Small Talk
- Thread starter JohnBM01
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- Rule 12
- GTP_Famine
It's a 0.8cc or 1.0 engine. It bites mightily.
For a first car, low insurance, good fuel economy at £3000, get yourself a nice X-reg (last Mk3 face lift, not the "I've had a stroke" one) Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec 5dr. 50mpg... Group 4 insurance...
For a first car, low insurance, good fuel economy at £3000, get yourself a nice X-reg (last Mk3 face lift, not the "I've had a stroke" one) Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec 5dr. 50mpg... Group 4 insurance...
Race Idiot
(Banned)
- 11,439
- Sao Tome and Principe
I went to look for cars for my mum with a mechanic friend. We managed to get a 1994 (Old shape) 1.6 Ghia, with about 60,000 miles, Service history from various different garages for £1200. It's got bloody more optional extras than my Polo although it's not built as well and it has the 16V Zetec lump which is pretty decent.
- 87,827
- Rule 12
- GTP_Famine
I just dropped my 1.3i 1993 5-door for £750 with 59,000 miles on it... 
The 1.6i was a good one - only 100hp, but the car doesn't even weigh a tonne. Top of the range too, so well packed as you say, but it's group 8 insurance...
Skip the 1995-1999 stroke-victim shape, and get a 1999-2003 cat-face shaper. The 1.25 Zetec has more power and torque than the 1963-Ford Anglia derived 1.3i (as seen in the Ka).
The Ka isn't bad either. Earlier ones should be seeing £3k now. Group 2 insurance... Mk3 Fiesta chassis = great handling...
The 1.6i was a good one - only 100hp, but the car doesn't even weigh a tonne. Top of the range too, so well packed as you say, but it's group 8 insurance...
Skip the 1995-1999 stroke-victim shape, and get a 1999-2003 cat-face shaper. The 1.25 Zetec has more power and torque than the 1963-Ford Anglia derived 1.3i (as seen in the Ka).
The Ka isn't bad either. Earlier ones should be seeing £3k now. Group 2 insurance... Mk3 Fiesta chassis = great handling...
Race Idiot
(Banned)
- 11,439
- Sao Tome and Principe
Originally posted by Famine
I just dropped my 1.3i 1993 5-door for £750 with 59,000 miles on it...
The 1.6i was a good one - only 100hp, but the car doesn't even weigh a tonne. Top of the range too, so well packed as you say, but it's group 8 insurance...
Skip the 1995-1999 stroke-victim shape, and get a 1999-2003 cat-face shaper. The 1.25 Zetec has more power and torque than the 1963-Ford Anglia derived 1.3i (as seen in the Ka).
The Ka isn't bad either. Earlier ones should be seeing £3k now. Group 2 insurance... Mk3 Fiesta chassis = great handling...
Well the insurance isn't a problem for me mum. She used to drive a 1991 3 door 1.1, well still does untill tommorow. I did my driving lessons in an X-reg 1.25 Zetec fiesta, damn nice car that. I know what your talking about with the previous gen to that one though, bloomin ugly they are. Mind you they were also Badged as Mazda 121's I think. I still don't like the interior of the Fiesta she's getting and the dash is, err functional I suppose. I've driven a Ka, it feels err small and the interior (well on most models) isn't that nice.
My Polo is awesome, although it could do with slightly wider tyres, it doesn't feel too comfortable through the twisty bits when i'm going moderately quickly.
ExigeEvan
Premium
- 17,192
I knew you would mention the 'Ford Fiesta' Famine (illiteration 
) I dunno why but we (my sister, father and I) seem to have avoided even looking at that car for some reason. Not sure why, perhaps because it is too..how should I say it..COMMON! 
j/k not really, I think my dad just hates Fords.
) I dunno why but we (my sister, father and I) seem to have avoided even looking at that car for some reason. Not sure why, perhaps because it is too..how should I say it..COMMON! j/k not really, I think my dad just hates Fords.
- 26,911
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
I thought the Ford Ka was kind of cool. I think one was imported from Mexico or someplace, and I seen one. There was also some kind of Chevy not sold in America that was a nice sight as well. Both the Ka and this "mystery car" were both small cars. And in fact, that's the order of business here. Small cars. Meaning the Mini Cooper, Honda Beat, Daihatsu Copen, Daihatsu Tanto, Subaru 360, Fiat 500R, and stuff like that. And by the way, the Elan IS a small car. And I'm referring to the ones of the 60s and 70s. The 1991 one like in Gran Turismo 2 is kind of mid-size.
- 1,515
Hiya! 
The only small car I like the most is those Mazda Miatas . I really like them because of how Mazda made them a small car with some touches from the more expensive cars. Features like convertable top is very fun to have. I also really luv how this car is small, cheap on gas, easier insurance and very easy to handle and cruise!
The only small car I like the most is those Mazda Miatas
. I really like them because of how Mazda made them a small car with some touches from the more expensive cars. Features like convertable top is very fun to have. I also really luv how this car is small, cheap on gas, easier insurance and very easy to handle and cruise!
