Another crazy thought enters my head...

[Ev0]

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?

 

[Ev0]

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

 

[Ev0]

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.

 

[Ev0]

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

 

[Ev0]

Not much change from 2k

 

[Ev0]

It was your first car, of course it handled well.

I thought my Xantia was a handling demon. On reflection, it... really wasnt

My B reg Fiesta was quite Caterham like when I had it

 

[Ev0]

Hmm a trip to Japan has just been arranged so think this has gone out the window.

Still, 8 weeks time two weeks in the land of the rising sun