Running a Sierra Cosworth as a daily driver
Discussion
Hello,
at the start of next year I am planning buying a Sierra Cosworth to replace my S60 2.0 T as a my daily driver. I have my heart set on buying one as I've always loved them, and I plan to buy the best 4X4 model I can find. Failing that, I'll consider a Sapphire but I would prefer AWD. I have just a few questions relating to the feasibility of this idea.
fuel: I presume they will take 98 RON at the pumps but they won't need a lead additive, is this correct?
rust: The dreaded tin worm does not seem to blight these beautiful cars too much. Why is that? Is the body work of particularly high quality? Are there are any preventitive measures I can take that will help to preserve the car, such as a waxoyl treatment from a decent garage?
security: I don't live in a bad area but I am always wary of my car's security and I know Cosworths were once a favourite of thiefs. IIRC, it was the Escort that was the first Cosworth to come with an immobiliser (the one operated by a key in the cabin). Do most Sierra Cosworths have immobilisers now? If I buy one that doesn't have one, could anyone recommend a good one and how much would getting it fitted cost me? What other security features can I buy other than the obvious steering wheel lock, immobiliser, alarm and tracker?
parts and servicing: Are they still easy enough to get parts for? I see there is a big market for tuning these cars. I am looking for the most standard model I can find, but if something breaks are there non-OEM parts available to replace them with? And how much does the average Cosworth specialist charge for a service?
Thanks for looking and I look forward to, and appreciate, any replies this topic gets. Getting a Sierra Cosworth has always been my dream and the time for me to do it is relatively close. I just want to know how difficult it could be so that I am prepared for it. I want a car that gets to me work and back every day but still provides some fun and excitement. I'm not looking for any 400bhp monsters, just the closest thing I can find to a standard 4X4 with good service history, in good condition.
at the start of next year I am planning buying a Sierra Cosworth to replace my S60 2.0 T as a my daily driver. I have my heart set on buying one as I've always loved them, and I plan to buy the best 4X4 model I can find. Failing that, I'll consider a Sapphire but I would prefer AWD. I have just a few questions relating to the feasibility of this idea.
fuel: I presume they will take 98 RON at the pumps but they won't need a lead additive, is this correct?
rust: The dreaded tin worm does not seem to blight these beautiful cars too much. Why is that? Is the body work of particularly high quality? Are there are any preventitive measures I can take that will help to preserve the car, such as a waxoyl treatment from a decent garage?
security: I don't live in a bad area but I am always wary of my car's security and I know Cosworths were once a favourite of thiefs. IIRC, it was the Escort that was the first Cosworth to come with an immobiliser (the one operated by a key in the cabin). Do most Sierra Cosworths have immobilisers now? If I buy one that doesn't have one, could anyone recommend a good one and how much would getting it fitted cost me? What other security features can I buy other than the obvious steering wheel lock, immobiliser, alarm and tracker?
parts and servicing: Are they still easy enough to get parts for? I see there is a big market for tuning these cars. I am looking for the most standard model I can find, but if something breaks are there non-OEM parts available to replace them with? And how much does the average Cosworth specialist charge for a service?
Thanks for looking and I look forward to, and appreciate, any replies this topic gets. Getting a Sierra Cosworth has always been my dream and the time for me to do it is relatively close. I just want to know how difficult it could be so that I am prepared for it. I want a car that gets to me work and back every day but still provides some fun and excitement. I'm not looking for any 400bhp monsters, just the closest thing I can find to a standard 4X4 with good service history, in good condition.
They are a great car but I can't help but think they'd make a poor daily driver. I'll bullet point my thoughts and you can extrapolate as you wish. In no particular order...:
- All 4x4's are Sapphires (saloon body). There were no (factory built) 4x4 RS Cosworths (hatchback body).
- Cars have come on a long way since the Sierra was designed and built. The old Ford will seem very soft and squidgy compared with even a moderately warm modern saloon.
