[200q20v] V8 and 200q20v difference

[Phil Rose]

At 2:06 AM +0100 2/5/02, Eyvind Spangen wrote:
>How big is the difference in driving a V8 and a 200q20v? I understand
>the turbo engine and manual transmission is different from V8 and
>automatic, but what about the driving characteristics, noise
>insulation, "feel" etc.?
>
>I want a 200q20v because the norwegian import tax on it is a lot lower
>than on a V8, mainly due to engine displacement..
>
>I have driven a '90 V8 a lot (I own one, but the import tax is not
>paid yet) and I'd like to hear something about the difference between
>200q20v and V8..

I've had just some limited time in the seats of several V8s, both
auto and 5-spd. The "feel" of these V8s--in terms of chassis
isolation, sound insulation, etc.--is one of enhanced (better)
solidity relative to any '91 200q I've owned or driven. For example
the V8 doors always close with a unique, solid "thunk" (don't know
the proper norwegian term). I regard the V8 as having much the better
"build" quality (chassis), and so a more luxurious, big car feel.

As I recall (and others have said the same) the V8 is slightly
quicker (initially) from a standing start  as there is more low-end
torque than the '91 20V, but the '91 200q catches up and is quicker
once the revs are up.

Highway fuel economy for the '91 200q will commonly be as high as 28+
mpg, which is perhaps 30% higher than what I understand to be typical
from the V8.

Phil
--

Phil Rose				Rochester, NY
'91 200q	(130 Kmiles, Lago blue)
'91 200q   (57 Kmiles, Tornado red)
	mailto:pjrose at frontiernet.net