difference between the cupra and FR TDI

[craig20102010]

im sure this has been asked many times on the forum but i cant seem to work the search for it.. wont let me use the words cupra and FR since them words are too common...

i just want to know the difference between the cupra TDI and the FR TDI:

• if they have the same clutch?
• if its just the body styling?
• how come the cupra has more bhp is this just down to a different map?
• anything internally different in the engine/gear box?

 

[mymorph]

i dont know much, but i do know the cupra has a stiffer chasey, if memory serves me correct its about 30% stiffer than standard ibiza, fr about 18% stiffer.
different suspension,
i think the cupra has a different turbo.
gear ratios slightly different.
has the all important FMIC.

worth the extra money imho.

 

[Nath.]

Don't forget the big red AP brakes that don't fit behind normal wheels.

 

[craig20102010]

i just need to know these things since im gonna be buying either one of these cars.. quite like the cupra but will go for the FR as well as i plan on gettin them remapped anyway..

 

[Nath.]

An FR with a remap, FMIC, 312 TT brakes, coilovers and a few interior mods will cost as much to do as forking out for a cupra in the first place. Also if you declair the mods the insurance will be as much or as more as a cupra too.

For me the cupra ride was just too hard and I found the extra power was not needed for the sort of driving I do.

 

[cupra.al]

most people who own frs do lots to them to make them go better if you have a cupra you have a better base to work on as you dont need to upgrade the brakes or the front mounted intercooler.
this is what fr owners have said to me anyway. as the fr comes with a side mounted intercooler. also the brakes are not as large.

 

[craig20102010]

yeh they are almost both identical as far as fuel eco goes as well according to parkers just the cupra has alot more power i would prefer to get the cupra but if i cant find out then i wouldnt mind the FR as an alternative just wanted to know what the big differences were as far as the type of engine that was in ther but if its got a bigger turbo and FMIC then i soposse thats what it is.

 

[cupra.al]

not sure about the turbo think its just a slightly different map.
i might be wrong though.
there is a thew other differences like a larger air intake different exhaust trim and different badges in the appropriate places different wheels to house the brakes.

 

[craig20102010]

not sure about the turbo think its just a slightly different map.
i might be wrong though.
there is a thew other differences like a larger air intake different exhaust trim and different badges in the appropriate places different wheels to house the brakes.

so by the sounds of it from what ur saying its just cosmetics really bar the brakes and the air intake which shouldnt b to hard to change.

so main difference so far is FMIC and different map

 

[mgrays]

The Cupra has stiffer ride, lower gearing, different inlet manifold, suspect turbo is different, front brakes that do not fade (upping an FR's power will make you want better brakes), different wheels, bumpers, steering wheel (no buttons on the steering wheel), better seats but Black cloth shows every bit of dirt, gearknob and leather gaiter. Fuel economy is significantly worse .. expect 43-48 mpg on a Cupra and 48-55 on an FR (I think it is gearing, tyres and bumpers that kill it).

If you want to modify the FR it will cost you and you will not get the money back come resale. Insurance is a killer on Cupra but an mod'ed FR will be similiar.

Clutch is same I believe.. limited for just under 200hp or 300 ftlbs .. after that you are on borrowed time unless you drive like a saint .. and then the new uprated clutch is close to £1k fitted so you had better want it and be ready to pay for it.
FR is comfy ride but not quite so nice inside/out. It is the better car for general cruising/driving but brakes and suspension will let it down when getting committed.

 

[cupra.al]

main differences are just the brakes and front mounted intercooler yes.
but as nath said once you tell your insurance about the mods you will do to get it like the cupra ie brakes and front mount you may aswell own the cupra. also the cupra is quite a difficult car to get hold off from what i have been told.
when i got my car though i couldnt find any frs so i got the cupra im happy i did now though.

 

[craig20102010]

i think the best thing for me to do would be to test drive both of them if i have the chance but i do alot of motorway miles thats why im going for the TDI but i want something fast still. i can get my current car to 45mpg and thats a 1.6 astra petrol cuz i drive at a constant 60 on the motorway lol bit of a grandad when it comes to long journey. The ibiza TDI seem like the best option for fuel eco and for 0-60 times.

 

[Markie68]

get the cupra mate I have an FR and the only reason i dont have the cupra is because i couldnt afford insurance for it

a few differences:

FMIC
Big AP 4 pot brakes
bigger ait intake
exhaust tip
different wheels
slightly more aggresive front bumper
black interior (headlining,sunvisors,grab handles etc)

cant remember what else

 

[kriso]

As well as everything else mentioned, the suspension is lower on the Cupra - mainly at the back and it also has a wider track, stiffer shocks and softer springs. ESP and side airbags are standard. Some of the engine internals are tougher aswell apparently but not 100% on this. It's also only available in 3 doors.

 

[Nath.]

^^^^^Softer springs ??????

 

[CJRamze]

If you can afford either then I'd go for the Cupra for now and work on that.
You get the FMIC and the Brakes and also various other bits you'll only end up buying anyway!

 

[craig20102010]

thought they both had the ESP cant imagin the FMIC making much difference till above 200bhp?

why does it have softer springs? thought the ride was ment to be harder?

problem now is just finding one.. lol well i think there both pretty hard to find.. some of the FR's have better bumpers then others as well..

 

[kriso]

^^^^^Softer springs ??????

Yea but stiffer shocks - the softer springs are probably needed to stop the ride being too harsh

thought they both had the ESP cant imagin the FMIC making much difference till above 200bhp?

ESP isn't standard on the FR, available as an option. FMIC stops heat soak and lowers intake temps so still effective at lower power.

 

[Nath.]

Yea but stiffer shocks - the softer springs are probably needed to stop the ride being too harsh

Every day's a school day

 

[Dan_Biza_Boi]

the diffrance is an fr will map to about 185bhp and you will have to uprate everything like bushes brakes roll bar like i have i wish i bought a cupra then its all done and maps 210bhp plus