Car models where the top model had a smaller engine...

[E90_M3Ross]

As per on the new Merc "53 AMG" topic, where it has a bigger engine than some newer 63 models, it got me thinking..... Which cars have there been where the top model has a smaller engine than a more junior model?

E30 M3 had a smaller engine than a 325i, for example.

Over to you!

[cerb4.5lee]

Sierra Cosworth(4 cylinder 2.0) versus the Sierra XR4i/XR4x4(V6 2.8/2.9), and the Cavalier V6(2.5) versus the Cavalier Turbo(2.0).

They are the only 2 I've thought of up to yet.

[Triumph Man]

E34 M5 had a smaller engine than the 540i. (3.6/3.8 vs 4.0)

Mercedes 190E Cosworth had a smaller engine (2.3/2.5) than the 190E 2.6.

Fabia Mk1 VRS 1.9 tdi vs the largest engine available which was a 2.0

Edit: I can't remember if the 3.6 litre M5 was sold alongside the 540i or if they had moved to the 3.8 by that point.

Edited by Triumph Man on Wednesday 6th December 13:33

[Every day a journey]

Alfa 155 Q4 - 2.0l turbo

Alfa 155 V6 - 2.5

[bodhi]

The early MK1 Fiat Punto.

Sporting (and ELX iirc) - 1.6
GT - 1.4

[kambites]

The VX220?

I think there was a period where quite a lot of cars had a (relatively) big N/A engine in the main range then a smaller turbo in the sporty model.

[Triumph Man]

kambites said:

The VX220?

I think there was a period where quite a lot of cars had a (relatively) big N/A engine in the main range then a smaller turbo in the sporty model.

You're right - the N/A car was a 2.2 and the turbo was a 2.0

[TREMAiNE]

Could be wrong here but I think there were several Mercedes-Benz where the top-spec AMG models had V8s, while non-AMG various could be had in larger capacity V12s. Not all models were offered with an AMG-V12 variant.

Also, I don't think this counts as it was more the engine offered in the model changing but maybe the TVR Cerbera - originally V8 and then subsequently straight 6 models (no idea if they were offered simultaneously and if they were, if the latter was considered the higher end choice).

[InitialDave]

Renault 5 GT Turbo 1.4 vs the 1.7 (GTX I think)

[Jayho]

Would the Mk4 GTI count? I know there was a 2.0GTI, but that was limper than my ding dong on a cold day. But it then went to a not too bad 1.8T. But they also did a 2.5 V5? I guess the halo for the Golf could be considered the R32 at that point too though.

Mk1 Audi TT Quattro Sport. It's a 1.8T, but they also did the 3.2 V6.

Mk2 Audi TTS - 2.0T vs the 3.2V6

Honda Accord Type R came in 2.2 guise, but I believe there was also a 2.3L available.

[unpc]

Mk2 Escort RS1800 was almost double the price of the RS2000 but there was a good reason for that.

[resolve10]

Ford Fiesta Mk3, Mk4 and Mk5 had 1.8 diesel engines in their offer.

Sportiest Mk3 was the RS1800 - 1.8
Sportiest Mk4 was the ? They don't seem to have made one, but the sprightliest was the 1.4 Zetec
Sportiest Mk5 was the Zetec S - 1.6

[CT05 Nose Cone]

Citroen AX, 1.4 GT/GTi and a 1.5 diesel

[roverspeed]

Triumph Man said:

kambites said:

The VX220?

I think there was a period where quite a lot of cars had a (relatively) big N/A engine in the main range then a smaller turbo in the sporty model.

You're right - the N/A car was a 2.2 and the turbo was a 2.0

With the exact same engines

Astra G 2.2

Astra G GSI Turbo

Astra Bertone Coupe 2.2

Astra Bertone Coupe 2.0 Turbo

[Every day a journey]

resolve10 said:

Ford Fiesta Mk3, Mk4 and Mk5 had 1.8 diesel engines in their offer.

Sportiest Mk3 was the RS1800 - 1.8
Sportiest Mk4 was the ? They don't seem to have made one, but the sprightliest was the 1.4 Zetec
Sportiest Mk5 was the Zetec S - 1.6

Mk 3 Fiesta RS Turbo was the range topper. 1.6

[The Road Crew]

Rover 600. 2.0 Turbo was the fastest, but they also did a 2.3 non turbo.

[stumpage]

Saab 9-5 Aero 2.3 but they also did a 3.0 V6 in the SE.

Although the smaller engine big Turbo 2.3 was up on power by 50hp

[E90_M3Ross]

Good effort folks, that's a lot of cars!

[Kenny68]

Audi RS2 had a 2.2 whereas the 80 on which it was based was available with either a 2.3, 2.6 or a 2.8

[NWMark]

Jayho said:

Would the Mk4 GTI count? I know there was a 2.0GTI, but that was limper than my ding dong on a cold day. But it then went to a not too bad 1.8T. But they also did a 2.5 V5? I guess the halo for the Golf could be considered the R32 at that point too though.

Mk1 Audi TT Quattro Sport. It's a 1.8T, but they also did the 3.2 V6.

Mk2 Audi TTS - 2.0T vs the 3.2V6

Honda Accord Type R came in 2.2 guise, but I believe there was also a 2.3L available.

The mk1 Audi TT the 3.2 V6 was the top of the range model with 240 ish bhp (247 springs to mind) while the 18T had either 180 or 210 (and later 225)