- They aren't very safe in a crash.
- Modern ECUs and mapping can make them run properly, but they are still a pretty unrefined lump of a motor with the old ECUs on them.
- Some parts tricky to find but generally no too bad. Bear in mind a daily driver at this age (minimum of 18 years) is going to be tired unless it's been overhauled (new/rebuilt shocks, new springs, new bushes etc).
I'll post other stuff if I think of it - I thought of an Escort RS Cosworth as a daily driver - I had a go in a friend's very nice small turbo example. If was fun but compared to my Focus RS it might as well have been a model T, so I dropped the idea sharpish...
- All 4x4's are Sapphires (saloon body). There were no (factory built) 4x4 RS Cosworths (hatchback body).
- Cars have come on a long way since the Sierra was designed and built. The old Ford will seem very soft and squidgy compared with even a moderately warm modern saloon.
- They aren't very safe in a crash.
- Modern ECUs and mapping can make them run properly, but they are still a pretty unrefined lump of a motor with the old ECUs on them.
- Some parts tricky to find but generally no too bad. Bear in mind a daily driver at this age (minimum of 18 years) is going to be tired unless it's been overhauled (new/rebuilt shocks, new springs, new bushes etc).
I'll post other stuff if I think of it - I thought of an Escort RS Cosworth as a daily driver - I had a go in a friend's very nice small turbo example. If was fun but compared to my Focus RS it might as well have been a model T, so I dropped the idea sharpish...
Thanks for the comments, Roop.
I think a suspension overhaul shouldn't be too difficult if I decide the car is riding too soft. That would be the first area I would look to to improve, though most of the ones I've looked at have new suspension and are polybushed for a fairly stiff ride. I don't mind a rock hard, teeth chattering ride as long as it is composed through the corners!
And engine refinement is not so much of a concern of mine, as long as it still has a decent shove. I'm rather fond of old skool, laggy turbos which provide catapult like boost once they spool up. Ideally, I want to experience the car that people raved about when it came out and I don't want to drive something that is too far away from that ideal.
At the moment, my Volvo is very comfortable and very capable. I'd like something a little more thrilling and the Volvo is more than quick enough, despite it's weight and it's 180bhp engine. So if the Sierra goes any faster than that it will be a pleasure, no doubt.
I think a suspension overhaul shouldn't be too difficult if I decide the car is riding too soft. That would be the first area I would look to to improve, though most of the ones I've looked at have new suspension and are polybushed for a fairly stiff ride. I don't mind a rock hard, teeth chattering ride as long as it is composed through the corners!
And engine refinement is not so much of a concern of mine, as long as it still has a decent shove. I'm rather fond of old skool, laggy turbos which provide catapult like boost once they spool up. Ideally, I want to experience the car that people raved about when it came out and I don't want to drive something that is too far away from that ideal.
At the moment, my Volvo is very comfortable and very capable. I'd like something a little more thrilling and the Volvo is more than quick enough, despite it's weight and it's 180bhp engine. So if the Sierra goes any faster than that it will be a pleasure, no doubt.
Speaking as a 1991 XR4x4 owner, I wouldn't want to put lots of miles on it a year. Not least because of the fuel costs. Parts aren't impossible to obtain, but a lot of Sierras got scrapped a few years ago, which means you might have to work a bit harder to source some bits n bobs.
The suspension shouldn't feel squishy and rolly. I have less roll on mine than most modern commuter cars, and the only mod I have is uprated front anti-roll bar bushes. Normal front ARB bushes need replacing every few years anyway, uprated ones don't.
RS/XR Sierras do seem more resistant than the normal spec cars for some reason. No idea why. In my case it certainly isn't because it lives in a warm dry garage.
The suspension shouldn't feel squishy and rolly. I have less roll on mine than most modern commuter cars, and the only mod I have is uprated front anti-roll bar bushes. Normal front ARB bushes need replacing every few years anyway, uprated ones don't.
