Re: Ford Focus 1.6/1.8 Zetec

In message , Andrew Banks writes

Tim will be along in a minute to tell you about the 1.8's better midrange torque. While you are waiting I'll draw your attention to the

I think a lot depends on the type of driving you normally do. If you do motorway type driving, you wont miss the extra mid range grunt the 1.8 offers. If you drive a lot of single carriageway roads that require you to do nifty overtaking then you should consider the 1.8 engine.

In message , Andrew Banks writes

Would now be a bad time to mention that I *bitched* about my last premium going up to £189? (Fully comp, full protected NCB, named driver and twice your age)

Sorry did you say something?

Oh well, my stupid mistake, better pay up and shut up!

Paul,

My usual type of driving is city driving and inter-city driving. Mainly on B or A roads with 50/60 MPH limits. I'm after something that can sit on the motorway at a steady 70 or the A's at a steady 50/60 but still have the power if I need to fly past a truck or pass a middle lane hogger on the M62 etc...

The village I live in is a main route for HGV's and only has a few overtaking spots. I need to know that if I hit the pedal that it will respond. I was driving a 1.3 J reg escort until Feb which was OK but lacked the power for overtaking.

Will the 1.8 give me any real benefit over the 1.6 in these situations?

I think you will be more than happy with the 1.6 given the conditions you mention, and that you probably want to remain doing 70mph and not alot faster(!)

However both the 1.6 and 1.8 will cruise very easily at an indicated 90+mph, the larger engined one will just get there sooner and maintain it more easily up hill or when loaded without a shift back to 4th..

With your HGV overtaking spot work route, you will need to be ready in 3rd gear, more so with the 1.6, to get quickly, safely past the lorrys. Both engines have rev limits on the wrong side of 6500rpm which in 3rd gear is

Like I said, test drive both on your daily route if possible.

Tim..

Where abouts are you? My 01 W 1.8 is for sale at the right price ;) Aqua frost, 5 door, climate, 47k, FSH every 5000 miles. Shropshire.

Tim..

Thanks to both of you for the advice.

A test drive would be amazing, the only thing I'm missing is a license at the moment. It's due back on 26/01/2004. It may look like I'm planning too far in advance but for a 22 year old a financial commitment of around £6000 plus £1500/year/insurance is a major comitment that needs plenty of planning. If I'm gonna spend over £10,500 in 3 years then I'd better make sure it's worth it.

Out of interest Tim, what are you asking for yours?