Astra SRi vs XR5 - Page 2

MRJUCY · 26-06-2006, 04:40 PM

It's funny the Astra has pretty much been universally canned as terrible by the European & English motoring press but ours don't seem to mind it too much.
I'd be interested to know how the quality really compares between the XR5 & GTi as it is only the Ford which is actually built in Germany despite the Dubster having the German reputation.

marcosambrose · 26-06-2006, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guym

marcosambrose your comment,

The term 'Sportscar' is loosely thrown around, i can name a few: MX-5, 911, Boxster, Audi TT.

The first couple I would have to agree with, but the Audi TT, don't think so, The VW Golf, Golf GTI, Beetle, Audi A3, Audi TT are based on VW Golf as its base floor plan. The rest is changes to the base vehicle. VW actually said once that the beetle would never have been built if it wasn't based on the Golf and then just change the panels. I am not suggesting that the Audi TT is just a golf with different panels, there is a lot of other changes as well, but is not a sports car built from the ground up.

Ive never driven a TT, but id imagine that it would be a stellar drive compared to a Golf.

Its in the 'sportscar' catergory with the RX8 and so on and it is a 2 door coupe with no parts sharing with a sedan (e.g. monaro -> commodore). So thats why i included it.

Also to follow up on the post by MRJUCY saying the Astra has got recieved acclaim here and not so much in europe. Its because Australian motor journalists are crap, half of them cant drive a car and think because its 0-100 time is 7 seconds and it has climate control its a great car.

Teki04 · 26-06-2006, 08:51 PM

marcosambrose,

The RX-8 I believe is a sports car. The Audi TT is more a luxury cruiser... never in the same league for being a track tearing sports car. That and the fact it is based on the Golf/A3 platform and was never really given a great engine except for the R32's engine... and even then it was a let down and the engine didn't shine as much as it did in the R32.

Sports Cars that spring to mind; MX-5, RX-8, S2000, Caymen, Boxster, Integra (mild.. more a hot hatch though), NSX, 911, Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Brera (Omg it looks hot!), Alfa GT, Lotus Elise (Exige)...

Though, I saying that there are a heap of cars that share platforms/engines. It is all in the calibration and integration of suspension, engine, steering and chassis that turn the car into the performance car. For example the M division making BMWs into performance machines, RenaultSport creating the Hot Hatches of the base model Renaults, ST turning your Ford Hatches into hotter cars, AMG creating more powerful cars then Mercedes...

So yea, I think interpretation of Sports Car is the key here; To me I believe it to be a car that is performance oriented. This therefore includes Hot Hatches as well as your top end performers... Everything from a RSC and XR5T to an Exige and M3.

guym · 26-06-2006, 09:08 PM

Maybe we should stlit this into three categories. Standard Factory worked sports (which I don't call sports but thats a personnal opinion eg Ford XR6, XR6T XR8 HSV etc), then professional factory worked sports or seperae company (eg AMG, BMW M Division would probably include the XR5T/ST and the old RS because its a completely different engine and setup comparied to the standard car which the XR6 etc aren't they are just retuned), and then the real sports cars. Thes are cars that are just built as a sports car, MX-5, RX-8, S2000, Caymen, Boxster, NSX, 911, Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa GT, Lotus Elise etc.

Actually this will just create more discussion of which car fits into which category.

Teki04 · 26-06-2006, 09:25 PM

Guym - this will just start more of a discussion. Remember, AMG also bolt on enhancements to the engine (supercharger) and something just change the bore/stroke etc of engines to make them bigger. Isn't that what EVERY company does? They start with one engine, and modify it.

But I agree with some things you said. The Commo SS and Falcon XR8 are not sports cars in my opinion.

melbzetec · 27-06-2006, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guym

XR6 etc aren't they are just retuned

I think you'll find the engine in the XR6 is exactly the same as the engine in the XTmodel.!...no retuning at all.(both quoted as 190kW and 383Nm) People just assume that the XR6 has more mumbo under the bonnet

guym · 27-06-2006, 12:33 PM

melbzetec, yes I must admit I assumed that atleast the motor was retuned for greater output. Well I just made an *** out of me.

Teki04 maybe AMG just have a better reputation of doing the mods than a lot of companies.

marcosambrose · 27-06-2006, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guym

melbzetec, yes I must admit I assumed that atleast the motor was retuned for greater output. Well I just made an *** out of me.

Teki04 maybe AMG just have a better reputation of doing the mods than a lot of companies.

In my opinion, M Division and AMG are just the same as FPV & HSV. Im not indication they are as good as each other but they are both Factory enhanced vehicles of each marques father brand.

Merc -> AMG & BMW -> M Division.

Of course AMG & M do a much better job than FPV and HSV but thats another argument, and yes an XR8 is hardly a sportscar, same goes with XR6 and SS and SV6 and any FPV and HSV.

Sportscars are low slung, couple-like works of art that are made to be driven along coastal roads or mountain ranges, you know the stuff you see in bond movies.

More revs · 27-06-2006, 10:35 PM

A guy at work wanted and nearly decided on the GTI because all his 'mates' said so and all the positive press it gets.

Then the 9 month wait so he looked around at about 4 other toys, test drove em all and decided his dream car was................ Megane Sport cup.....

