VX220 - which one
Discussion
Hi all,
Thinking of getting myself a VX220 - just after a bit of advice, which would you recomend a turbo or normally aspirated - is there anything in particular to look out for.
I have been running a V8 westfield for a few years but fancy a few more luxuries!!
Any advice greatly appreciated
Dave
Thinking of getting myself a VX220 - just after a bit of advice, which would you recomend a turbo or normally aspirated - is there anything in particular to look out for.
I have been running a V8 westfield for a few years but fancy a few more luxuries!!
Any advice greatly appreciated
Dave
This has been done to the death on VX220.org.uk, so a quick search on there would be an idea, but...
The Turbo has loads more power, but a softer ride, and more sound proofing.
The N/A lacks the power, but is perhaps more tractable with its flatter torque curve and slightly stiffer ride. Feels more 'raw'.
That said, the Turbo has more power : )
If you're tracking it, buy an N/A and add a super charger down the line. If you're using it on the bumpy British B roads, or for long journeys, few cars will entertain as much as the Turbo.
The Turbo has loads more power, but a softer ride, and more sound proofing.
The N/A lacks the power, but is perhaps more tractable with its flatter torque curve and slightly stiffer ride. Feels more 'raw'.
That said, the Turbo has more power : )
If you're tracking it, buy an N/A and add a super charger down the line. If you're using it on the bumpy British B roads, or for long journeys, few cars will entertain as much as the Turbo.
I've owned 6 VX220's in total. 2 Turbo's and 4 N/A's. I currently have a Turbo.
The NA is a much more nimble car with it being lighter and having (ever so slightly) harder suspension. The engine pulls through all of the rev range and gives you confidence in the corners as you know the power is always going to be on the end of your toe. The engine is the Z22SE which is the same ecotec 2.2 as the Astra, Vectra and Zafira. Common problems with them are the timing chain, which needs replacing every 70k miles or so. Other than that they are seemingly bulletproof.
The Turbo (affectionately known as the 'Tubby') was made to be slightly more liveable, meaning that it has softer suspension, more soundproofing and central locking. The engine is the same Z20LET turbocharged unit that is in the Zafira/Astra GSI etc. The engine isn't as responsive as the NA but once the Turbo has spooled up the acceleration is superb. There is a flat spot at around 3.5k RPM and this is due to the emissions testing for the EU however it can be easily remedied by a new precat and remap. Handling is a little softer and feels slightly less 'balanced' than the NA, and personally I think this is due to added weight combined with the softer suspension.
Both cars are impressive and the difference in performance around a track are negligible as both have their pros and cons. I prefer the rawness and chuckability of the NA compared to the Tubby and the NA gave me so much confidence in the bends than the Tubby ever will. If, like me, you have no intention of tracking it and just use it on roads then both are equally liveable day to day. Having a larger engine in the Tubby means that the bootspace is compromised, but only slightly.
In conclusion, the Turbo is quicker in a straight line but the NA handles better. Both will leak, rattle, have bubbling rear clams and poor heaters. They will also both put a huge smile on your face and £ for £, you won't find a better car for the money.
The NA is a much more nimble car with it being lighter and having (ever so slightly) harder suspension. The engine pulls through all of the rev range and gives you confidence in the corners as you know the power is always going to be on the end of your toe. The engine is the Z22SE which is the same ecotec 2.2 as the Astra, Vectra and Zafira. Common problems with them are the timing chain, which needs replacing every 70k miles or so. Other than that they are seemingly bulletproof.
The Turbo (affectionately known as the 'Tubby') was made to be slightly more liveable, meaning that it has softer suspension, more soundproofing and central locking. The engine is the same Z20LET turbocharged unit that is in the Zafira/Astra GSI etc. The engine isn't as responsive as the NA but once the Turbo has spooled up the acceleration is superb. There is a flat spot at around 3.5k RPM and this is due to the emissions testing for the EU however it can be easily remedied by a new precat and remap. Handling is a little softer and feels slightly less 'balanced' than the NA, and personally I think this is due to added weight combined with the softer suspension.
Both cars are impressive and the difference in performance around a track are negligible as both have their pros and cons. I prefer the rawness and chuckability of the NA compared to the Tubby and the NA gave me so much confidence in the bends than the Tubby ever will. If, like me, you have no intention of tracking it and just use it on roads then both are equally liveable day to day. Having a larger engine in the Tubby means that the bootspace is compromised, but only slightly.
In conclusion, the Turbo is quicker in a straight line but the NA handles better. Both will leak, rattle, have bubbling rear clams and poor heaters. They will also both put a huge smile on your face and £ for £, you won't find a better car for the money.
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