Are Racing Pumas faster than standard Pumas?

[Ricardo88]

My sister has a standard 1.7 125bhp and I have now driven two Racing Pumas with 155bhp and there is no difference in performance between the two. Why didn't they turbo the Racing version?

[anonymous-user]

So the 30BHP is doing nothing? How have you determined this?

[niva441]

I suspect it depends how you drive it (I haven't driven a racing version). I suspect the weight of the bigger wheels, brakes & wheel arches offsets the power gain.

Also the power gain is only higher up in the rev range, so only becomes apparent when extending the engine. The even torque distribution delivered by the standards cars VCT system would make the standard car feel more initially responsive.

[Podie]

They are slightly quicker in a straight line. Round corners, they leave the standard Puma behind. If maintained correctly, the brakes can pull up the car seriously quickly, and it remains one of the best handling FWD cars made (IMO).

[odyssey2200]

Do they have different gearing or final drive ratios?

[Ricardo88]

When cruising along at say 50mph, if you floor it there seems to be no difference in torque between the two...

I have just checked the stats "116lbs/ft torque for standard 1.7 and "119lbs/ft according to the stats for the Racing. So 3lbs more, yet it's 100kg heavier than the standard...

Yeah I agree the Racing Puma is incredible around the bends...even the standard is great!

Edited by Ricardo88 on Friday 17th December 10:18

[IanMorewood]

Yes thrashing it in a straight line the RP is quicker in a dash too X.

Round the bends the RP offers supreme grip.

In top gear from 40-70 you wouldn’t notice any performance gain.

[tiwe98]

There really isn't much in it! a friend of mine had a 1.8 mx5... erm L reg?? rated at 125hp or so... my frp would only crawl away from once it got above 6k revs! (this was at 50mph plus speeds, we never got to dual them from stand still!)

They have bigger wheels but the final drive ratio is different to compensate that.

so no, flooring it at the mid range you wouldn't notice much difference, but once you got to the end of the gear you would be pulling away. remember those 1.7 engines produce there maximum power at 7000 revs, thats 200 before the limiter comes in ( on the frp anyway)... makes for a good drive when it will willingly pull all the way to the limiter. The VCT engines are good fun.

[# Lord Lucan #]

this car comes into its own on twisty B roads and then you realise the true potential of the car the set up and products used for brakes and suspension is where it is really noticed the Sachs dampers are amazing and led to the same product to be used on the Mk1 FRS and the Alcon brakes are a real top brand product up there with AP Racing and Brembo

[Somnophore]

Sell the racing puma engine and buy a MK1 Focus RS engine then. It's been done so can't be too hard and
it'll give the power you want.

[matboyslim]

racing puma is only a few mph quicker but as said its the twistys and overall handlng of the car that makes it much better!
Mine has a LSD fitted and brembos which can lift the rear wheels under very heavy breaking!
The gear ratios are different im very happy with mine and have had it for 10 years, but god knows how much ive spent on it keeping it running and in good condition!