He said it out handles and out performs everything else he tested including WRX etc etc etc.

He ended up with a Forester turbo which he claims is a sensible compromise. In confidence he told me he hates to compromise and really wanted the Megane but his 'mates' said the resale sux.

This was just b4 the XR5 was announced but with supply so impossible he wouldn't have gone there either.

The week b4 last I picked up my little black Zetec which he took for a spin and came back even more convinced the Subaru is a mistake for him.

Yes my fussy pants mate admitted the Focus was an excellent package and punched above its weight.

To me the Focus hit the exact spot I was looking for, nimble, economical, zippy and kinda cute.

Oh and BTW the Zetec can keep a WRX in sight providing the corners are tight and the hills not too long...

STCOOL · 27-06-2006, 11:31 PM

Yes I agree Mr More Revs. The poor Renault name unfortunately reminds me of the old 70's model with its many problems, & it had a very bad reputation. The New Renault however is a good car, pity though that many Aussies hate European slylish rounded cars. The backend of the Renault is a bit scary though. I can't even get my family or freinds to like the Focus ST I have. They just think its a Focus & not very sporty & like the Mazda 3 & 6 better. This could be why many here on the forum have taken to the new Focus having the boxy not very curvy look Aussies like, just like the popular Astra, Vectra, Commodores & Falcons. Could also be why Ford decided the 4 door was the only way to go & not go the 2 door coupe. I love Coupes & its just a personal thing, but we talk about cars either being sporty or not. The difference is maybe a sports sedan compared to a sports coupe. I still see many references to the Monaro & 4 door Commodore being the same body. This is not correct & the rear panels & slopey roof line, are very different giving the Monaro I suppose a sporty low Coupe look.
How far do you think they will go with Hot Hatches. Its now got to a stage that they are slowly going from 4 to 5 to 6 cylinders with & without Turbos. Where will it all end a 6 cylinder turbo in a small car??? Maybe one day with the fuel problems we may all end up in a few years with a 4 cylinder again.

More revs · 28-06-2006, 09:56 PM

I agree things are getting out of hand in the small car segment.

But then again I would swap the Focus for one of these

http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=47&i=8080

murcod · 30-06-2006, 07:04 PM

Latest Wheels has also got a quick write up on the SRi - the only thing they have negative comments about is the steering feel. Otherwise it's also a very positive review.

aston · 03-07-2006, 09:49 AM

I test drove a XR5T on Saturday morning from City Ford in Sydney. What a great machine. Bags of Torque....Really quiet too but has a lovely growl when you hit the loud pedal. Very comfortable too. A nice mix of comfort and performance. City Ford quoted 42K onroad. I questioned the salesperson about 6K onroad costs. They mentioned that it is a 'special' dealer delivery package. I am a bit sceptical. The wait would be until Jan 07 for delivery too! Apparently some people are willing to pay premium to get there hands on them from some dealers as well.

Seano · 03-07-2006, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aston

I test drove a XR5T on Saturday morning from City Ford in Sydney. What a great machine. Bags of Torque....Really quiet too but has a lovely growl when you hit the loud pedal. Very comfortable too. A nice mix of comfort and performance. City Ford quoted 42K onroad. I questioned the salesperson about 6K onroad costs. They mentioned that it is a 'special' dealer delivery package. I am a bit sceptical. The wait would be until Jan 07 for delivery too! Apparently some people are willing to pay premium to get there hands on them from some dealers as well.

What's so "special" about their dealer delivery package? Just the price?

Teki04 · 03-07-2006, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aston

I test drove a XR5T on Saturday morning from City Ford in Sydney. What a great machine. Bags of Torque....Really quiet too but has a lovely growl when you hit the loud pedal. Very comfortable too. A nice mix of comfort and performance. City Ford quoted 42K onroad. I questioned the salesperson about 6K onroad costs. They mentioned that it is a 'special' dealer delivery package. I am a bit sceptical. The wait would be until Jan 07 for delivery too! Apparently some people are willing to pay premium to get there hands on them from some dealers as well.

Judging from my buying experience at City Ford (Rockdale though) I'd assume the 'special' dealer delivery is a fee they have to cover the costs then need in TRYING to get the pre-delivery check right, something which other dealers do!

Sorry about my rant....

As for the XR5T, if you check on the XR5T forums, there is a black one in Melbourne (Bega to be exact) and there could still be some on car sales sites, such as www.carsales.com.au www.drive.com.au etc etc If your willing to fly to get the car, I don't think you'd have much of a problem getting it sooner then Jan 07

Miyagi · 03-07-2006, 08:17 PM

lol... last time i checked Teki... Bega was in your neck of the woods ya wacko New South Squelshman! BLAM! 8)

Teki04 · 03-07-2006, 08:19 PM

Hahahahaha - goes to show how far out I go from Sydney!

nat_daly · 03-07-2006, 08:20 PM

i'm looking forward to the 185kw mazda 3 MPS to come out.. will be a very quick car..

Miyagi · 08-07-2006, 02:30 PM

The Mazda 3 MPS is out... style wise it doesn't work for me but from the few reviews around the traps it's a nice piece of machinery.

Zetec20 · 08-07-2006, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nat_daly

i'm looking forward to the 185kw mazda 3 MPS to come out.. will be a very quick car..

*190kw - 380nm, ouch