TSpark versus JTS and JTD

[Colin RedGriff]

Hi

I've got a 2000 156 2.0 tspark saloon that's now nearly 8 years old and I'm looking to trade it for another 156, probably a 2004/2005 sportwagon this time. Having a difficult time on engine choice, not after a v6 so will either go for the 2.0 JTS or 2.4 JTD.

Does the JTS require the same 36k cambelt change as my existing tspark and is the variator as fragile?

Will the JTS and JTD to be as much fun as the tspark?

What's the perceived opinion on suspension options (Lusso or Veloce) in a Sportwagon?

Is there anything else significantly different in the 2005 facelift apart from the new front end and xenon lights?

Thanks

Colin

[Mave]

IIRC the cambelt interval is the same for the JTS as the TS. Supposed to be a torquier engine, but not so musical.

[velocemitch]

I moved from a 2.0TS to a JTS (then a GTA), you will notice the extra torque, but not the extra power and probably not any extra fuel economy.
The JTS is a sweet unit, very smooth and quite free to rev, it doesn't quite have that snarl at the top end like the Twinny, but it's still a good engine. Cambelts should be swapped just the same though.

As far as suspension goes, on a saloon definitely Veloce over the Lusso, but I seem to recall a big debate going on a few years back about Sportwagon suspension set ups. Many believed that they didn't get the lowered and stiffened springs that the saloon got when you specced it as a Veloce.

As for the old diesel verses petrol debate, TBH it's going to depend on your mileage, what you want out of the car and how much you like the revvy nature of a petrol compard to the elastic band type torque you get from the big JTD. Try them and see what you think... also if you get chance try a V6 preferably a GTA considering the fuel economy is only about 10 to 15% worse than the JTS the extra power and other advantages might sway your decision.

[Colin RedGriff]

Thanks for that info - I'm afraid if I try a V6 then there will be no contest.

[Jazzman1960]

I had the 156 2.4JTD for 4 years and it was brilliant . I got around 39mpg on average. I don't think that there is any difference in the suspension between a Lusso and a Veloce when it's a sportwagon. That was an optional extra on the Sportwagon but standard on the Saloon. The Sportwagon was mainly a styling pack.

[Jazzman1960]

Oh, I forgot. The cambelt is only changed at 5 years or 72k miles on a 2.4 JTD.............and yes it does last that long in the deisel, unlike it's petrol brothers when it's supposed to last 60k but you need to change them at 48k or you could be looking at an engine rebuild.

[V6Alfisti]

I have owned a 1999 156 2.4 JTD, 2005 156 2.0 JTS and my current line up includes a GTV V6 and a GT JTD...so fairly well qualified to answer I think.

The 2.0 JTS still requires the 36k mile cambelt change, though as others have said it isn't as sonorous as the 2.0 TS unit.

It also has a special system at idle so that it uses less fuel (so the idle can be quite lumpy).

The JTS in general is a very good unit and dependable.

The torque of the JTD units is very good, surprisingly high revving for a diesel and great noise when pushed (like an angry bear...grrrrrrrr), the 1.9 JTD units are a little more diesel-ish but still very good!

The V6 is my favourite (doesn't have the same torque as my 1.9 JTD funnily enough though!)...but it pulls very well, incredible sound...I love it! but you have to take account of the MPG.