RS/XR Sierras do seem more resistant than the normal spec cars for some reason. No idea why. In my case it certainly isn't because it lives in a warm dry garage.
I'll probably only put 6000 miles on it a year, at the very most. I'm hoping to find a one with leather Recaros too, but I'll settle for cloth if I need to. Is there any colour that tends to command a premium? I would like a white one but I'll happily settle for any colour providing it's in good condition.
There's an old saying,goes along the lines of never meet your hero.
On a serious note though,they DO rust just like any other old ford so make sure you check it properly underneath.They all look good on top.Last thing you want to do is buy a rotten old dog.
RSOC would probably be the best bet to have a look around and see what's available.I found my uncles old saph on there earlier this year for sale,he has it in his garage now.It's had a few mods since he owned it first time round and he says it's a much better car for it.Quicker,handles better and looks a bit better too.
It can be done but i'd be looking for a cheap daily runner as well as having a Cosworth of any sort.
On a serious note though,they DO rust just like any other old ford so make sure you check it properly underneath.They all look good on top.Last thing you want to do is buy a rotten old dog.
RSOC would probably be the best bet to have a look around and see what's available.I found my uncles old saph on there earlier this year for sale,he has it in his garage now.It's had a few mods since he owned it first time round and he says it's a much better car for it.Quicker,handles better and looks a bit better too.
It can be done but i'd be looking for a cheap daily runner as well as having a Cosworth of any sort.
I know what they say about never meeting your heroes, but I'd rather buy one and say 'I had one' than never buy one and regret not living the dream when I could.
When I decided to move my Volvo on I was looking at Celica GT4's, Subaru Imprezas and Lancer Evolutions. As you can see, I quite like AWD rally reps...! Anyway, they were all significantly more expensive to insure than the Sierra, so I'll have a little bit of cash a pain-free keepy back already if I buy a Sierra.
Just a query though, I always thought the Sapphire and 4X4 models were still RS Cosworth models? They had badges on saying 'Sierra RS Cosworth'. And the first Sapphire I saw in years (once I was old enough to realise what it was, I got to sit in a police one when I was young lad but thats another story), outside of Windermere police station, was a white 4X4 with a Sierra RS Cosworth badge and an exhaust like a drain pipe.
When I decided to move my Volvo on I was looking at Celica GT4's, Subaru Imprezas and Lancer Evolutions. As you can see, I quite like AWD rally reps...! Anyway, they were all significantly more expensive to insure than the Sierra, so I'll have a little bit of cash a pain-free keepy back already if I buy a Sierra.
Just a query though, I always thought the Sapphire and 4X4 models were still RS Cosworth models? They had badges on saying 'Sierra RS Cosworth'. And the first Sapphire I saw in years (once I was old enough to realise what it was, I got to sit in a police one when I was young lad but thats another story), outside of Windermere police station, was a white 4X4 with a Sierra RS Cosworth badge and an exhaust like a drain pipe.
Johnnytheboy said:
I think the first hurdle will be finding an affordable one that's vaguely standard.
I'll probably not be able to afford a completely standard one. But the aim is, if I can't find one like that in budget, to go for a well maintained one that isn't tuned through the roof. Plenty of history will be key there, as an engine is still an engine at the end of the day and with a competant mechanic on hand I should be able to get to grips with it. I'm glad I prefer the Sapphire body shape though, as the whale tail models are fantastically expensive now.
The guy in the unit opposite mine specialises restoring and tuning in high performance Fords, Cosworth based ones especially. He's recently got hold of a 'barn find', standard Sapphire, that's pretty much rot free, and unmolested, it's been in storage for years. It was for sale, don't know if he still has it, or if it's already gone.
He'd be worth speaking to when you're ready though. He might be able to help you find what you're looking for.
He'd be worth speaking to when you're ready though. He might be able to help you find what you're looking for.
