Subjective handling of a Coupe

[PMKeates]

Well, as you may remember from my recent first thread, I'm very interested in a certain VVC Coupe.

The only thing I can't really quantify about the car is its handling ability. Would anyone call it a poor handling car, a good handling car? Obviously a car's handling is subjective to what else you have driven, so any personal opinions and comparisons are most welcome

[s0ck]

I think the potential is there. Mine has been lowered and it does feel fairly well planted. Can't give you a before/after comparison because I bought it like that

To summarise, I don't think it's a very 'chuckable' car but it does seem to hold the road well enough and with the right suspension goodies (poly bushes/stiffer shocks/springs) should be pretty awesome given the car already has a fairly low centre of gravity.

[Raistlin]

My VVC coupe didn't inspire confidence in chucking it around when I first had it (on standard suspension).

I had a GMax kit fitted and it was way better.

As you say, a subjective impression but I could definitely put it through roundabouts faster.

[tf_boy]

My VVC coupe didn't inspire confidence in chucking it around when I first had it (on standard suspension).

I had a GMax kit fitted and it was way better.

As you say, a subjective impression but I could definitely put it through roundabouts faster.

by faster i hope you mean at the speed limit of the round about

I have never really driven a coupe long enough to find out how well they handle.

Il speak from my experiance, my old 420gsi (m reg) was lowerd on koni adjustables, and had a front strut brace, wheels were 17's and i cant remember the tires

That car would not get out of line at all, i used to drive round country lanes and purpously try to get the car to do somthing it shouldnt... IT DIDDNT

it stuck to the road like glue, i would hope a coupe could do the same
Ross

[PMKeates]

by faster i hope you mean at the speed limit of the round about

Of course - he means at a safe 20mph rather than a cautious 15

[s0ck]

That reminds me, I need a front strut brace!

[PMKeates]

Hmm, here's another related question that some may be able to answer:

What is the handling ability of the VVC Coupe, as standard, relative to a 1995 214? Or compared to a 1997 1.6 Escort? Is it likely to be better?

[Raistlin]

Of course - he means at a safe 20mph rather than a cautious 15

That'll be about right

[Raistlin]

What is the handling ability of the VVC Coupe, as standard, relative to a 1995 214?

Actually, I can give a subjective opinion on that as well.

My VVC coupe in standard suspension trim seemed a hell of a lot better than a colleagues 214 SLi.

We both drove each other's cars and came to the same conclusion

[Sheaf]

I could definitely put it through roundabouts faster.

You do realise you're supposed to go ROUND the roundabout right?

My coupe seems to handle ok, lowered ones are much better though. I think on std suspension is goes quite light on one side.

I also think an lsd would have been handy on all models, as I cant accelerate off roundabout that hard if there's even slight damp on the road... loads of wheelspin and the car doesn't go the direction you tell it.

I also think that the responsiveness in std form could be better. You can move the steering wheel a bit without it doing anything, and quick sharp movements aren't exactly it's strength.

[Raistlin]

You do realise you're supposed to go ROUND the roundabout right?

NOW you tell me?

[Jonny 5]

I also think that the responsiveness in std form could be better. You can move the steering wheel a bit without it doing anything, and quick sharp movements aren't exactly it's strength.

Do a bit of toe in and turn in will be much crisper especially with stiffer tyres, of course this compromises tyre wear hence why Rover dont set to much toe from factory.

[Martin]

You do realise you're supposed to go ROUND the roundabout right?

NOW you tell me?

Thought they were islands up in the midlands?

[s0ck]

I also think that the responsiveness in std form could be better. You can move the steering wheel a bit without it doing anything, and quick sharp movements aren't exactly it's strength.

Do a bit of toe in and turn in will be much crisper especially with stiffer tyres, of course this compromises tyre wear hence why Rover dont set to much toe from factory.

Whassat?

[Big T]

The coupe is lowered, the GTI on standard supsension - I thought that the GTI handled better in the bends and just gave a more confident ride (steering is also stiffer in the GTI) - HOWEVER when I actually checked speeds I found that the coupe was just as agile as the GTI, but typically I was either traveling or acceleratting much faster and it was this that offset the difference. The same speed in the coupe were just as comfortable.

Tony
PS - I do know of one white GSI T that seems to be on rails - and make me scream like a girl but then the owner is a big girls blouse when he;s in the passengers seat

[Sheaf]

You do realise you're supposed to go ROUND the roundabout right?

NOW you tell me?

Dont worry, it's an easy mistake to make.

[Mike]

Tony
PS - I do know of one white GSI T that seems to be on rails - and make me scream like a girl but then the owner is a big girls blouse when he;s in the passengers seat

The only screaming i hear from your car is the engine telling you to try harder!!!

[Toblerone]

My coupe felt like it was on rails compared to my old 214

[Slickster]

I have driven loads of Tomcat turbos, had a Vitesse (Sport) and now have a Coupe VVC. Of all of them, (Which were all completely standard) the most inspiring would probably be the Vitesse. It was so assured (even at 140+ it felt easy to drive) and did everything you told it. It was very easy to drive fast. I was also so cheap for this performance and definitely the best value Rover IMO. The Tomcat turbos ranged from shocking to passable in handling terms, but I never felt like the car was cormfortable with the wild turbo T series! You must upgrade everything on one of these! The VVC is actually a lot different to the Tomcat turbos I think, and this is because it is 10% (Roughly) lighter. All this weight difference is in the front of course. I'm not saying as standard it is amazing, but std Vs. std is a lot better than the turbo in terms of handling. Also they are newer are less likely to be sha**ed. The K-series needs to be revved if you are to keep up with anything decent, and in a straight line doesn't feel that brawny, but is a much better all rounder than the Tomcat turbo. Having said all this, I personally feel I need turbo action again and will probably end up getting a tomcat turbo next! But the VVC is better (Honest!)

[glennm255]

I also think that the responsiveness in std form could be better. You can move the steering wheel a bit without it doing anything, and quick sharp movements aren't exactly it's strength.

Do a bit of toe in and turn in will be much crisper especially with stiffer tyres, of course this compromises tyre wear hence why Rover dont set to much toe from factory.

Whassat?

http://www.ozebiz.com.au/racetech/theory/align.html

[BlueRover]

As you say, a subjective impression but I could definitely put it through roundabouts faster.

Try the roundabouts on the A56 to Wrexham from Chester and the ones on the A580 east lancs road. 70 all the way....