MG ZR 1.4 vs VW Lupo 1.4
Discussion
Rochellc01 said:
have you checked the insurance on the ZR?
I would, its horrific, ridiculously expensive.
Yeah. Lupo is ~£550 AND ZR is ~£750.I would, its horrific, ridiculously expensive.
kambites said:
I'd go for the MG. The ZR is far from the most sophisticated of cars, but one of the most fun FWD cars I've ever driven. Not the most well built or reliable of cars, though.
Did you have a lot of experience driving it? The reliability is my concern. Having just bought a house I am worried about having to fork out a load of cash for repairs. Is it pretty unreliable?
Is the 16V just the regular 1.4 S?Dot Dot Curve said:
Did you have a lot of experience driving it? The reliability is my concern. Having just bought a house I am worried about having to fork out a load of cash for repairs. Is it pretty unreliable?
No, only a few hours. The head gasket is typical K-series, although the 1.4 is better than the larger versions. Otherwise it's just luck of the draw - some are OK, some have constant niggling problems.
The two cars are very different in size, too. The ZR sits between the Golf and the Polo in size; the Lupo is obviously a lot smaller.
kambites said:
No, only a few hours.
The head gasket is typical K-series, although the 1.4 is better than the larger versions. Otherwise it's just luck of the draw - some are OK, some have constant niggling problems.
The two cars are very different in side, too. The ZR sits between the Golf and the Polo in side; the Lupo is obviously a lot smaller.
Cheers. Might look into the problems more. I will be the only one in it most of the time, so size isn't too big a deal.The head gasket is typical K-series, although the 1.4 is better than the larger versions. Otherwise it's just luck of the draw - some are OK, some have constant niggling problems.
The two cars are very different in side, too. The ZR sits between the Golf and the Polo in side; the Lupo is obviously a lot smaller.
I just wrote a massive post detailing issues with both cars but this stupid f
king iPad crap deleted the lot when I flicked between tabs...
Basically.. Don't be fooled by vws reputation. The lupos are getting on for 14 years old now and they do have age related faults. Rust is also very common on the roof, rear arches and sills, so look out for it!
Head gasket is a known issue on the k-series but the 1.4 engine is a lot better than the bigger variants, although not immune.
I've not owned an mg zr but have owned the rover 200 it was based on. 1.4 8v which was a lovely car to drive. Handled well, really nice ride, quiet and comfortable. The mot killed it in the end on corrosion and various bits but then I did pay £200 for it.
I own a lupo at the moment. A 1.4 16v S. very nice little car but as above, it has faults and rust. Drives well, reasonably nippy and is nice and comfy. It's fairly boring to drive though and can be twitchy on the corners. The back end doesn't seem to know what it's doing half the time. Engine pulls well but sounds like a washing machine. It has no soul. The 1.2 16v mk1 punto sporting that came before it was a joy to drive. The total opposite and a car I really miss.
I would go for the lupo I think but only because the interior is very nice and well built. The zr will undoubtably be the more enjoyable car.
king iPad crap deleted the lot when I flicked between tabs...Basically.. Don't be fooled by vws reputation. The lupos are getting on for 14 years old now and they do have age related faults. Rust is also very common on the roof, rear arches and sills, so look out for it!
Head gasket is a known issue on the k-series but the 1.4 engine is a lot better than the bigger variants, although not immune.
I've not owned an mg zr but have owned the rover 200 it was based on. 1.4 8v which was a lovely car to drive. Handled well, really nice ride, quiet and comfortable. The mot killed it in the end on corrosion and various bits but then I did pay £200 for it.
I own a lupo at the moment. A 1.4 16v S. very nice little car but as above, it has faults and rust. Drives well, reasonably nippy and is nice and comfy. It's fairly boring to drive though and can be twitchy on the corners. The back end doesn't seem to know what it's doing half the time. Engine pulls well but sounds like a washing machine. It has no soul. The 1.2 16v mk1 punto sporting that came before it was a joy to drive. The total opposite and a car I really miss.
I would go for the lupo I think but only because the interior is very nice and well built. The zr will undoubtably be the more enjoyable car.
Edited by MysteryLemon on Thursday 7th February 18:52
Edited by MysteryLemon on Thursday 7th February 18:54
I've had a 2005 MG ZR for the last 2 and a bit years, done 56000k on the clock and nothing major has gone wrong.
New tyres, break pads and a new back box.
I find that, the facelift model, runs particularly well on Motorways, A roads and B roads. The only problem I have found is the suspension is a little unforgiving.
Try and find one, test it out and I'm sure you'll see this is a good run a round car.
New tyres, break pads and a new back box.
I find that, the facelift model, runs particularly well on Motorways, A roads and B roads. The only problem I have found is the suspension is a little unforgiving.
Try and find one, test it out and I'm sure you'll see this is a good run a round car.
MysteryLemon said:
I just wrote a massive post detailing issues with both cars but this stupid fking iPad crap deleted the lot when I flicked between tabs...
