by dapinky » Sun 04.01.2015, 15:43
To add to the discussion......
In my opinion, the driving experience of the Elan is its main attraction (handling and roadholding), followed by it's looks then its practicality.
If i wanted all-out speed, i'd use a different car to start with (or take one of my others out!) - and even with a 'chipped' turbo, you aren't going to see the top speed of many cars off the current production lines, from any manufacturer.
In the real world of driving, the only time a turbo would be preferable to an N/A is on a high-speed overtake, when the power can be delivered a little more brutally (allowing for turbo lag, which is minimal due to the small turbo - but that also means that the power availlable is likewise minimal compared to a larger turbo).
The N/A can be tweeked to give more power if you want it, but after the 'easy' bits of exhaust flow, it gets more difficult/time consuming (and therefore expensive) to increase flow through the engine passages..... I'm sure that there are electronic tweeks possible to the fueling etc through the ECU, but that hasn't been explored in great detail (to my knowledge) due to the limited number of cars on the road - perhaps more has been done in other countries where the N/A engine has been used in other cars????
The N/A has a major advantage in having less parts to wear out, and therefore increased basic reliability - and it has a clock that you can actually see from the driving seat!
I have been on cross-country drives as part of a convoy, and never once felt that the N/As were lagging behind the turbos, over a variety of situations.
Apart from the 'cosmetic' differences (black door mirrors as standard, half-leather seats as standard, non-leather covering on the steering wheel) - all of which can be changed (if they haven't already been looked at), the main difference is possibly lack of PAS as standard - but in my opinion, that is an advantage more than a disadvantage.
I would suggest that a properly sorted N/A (well maintained, and with good suspension components) is no slower than a turbo model in everyday driving, and will give as many smiles as the 'big brother' anyway.
The turbo is easier to tweek (due to the ECU controls), but the geometry of the suspension plays a much bigger part in the speeds which can be maintained around the bends than the engine output.
Dave
Just the one now, but this one's mine! - and it will be finished eventually..... - but also temporary custodian of a project until it is finished enough for Angie to drive it
...oh, and a 2006 Freelander destined for the jungles of The Gambia - 4500 miles across roads, desert and tracks - what could possibly go wrong?
and need to enjoy my TVR Griffith a bit first. 