1.6 16v vs. 1.8 20v SE

[Muunilinst]

I'm looking into buying a Leon for my next car but can't afford any of the Turbo models. Insurance costs between the 1.6 16v and 1.8 is pretty much the same and it seems performance wise they have the same 0-60 times. What are the differences between the two and more importantly which is better?

Cheers.

 

[magic77]

i personally would got for the 1.8. But this purely based on comparing when I had a 1.6 and a 1.8 focus the 1.8 is much stronger engine in fords and does give bit more grunt

 

[TimBarratt]

I'm looking into buying a Leon for my next car but can't afford any of the Turbo models. Insurance costs between the 1.6 16v and 1.8 is pretty much the same and it seems performance wise they have the same 0-60 times. What are the differences between the two and more importantly which is better?

Cheers.

Isn't the 1.8 an automatic?

 

[Tallpaul]

1.8 isn't an auto only (might be available as an option?).

I'd get the 1.8 - you still get the sweet 20V engine.

The 1.6 is a dog, especially the gearbox. 1.8 20V is superior in every respect IMO.

 

[TimBarratt]

1.8 isn't an auto only (might be available as an option?).

I'd get the 1.8 - you still get the sweet 20V engine.

The 1.6 is a dog, especially the gearbox. 1.8 20V is superior in every respect IMO.

I wouldn't say the 1.6 is a dog. I quiet like it. The gearbox isn't as good as on the Cupra but i dont think its bad.

 

[big phill]

i had a 1.8 20v toledo and it pulls up hills far better than a 16v means more pull rather than speed

 

[rst_cupra_r]

1.8 20v all th way m8

 

[stuart_hatch]

I have a 1.8 20v toledo which has 125 bhp (frankly pretty poor) yet there is someone i know with a leon with a full exhaust and enclosed induction got there car rr'd at 125bhp and gets better fuel econemy

I would also recomend looking at the toledo, im 18 and if i went for a leon with the same engine it would be 2 insurance groups higher :S

Also the 1.8 fuel economy is quite disapointing

 

[Muunilinst]

I would also recomend looking at the toledo, im 18 and if i went for a leon with the same engine it would be 2 insurance groups higher :S

Thanks for the replies guys, really helpful.

I'm 18 myself just on the verge of 19 and 2 years no claim, I was pretty suprised that to insure a 1.8 20V Leon with Norwich Union is around the same if not cheaper than what i'm paying right now for a 1.1 Punto with Sainsbury's!

Only problem with 1.8 20V SE is that they are a lot rarer than the 1.6's and inherently that bit more on the wallet.

Cheers again.

 

[stuart_hatch]

I know the toledo is a saloon car, but i got stopped weekly in my 106 alot of the time for no reason at all.

Now i have this and my number plate fell off 2 weeks ago ive not had a second glance from the cops, and the ladies think your flash too

You can normally pick up toledos cheaper and they come with higher spec, also the 1.8 toledo is group 7 instead of group 9 in the leon.

So cant see any reason to go for a leon tbh!

 

[Muunilinst]

IMO the Toledo is a bit lack luster in the looks department, yes it's a Leon basically but that back end kills it for me.

Thanks anyway mate.

 

[Sam20v]

IMO the Toledo is a bit lack luster in the looks department, yes it's a Leon basically but that back end kills it for me.

Thanks anyway mate.

depends on wot you do to it to improve it

 

[paul geraghty]

Go for the 1.8 20v. I just bought a 1.8 20v s toledo and was quite impressed with the performance compared with my old Ibiza Gti.

Go for a tolly to you'll get it loads cheaper than the leon and therefore be able to buy a newer one.

As for the back end well I've de-badged mine now and its lookin loads better and plus the toledos boot is huge ideal for speakers, carryin stuff like dead bodies etc... whatever you like.

 

[Eternal Rage]

I was looking for a 1.8 20V when i got my first Leon. Rare isnt the word for it. They were only about £800 cheaper than the 20VT Cupra, so no-one bought them. I looked for ages, and in the end gave up and bought the 1.6 16v.

After fettling with the intake, de-CAT and straight through exhaust i got mine up to the 120 BHP mark anyway (Custom Code Re-Map would take it to 128 BHP-ish). IMHO, save your time and money and have some fun with the 1.6 for a bit, then jump to a 1.8 20VT for some go-faster action...

 

[Fatal_Angel]

For the insurance part, try elephant.co.uk there much better than Norwich Union! I now dislike Norwich Union direct all that 'Quote me happy' is rubbish

Norwich union dont insure drivers till there 25 for my type of car, where is elephant gave me a cheap quote and said welcome aboard

Depends of your budget really