All show, no go

[Republik]

I was looking through the VW Scirocco brouchure earlier today and saw that the 1.4 TSI engine is now available with a measely 122 bhp.

I can't help thinking that this is the sort of car that would be bought for show or image, rather than having the performance to match the looks.

What other makes and models can you think of that provide style over substance? Or as the title says, are all show and no go.

[V88Dicky]

Ford Capri 1.3 Laser

[AFN]

Audi did the previous-gen A4 S-Line with a 1.6 100hp engine. 0-60mph in 12.5secs, but looks like an S4, honest!

Don't think they sold many...

[Blue Meanie]

Maybe, (and this is a kerrazy idea, but bear with me), people might actually want a car that looks nice, even if they can't afford the insurance on the models that look nice? We all know that some low spec models look st.

[bazking69]

The 2.0 8v engine in a Mk4 Golf and Volkswagen having the audacity of putting a GTI badge on it?

[Republik]

Audi A3's with the 105 bhp 1.6 TDI engine, but it's an S-Line so that's ok.

[Rawwr]

Not sure I understand the problem here

[Republik]

Blue Meanie said:

Maybe, (and this is a kerrazy idea, but bear with me), people might actually want a car that looks nice, even if they can't afford the insurance on the models that look nice? We all know that some low spec models look st.

Very true and nice to hear an alternative view on this. I just felt, as Pistonheaders we would be all for a less visually striking car that had an engine with character. However, I realise not everyone in the world is a petrol head.

Edited by Republik on Thursday 25th March 16:02

[Rawwr]

So why did you buy an M3 cab and not a coupe?

[Republik]

Rawwr said:

So why did you buy an M3 cab and not a coupe?

I see your point. I like convertibles and I've owned a few in the past. Plus I get to hear the noise of that engine which puts a smile on my face.

[Blue Meanie]

Rawwr said:

So why did you buy an M3 cab and not a coupe?

Cotton and guns, obviously. Some sort of 'Look at me' type fellow, who craves attention... Profile would back that up as well

[The Wookie]

Republik said:

Blue Meanie said:

Maybe, (and this is a kerrazy idea, but bear with me), people might actually want a car that looks nice, even if they can't afford the insurance on the models that look nice? We all know that some low spec models look st.

Very true and nice to hear an alternative view on this. I just felt, as Pistonheaders we would be all for a less visually striking car that had an engine with character. However, I realise not everyone in the world is a petrol head.

Edited by Republik on Thursday 25th March 16:02

I think fair enough if someone wants a car that looks nice, is comfortable and doesn't care about performance, but when it's something remotely sporty (which the Scirocco just about scrapes into IMO), then it does seem a bit like a cop out.

e.g.

520d BMW = Fine

Z4 2.0 = Pointless

[Gun]

The E36 BMW 316i Coupe, 102bhp and 0-60 in about 13 seconds.

[robm3]

bazking69 said:

The 2.0 8v engine in a Mk4 Golf and Volkswagen having the audacity of putting a GTI badge on it?

My wife had one of these, I believe in Europe it was actually a Highline model which is more accurate. Was hopeless (and used a lot of oil).

[Republik]

robm3 said:

bazking69 said:

The 2.0 8v engine in a Mk4 Golf and Volkswagen having the audacity of putting a GTI badge on it?

My wife had one of these, I believe in Europe it was actually a Highline model which is more accurate. Was hopeless (and used a lot of oil).

My dad had one of these too, he hated it. I think it was 10+ seconds to 60 iirc.

[Mr Darcy]

Honda Civic Type S? Kind of looks like a type R but goes like a morris marina.

[UncappedTag]

Blue Meanie said:

Rawwr said:

So why did you buy an M3 cab and not a coupe?

Cotton and guns, obviously. Some sort of 'Look at me' type fellow, who craves attention... Profile would back that up as well

I thought that was a thing of contention with the E46 M3?

[Republik]

UncappedTag said:

Blue Meanie said:

Rawwr said:

So why did you buy an M3 cab and not a coupe?

Cotton and guns, obviously. Some sort of 'Look at me' type fellow, who craves attention... Profile would back that up as well

I thought that was a thing of contention with the E46 M3?

It's going in the next few months anyway in exchange for a sensible saloon/coupe. It does attract attention, unfortunatly, the wrong sort.

[OllieC]

V88Dicky said:

Ford Capri 1.3 Laser

there was never a 1.3 laser..

although having driven a 1.6 capri, i cant imagine how horrendously slow the 1.3 models would have been.

The 2 litres were a little slow even in their day, never mind anything smaller.

[B17NNS]

V88Dicky said:

Ford Capri 1.3 Laser

Did the ever do a 1.3 Laser?

I only thought they came in 1.6 and 2.0 flavours.

My dad had one of each from new.