MGF - Opinions on the choice between VVC or non-VVC ?

[MG Mark]

Hi all,

The missus can't get in and out of my MGA Coupe easily, can't see over the bonnet, and doesn't relish the thought of bending my pride and joy. Hence, she has her heart set on getting an MGF. No difficulties with that, as I like them as well. Looking at getting preferably a 2000 model. Aside from the standard choices of colour, trim, equipment options etc, with which I am fammiliar, the basic choice boils down to whether to get a VVC or non-VVC. Grateful for any informed opinion/personal experience on what the driving performance and experience of the VVC is like compared to non-VVC, and on the relative reliability and ease/complexities of maintenance of both. Ta,

MG Mark

[envymgf]

Hi Mark,

For the record I have the non-VVC 1.8i version. I find this to be great fun (and I do 'drive' mine). However the BHP differences are as follows: 1.8i chucks out 118bhp and the VVC 145bhp both as standard. There appears to be an obvious difference, although you only really notice the difference in the VVC if you drive over 5000 rpm as this is when the VVC mechanism kicks in.

I really depends on your driving style, if you like to rev right up to the red line, you'll prefer the VVC, otherwise the 1.8i will be fine. Anyway loads more information here: http://mgf.ultimatemg.com/

In particular have a look at these pages: http://mgf.ultimatemg.com/group1/info & http://mgf.ultimatemg.com/group1/fact

Have fun, and let us know how you get on.

[MG Mark]

Thanks for that - already been scouring ebay and autotrader to get a feel for what is out there - just want to make sure that we head for the rioght choice, and those links are helpful,

Mark

[Wicker Man]

My g/f does 20K miles/annum in her VVC so the 42 mpg is appreciated. I don't think the non-VVC is quite so economical but believe it has more torque.

[MG Mark]

And here it is - found what was wanted and collected last week - a 1.8i, 43,000 miles, excellent condition, good service history, but most important - the right colour and interior for what the missus wanted ! All in all very pleasing and good fun

www.picturehost.co.uk/img/289fddf0d35682f8fc2d86dcc32260e6/mgf1.jpg

All the best for now,

MG Mark

[Wicker Man]

Excellent colour combination! (Not dissimilar to my Chim)

So having made your choice, what are you've views on the 1.8 / 1.8VVC's relative merits?

[MG Mark]

Wicker Man said:

Excellent colour combination! (Not dissimilar to my Chim)

So having made your choice, what are you've views on the 1.8 / 1.8VVC's relative merits?

Thanks. Visually, aside from the wheel type there is no real difference, so that's not an issue. Handling wise, until you get into TF territory which has a different set up, they are the same, so that's not an issue. Engine performance is the only real difference and in normal driving (i.e. not on a track or pushing it on the road) the difference is not really noticeable. Where it is noticeable is when you are pushing it, and what difference there is is apparent in the last 1500-2000 or so rpm. which means that to get the better performance out of the vvc, you have to push it harder all the time, which will probably have a knock-on effect on longevity/reliability. Probably heresy to say so, but if looking for one I'd just work on the premise of getting the best colour/trim/service history as probably the most important thing, as with some basic tuning you can easily bring a 1.8i close to a vvc without spending as fortune.

MG Mark