280 vs 290

[Rafterman79]

Took delivery of my 290 yesterday, some initial thoughts....

Much much quicker, makes me think I had an unknown issue in my 280

Better gear ratios seems to shift up earlier in d

Steptronic no longer has start/stop which is a bit annoying

Something wierd happens from standing starts, somethings changed for the better imo

Much better grip - could be down to the tyres although they are the conti p5s

Headlight washers - winner

Rear view mirror is much smaller, no button to turn off the green tint that ive found

Seat sound system is markedly better distorts at louder volumes and doesnt screw around with the levels when its loud like the 280 system did

The exhaust is almost embarrassingly loud when it farts but still super addictive

Better build quality as far as I can see, if you are unsure whether to swap dont be, the new 19s are a sight to behold

Esc dash button now, not so obvious to passengers what you are doing...

Whats that?
The esc
Whats esc?
Traction control
Whats traction control?
Keeps the car on the road more
And your turning it off????
Watch....

 

[AndrewJB]

Your car defo had a problem if you think the 290 is much faster than the 280 fella!

 

[bretth1974]

What year was your 280?

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

 

[Rafterman79]

Its defo noticeably quicker theyve changed something with the dsg clutch by the feel of it. I had a march 2014 280.

 

[Bhoopoo]

Andrew JB The Cupra 290 is quicker in all respects than than the Cupra 280, perhaps you to get one!

 

[Rafterman79]

Dsg gear changes under heavy load seem to take longer on 3th to 4th suspect its something to do with the louder dsg fart and storing up pressure....

 

[AndrewJB]

Andrew JB The Cupra 290 is quicker in all respects than than the Cupra 280, perhaps you to get one!

Forgetting I've seen seen the ECU file for a Cupra 280 and it is the ECU file same as Golf R.

I have driven 280 SC, 5-Door & ST and also all variants of the 290.

its quicker because you want to believe its quicker

 

[Rafterman79]

This being my 3rd cupra its noticeably quicker. Ive had a 260, 280 and 290. Bought it for the rims and embarrassing fart not the extra 10 bhp. They have definitely fiddled with all sorts around the power delivery. Clucth has changed, ratios have changed i would say the esc has changed as well. Could be wrong though....

 

[AndrewJB]

I've had all of that changed anyway, stuff such as clamping forces on clutch packs, rev limiter etc. the stock DSG tune is poor IMHO

 

[Bhoopoo]

JB its quicker because it is!

 

[kiddo]

Another one fooled by clever marketing

 

[Seastormer]

Auto Express has tested all variants over the last few years and the quickest 0 - 60 time they got was 5.5 (twice - 16th April 2014 and 4th Feb 2015) both on a SC Cupra 280 DSG. Never seen a test in any mag yet that has bettered those times. AndrewJB is correct.

 

[Bhoopoo]

Kiddo, clever marketing not an issue, I buy my cars based on past experience, performance, looks, build quality and price. My current car a 290DSG Cupra all the bits is great, does what it wants for me. I have owned SEAT cars for over 20 years, great brand, great design and performance to match!