Whereabouts are you located, Super Slo Mo? I'll be starting to seriously trawl the classifieds in late December/January time and I am willing to travel anywhere in mainland Britain to find the right car. I'm ready to buy now, but I'd rather get the winter forecast for snow out of the way and also save a few more quid with more NCB.
I recently sold my Sierra Sapphire Cosworth (2wd). As others have stated the 3dr Sierra Cosworth was rwd only, the early Sapphire Cosworths were 2wd, while the later Sapphire Cosworths were 4wd. Which one to go for is down to personal preference, the 2wd models have a stronger gearbox and differential, while the 4wd models obviously have better all weather grip.
Running one as a daily driver is possible, but your going to have to fix it on occasion when things break (and they do). Refinement (driveline shunt, heavy controls, noise, smoothness) is poor by todays standards, as is MPG (25mpg at best on a standard model I'd guess). Obviously check thoroughly for rust and try and buy one without if possible. For security buy one with a modern Thatcham alarm/immobilizer, and also use a disk lock for deterrent.
A nice late 4wd model in very good condition with standard T3 turbo should be available for 5-6k. They are not quick in stock tune, but a simple stage 1 chip should yield at least 260bhp. Also make sure the engine doesn't smoke excessively under power and on overrun, and pay for a good engine setup/tune/fuelling check when you buy one.
Running one as a daily driver is possible, but your going to have to fix it on occasion when things break (and they do). Refinement (driveline shunt, heavy controls, noise, smoothness) is poor by todays standards, as is MPG (25mpg at best on a standard model I'd guess). Obviously check thoroughly for rust and try and buy one without if possible. For security buy one with a modern Thatcham alarm/immobilizer, and also use a disk lock for deterrent.
A nice late 4wd model in very good condition with standard T3 turbo should be available for 5-6k. They are not quick in stock tune, but a simple stage 1 chip should yield at least 260bhp. Also make sure the engine doesn't smoke excessively under power and on overrun, and pay for a good engine setup/tune/fuelling check when you buy one.
Hi,
Having owned my saff cossie 4x4 since 2004 from standard to the condition its in today, and being involved in and around the rs scene, maybe I can help.
I used mine as a daily runner for 2 years before buying a cheap run around, and so long as it's in good nick, are fine to use everyday. MPG all depends on the weight of your right foot. Let it warm up before pulling off, and give it a a minute before turning it off the other end.
Depending on the chip/map/ecu, you can run it on 95 ron fuel without issue, but I would recommend shell v-power, the engine will benifit for it. The standard ecu is fine, be it the L1 (3 door sierra cos, L6 (rwd saff cos), or L8 (4x4 saff cos). It's had so much development through the years (especially the L8), it can be live mapped, add launch control, anti-lag, closed loop lambda control, wire up ecu monitors etc., and is mapped by tuners all across the country.
Check the engine loom, cause it's old, and if you get a misfire you'll never it, I ended up getting a new loom for about £400 which solved it. Check the multiplug connections at the back of the engine bay. A coilpack conversion is a wise investment too! Also, check the voltage to the fuel pump, as the connection can corrode over time, decreasing fuel pressure. A rewire is an inexpensive prevention.
As for rust, any cossie you buy will have some somewhere, it all depends if it has been treated, or left to spread. Check rear arches, sunroof, and chassis rails. Also, in the boot and under the battery tray. Waxoil is a great idea for prevention!
Personally, I would invest in poly bushing, and new suspension if it hasn't been done, as the youngest sierra is 18 years old, and will be tired and wallowy!
If it doesn't have aftermarket security, buy some!!! Cossies had the same security as a Sierra 1.6GL!
Parts are plentiful, either through Ford, or aftermarket companies that bought the rights off ford to carry on producing batches (e.g. Ford wanted over £220 for a lambda sensor, Woodeford Garage Motorsport sells them for under £100 as the have large stock). Oil filters are £5, spark plugs are £15 a set for cossies up to 450bhp (071C, but have to be replaced every 5k miles).