Basically.. Don't be fooled by vws reputation. The lupos are getting on for 14 years old now and they do have age related faults. Rust is also very common on the roof, rear arches and sills, so look out for it!
Head gasket is a known issue on the k-series but the 1.4 engine is a lot better than the bigger variants, although not immune.
I've not owned an mg zr but have owned the rover 200 it was based on. 1.4 8v which was a lovely car to drive. Handled well, really nice ride, quiet and comfortable. The mot killed it in the end on corrosion and various bits but then I did pay £200 for it.
I own a lupo at the moment. A 1.4 16v S. very nice little car but as above, it has faults and rust. Drives well, reasonably nippy and is nice and comfy. It's fairly boring to drive though and can be twitchy on the corners. The back end doesn't seem to know what it's doing half the time. Engine pulls well but sounds like a washing machine. It has no soul. The 1.2 16v mk1 punto sporting that came before it was a joy to drive. The total opposite and a car I really miss.
I would go for the lupo I think but only because the interior is very nice and well built. The zr will undoubtably be the more enjoyable car.
Funnily enough I was also looking at the Sporting.king iPad crap deleted the lot when I flicked between tabs...Basically.. Don't be fooled by vws reputation. The lupos are getting on for 14 years old now and they do have age related faults. Rust is also very common on the roof, rear arches and sills, so look out for it!
Head gasket is a known issue on the k-series but the 1.4 engine is a lot better than the bigger variants, although not immune.
I've not owned an mg zr but have owned the rover 200 it was based on. 1.4 8v which was a lovely car to drive. Handled well, really nice ride, quiet and comfortable. The mot killed it in the end on corrosion and various bits but then I did pay £200 for it.
I own a lupo at the moment. A 1.4 16v S. very nice little car but as above, it has faults and rust. Drives well, reasonably nippy and is nice and comfy. It's fairly boring to drive though and can be twitchy on the corners. The back end doesn't seem to know what it's doing half the time. Engine pulls well but sounds like a washing machine. It has no soul. The 1.2 16v mk1 punto sporting that came before it was a joy to drive. The total opposite and a car I really miss.
I would go for the lupo I think but only because the interior is very nice and well built. The zr will undoubtably be the more enjoyable car.
Edited by MysteryLemon on Thursday 7th February 18:52
Edited by MysteryLemon on Thursday 7th February 18:54
I am looking for the most enjoyable drive. So the ZR is pulling ahead so far.
mlj said:
I've had a 2005 MG ZR for the last 2 and a bit years, done 56000k on the clock and nothing major has gone wrong.
New tyres, break pads and a new back box.
I find that, the facelift model, runs particularly well on Motorways, A roads and B roads. The only problem I have found is the suspension is a little unforgiving.
Try and find one, test it out and I'm sure you'll see this is a good run a round car.
Going to see one on Saturday. Looking forward to it.New tyres, break pads and a new back box.
I find that, the facelift model, runs particularly well on Motorways, A roads and B roads. The only problem I have found is the suspension is a little unforgiving.
Try and find one, test it out and I'm sure you'll see this is a good run a round car.
OH had an '03 MG ZR
She loved it. Needed to be worked to get speed out of it but a great drive and a lot of fun IMO.
100% reliable for 4 years until an unfortunate incident with black ice and a write off. OH was gutted and kept the badge.
There seems to be a lot about and all looking well cared for.
She loved it. Needed to be worked to get speed out of it but a great drive and a lot of fun IMO.
100% reliable for 4 years until an unfortunate incident with black ice and a write off. OH was gutted and kept the badge.
There seems to be a lot about and all looking well cared for.
ant leigh said:
OH had an '03 MG ZR
She loved it. Needed to be worked to get speed out of it but a great drive and a lot of fun IMO.
100% reliable for 4 years until an unfortunate incident with black ice and a write off. OH was gutted and kept the badge.
There seems to be a lot about and all looking well cared for.
Yeah, Parkers is showing 10 second 0 to 60, I am a bit skeptical tbh. Good to see your OH's was reliable, hopefully if I purchase one it will be the same.She loved it. Needed to be worked to get speed out of it but a great drive and a lot of fun IMO.
100% reliable for 4 years until an unfortunate incident with black ice and a write off. OH was gutted and kept the badge.
There seems to be a lot about and all looking well cared for.
Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the 1.4 16v in the MG around 100hp? 105 if memory serves me right?
I know the MG is a bigger car but the 1.4 8v I had in my old Rover 200 was only 75hp approx and that didn't feel too slow. The 16v will be a fair bit quicker although will feel a bit guttless on low revs. I know my old 218vvc coupe did.
The 1.4 16v S in the Lupo only had 75hp btw. Don't get confused with the 100hp lump in the sport models.
Regardless.. as a first car, anything will feel fast. My first car was a 45hp Fiat Uno. It could barely even manage a wheel spin but I loved it to bits. First and only car I have ever owned that really made me think "fk, this is quick" was my first Uno Turbo. Was slightly modified running higher boost and a few other bits. Putting out around 150hp. Felt insanely quick coming from a 55hp Fiat Cinquecento Sporting.
