As the sun decided to come out properly today I thought it would be nice to clean up the cars and take a few pictures.
We've been running an all 80's fleet for a few months now and I have to say I quite enjoy it. Both cars are rewarding to drive, but in very different ways.
The Golf, although older in our case, is the newer design and it really shows. It's front wheel drive, relatively quiet, feels solid and well screwed together. The engine is refined for the time and the whole car generally has a planted feel to it. It's upright and purposeful, not too brash or in your face. At the time quite a grown up alternative to say, a 205 GTI or Escort XR3.
The Manta on the other hand is by now at the end of it's 12 year design life. It's grown a middle age spread in the shape of sideskirts, heavy bumpers and a rubber spoiler. It's a little bit garish, the red graphics on blue paint say "LOOK AT ME, I'VE STILL GOT IT!"
The interior is basic, far less enveloping than the serious black tones of the Golf. The brakes and engine are lacking in performance, the engine is coarse, the road noise intrusive and the wind noise bordering on unacceptable. But it's rear drive and whilst the Golf would show it a clean pair of heels on any given A-road, the Manta wins when it comes to showboating.
Is it acceptable in these eco-friendly times to be running two 20+ year old cars? I couldn't give a flying one and until legislation prevents me doing so I'll continue to enjoy my retro driving.
Here are the pics. Neither car is anywhere near mint, but they don't scrub up too badly for a pair of old girls.
We've been running an all 80's fleet for a few months now and I have to say I quite enjoy it. Both cars are rewarding to drive, but in very different ways.
The Golf, although older in our case, is the newer design and it really shows. It's front wheel drive, relatively quiet, feels solid and well screwed together. The engine is refined for the time and the whole car generally has a planted feel to it. It's upright and purposeful, not too brash or in your face. At the time quite a grown up alternative to say, a 205 GTI or Escort XR3.
The Manta on the other hand is by now at the end of it's 12 year design life. It's grown a middle age spread in the shape of sideskirts, heavy bumpers and a rubber spoiler. It's a little bit garish, the red graphics on blue paint say "LOOK AT ME, I'VE STILL GOT IT!"
The interior is basic, far less enveloping than the serious black tones of the Golf. The brakes and engine are lacking in performance, the engine is coarse, the road noise intrusive and the wind noise bordering on unacceptable. But it's rear drive and whilst the Golf would show it a clean pair of heels on any given A-road, the Manta wins when it comes to showboating.
Is it acceptable in these eco-friendly times to be running two 20+ year old cars? I couldn't give a flying one and until legislation prevents me doing so I'll continue to enjoy my retro driving.
Here are the pics. Neither car is anywhere near mint, but they don't scrub up too badly for a pair of old girls.
My cars are shiny! 
