Fast, normally aspirated cars

Tobster86

almillar wrote: »

Less for me. Expect 20MPG to avoid disappointment I'd say.

Jesus Christ; then where's the benefit?

Oil consumption, funny switching off, and other such pub-talk aside; I don't see the advantage of being able to rev to 11k because it usually means you have to (pretty much the words of Parkers and WhatCar on how you're supposed to get anything out of the ****el engine from memory).

Big, never-have-to-work-hard V8s looking any more appealing yet, OP?

rev_henry

Tobster86 wrote: »

Volvo T5's (S60/V70), yes I realise they're turbo'd but deliver their power in a smooth and non-barryish fashion. Some very cheap but well serviced ex-bobby ones around, though those tend to have miserable cloth interiors.

E39 5-series, I know 'prestige' etc, but otherwise quite unassuming looking. 540i has the best part of 300bhp, does 0-60 in 6 seconds (sub for manual), very relaxed for normal driving with suprisingly ok fuel economy, but springs to life in shocking fashion when demanded and more nimble IMHO than the E36 3-series, probably thanks to more sophisticated suspension and finger-light recirculating ball steering (though 6-cyl ones use heavier rack & pinion).

As for parts costs, an alternator and (rather less straighforwardly) timing chain guides in 28 months / 30,000 miles; aside from usual servicing and MOT bits and pieces. Guess around £800-£1k/year maintenance if done yourself? (If not, buy some KY Jelly).

Or even a volvo T6 of some description. Although again turbocharged.

boundy

You won't get much less prestige than a Vauxhall

almillar

Jesus Christ; then where's the benefit?

Oil consumption, funny switching off, and other such pub-talk aside; I don't see the advantage of being able to rev to 11k because it usually means you have to (pretty much the words of Parkers and WhatCar on how you're supposed to get anything out of the ****el engine from memory).

Big, never-have-to-work-hard V8s looking any more appealing yet, OP?

Fantastic handling (very light engine, set low down and far bacK)? The joy of revs? You don't enjoy revving cars? Do you drive a turbo diesel?
The engine is supreme up high, and doesn't have fantastic torque, but I wouldn't call it slow.

I drive a 350Z with a 'Big, never-have-to-work-hard' V6 and whilst it has fantastic low down torque, I miss the scream (and chassis) of my RX-8.

Also, how about Alfa Romeo's 3.2 V6? That's meant to sound excellent and can be had in plenty of different Alfas.

motorguy

almillar wrote: »

Also, how about Alfa Romeo's 3.2 V6? That's meant to sound excellent and can be had in plenty of different Alfas.

I suggested that in my first post.

Tobster86

Might be a lot to ask, but whilst I accept that there are people that specify a criteria on what an engine sounds like, they might also consider if other people want to be able to hear it.

Back to proper engines again; consider how often you'll be carrying passengers. Since passenger complaints directly correlate to engine RPM, big high-torquers offer greater liberty over how they can be driven with passengers in the car without starting an argument.

Nobody wants to be in a car with someone who is trashing the tits off a small engine.

But when forced into their seats at only 2500rpm, people concede that the car's supposed to do that.