The Fiat Coupe
Discussion
This post serves as nothing more as an outlet for the feelings that I've been nurturing over the past couple of hours spent looking at these on the web.
God, they are great, arent they!?
Seriously, such a striking design. And the sound of the 20VT! Wow, youtube has come up trumps. I'm seriously sat here thinking that I could see myself in one of these next. I always preffered the GTV but now, I'm not so sure. A 5 cylinder engine is not something you see everyday, and I like that. And everytime I see one of these cars, I have to take a second look. I know they are flawed, probably a bit understeery, and bits will probably fall off... but still...All that power, noise, and style, for such little money. I'm 100% sure than an MR2 fits my desire for a cheap turbo sports car far better on paper. And is technically a better car in every respect. But I just cant see myself in an MR2.
I have a car crush on the Fiat coupe.
God, they are great, arent they!?
Seriously, such a striking design. And the sound of the 20VT! Wow, youtube has come up trumps. I'm seriously sat here thinking that I could see myself in one of these next. I always preffered the GTV but now, I'm not so sure. A 5 cylinder engine is not something you see everyday, and I like that. And everytime I see one of these cars, I have to take a second look. I know they are flawed, probably a bit understeery, and bits will probably fall off... but still...All that power, noise, and style, for such little money. I'm 100% sure than an MR2 fits my desire for a cheap turbo sports car far better on paper. And is technically a better car in every respect. But I just cant see myself in an MR2.
I have a car crush on the Fiat coupe.
I've had 2, the 1st a 16v was fine. The 2nd a 20v Turbo, emptied my wallet every week and ate its crankshaft for supper.
Great cars in their time but I can only imagine how much trouble one would be to own now....
Would still have one in a heartbeat though
(N757 VPH and R126 CUY if they're still around - avoid the R reg )
Great cars in their time but I can only imagine how much trouble one would be to own now....
Would still have one in a heartbeat though
(N757 VPH and R126 CUY if they're still around - avoid the R reg
)Edited by Bugeyeandy on Sunday 11th April 22:20
Bugeyeandy said:
Would still have one in a heartbeat though
Proves my point exactly!I know about the Ford/Volvo engines... a mates just bought a Focus ST, and while all the other lads instinct is to say it sounds like a sport Quattro... to me, it sounds like (but not as good as) a 20VT Fiat. Of course, not being a Ford or VAG, none of my mates know jot all about the Fiat coupe.
) but I do understand the appeal of that 5cyl warble. Although if I wanted a 5cyl turbo on a budget I'd be looking for a Volvo 850 T5.I must admit I see nothing in its looks. I had a drive of one - stock but A1 condition supplied a week or two earlier from one of the most respected suppliers according to the OC, full warantee etc and I REALLY struggled to see any appeal at all. It was a 20V Turbo, it had the worst gear change of any car I have ever driven, I just gave up bothering with trying to engage 2nd and god knows why people think they are fast, they are very high geared and well, slow to be perfectly honest. I had my foot to the floor through 3rd and completely un-impressed. A normally aspirated Celica, Corrado or ITR would murder it on any remotely bending road and I suspect nor actually much different in a straight line but with far more drama.
Maybe they need the boost wound up? But then that wouldn't help the nose heavy general dullness.
Big thumbs down from me.
Maybe they need the boost wound up? But then that wouldn't help the nose heavy general dullness.
Big thumbs down from me.
I used to love them, fantastic styling IMO and something of a unique look about them. 4 spoke wheels, brightly coloured dash and plenty of grunt in the 20v turbo. My brother almost got one after his 306 Gti-6 but opted to spend more money and get a Subaru instead.
Still turn my heads to look at them now, although a few of them have been ruined by charv scum.
Still turn my heads to look at them now, although a few of them have been ruined by charv scum.
Absolutely loved these when I was younger. It's just a shame that when I really wanted one I couldn't afford one, and now I can the image is a bit....well it's no CL put it that way.
I still find myself occasionally looking at them on Ebay, it seems like every single one is a chaved up monstrosity with a dustbin exhaust these days. If I could find one like in your pictures (in blue) I'd probably be tempted as a second car
I still find myself occasionally looking at them on Ebay, it seems like every single one is a chaved up monstrosity with a dustbin exhaust these days. If I could find one like in your pictures (in blue) I'd probably be tempted as a second car
I had the same engine in a bravo, and yes it was good fun to drive. It's great being an old woman in a very underrated 'fast' car, I have had lots of fun with boy racers and up their arses BMW drivers in my time! I'm a huge Fiat fan, owned loads in my time. Had an Alfa for a while, but I would still go back to a Fiat.
Meant to say too, that I was all over this car when they first launched, and always said I would have one, I think they are the dogs doodahs. Just when they came into my price range, it was impractical for me to have one, hence the S Max I am now driving. I hope my daughter hurries up and gets a driving license.
awesome cars, loved my sprint blue 20v turbo.
But be prepared to spend money as they do not like being neglected, you cannot cut corners with these things.
They don't like being sat around either, i only used mine at weekends sparingly, and always thought this car needs to be driven reguarly and hard.
As long as you take it to a specialist, like Rog at Powerfiat, or PowerItalia i think it is called now you can't go wrong.
But the noise, speed and looks of the thing beat everything else hands down.
I looked at it as the baby Ferrari that they should have made.
But be prepared to spend money as they do not like being neglected, you cannot cut corners with these things.
They don't like being sat around either, i only used mine at weekends sparingly, and always thought this car needs to be driven reguarly and hard.
As long as you take it to a specialist, like Rog at Powerfiat, or PowerItalia i think it is called now you can't go wrong.
But the noise, speed and looks of the thing beat everything else hands down.
I looked at it as the baby Ferrari that they should have made.
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