Another What Car (or rather what engine) thread...my first!
Discussion
The Megane is edging closer to it's third birthday, and will be put out to pasture - it's been a great car and although there's no reason to choose anything different I don't really like buying the same car twice in a row. It will be used for short daily trips to the train station, and the occasional longer journey "up North" to see the parents. I might venture out onto the odd track day too.
The replacement is looking likely to be an Astra GTC - I really like the look of them and they seem to get good reviews. The only question now is the engine choice. So, which would be more fun
1.6 Turbo Petrol engine with 180HP and torque figure of 230.
2.0 Turbo Diesel engine with 165Hp and torgue figure of 350.
Either could be remapped, and probably will be - I'm assuming I'd get better remap results from the TD than the petrol?
The replacement is looking likely to be an Astra GTC - I really like the look of them and they seem to get good reviews. The only question now is the engine choice. So, which would be more fun
1.6 Turbo Petrol engine with 180HP and torque figure of 230.
2.0 Turbo Diesel engine with 165Hp and torgue figure of 350.
Either could be remapped, and probably will be - I'm assuming I'd get better remap results from the TD than the petrol?
The GTC is a heavy beast. I'd go for the diesel if they are your only options, hopefully the torque will help disguise the weight of the car.
The diesel is also likely to hold its value better in the long-term, and whilst it might not be the most fun thing you can take to a track day it will probably return much better fuel economy, whilst I imagine it would be less to tax?
The PH Brigade don't believe you need a diesel unless doing over 15,000 miles a year. Personally I do just about that, but if you don't then it's also worth considering the cheaper petrol.
The diesel is also likely to hold its value better in the long-term, and whilst it might not be the most fun thing you can take to a track day it will probably return much better fuel economy, whilst I imagine it would be less to tax?
The PH Brigade don't believe you need a diesel unless doing over 15,000 miles a year. Personally I do just about that, but if you don't then it's also worth considering the cheaper petrol.
C.A.R. said:
The GTC is a heavy beast. I'd go for the diesel if they are your only options, hopefully the torque will help disguise the weight of the car.
The diesel is also likely to hold its value better in the long-term, and whilst it might not be the most fun thing you can take to a track day it will probably return much better fuel economy, whilst I imagine it would be less to tax?
The PH Brigade don't believe you need a diesel unless doing over 15,000 miles a year. Personally I do just about that, but if you don't then it's also worth considering the cheaper petrol.
This is broadly right - I would assume the diesel engine would make it even (nose) heavier though.The diesel is also likely to hold its value better in the long-term, and whilst it might not be the most fun thing you can take to a track day it will probably return much better fuel economy, whilst I imagine it would be less to tax?
The PH Brigade don't believe you need a diesel unless doing over 15,000 miles a year. Personally I do just about that, but if you don't then it's also worth considering the cheaper petrol.
A friend has the diesel and I went for a ride in it on Friday - nice car and plenty enough torque.
SlimRick said:
Mileage is around 10k / pa, and I usually get rid after 3 years. Really looking into which would be more fun rather than resale values / running costs.
Erm... GT86. You obviously don't need something hugely practical and have a decent amount to spend so why is a diesel Astra even on your radar?
SlimRick said:
Fubar1977 said:
I`m gonna get s
t for this but surely there`s something more appealing than a 3 door astra with a body kit on it!
But...but...but they look pretty! t for this but surely there`s something more appealing than a 3 door astra with a body kit on it!
Although I'd be buying a GT86 and renting a van twice a year*.
* Technically a lie because with your budget I'd buy an old Elise, a tatty MX5, a couple of bikes and knock a bit off my mortgage.
I've just spoken to the local dealership. They don't have a 1.6 Turbo available for a test drive, but he was trying to tell me that I'm better off going for the 1.4 Turbo engine. He couldn't tell me why other that "it's a better engine". They do have a 2.0 CDTI available for a test drive so I'll be taking that for a spin tomorrow.
) for the track. 
) I'd have something a lot less mundane.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff