Choices First taste of Civic VTEC - You can keep it!

[Pottsy]

Cap,

The test was really to show how the two cars perform, say, on the motorway in top gear for those who can't be bothered to change gear. It also shows that for a non-sporty option, the diesel engine works very well.

Naturally, apart from the little mid range trick that the diesel does, the R is faster, more exciting, handles better, looks nicer, sounds better and I'd have one. I do suspect though that some non-car people buy the R simply because it is "top of the range", and drive it in a way where they would actually be better off with a diesel...

[Cap]

Originally Posted by Pottsy

Cap,

The test was really to show how the two cars perform, say, on the motorway in top gear for those who can't be bothered to change gear. It also shows that for a non-sporty option, the diesel engine works very well.

Yes, and then that should be stated and for that use its a good test

Ive testdriven both cars and i must say the diesel is good in its way and suits a big precentage of the crowd, no doubt! But when were talking about preformance its not compearable to the R, but maybe to the 1.8

[Pottsy]

Cap - remember that the diesel in the little test is a chipped diesel... Click on the link in my sig.

[Cap]

Originally Posted by Pottsy

Cap - remember that the diesel in the little test is a chipped diesel... Click on the link in my sig.

Aha, that makes it a bit more competitive

[Greedy]

Oooo Richierich and there I was trying to be NICE to the BOY.

[Miggins]

Originally Posted by Pottsy

Cap - remember that the diesel in the little test is a chipped diesel... Click on the link in my sig.

Chipped diesel or not - nail it with a type R and you will keep up with the R until it hits 6000rpm and then the diesel is left behind (as indicated by pottsys vid)

I have just returned from the continent (3000miles in a chipped diesel) and had so much fun with our continental friends in their large engined petrol merc/audi/bmw's. They are surprised to see a people carrier with top box and 7 passengers doing 135mph on the autoban (those with no limit ) but unlike here most of them get out the way. What is it with drivers here? (UK that is)

Thanks to Super Chips

Don't get me wrong - it's petrol every time for the R1 - sure would like to try truck racing, anybody need a driver?

[Kremmen]

some non-car people buy the R simply because it is "top of the range",

It depends on how you look at it, I consider the EX as the top of the range because of all the extra kit (IMHO).

[Bog]

Originally Posted by Kremmen

It depends on how you look at it, I consider the EX as the top of the range because of all the extra kit (IMHO).

I agree

[Greedy]

I don't the 1.8 is really being knocked - just that the original comment by richierich was that it didn't meet hi sexpectations as a VTEC thus leading to comparisons between SOHC & DOHC. Iggy then managed to tell me that I was old cos I have a diesel even thought I'm in my 30's. I may drive a diesel but Im stil a petrol head and would drop itfor a type R anyday but the in gear pull and never ending fun means I woudln't go back to the petrol 'normal' engines. One point I would like to confirm (can't remember who's entry is was) is that the CTDi eats tyres. My Accord CTDi can't make it between services without new tyres, admittedly it's around town (Swindon's roundabouts) most of the time. And the tyres wear is even across not on the sholders. So I certianly couldn't see the premium and running costs viable gainst the mpg benefit as a private buyer looking to 'save'.

As RR says it's certainly a fun debate here.

And miggins, if you get drive make sure is 24 race and I'll second you.

[Bog]

On the way home from work on Friday, I gave my 1.8 a bit of welly and made full use of the rev range. The 23 miles home (mostly on the A406) flew by and the sound and pace of the engine was fantastic. The avg. MPG was 37.1, not bad considering how heavy footed I was.

Today, on the way to work I drove at a gentle pace, with economy in mind and managed 46.5 MPG! Not bad for a petrol

The petrol v desiel agument will run for years, but I'm glad I went for the petrol. I get to have perfomance or economy, depending how I feel and lower running costs over the 3 years I plan to have the car (i.e less brake pads and tyres). At the mileage I do, it would take at least 5 years to cecoup the extra cost of the desiel engine.

[nortones2]

Overall cost mostly depends on depreciation. So need to factor in the value in 3 years, as well as the running costs and premium. Varies from make to make: but I think the 2.2 is one of those where the value is maintained at a higher level than the petrol near-equivalent.

[ciderman4]

Originally Posted by Greedy

One point I would like to confirm (can't remember who's entry is was) is that the CTDi eats tyres. My Accord CTDi can't make it between services without new tyres, admittedly it's around town (Swindon's roundabouts) most of the time. And the tyres wear is even across not on the sholders. So I certianly couldn't see the premium and running costs viable gainst the mpg benefit as a private buyer looking to 'save'.

