Another crazy thought enters my head...

Ev0 · 30 Apr 2006 at 00:00

Well after the post about chopping the 172 for an Ibiza Cupra tonights daft quest for a cheap swap to turbo power is....an Astra GSi.

I see they can be had cheap now, almost 200bhp, nice turbo engine, not a bad mover.

Yet again, am I stupid for even thinking about doing this?

FincH · 30 Apr 2006 at 02:50

Are all GSi's turbo?

Not keen on them tbh.

GT3 · 30 Apr 2006 at 04:19

Handling.

Just say no

Vertigo · 30 Apr 2006 at 09:08

Wouldn't drive an Astra if I was given one as a hire car tbh.

Kroegen · 30 Apr 2006 at 09:09

I would say yes. Its a good car, and the handling is reasonable, contray to most oppinions.

eidolon · 30 Apr 2006 at 09:40

How much do they cost? What other similar cars are available for that kinda money?

ajgoodfellow · 30 Apr 2006 at 11:45

If it's a Mark IV Astra than they handle nicely

The Mark III Astra has appalling handling

eidolon · 30 Apr 2006 at 12:07

ajgoodfellow said:
If it's a Mark IV Astra than they handle nicely

The Mark III Astra has appalling handling

Ever driven a Mk2

I once went sideways for about 30 metres after cornering a tiny bit too hard. My mate and girlfriend was highly impressed by my skillful driving. I however was thankful to be alive and contemplating the cost of new pants!!!

ajgoodfellow · 30 Apr 2006 at 12:10

eidolon said:
Ever driven a Mk2

I once went sideways for about 30 metres after cornering a tiny bit too hard. My mate and girlfriend was highly impressed by my skillful driving. I however was thankful to be alive and contemplating the cost of new pants!!!

Nope!

lol

Ev0 · 30 Apr 2006 at 12:41

Just over 6k for an 03 plate near me.

All the people who say oooh handling, have you driven one? Was reading the Evo mag review and the only thing they really didn't like was the gearbox.

It's only a another random idea as I've always quite liked them and saw it for sale

ajgoodfellow · 30 Apr 2006 at 12:43

I owned a Mark IV for a couple of years

It handled nicely and the reviews said this. I personally had no problems with the gearbox but then I haven't driven many cars!

GT3 · 30 Apr 2006 at 12:45

Ev0 said:
All the people who say oooh handling, have you driven one?

Driven a mk4 1.8 sri, same suspension set up isn't it? Wouldn't touch a 172 thats for sure

Ev0 · 30 Apr 2006 at 12:52

GT3 said:
Driven a mk4 1.8 sri, same suspension set up isn't it? Wouldn't touch a 172 thats for sure

Nope not the same, GSi is 20mm lower and has a stiffer setup.

And I know that "in the twisties" the 172 would be better, but I don't drive in very "twisty" roads

It's mostly dual carrageway, fast A roads etc. The thought of having that nice mid range punch is tempting. The Astra makes full torque by about 1800rpm, the Clio is way higher and obv not as much.

GT3 · 30 Apr 2006 at 12:55

Ev0 said:
Nope not the same, GSi is lower and wider iirc.

Oh well, it just felt a bit lardy to me and not as nimble as what I was used to. I suppose the power of the GSI might make up for it though

Cryfreeman · 30 Apr 2006 at 12:55

hmmm I think you have a nice motor allready to be honest bud, why not keep here and get some work done by gdi/yozza etc?

you wouldnt of got round that roundabout like that in a astra

Ev0 · 30 Apr 2006 at 12:59

Yeah I know I won't do it but the thought was there last night, I still prefer the looks of the Astra tbh.

Maybe when I need a slightly bigger motor

Cryfreeman · 30 Apr 2006 at 13:05

seems a remap and cams add some extra low grunt as well as top end power, maybe a option?

although cant remember price off the top of my head I dont think it was cheap, but then it does give proven results it seems

Ev0 · 30 Apr 2006 at 13:55

Not much change from 2k

[TW]Fox · 30 Apr 2006 at 17:53

The MKIV Astra is not a good handling car, infact, it's quite rubbish...

...except in SRi and GSi form. It's actually not that bad.

Mr Joshua · 30 Apr 2006 at 18:01

Ev0 said:
All the people who say oooh handling, have you driven one?

I've driven one and I love them, this would definitely be on my list for possible next buys. I didn't push it around the twisties (it wasn't my car and I didn't want to prang it!) but my brother in law wangs his around bends like nobodies business and it seems to cope.