Benmarina16v
Part of things
1974 2ltr 16 Valve Marina Coupe 200Bhp On The Way
Posts: 414
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Feb 22, 2005 15:33:24 GMT
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If we're talking just modified VWs, then I'd agree with you. However, how would a standard Beetle compare to a Morris Minor of the same age, especially the steering & handling? The Minor was better built to Brittish roads where as the beetle was designed for 70MPH all day long on an Autobahn, the Minor was oviously front engined and the weight up front was balanced well with the torsion bar suspension. The beetles engine was a harder motor built to take a much bigger pounding and the good old A series was better for stop start driving (Brittish roads) Funny that the Minor was origionaly designed for a flat 4 engine, but of course BMC just thought that would never catch on and would be too much to produce. In regard to McPhearson suspension it was created by motor companys such as ford that wanted a cheap to produce alternitive for thier production cars, it is easy to devolope and tune but is very crude in comparrason to that of an ajustable wishbone setups but it is much better for general driving use because it is hard wearing. Ben |
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 '87 2.8 Ford Capri '74 2.0 16V Marina Coupe '72 1800TC Saloon '72 1800TC Coupe -------------------------------------------- www.morrismarina.net |
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Feb 22, 2005 16:47:44 GMT
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It is true that most standard aircooled VWs are slow and handle poorly, especially when compared to similar cars of the same era - I mean an early 60s Bug cannot even compare to an early 60s Mini in terms of performance. Even most modified aircooled VWs may go fast in a straight line and have the brakes to suit but they rarely handle aswell (though the Blue 1303 in Rainking's may have a point to prove in that respect!) But I suppose the appeal of aircooled dubs is not about their performance or sporting heritage (Herbie, doesn't count) Its just the whole chilled, cool, community thing which has grown up around the VW scene - I suppose an extension of the 'Hippy' image. So I can see why people just don't 'get' VWs - I mean a VW Beetle hardly ticks of any of the boxes on my list of what makes a good car, but for some reason I love them  I suppose there is a genre of car culture which most people don't 'get' or understand the point of - the important thing is to respect and not to openly be-little other people's interests. |
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Feb 22, 2005 17:07:18 GMT
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Even most modified aircooled VWs may go fast in a straight line and have the brakes to suit but they rarely handle aswell i competely agree about the mini comment mate, my old stock mini handley superbly. But modified beetles, if done by someone who knows what they are doing, are as good as any other modifed car. A good friend of mine only runs a 1600 running twin carbs but has sorted the suspension himself. Not just buying stuff off shelves, actually testing what works and using what produces the best result. His car handles like its on rails, it is superb. |
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Feb 22, 2005 17:08:02 GMT
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Ok ok I take everyones point of view on board.
So according to this thread, VW's are fast and slow and handle but also don't handle and stop OK sort of. And I am Mr Sweeping statement who likes to belittle curse word german cars volkswagons.
So if I get this right then I am hippy enemy number 1 cos I was honest enough to admit I don't get VW's?
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Feb 22, 2005 17:37:07 GMT
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Ok ok I take everyones point of view on board. So according to this thread, VW's are fast and slow and handle but also don't handle and stop OK sort of. And I am Mr Sweeping statement who likes to belittle curse word german cars volkswagons. So if I get this right then I am hippy enemy number 1 cos I was honest enough to admit I don't get VW's? Theres nowt wrong with admitting that you don't like or 'get' VWs, you didn't say that their owners are misfit weirdos that should be shot for liking such naff cars so thats ok  ;D Personally I don't 'get' the whole SPL Sound off car thing, but I can see that alot of work and thought goes into building such cars - so for that I respect those that are into that sort of thing even though I don't see the attraction with fitting 10x 14"dia subwoofers into a car |
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Alain
Part of things
Dance monkey boy, dance!
Posts: 372
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Feb 22, 2005 21:49:36 GMT
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People often ask me why i love old VWs, or why I love old 'wierd' cars? Why don't I have a new car thats all lush and warm? TBH I don't know why. Its a passion, I cant control that and I don't want to change it. Old cars are just better. 90% of them handle like poo (stock) and cost a fortune to run....but I (we) still have them. Old VWs to me are awesome. I love them and i don't know what the curse word i'd do without them. I don't care if its my roofless, shortened, fenderless bug that means i'll freeze my tits off and be a curse word to drive, or my 67 project that'll do stupid speeds and stop on the dot. Its all about enjoyment. I don't get people that buy new fords. They are ugly, curse word and plain curse word...but plenty of people still do! Each to their own  |
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 '74 Type 181 - Undergoing 'resto' (albeit friggin' slowly! 2 years and counting...) Wedge Panel Van GTi (Still needs finishing) '85 Passat GL5 Estate (Now Breaking) '87 Passat GLS5 Estate (Daily Hack) |
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bazza you were honest enough to ask a fair question - why do people like crappy german cars - and for that we salute you. i love 'em, you don't, fair do's. i think what's come out of this is that some of them do handle, some don't, and some go better than others. depends how 'sorted' it is, and what you're used to - now i've driven the Quattro Sport for a while my fastback will probably handle like a barge, yet when i remember driving it compared to my polo it was on rails. to be honest i don't see the attraction of Imps... oooh i feel another thread starting |
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Never trust a man
Who names himself Trevor.
Or one day you might find
He's not a real drug dealer.
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HytestA
Part of things
Cant beat a good bit of rubbing :D
Posts: 539
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Feb 23, 2005 16:02:37 GMT
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to be honest i don't see the attraction of Imps... oooh i feel another thread starting I've been down the Imp road and can tell you its one thing... HEATERS  I do like Imps really and there are more to Imps than heaters before anyone kicks off again |
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;D
