A question about Fulvias

[Carfield]

A criticism often levelled at Audis is that handling is compromised by (amongst other things) the extreme front engine layout with much or all of the block in front of the wheels.

Whilst browsing the 'using the mrs to sell the car' thread (for the articles only, of course) I was reminded by this advert:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/lancia-fulvia-series-3-b...

that the Fulvias have very much the same layout - block right out front.

I've never driven one, but I don't think they have any sort of reputation for poor handling, rather then opposite - anyone know why? Very light block?

[POORCARDEALER]

They handle well, but are prone to oversteer if driven hard

[Skyedriver]

Lovely little car, had a 1300 engined one, would fly up to 90mph and handled beautifully

[jith]

Yeah, Audis have such awful handling!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AQmgeMoM0A

Oh, by the way enjoy, especially the noise!

J

[Yertis]

jith said:

Yeah, Audis have such awful handling!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AQmgeMoM0A

Oh, by the way enjoy, especially the noise!

J

I literally never tire of stuff like that, but in fairness to the OP and having driven a lot of different Audis over the years, none of them have handled as wonderfully as the urQuattro. That's not to say none of them do, but none of the others I've driven have.

[jith]

Yertis said:

jith said:

Yeah, Audis have such awful handling!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AQmgeMoM0A

Oh, by the way enjoy, especially the noise!

J

I literally never tire of stuff like that, but in fairness to the OP and having driven a lot of different Audis over the years, none of them have handled as wonderfully as the urQuattro. That's not to say none of them do, but none of the others I've driven have.

I just can't resist posting these vids. Check out Stig driving at 70 years of age and still just as fast!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9yJ0YU2sps

Hope you speak German! Note the absence of a helmet; he's obviously just out for a Sunday drive!
On a more serious note, the best handling older Audi I have owned was a '95 B4 80Q with the 2.8 V6 engine. Almost the same power as the Quattro, but with a lighter engine that is much shorter and hence brings the centre of gravity rearwards. An utterly brilliant engine only overshadowed by the reputation of the 5 cylinder. Bear in mind the Quattro was based on the early 80 floorpan, but the last of the 80s were undoubtedly the best: very strong and beautifully built. Now becoming quite collectable.

J

[Yertis]

jith said:

I just can't resist posting these vids. Check out Stig driving at 70 years of age and still just as fast!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9yJ0YU2sps

Hope you speak German! Note the absence of a helmet; he's obviously just out for a Sunday drive!
On a more serious note, the best handling older Audi I have owned was a '95 B4 80Q with the 2.8 V6 engine. Almost the same power as the Quattro, but with a lighter engine that is much shorter and hence brings the centre of gravity rearwards. An utterly brilliant engine only overshadowed by the reputation of the 5 cylinder. Bear in mind the Quattro was based on the early 80 floorpan, but the last of the 80s were undoubtedly the best: very strong and beautifully built. Now becoming quite collectable.

J

I know the 90 20v quattro sport is something of a holy grail among us Classic Audi folk – but I've not driven one – and there's a B4 80q just as you describe on eBay at the moment that caught my eye. I bought a '96 Coupe for my eldest daughter on account of its great strength, which she loves, and will probably get a Cab for the youngest, since they're virtually given away free at the moment.

[Parisien]

Carfield said:

A criticism often levelled at Audis is that handling is compromised by (amongst other things) the extreme front engine layout with much or all of the block in front of the wheels.

Whilst browsing the 'using the mrs to sell the car' thread (for the articles only, of course) I was reminded by this advert:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/lancia-fulvia-series-3-b...

that the Fulvias have very much the same layout - block right out front.

I've never driven one, but I don't think they have any sort of reputation for poor handling, rather then opposite - anyone know why? Very light block?

Join the club ( then get access to the forum), lots of useful info and help on their forum too.

http://www.lancia.myzen.co.uk/forum/index.php

P

[Carfield]

Just for the record, it wasn't a dig at Audis, or indeed cars with engines slung right forward - I have fond memories of the 2 Audi 80s I had years ago.

[jaisharma]

Small iron block but alloy head and crankcase - lovely engineering
They really do handle wonderfully - you can get lift off oversteer and then control on he throttle
I think that the handling is all about balance
Had many fulvias and raced one for several years - never ever spun on a right hand bend (did spin on left handlers a couple of times, not sure why)!

[jaisharma]

Oh and of course stig is a driving god!

[Norfolkandchance]

And the Fulvia's engine is very short (V4), I assume, whereas Audi are often inline 4 or 5 cylinder. So the Fulvia's isn't a long way out front.

[rallycross]

jaisharma said:

Oh and of course stig is a driving god!

indeed, check him out here in a 3 dr Cossie, a handful of a car on gravel and this clip is exactly what it feels like to be in a rally car on a forest stage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbYMZOu0AQA