Cupra Choices!

[yashicamat]

Hello everyone,

First off - just like to say hi! I've popped over from Briskoda as I'm a Fabia driver but I'm considering an Ibiza Cupra as my next car. I cannot decide on the TDi vs 20vt though. It's a company car of sorts, so although the TDi is pricier, the lower tax means that their monthly rates are almost identical. Unfortunately, I'll not be able to mod the car so it's important I get the most suitable one as stock!
I've currently got a 'tweaked' Fabia TDi running roughly 130bhp, so I know what a reasonably powerful diesel is like - very very nice on the straights but a tad cumbersome around the corners in my 'Comfort' Fabia on standard suspension (apart from strut brace).
According to my research, the Ibiza is a good deal lighter than the fabia (although the TDI Cupra seems lighter than the 20vt . . ) so that should help.
Browsing the forums I can see the tdi vs 20vt debate is alive and kicking when it comes down the straight line performance, but having had petrols and diesels I'm well aware of the pro's and con's there.
I was wondering what the handling is like between them?

Thanks in advance!

Rob

 

[EdButler]

I think the weight is a typical SEAT boo boo mate. The Diesel will definitely be the heavier car by some 100kgs and itll all be under the bonnet. they probably got the weights the wrong way round (again).

The 1.9 Diesel is an Iron block whereas the 20VT is much lighter (presumably amuminium!?) The Diesel will suffer from plenty more understeer going into corners and the power band will have the wheels smoking after a huge groan of turbo lag on the way out, but some people find that fun

Theyre both nippy cars and its been said that after a remap theyre very close in a straight line and probably on track (see the VXR vs 888 Astras), however im thinking that on the smaller b-road twisties youd be better with the petrol.

That said though, if you really want sweet handling, your probably better going for the Fiesta ST or Clio Sport and put up with the crappy interiors and the Clio falling to peices

 

[yashicamat]

Thanks for the reply. I know what you mean about Clio's, I drove a 182 and it was an awesome car for the hour or so I ragged it around the Peak District . . . then when I slowed down I noticed just how poor the interior was!
I prefer VAG stock cars which I'm sure we agree are not the sharpest handling cars as stock, but I'd rather a slightly soggier handling car which was built 10x better.
I'll be doing some test drives methinks of the two motors.

 

[redcupratdi]

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/48192/seat_ibiza_cupra_tdi.html

+ Punch, grip, ride/handling compromise