These cars are increadibly simple to work on, so servicing should be cheap, just make it regular! Depending where you are in the country, I can recommend you a decent tuner.
Colour does not affect price. Buy on condition, not mileage, more history the better! Personally, I would look for one with a stage 1 tune over standard, as they really release the potential of the standard car without having to spend loads on mods. A chip, 3-bar map sensor and -31 actuator (about £500 all in), and you have 260-300bhp at 15psi. The kick in the ass these cars deliver in the mid range is unlike any other car! When I had standard suspension, the rear mud flaps would drag on the floor!
I hope this post helps, I'll be happy to answer any other questions, as I've probably missed out on loads. Also, take a look on Passionford.com, and the RSOC. BTW, here's a couple of pics of mine
Having owned my saff cossie 4x4 since 2004 from standard to the condition its in today, and being involved in and around the rs scene, maybe I can help.
I used mine as a daily runner for 2 years before buying a cheap run around, and so long as it's in good nick, are fine to use everyday. MPG all depends on the weight of your right foot. Let it warm up before pulling off, and give it a a minute before turning it off the other end.
Depending on the chip/map/ecu, you can run it on 95 ron fuel without issue, but I would recommend shell v-power, the engine will benifit for it. The standard ecu is fine, be it the L1 (3 door sierra cos, L6 (rwd saff cos), or L8 (4x4 saff cos). It's had so much development through the years (especially the L8), it can be live mapped, add launch control, anti-lag, closed loop lambda control, wire up ecu monitors etc., and is mapped by tuners all across the country.
Check the engine loom, cause it's old, and if you get a misfire you'll never it, I ended up getting a new loom for about £400 which solved it. Check the multiplug connections at the back of the engine bay. A coilpack conversion is a wise investment too! Also, check the voltage to the fuel pump, as the connection can corrode over time, decreasing fuel pressure. A rewire is an inexpensive prevention.
As for rust, any cossie you buy will have some somewhere, it all depends if it has been treated, or left to spread. Check rear arches, sunroof, and chassis rails. Also, in the boot and under the battery tray. Waxoil is a great idea for prevention!
Personally, I would invest in poly bushing, and new suspension if it hasn't been done, as the youngest sierra is 18 years old, and will be tired and wallowy!
If it doesn't have aftermarket security, buy some!!! Cossies had the same security as a Sierra 1.6GL!
Parts are plentiful, either through Ford, or aftermarket companies that bought the rights off ford to carry on producing batches (e.g. Ford wanted over £220 for a lambda sensor, Woodeford Garage Motorsport sells them for under £100 as the have large stock). Oil filters are £5, spark plugs are £15 a set for cossies up to 450bhp (071C, but have to be replaced every 5k miles).
These cars are increadibly simple to work on, so servicing should be cheap, just make it regular! Depending where you are in the country, I can recommend you a decent tuner.
Colour does not affect price. Buy on condition, not mileage, more history the better! Personally, I would look for one with a stage 1 tune over standard, as they really release the potential of the standard car without having to spend loads on mods. A chip, 3-bar map sensor and -31 actuator (about £500 all in), and you have 260-300bhp at 15psi. The kick in the ass these cars deliver in the mid range is unlike any other car! When I had standard suspension, the rear mud flaps would drag on the floor!
I hope this post helps, I'll be happy to answer any other questions, as I've probably missed out on loads. Also, take a look on Passionford.com, and the RSOC. BTW, here's a couple of pics of mine
Baryonyx said:
Whereabouts are you located, Super Slo Mo? I'll be starting to seriously trawl the classifieds in late December/January time and I am willing to travel anywhere in mainland Britain to find the right car. I'm ready to buy now, but I'd rather get the winter forecast for snow out of the way and also save a few more quid with more NCB.
