with a 9 iron. Having drivien my SE a bit since that V8 ride, I gotta say I love that sudden feeling of being whisked away. It really does feel like when Solo hits the hyperdrive in the Millenium Falcon. Your environment just changed drastically. Best option, own one of each!!!

>> Edited by madmike on Wednesday 14th May 17:01

[cnh1990]

I'm still out as far as the V8's. The reports of leaky cylinders is something I'm watching for and will affect which way I will go in the future. The 4 cyl is like an old friend that requires just simple tools. I don't have much in the way of tools, the simpler the better. The V8's on the other hand requires a few special tools that cost a lot. While the interior looks a bit better in the later V8's, call me old fashioned but I like gauges that tell what is happening instead of warning lights when something has failed. I constantly glance at my gauges very several seconds in between looks in all my mirrors and I would miss not seeing them there.

Calvin 90 SE

[karmavore]

Why the huge difference in clutch feel from the s4 to v8, and can the s4 be retrofitted with the v8 clutch?

Luke.

[ErnestM]

V8 has the twin plate AP racing clutch. I don't know about retrofitting. After my recent clutch work, though, I would say that the V8 clutch is easier to use (with more positive "feel") than my clutch on my 2003 Jag X-type. Superb.

ErnestM

[kmaier]

True, the AP-Racing twin plate clutch is smaller in diameter and has less rotational mass and reduced effort. However, the other side is a very narrow friction band, ie, it's pretty binary until you get the hang of it.

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[Doors]

I just bought my 99 GT3 after a long search - for cost, I could have got an early V8 (96'ish) or a late model 4 cylinder - I went with the GT3 as it has the modern dash many seem to like and is suppossed to be one of the more reliable of the Esprit range. I heard that the early V8's were pretty unreliable (just what I've heard - no offence to early V8 owners, sorry) - and I'm in the process of getting more power and torque out of mine. However, saying that - the clutch is definately a minus point in the GT3 compared to the V8, and at some point I may move up to a late model (say MY2002) V8 - when I can afford it!
The only other minus point is the lack of low end torque - but when it does kick in - move over Hans Solo! There really is little to beat the grin it puts on your face!
Doors.