Re: older 4000 Q's

[15-Jul-1993 0941 <falcone@stowoa.enet.dec.com>]

I had the terrific experience of owning a 1983 80 Q in Scotland for
a couple of years.  This car is very similar to the 1984 US model,
except for pollution controls and having an even lower level of trim
(no A/C, but it did have power front windows).  The 83 model was the
first Right Hand Drive 80 Q (4000's were called 80's in Europe) and
the car was amazing.  From a weight standpoint, it would have been
even lighter than the US 4000 Q, and from a HP standpoint, it had
no pollution controls plus the factory installed modified headers on
the Q version of the 80 to boost HP to 136 from the 2144/5.  I commuted
90 miles a day over Scottish moorland with this for almost two years.
There wasn't anything on the roads I drove that could keep up with it,
particularly for all-weather driving.  

Before, I owned it, my car had been in rally races.  For those considering
Auto-X or Rallying, there is something to be said for the US 84 4000 Q,
given the reduction in weight, ALTHOUGH as has been pointed out, taking
a good driving course will make a bigger difference.  (For myself,
I prefer the old-style front and rear end treatments for looks).
Also, serviceability was a dream, particularly compared to my 86 5000.

Happy motoring, Joe