North Staffs. I can get you a phone number if you want, and PM it to you? It'd be tomorrow though, the chap doesn't have a website as such.Super Slo Mo said:
The guy in the unit opposite mine specialises restoring and tuning in high performance Fords, Cosworth based ones especially. He's recently got hold of a 'barn find', standard Sapphire, that's pretty much rot free, and unmolested, it's been in storage for years. It was for sale, don't know if he still has it, or if it's already gone.
He'd be worth speaking to when you're ready though. He might be able to help you find what you're looking for.
Barn finds are great so long as they have been regularly started/moved, otherwise the gearbox/diffs/brakes all seize up, and the engine seals perish, requiring a complete rebuild! He'd be worth speaking to when you're ready though. He might be able to help you find what you're looking for.
Sorry to be a party pooper, but for today's motoring, I want to recommend something which you might, initially, think is very different - a BMW 123D coupe (or hatchback, if you insist).
Justification ? Well, I run a BMW 123D as my daily driver - about 15,000 miles a year, I guess - and in the past I owned several Sierra RS Cosworths, including two Sierra Cosworth 4x4s. The 123D has a twin-turbo 2-litre diesel engine, but produces 205bhp, with a mountain more torque than the Sierra ever had.
The fact is (and independent road tests back this up) that the BMW and the Sierra RS Cosworth both do 150mph in standard form, and both do 0-60mph in about 6.0sec. BMW handling, for sure, is better than that of the Sierras ever were.
But, and this is the clincher, whereas the Sierra RS Cosworths did about 25mpg (petrol), over 35,000 miles my BMW 123D consistently records 46 - 50mpg (diesel).
The 123D is quite astonishly fast in day-to-day motoring, is quite invisible to the police and - most important of all - my son who owns a Focus RS Mk 2 thinks it is a great car too.
Comments ?
Justification ? Well, I run a BMW 123D as my daily driver - about 15,000 miles a year, I guess - and in the past I owned several Sierra RS Cosworths, including two Sierra Cosworth 4x4s. The 123D has a twin-turbo 2-litre diesel engine, but produces 205bhp, with a mountain more torque than the Sierra ever had.
The fact is (and independent road tests back this up) that the BMW and the Sierra RS Cosworth both do 150mph in standard form, and both do 0-60mph in about 6.0sec. BMW handling, for sure, is better than that of the Sierras ever were.
But, and this is the clincher, whereas the Sierra RS Cosworths did about 25mpg (petrol), over 35,000 miles my BMW 123D consistently records 46 - 50mpg (diesel).
The 123D is quite astonishly fast in day-to-day motoring, is quite invisible to the police and - most important of all - my son who owns a Focus RS Mk 2 thinks it is a great car too.
Comments ?
Super Slo Mo, if you wouldn't mind sending me that number, that'd be great. I might never use it, because I'm hoping to find somewhere near Newcastle Upon Tyne/Northumberland that knows Cosworths. A colleague of mine uses an Escort Cosworth Monte Carlo as a daily driver, I need to speak to him to find out where he takes his!
Churchy said:
Barn finds are great so long as they have been regularly started/moved, otherwise the gearbox/diffs/brakes all seize up, and the engine seals perish, requiring a complete rebuild!
Well Churcy, it sounds as though the car is in the right place for that! Yours looks amazing by the way, I love the front spoiler on the Sapphire models. Your post is very encouraging too, it's good to hear from someone else who is essentially doing what I plan to do! AAGR said:
Sorry to be a party pooper, but for today's motoring, I want to recommend something which you might, initially, think is very different - a BMW 123D coupe (or hatchback, if you insist).
Comments ?
If you're after a small, modern, quiet, well built derv, then great. If you're after an 80's / 90's motoring icon, then maybe it doesn't tick the box?Comments ?
And a cossie can be made to pull the pants down on a 123D with very little effort, in a straight line at least.
Edited by Churchy on Wednesday 28th September 22:36
AAGR said:
Sorry to be a party pooper, but for today's motoring, I want to recommend something which you might, initially, think is very different - a BMW 123D coupe (or hatchback, if you insist).
