Always wanted a Saxo VTS
Discussion
After owning a 1.0 corsa for about 18 months as a first car, I bought a 1.8 diesel Focus which was a big step up for me and felt alot faster even though it was only 90PS in a 1,250kg car!
On the way home last night I saw a Saxo VTS for sale at a local garage (actually the first time iv'e ever saw one in the flesh) so I popped in and went for a test drive ... 120PS in a 835kg car ... and I was so dissapointed it just felt so slow!
My focus feels faster ... now I know this must be due to the toruqe but the VTS just sempt gutless! My diesel focus sempt alot faster! Can't get my head round it as mine is 12.6sec to 60 and saxo is ~7.4?
Really dissapointed as I wanted to buy the Saxo, but I cant see myself enjoying it, might just stick with the Focus.
On the way home last night I saw a Saxo VTS for sale at a local garage (actually the first time iv'e ever saw one in the flesh) so I popped in and went for a test drive ... 120PS in a 835kg car ... and I was so dissapointed it just felt so slow!
My focus feels faster ... now I know this must be due to the toruqe but the VTS just sempt gutless! My diesel focus sempt alot faster! Can't get my head round it as mine is 12.6sec to 60 and saxo is ~7.4?
Really dissapointed as I wanted to buy the Saxo, but I cant see myself enjoying it, might just stick with the Focus.
Edited by Byard on Wednesday 12th May 10:42
That's torque for you! My dad's Land Rover used to feel like a rocket, despite having sprint times measured in ice ages...
Make no mistake, the VTS (if it's half way healthy) will be quicker - a lot quicker as long as you keep it on the boil. The main difference will be the handling. The Saxo/106 is sublimely chuckable and very throttle adjustable. The Focus is good - I know, I've got one - but the Saxo should be in a different league for fun-factor.
Make no mistake, the VTS (if it's half way healthy) will be quicker - a lot quicker as long as you keep it on the boil. The main difference will be the handling. The Saxo/106 is sublimely chuckable and very throttle adjustable. The Focus is good - I know, I've got one - but the Saxo should be in a different league for fun-factor.
If you do decide to get one i'd suggest you get a 106gti rather than the VTS... For some strange reason the VTS had fallen into the hands of chavs whereas the 106 more enthusiasts... (IMO)
When i had my 1.1 Saxo the brakes were a bit weird... really had to press on it to make it work, even after a change of pads and disks. and i'm not sure if it was carried through to the whole range, but i'm sure there will be some differences between the 106 and saxo...
When i had my 1.1 Saxo the brakes were a bit weird... really had to press on it to make it work, even after a change of pads and disks. and i'm not sure if it was carried through to the whole range, but i'm sure there will be some differences between the 106 and saxo...
k.The VTS is a great car. I have had 3 Saxo's (two VTRS and a highly mod'd VTS) and they are considerably quicker than your derv focus.
You really need to rev the VTS to get its best though, im talking keeping it above 4.5k-5k to get moving.. handling on them as standard is still very good and you can have a lot of fun on track/in the bends when moving on..
Avoid any chavvy modded cars though - slammed or in fact lowered beyond 40mm all round will eat your drive shafts and generally cause issues when driving on the UK roads, badly carried out Cam upgrades/engine mods can hinder rather than help the car..
If you're looking at buying a standard car it will be the best place to start.. If you then want to move forward improving the handling (best place to start) look at a set of HandR springs ~ 35mm and bilstien group N shocks - this gives an outstanding handling package for both fast road/track driving. It is then best to look at the braking system.. braided hoses and GTI6 (306) brakes are simply the best way to go without spending loopy money on AP Racing units.
If you then want to spend serious money you can look at Camming, ECU, 4-2-1 Manifold, Stainless system and you can look at around 150bhp BUT make sure you have done the suspension and braking first..
Watch out for higher mileage cars that have a seized torsion bar - they can be a pain in the arse to free up or service, a replacement can be expensive also!
All in all they are quick, fun and simple to work on really, most stuff can be done fairly simply at home. Just dont chav it up.
If you really want to spend the extra money you can go for a 106 GTI - slightly different body/interior but essentially the same car although they hold their money a little better as havent fallen into the chav vien.
HTH
ETA - if it is a Mark 1 VTS (square head lights) the Alloys are the same on VTS as VTR so you may have seen more than you think!
Mark 2 VTS alloys a more similar to the 106 GTI Raptor alloy wheels
You really need to rev the VTS to get its best though, im talking keeping it above 4.5k-5k to get moving.. handling on them as standard is still very good and you can have a lot of fun on track/in the bends when moving on..
Avoid any chavvy modded cars though - slammed or in fact lowered beyond 40mm all round will eat your drive shafts and generally cause issues when driving on the UK roads, badly carried out Cam upgrades/engine mods can hinder rather than help the car..
If you're looking at buying a standard car it will be the best place to start.. If you then want to move forward improving the handling (best place to start) look at a set of HandR springs ~ 35mm and bilstien group N shocks - this gives an outstanding handling package for both fast road/track driving. It is then best to look at the braking system.. braided hoses and GTI6 (306) brakes are simply the best way to go without spending loopy money on AP Racing units.
If you then want to spend serious money you can look at Camming, ECU, 4-2-1 Manifold, Stainless system and you can look at around 150bhp BUT make sure you have done the suspension and braking first..
Watch out for higher mileage cars that have a seized torsion bar - they can be a pain in the arse to free up or service, a replacement can be expensive also!
All in all they are quick, fun and simple to work on really, most stuff can be done fairly simply at home. Just dont chav it up.
If you really want to spend the extra money you can go for a 106 GTI - slightly different body/interior but essentially the same car although they hold their money a little better as havent fallen into the chav vien.
HTH
ETA - if it is a Mark 1 VTS (square head lights) the Alloys are the same on VTS as VTR so you may have seen more than you think!
Mark 2 VTS alloys a more similar to the 106 GTI Raptor alloy wheels
Edited by iggletiggle on Wednesday 12th May 10:50
Byard said:
Thanks for the informative post iggletiggle! Just looking on Ebay and i've ended up buying an Icelandic Grey VTS on a 52 with 55k on the clock, picking it up Friday, can't wait 
Well done mate - perfect colour choice as well.PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Do Not Chav It Up! ! !
If you want any info on tuners/parts/general advice either PM me or drop by www.saxosportsclub.co.uk - there are some VERY knowledgable guys on there that will help a lot if you ask the right questions.
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