- 26,911
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
Here in America, we should be able to see an Autorotica special on "The World's Greatest Car Shows: Madrid." Madrid, Spain. The capital of Spain. Now when I think of Spanish cars, the first thing to come to mind is Seat (pronounced "say-ot"). I'll be watching to see if any small cars are mentioned. I don't know if Spain has the same small car issues that Geneva has, so I'll take a look.
And when it comes to racing, I would like to see the Mini Cooper make a big racing challenge. Maybe in the BTCC, the new Mini can contend with the Vauxhalls and MGs and stuff. John Cooper was a genius with the old-style Mini Cooper.
McLaren'sAngel, when I went to a Barnes and Noble bookstore, I read about one of the creators of the F1, Gordon Murray. It's fitting I mention him to this topic because he wants to concentrate on small cars. I don't know of any recent creations, but this was Murray's comments on completing the McLaren F1:
GORDON MURRAY: (interpreted) "I'm glad I got the F1 out of the way."
So as this topic relates to small cars, may God be with you, Mr. Murray.
And when it comes to racing, I would like to see the Mini Cooper make a big racing challenge. Maybe in the BTCC, the new Mini can contend with the Vauxhalls and MGs and stuff. John Cooper was a genius with the old-style Mini Cooper.
McLaren'sAngel, when I went to a Barnes and Noble bookstore, I read about one of the creators of the F1, Gordon Murray. It's fitting I mention him to this topic because he wants to concentrate on small cars. I don't know of any recent creations, but this was Murray's comments on completing the McLaren F1:
GORDON MURRAY: (interpreted) "I'm glad I got the F1 out of the way."
So as this topic relates to small cars, may God be with you, Mr. Murray.
- 26,911
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
On the Autorotica special on the Birmingham Auto Show, I had a chance see the latest Fiat Panda. The car is pretty nice even if the taillights are reminiscent of a Volvo wagon. I wouldn't see myself taking a tour of London in one (I'd prefer a Mini, thank you very much). I think it became one of the best small cars in Europe or Birmingham. And even though it isn't a small car, the top selling car over there is THEIR Ford Focus. In second were two Vauxhalls, I believe.
I got respect for great small cars. As much fun as in a full-sized machine, just for less and smaller. Any comments?
I got respect for great small cars. As much fun as in a full-sized machine, just for less and smaller. Any comments?
- 26,911
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
Yes, the Birmingham Show in England. That's right. And don't worry. I can diffrentiate pronounciation of Birmingham, AL, USA and Birmingham, England.
There is a spunky new Mazda coming out called the Verisa, if I'm not mistaken. Go to the Mazda sub-forums and look for "The Vanishing Boy's" thread on it. I still think Euro small cars are quite spunky. Do they stack up better to Japanese models, though?
There is a spunky new Mazda coming out called the Verisa, if I'm not mistaken. Go to the Mazda sub-forums and look for "The Vanishing Boy's" thread on it. I still think Euro small cars are quite spunky. Do they stack up better to Japanese models, though?
- 26,911
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
First of all, I would like to welcome "Fifth Gear" to the Speed Channel here in America. I've seen parts of two episodes, and it's classic European television. Thanks, Europe! Thanks for teaching us Americans about cars we may or may not get in America.
Ever heard of the Citroen C3? The C3 is a nice "super-mini." The body kind of has more curves than the Ford Ka or even the rather dopey Daihatsu Copen. When I seen an older model Citroen Saxo, it kind of looked like a Chrysler minivan, but looks more like... well, I won't say because I can't make a direct comparison. Anyhow, I think it's a pretty nice small car. And since it's a European small car, you know it most likely has a lot of spunk, and it does.
Meanwhile, I see the Toyota POD concept, and it has a funny way of steering. I don't think it has a steering wheel, so you pilot this thing with one hand. I think you push the steering thing left and right to move in those directions.
By the way, a weird thing about the "Fifth Gear" episodes I seen. This modified Nissan Primera-looking car knocked off a Dodge (or is it Chrysler in Europe?) Viper in a drag race. Can you believe that? And another thing, if you played the PS1 game "Test Drive: Le Mans," you may remember the announcer's voice (if you leave it on in the game). That's Tiff Needell, or whatever his name is.
Ever heard of the Citroen C3? The C3 is a nice "super-mini." The body kind of has more curves than the Ford Ka or even the rather dopey Daihatsu Copen. When I seen an older model Citroen Saxo, it kind of looked like a Chrysler minivan, but looks more like... well, I won't say because I can't make a direct comparison. Anyhow, I think it's a pretty nice small car. And since it's a European small car, you know it most likely has a lot of spunk, and it does.
Meanwhile, I see the Toyota POD concept, and it has a funny way of steering. I don't think it has a steering wheel, so you pilot this thing with one hand. I think you push the steering thing left and right to move in those directions.