Can't possibly agree with you concerning tyre wear. Just had my 12500 mile service and my wear is "normal" and totally even (and I don't hang about). 4.55mm remain on the fronts and 7.71 on the rears.
I reckon I will get 20k+ out of the fronts.

[Greedy]

Originally Posted by ciderman4

Can't possibly agree with you concerning tyre wear. Just had my 12500 mile service and my wear is "normal" and totally even (and I don't hang about). 4.55mm remain on the fronts and 7.71 on the rears.
I reckon I will get 20k+ out of the fronts.

Think you're doing well then. Altough I can't truely comment on 'Civic' wear being an Accord driver but I was talking to the Bridgestone Rep the other day who drives a Civic and he estimated his tyres last 10-12k on the front. I daren't ask him if he has tried another brand!!!!

I think my problem is the clutch work to get a fast getway really get's the tourque to the wheels and as VSA's traction control has limitations then there's a lot of tyre slip. Have taken it's easier on this set and I have about 4.5 remaining with 3k to go to the service. If they make it then that will be over 15k since the last change.

[richierich]

Re Petrol for the Track - Diesel for the Road

What about Seat and the touring cars, the Diesel had its first win the other week in Germany. I wonder if they will run it next year in the BTCC.

Is the BTCC still limited to 2.0, shame if it is cos Team Halfords could have put a proper engine in that car of theirs.............

[Trekker308]

Richierich: Oooh, you stirrer!!

[Morris Minor]

Originally Posted by richierich

What about Seat and the touring cars, the Diesel had its first win the other week in Germany. I wonder if they will run it next year in the BTCC.

Is the BTCC still limited to 2.0, shame if it is cos Team Halfords could have put a proper engine in that car of theirs.............

I think the commentator (Tim Harvey I think it was) on the Knockhill round yesterday said that Seat would run the diesel engine next year in the BTCC.

And didnt I read somewhere on this forum that Honda are developing a 2.0l diesel engine???

MM

[ciderman4]

Originally Posted by Greedy

Think you're doing well then. Altough I can't truely comment on 'Civic' wear being an Accord driver but I was talking to the Bridgestone Rep the other day who drives a Civic and he estimated his tyres last 10-12k on the front. I daren't ask him if he has tried another brand!!!!

I think my problem is the clutch work to get a fast getway really get's the tourque to the wheels and as VSA's traction control has limitations then there's a lot of tyre slip. Have taken it's easier on this set and I have about 4.5 remaining with 3k to go to the service. If they make it then that will be over 15k since the last change.

My tyres are Michelin Pilots and I'm pretty impressed with the lack of wear, especially considering my car has been "chipped" !
Do occasionally get wheelspin in first and second gear when going full tilt but doesn't seem to have had a detrimental effect on the rubber.

[Dimplyred]

Originally Posted by Munro

When I was choosing my new car, I test drove both the 2.2 diesel and the type R. The diesel felt quicker in normal driving as the pick up from low revs was much better. This is exactly what you would expect if you look at the torque / power curves.

However when you get into the VTEC zone in the type R, the diesel is history. You will smile every every time you enter the VTEC zone - the sound and acceleration is fantastic. You have to work the gearbox, but thats all part of the fun.

Turbo Diesels are quick and relaxing to drive as they have the torque low down. The civic diesel is a fine example being much more refined and has much less tractor clatter than most.

Its all down to personal choice.

I too had test drives in both the 2.2 type S diesel and type R in both in the GT version. I was aware that both would be very different to drive before I even got into them.

I enjoyed driving the diesel very much and could have quite easily bought one and lived with it day to day, and been very happy with it. The reason I considered it was the economy and a friend of mine has one and is very pleased with it.

However I totally aggree with Munro here that when you drive the type R, the smile it puts on your face is immense, if it's just about fun then the type R wins hands down every time.

But everyone buys a car for a different reason and what is right for one person isn't right for another.

[czechplastik]

I've been driving a new Accord for the last few days 2.0 i-VTEC (153bhp) and I was so glad to get my Civic back today! The 2.0 which is more powerful than the 1.8 was completely gutless, even with the foot planted, it made a nice noise but just didn't move very much.

The diesel feels so much quicker and smoother. I'm quite certain I made the right choice.

[Dimplyred]

Originally Posted by czechplastik

I've been driving a new Accord for the last few days 2.0 i-VTEC (153bhp) and I was so glad to get my Civic back today! The 2.0 which is more powerful than the 1.8 was completely gutless, even with the foot planted, it made a nice noise but just didn't move very much.

The diesel feels so much quicker and smoother. I'm quite certain I made the right choice.

Have you driven a civic type R? Plant your foot in that and it just will move.
Oh and it makes a nice noise too!!