RE: 20V URq drive and

[quk@isham-research.demon.co.uk (Phil Payne)]

In message <000401bdcf44$9dc4fb60$42c160cb@default> "Greg Spark" writes:

> For anyone who has never driven this model - crawl over hot coals to do so -
> I have never driven a car that is so instantly desirable - the sense of
> being part of the car and the feel is indescribable - the power, steering,
> suspension control, lack of roll - sharp corners at full throttle and the
> wheels describe an extremely accurate arc with no vice through the wheel - I
> thought my A4 was good (and it is) but this car was incredible. Why did they
> stop making them.

Because the Torsen differential is a threat to life and limb?

> Compared to the MB the RR is much more refined and smoother in power
> delivery. The steering lighter and more accurate. Unfortunately both drives
> were quite short - after driving the MB I thought "I'd really like one of
> these". After driving Dave's RR I thought "I _have_ to own one of these
> before I die - the Ferrari's off the list".

The engine (especially the smoothness from the bottom end) I readily
accept.  But the steering and suspension are _identical_, except for the
RR's cast wishbones.  I suspect you've been the victim of either poor
setup or worn components on that MB.  The difference between the early
1980s cars and the MB/RR two models _is_ amazing, but those who've
driven both of the last two in the UK generally only comment on the
low-end torque and higher top end of the 20V.  Plus 10% more grunt, of
course.

The other main benefit on the RR is the Motronic ECU.  The MB's fuel
injection system seems to have been purposely designed to degrade over
time in dozens of different ways, all of which have 0.5% effect on
performance.  Boy, do they add up!

There are one or two other nice touches on the RR - the remote headlight
adjustment and total closure system, for instance.  I'm looking at
retrofits for some of these to the MB.

The Club Newsletter (August) lists ten MBs and three RRs.  Leaving aside
the LHD 20V from Belgium at GBP13000, the RHD RRs are GBP13995 and
GBP17500.

The MBs are (all GBP) 8500, 9000, 10000, 10500, 11950, 12500, 13000,
14000, 15500 and 15995.

The WRs are 5000, 5250, 5750, 6900 and 8000.

As you see, the RR and MB price ranges overlap, with the WR _well_ below
and averaging 6180 vs. the MB's 12094 and the RR's 15750.

--
 Phil Payne
 Phone: 0385 302803   Fax: 01536 723021
 (The contents of this post will _NOT_ appear in the UK Newsletter.)