Justification ? Well, I run a BMW 123D as my daily driver - about 15,000 miles a year, I guess - and in the past I owned several Sierra RS Cosworths, including two Sierra Cosworth 4x4s. The 123D has a twin-turbo 2-litre diesel engine, but produces 205bhp, with a mountain more torque than the Sierra ever had.
The fact is (and independent road tests back this up) that the BMW and the Sierra RS Cosworth both do 150mph in standard form, and both do 0-60mph in about 6.0sec. BMW handling, for sure, is better than that of the Sierras ever were.
But, and this is the clincher, whereas the Sierra RS Cosworths did about 25mpg (petrol), over 35,000 miles my BMW 123D consistently records 46 - 50mpg (diesel).
The 123D is quite astonishly fast in day-to-day motoring, is quite invisible to the police and - most important of all - my son who owns a Focus RS Mk 2 thinks it is a great car too.
Comments ?
It's a nice suggestion, but as I mentioned before, part of my interest in the Sierra is to live the legend and see what it's all about. If I were looking for outright performance I'd go straight for a Lancer Evolution or an Impreza. I don't see a diesel ever coming into my plans.Justification ? Well, I run a BMW 123D as my daily driver - about 15,000 miles a year, I guess - and in the past I owned several Sierra RS Cosworths, including two Sierra Cosworth 4x4s. The 123D has a twin-turbo 2-litre diesel engine, but produces 205bhp, with a mountain more torque than the Sierra ever had.
The fact is (and independent road tests back this up) that the BMW and the Sierra RS Cosworth both do 150mph in standard form, and both do 0-60mph in about 6.0sec. BMW handling, for sure, is better than that of the Sierras ever were.
But, and this is the clincher, whereas the Sierra RS Cosworths did about 25mpg (petrol), over 35,000 miles my BMW 123D consistently records 46 - 50mpg (diesel).
The 123D is quite astonishly fast in day-to-day motoring, is quite invisible to the police and - most important of all - my son who owns a Focus RS Mk 2 thinks it is a great car too.
Comments ?
As for the car being invisible to the police, I know most of my local police to say hello to and they'll no doubt recognise the car quite quickly. So avoiding their attention isn't really a concern, I am planning to visit some of the lads who were on traffic when they were running Sierras to show it to them. I've discussed the idea with them and it meets with their approval!
Indeed, the Sierra will no doubt be fast but not blowaway fast, unless I start tuning it, which us not high on my list of priorities. A stage one map might be good though, just to give it a little bit more grunt. In reality, my S60 isn't far off as fast a daily car as I need, really. It overtakes with confidence, and more than fast enough to allow me to choose my route through any sitatuion, rather than be dictated by the speeds of others. If the Sierra is just a bit faster than it (which it is, according to the stats) then I'll be quite happy.
It goes back to when I was a young lad, I was taken to a police station by a family member who worked for the police to meet a friend of theirs, who was a traffic cop. I remembered sitting in a white saloon car, fiddling the with radio. Wondering why there was a telephone in the dashboard. Using the load hailer and sirens. I even got to wear the white hat! Years later I looked back at the photographs that were taken of me and my brother messing around in the police car and I realised it was a Sierra Cosworth. This is one of my formative moments as a petrol head!
Churchy said:
AAGR said:
Sorry to be a party pooper, but for today's motoring, I want to recommend something which you might, initially, think is very different - a BMW 123D coupe (or hatchback, if you insist).
Comments ?
If you're after a small, modern, quiet, well built derv, then great. If you're after an 80's / 90's motoring icon, then maybe it doesn't tick the box?Comments ?
And a cossie can be made to pull the pants down on a 123D with very little effort, in a straight line at least.
Not in standard form, it can't. I could prove it.
Edited by Churchy on Wednesday 28th September 22:36
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