I know the MG is a bigger car but the 1.4 8v I had in my old Rover 200 was only 75hp approx and that didn't feel too slow. The 16v will be a fair bit quicker although will feel a bit guttless on low revs. I know my old 218vvc coupe did.
The 1.4 16v S in the Lupo only had 75hp btw. Don't get confused with the 100hp lump in the sport models.
Regardless.. as a first car, anything will feel fast. My first car was a 45hp Fiat Uno. It could barely even manage a wheel spin but I loved it to bits. First and only car I have ever owned that really made me think "f
k, this is quick" was my first Uno Turbo. Was slightly modified running higher boost and a few other bits. Putting out around 150hp. Felt insanely quick coming from a 55hp Fiat Cinquecento Sporting.Edited by MysteryLemon on Thursday 7th February 22:08
Dot Dot Curve said:
Yeah, Parkers is showing 10 second 0 to 60, I am a bit skeptical tbh. Good to see your OH's was reliable, hopefully if I purchase one it will be the same.
10 to 60 sounds about right. The 1.4 made good power (103bhp if memory serves in the ZR) but it needed to be worked to extract it.MysteryLemon said:
Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the 1.4 16v in the MG around 100hp? 105 if memory serves me right?
I know the MG is a bigger car but the 1.4 8v I had in my old Rover 200 was only 75hp approx and that didn't feel too slow. The 16v will be a fair bit quicker although will feel a bit guttless on low revs. I know my old 218vvc coupe did.
The 1.4 16v S in the Lupo only had 75hp btw. Don't get confused with the 100hp lump in the sport models.
Yeah has 105. Going by parkers the ZR is quicker than the Lupo, but my concern is exactly what you said, it will feel gutless, but looking at the weights there is only ~100kg difference between the two so I am unsure.I know the MG is a bigger car but the 1.4 8v I had in my old Rover 200 was only 75hp approx and that didn't feel too slow. The 16v will be a fair bit quicker although will feel a bit guttless on low revs. I know my old 218vvc coupe did.
The 1.4 16v S in the Lupo only had 75hp btw. Don't get confused with the 100hp lump in the sport models.
Edited by MysteryLemon on Thursday 7th February 22:04
davepoth said:
10 to 60 sounds about right. The 1.4 made good power (103bhp if memory serves in the ZR) but it needed to be worked to extract it.
Not too bad then. By "work" what do you mean you did to it exactly?It might feel gutless compared to something else.. Not as your first and only car. Compare the old Golf GTI argument. 8v vs 16v. A lot of people did and still do insist that the 8v is quicker as the torque curve starts lower down. Fact is, the 16v has more torque and more HP, just its a bit higher up the rev range. The 8v can feel a bit quicker as it pulls easier from lower revs.
Same can be said for most 16v cars. Their peak power is usually over 4000rpm. Thats not to say they have no power under 4000rpm, just that under normal driving (changing up around 3-3500rpm), it wont feel as quick as when you are ragging it to the redline, but thats pretty obvious anyway.
Regardless, it wont feel slow. It's 105hp in a small hatch designed in 1995. They weigh nothing compared to anything from the last 10 years.
Same can be said for most 16v cars. Their peak power is usually over 4000rpm. Thats not to say they have no power under 4000rpm, just that under normal driving (changing up around 3-3500rpm), it wont feel as quick as when you are ragging it to the redline, but thats pretty obvious anyway.
Regardless, it wont feel slow. It's 105hp in a small hatch designed in 1995. They weigh nothing compared to anything from the last 10 years.
MysteryLemon said:
It might feel gutless compared to something else.. Not as your first and only car. Compare the old Golf GTI argument. 8v vs 16v. A lot of people did and still do insist that the 8v is quicker as the torque curve starts lower down. Fact is, the 16v has more torque and more HP, just its a bit higher up the rev range. The 8v can feel a bit quicker as it pulls easier from lower revs.
Same can be said for most 16v cars. Their peak power is usually over 4000rpm. Thats not to say they have no power under 4000rpm, just that under normal driving (changing up around 3-3500rpm), it wont feel as quick as when you are ragging it to the redline, but thats pretty obvious anyway.
Regardless, it wont feel slow. It's 105hp in a small hatch designed in 1995. They weigh nothing compared to anything from the last 10 years.
True only thing I have driven (other than my instructors '08 Fiesta SD) is my parents '07 1.2 Clio. So, yeah, in perspective it will be a lot quicker.Same can be said for most 16v cars. Their peak power is usually over 4000rpm. Thats not to say they have no power under 4000rpm, just that under normal driving (changing up around 3-3500rpm), it wont feel as quick as when you are ragging it to the redline, but thats pretty obvious anyway.
Regardless, it wont feel slow. It's 105hp in a small hatch designed in 1995. They weigh nothing compared to anything from the last 10 years.
chongwong said:
stuck his welly down really hard....
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