Car Talk!

SoloCamo · March 14th, 2006, 12:40 PM

Well trucks don't count

You guys have pointed out a good amount of motors, but my point (even though I realize I worded it badly) is that on average the japanese cars do not make the torque american cars do. But from what you guys have pointed out, is that in more recent years, that has changed.

Well hybrids are a totally different story...

I suppose my target was more aimed at Honda, and the civic.
http://www.rsportscars.com/eng/cars/civic_type-r.asp

But I do stand corrected for toyota and some of those mitsu motors, and i'm sure some other cars out there.

(off to do some research so I don't look like a your average car idiot again)

**RobRich** · March 14th, 2006, 12:52 PM

Honda engines have typically turned considerably more horsepower than torque. Part of the reason is the extremely high redlines. It is a marketing issue IMO. Some people are excited to know their S2000 can twist 10k RPM - probably just because they want that import "race car" sound that is associated with such high RPM levels.

SoloCamo · March 14th, 2006, 01:17 PM

This just makes me realize why I miss the our old 72' 400cu Impala. A mere 170hp in today's hp ratings, but with a whopping 280lb's torque. Boy did I love that car, 64k original miles, sport sedan, beautiful green...

Funny thing was when I was a young kid, I used to think the 400 on the front fender of the car meant 400hp so I told all my friends it had 400hp....

Sure did feel like it back then though, so much low end torque was nice. Even in a 4200lb boat, with 170hp, it felt like it flew, and that's why I favor torque over hp any day of the week.

**RobRich** · March 14th, 2006, 02:05 PM

If you want torque SC, check out the numbers for the old Cadillac 500+ V8 engines.

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I have been researching some sports sedans. Nothing serious. Just personal interest in case I ever decide to go that route. I am already well aware of cars like the EVO, STI, and S4.

Instead, I have been looking at sport sedan models priced under $20k new, which does tend to limit the field.

Two cars stand out.

The Mitsubishi Lacer Ralliart looks decent, but it is not enough of an upgrade from the base Lancer to really consider it. I like Mitsubishi, but the Lacer Ralliart does not impress me, at least on paper.

The Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V offers some interesting options, especially for the price. All aluminum 2.5L DOHC 16v n/a engine, 175Hp, 180 lb-ft torque, CVTC variable intake cam timing, six-speed close-ratio manual transmission, helical limited-slip differential, 17-inch wheels, z-tread tires, four-piston Brembo front brake calipers, and more. One review indicates a quarter mile time of 15.2 seconds with a trap speed of 92MPH on the stock setup. Not too bad for the price IMO.

On the downside, the Sentra SE-R Spec V is still a Sentra, which is going to place it among some of the cheapest looking cars on the road to those not fully aware of the SE-R upgrades. Sleeper? Maybe. Stylish? Personal opinion. Cheap looking? Yes. Then again, the EVO and SRT-4 look like cheap econoboxes as well.

Also somewhat discouraging is the Sentra is being overhauled for 2007. The new model will be based upon a joint Renault platform, and a new engine is being introduced. However, I have not heard if the SE-R will return for 2007. Anyway, next year the base model Sentra will look like a cheap European car instead of a cheap Japanese car.

**GroundZero3** · March 14th, 2006, 02:27 PM

Rob, what are the Hyundai reselling value like?

**RobRich** · March 14th, 2006, 02:31 PM

Hyundai cars have typically have below average resale value. The Tiburon fairs slightly better due to its sports car appeal. However, if you buy any Hyundai, expect to drive it for a few years to get your money's worth. The trade-off for holding onto the car for an extended period is the impressive warranty, so you are still covered as far as service is concerned. Far as I know, Hyundai cars come standard with 5y/50k bumper-to-bumper and 10y/100k drive train.

Hybridevil · March 14th, 2006, 03:28 PM

I have 2 problems iv been struggling with for some time now with my car, and honestly dont want to waste the money on someone to examine my car just to tell me what is wrong...

1st of all my car is a 1995 Chevy Cavalier Coupe 4Cylinder (1st car... i know not great..)

but yea, ok my 1st problem is with my whipers, now i know NOTHING about cars im sorry to say, but my whipers like to go up half way sometimes and just stop in the middle and sometimes they wont go down without me physically pushing them.... i was thinkin maybe its the motor or somethin but i didnt want to pay for n e thing before i knew what was actually wrong... anyone have n e suggestions or similar experiences?

2nd problem is with my AC, supposedly the guy who owned it before me (a friend of my mothers who is a mechanic) said he replaced the A/C not too long ago but when i turn on the AC it sounds like a small jet engine going off in my car and gets really annoying...

any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated

ty

**RobRich** · March 14th, 2006, 03:43 PM

The AC could be a few different things. Is the sound high pitched? If so, it could be the A/C compressor clutch.

About the wipers, there are two potential problem points. One is the mechanical assembly directly under the wipers. One of joints could be worn. Still, I am more inclined to believe the problem is within the wiper motor assembly.

Your wiper problem sounds similar to an issue I once had with my Firebird. I believe the internal gearing inside the motor assembly failed. The motor turned, but the gears would not engage properly. Instead of working on the motor, I just scavenged one off another GM (think it was a Chevy Celebrity

) in a local salvage yard. The job was pretty easy, and it is still working fine - brother in TN now has the car.

**GroundZero3** · March 14th, 2006, 04:14 PM

Well the service engine light came on again with the Neon, im done with it. Im gonna finish paying it off and then donate it.

RedFury · March 14th, 2006, 08:14 PM

My friend owned 2 sentras...different years. Basic cars, but...I watched a guy driving an older SE-R at a rally cross, and he was taking the field apart with the thing....quite impressive considering there were tuned WRX's and SRT-4's along with some specialty cars...none of them could touch him. Probably a lot to do with the driver, but I was impressed nonetheless.

Personally, I cannot stand the new Lancer body style. Worse, I saw a basic lancer with an EVO wing on it. Yuk. 14 inch skinnies, no ground effects and a huge wing make for one fugly ride.

Oh, and Bingo, if you are going to complain about the size of the driveshafts on a RAV4, or whatever, consider this.... There isn't going to be enough rotational force to break those things unless someone does engine modifications, which most likely...they won't. The only thing a RAV4 will see for off road is a bad dirt driveway. Also, metallurgy can make one heckuva strong alloy that will allow a driveshaft to be thinner than you'd think possible.

The problem you're having is that you can't see how skinny those axels are in the back of the LTD inside that huge solid tube style axel housing

Besides, everyone knows its the CV joint cage that breaks first anyway.