Continental R early vs late
Discussion
Is there a big practical difference between the early 335bhp Conti Rs and the late (pre-Mulliner) 385bhp versions? Is the increased power and Zytek engine management transformative or merely incremental bearing in mind one (or at least I) would not be buying one of these to use as a sports car?
If you arn't bothered about that additional power and torque, I think an early car is absolutely fine, still a powerful torquey engine.
You could look mid way to 1994 model year which I think was supposedly around the 350bhp mark. These also have better front seats over the early cars - the seat base was made a bit longer. In the early cars it's a bit like sitting on a book shelf. They look quite similar to the untrained eye, but you can spot the earlier seats as the back is fatter and you can see the base is very short.
You could look mid way to 1994 model year which I think was supposedly around the 350bhp mark. These also have better front seats over the early cars - the seat base was made a bit longer. In the early cars it's a bit like sitting on a book shelf. They look quite similar to the untrained eye, but you can spot the earlier seats as the back is fatter and you can see the base is very short.
I have started to lean towards the Continental R. Are there not spares issues with the Zytec system. Unsupported or something along those lines. I have had a disastrous time with my Turbo R paintwork. A very big lesson learnt that I do not believe you can repaint an early Turbo R painted in thermo plastic acrylic with modern stuff. Unless you bare metal the entire car. I have allowed a so called expert to destroy Hatty 
My own car is a 96 model year cont.R with the Zytec. I've never heard of issues or experienced any. Also with the 96 onwards cars you also get the liquid cooled chargecooler.
I think you are correct on the paint. Nothing is cheap with these cars if you want it right.
I'm just sat in a garage waiting room browsing some MG owners parts catalogues - quite jealous of the parts prices!!!
I think you are correct on the paint. Nothing is cheap with these cars if you want it right.
I'm just sat in a garage waiting room browsing some MG owners parts catalogues - quite jealous of the parts prices!!!
Edited by matt5791 on Tuesday 4th April 10:02
Some time ago I had go in a std Azure and owned a later model R. The standard cars engine - really suits its nature - just wafting around - I found that the turbo car is great in a straight line and on the motorway but can wallow dramatically in the corners. The turbo as I recall also had vastly better fuel economy( I remember back in the day regularly commuting 50 miles into London in it daily. And it really took the punishment really well.
I ended up buying a 93 MY Conti R. Very impressed apart from the wheels, which I'm changing - just don't like the looks. I have to say I'm not at all clear why the early ones should be so much cheaper than the 96 on, notwithstanding the slight increase in power and torque. There's certainly enough for me. As for Final Edition pricing, three times what I paid from a respected specialist, something has to be out of kilter. One is cheap or one is dear. Probably both!
Having now owned mine for nine months and learnt a bit on the way I can say that the Continental R has one disadvantage and possibly one advantage over theclater models. The disadvantage is the 16" alloys fitted to 92/3 models and, arguably, the 17" ones fitted to the 1994 model. Of course, aesthetics are a matter of personal taste but 17" wheels certainly make for a better driving experience than the earlier 16" ones, which have a tendency to allow the car to wander. I was fortunate in being able to get a set of 5 1995/6 type 17" alloys and the difference in handling is noticeable. And they are much prettier.
The advantage, or so I am told, is that the slightly less powerful engines (i.e. Pre-1994) which were offered prior to the Cosworth treatment are not generally prone to head gasket failure, which suggests that this is related to engine stress rather than the material used for thevlater gaskets.
The advantage, or so I am told, is that the slightly less powerful engines (i.e. Pre-1994) which were offered prior to the Cosworth treatment are not generally prone to head gasket failure, which suggests that this is related to engine stress rather than the material used for thevlater gaskets.
Don’t want to tempt fate but it has been a dream. On motorway journeys it has averaged 20mpg. However, a trip to Normandy in September, with little autoroute driving, gave only 10mpg. But then I hardly got out of 3rd gear.
I’m hoping I have a good one. Cyertainly, it’s been well looked after, with files of receipts covering its whole life, now 25 years old, and I think this is key. I intend to carry on in this mould, which I think is sensible and probably cost effective. My first annual service cost, after 1500 miles, was under £600 with a top specialist, but I imagine it will be more next year.
If you can find a good one with sound bodywork (hugely important) these cars are bargains. Over its 10 year production life there were only 500 made in rhd form and I would guess there’s a lot less than that around now. Of those, I don’t imagine there are many in really nice condition so if you find one it will probably be a good investment as well as being an easy and fun car to drive. Just don’t try parking it in the high street!
I’m hoping I have a good one. Cyertainly, it’s been well looked after, with files of receipts covering its whole life, now 25 years old, and I think this is key. I intend to carry on in this mould, which I think is sensible and probably cost effective. My first annual service cost, after 1500 miles, was under £600 with a top specialist, but I imagine it will be more next year.
If you can find a good one with sound bodywork (hugely important) these cars are bargains. Over its 10 year production life there were only 500 made in rhd form and I would guess there’s a lot less than that around now. Of those, I don’t imagine there are many in really nice condition so if you find one it will probably be a good investment as well as being an easy and fun car to drive. Just don’t try parking it in the high street!
waterden said:
Don’t want to tempt fate but it has been a dream. On motorway journeys it has averaged 20mpg. However, a trip to Normandy in September, with little autoroute driving, gave only 10mpg. But then I hardly got out of 3rd gear.
I’m hoping I have a good one. Cyertainly, it’s been well looked after, with files of receipts covering its whole life, now 25 years old, and I think this is key. I intend to carry on in this mould, which I think is sensible and probably cost effective. My first annual service cost, after 1500 miles, was under £600 with a top specialist, but I imagine it will be more next year.
If you can find a good one with sound bodywork (hugely important) these cars are bargains. Over its 10 year production life there were only 500 made in rhd form and I would guess there’s a lot less than that around now. Of those, I don’t imagine there are many in really nice condition so if you find one it will probably be a good investment as well as being an easy and fun car to drive. Just don’t try parking it in the high street!
This proves the point of buying a well maintained car!!I’m hoping I have a good one. Cyertainly, it’s been well looked after, with files of receipts covering its whole life, now 25 years old, and I think this is key. I intend to carry on in this mould, which I think is sensible and probably cost effective. My first annual service cost, after 1500 miles, was under £600 with a top specialist, but I imagine it will be more next year.
If you can find a good one with sound bodywork (hugely important) these cars are bargains. Over its 10 year production life there were only 500 made in rhd form and I would guess there’s a lot less than that around now. Of those, I don’t imagine there are many in really nice condition so if you find one it will probably be a good investment as well as being an easy and fun car to drive. Just don’t try parking it in the high street!
I went another route - My one was not it great condition - but I knew this and I didn't pay much for it. So far I have overhauled the brakes and suspension, replaced blown head gaskets, fixed numerous problems etc. BUT......(again, hoping not to tempt fate) it is now a very reliable and useable car and the driving experience is getting close to what it should be - a bit more to do, but getting there.
I drove it non-stop from the Scottish Highlands to Birmingham and back, via Shropshire, last week, a trip of over 1000 miles and it performed faultlessly. Overall MPG was a little over 18 - But I wasn't hanging around. 20 mpg, or even a bit better, is completely feasible. They are a very solid high speed cruiser - feels really at home at 100mph where legally permitted.
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