By the way, a weird thing about the "Fifth Gear" episodes I seen. This modified Nissan Primera-looking car knocked off a Dodge (or is it Chrysler in Europe?) Viper in a drag race. Can you believe that? And another thing, if you played the PS1 game "Test Drive: Le Mans," you may remember the announcer's voice (if you leave it on in the game). That's Tiff Needell, or whatever his name is.
- 536
Good God!!!! I need the Speed Channel!! I'm missing out on some good stuff... (Perhaps a lot actually... My precious WRC!! 
)
I usually go to the bookstore and read all the car mags (not the weird import, lowrider stuff)... The British ones do introduce most of the European cars so I guess I'm not in bad shape after all..... There was another one from Renault that looked good (I'm bad on remembering names
)..... And a tiny Mitsu..
)I usually go to the bookstore and read all the car mags (not the weird import, lowrider stuff)... The British ones do introduce most of the European cars so I guess I'm not in bad shape after all..... There was another one from Renault that looked good (I'm bad on remembering names
)..... And a tiny Mitsu..
- 6,899
- GTP_event / kevinr6287 (farming account)
I like the Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata. Also, the Clio, the Elise, Opel Speedster (Vauxhaul VX220 Turbo) and my favorite of all - the Porsche Boxter S.
I too, would like the Speed Channel. I don't even have CBS or NBC Sports, so I can't see the ALMS.
I too, would like the Speed Channel. I don't even have CBS or NBC Sports, so I can't see the ALMS.
- 26,911
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
http://www.xs4all.nl/~mjs/mazdak.html
This site features some nice Mazda Kei cars. Take a look at some of the little machines here. Aren't they cute? But remember. These aren't VW Beetles. They are still every bit of manly as any car. Even the Carol which is prospective for GT4 entry. So give them a crack.
This site features some nice Mazda Kei cars. Take a look at some of the little machines here. Aren't they cute? But remember. These aren't VW Beetles. They are still every bit of manly as any car. Even the Carol which is prospective for GT4 entry. So give them a crack.
- 12,298
- Ealing-London
Party for GT4Saw a car programme in the UK earlier this week which had a Suzuki Hayabusa turbo engine packing 400bhp. 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds.
To save you looking, thats as fast as a MacLaren F1!
To add to this post:
The Radical SR3 actually has only 252hp from a 1500cc Hayabusa engine (after a couple of turbos have been added) but it only weighs 500kg! And the best thing about this car (but only for us guys in Europe) is that it is street legal. Thats right, 0 - 60 in 3.2 seconds and i'm not sure about the top speed but its in the region of 180mph. This thing matches Formula 3 performance around a racecourse.
More info:
First shown to the public at the 2002 Autosport International show in Birmingham, the Radical SR3 is one of the cheapest ways to go extremely fast. Originally aimed at the third of three divisions of the FIA sportscar championship, the SR3 can be used as track car or road car. An immediate hit, it was named 'Trackday car of the year' by Car Magazine.
The chassis is simple, but very efficient steel spaceframe, that offers plenty of rigidity at a very low weight. It is suspended by double wishbones all around, double damper units are available as an option. Braking is taken car of by vented discs, with cross drilled units available as an option. The fiberglass body adds next to nothing to 495 kg dry weight.
Installed in the spaceframe chassis, is a four cylinder motorcycle of various makes and sizes. The least powerful of the five engines available is the 130 bhp Kawasaki 1100 engine, with Suzuki's 1500 cc engine as range topper at 252 bhp. Mated to the engine is a sequential six speed gearbox, which allows lightning quick gearchanges.
Performance was better than expected and the SR3 started winning all across Europe in its first season. Road legal versions proved their worth in various road tests. On a damp Top Gear test track the SR3 beat the Pagani Zonda's best time, recorded on a dry track, by four seconds!
And a couple of pics:
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- 26,911
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
For us here in America, Speed Channel will have "The World's Greatest Auto Shows" and feature Beijing, China. So you know what that means? We may have a chance to see China's little cars go around and around. I know about Japan more than China, but it will be interesting to see the Chinese automotive culture, which is turning out to being one of the fastest-growing world auto markets. So if I see something interesting, I'll be sure to talk about the little machines here. Is that cool? Alright. I'll be in the house with more Small Talk if I see something interesting.
- 6,311
- Hong Kong SAR
Don't expect much, John. The rehashed 80s VW Passat rules all in China and China is definately no Japan in terms of the cars it produces. It may be the fastest growing economy on the planet, but it's up to about 1963 right now! Give it time though, a lot of the up and coming designers are eager to work there.
- 26,911
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
So Kei cars aren't as popular in China, or China isn't really an automotive mecca (compared to Japan)? I'll still watch, though. Because I known someone from China when I attended Lamar University in Beaumont, TX, USA. When I seen the Yahoo! China site, there was a Toyota being marketed in 2002. I know one thing. If Autorotica's "The World's Greatest Auto Shows" cover Tokyo (which I feel they will), I'll SURELY see some Kei rides. I mean, it's like if the Detroit Auto Show doesn't have GM or Ford showcasing.
