which Leon to buy out of these 2...

[pdg32]

Hi there,

I'm new

Following a trip in a friend's 04 Cupra a couple of years ago, I've craved to own one myself since then, and have been doing my best to save up for one these past few years; planned purchase date would be towards the end of 2013.

However, it came to my attention recently that there is something called the FR - it looks different to the Cupra (not lowered and with slightly smaller alloys, is that correct?) and with a 1.9 TDI lump under the bonnet, delivering 150 horses. Is this actually a 'cupra' per se though, it looks slightly different in terms of styling (not as sporty)?

I have tried to do some research online, it sounds like the diesel is a lot more frugal as one would expect (offering mid 40s on average) rather than early 30s like the cupra? I've also read about some issues with turbo lag though compared to the near instant pickup of its petrol brother. Is the handling of the cupra better than the diesel due to the higher ride height and smaller wheels?

Basically I could really do with someone who has driven (or ideally owned) BOTH cars to give me a list of pros and cons for each one, because at the minute I can't decide. Can someone also (i'm still learning ) tell me about performance - i read that the diesel is only a couple of seconds slower to 60, is that correct? The 236 compared with 200 torques - how does this make a difference, because if the cupra has 225 horses and the diesel 150, what does this mean in real terms - how can the diesel be almost as quick, or is it not? my heart still lies with the cupra, but if the performance of the diesel is really not much less (though i don't like the sound of turbo lag), then it may be the more sensible choice financially for me (though it doesn't look as good). there's also not as many diesels around it would seem. and is the diesel a cupra or isn't it?

thanks in advance guys, i really hope you can help me to make a decision.

please note that those of you already thinking of me as a potential buyer in a couple of years, I am only interested in completely standard cars (with the exception of perhaps a better fitting exhaust, wipers, etc).

cheers.

 

[akchappers]

Bit early to be deciding mate! 2 years time? I'd check in again nearer the time bud!
Ak

 

[pdg32]

Can anyone help outline the differences, or answer my post above in full? In my view, it's not too early at all to be trying to gain as much info as I can on the car, so when the time comes to purchase, I'll be more in the know.


I hope I'm posting in the right section?

Thanks in advance

 

[pdg32]

can anyone help?

 

[pdg32]

bump

 

[dannyboy828]

as far as i'm aware the diesel isn't badged up as a cupra, just fr. as for the power your correct in saying it has the 150bhp engine. i always assumed the styling was the same tho regarding alloy wheel size etc. i maybe wrong & will no doubt get shot down if i am

 

[pdg32]

what about the torque - can anyone explain that in real terms? how can the diesel, a mere 150 bhp be not far behind the Cupra, which has 225 and much quicker turbo pickup from what i've read? i'm pretty sure the styling is different, cupra looks much sportier - and i'm also fairly sure that the diesel sits on 17's rather than the Cupra's 18's, and isn't lowered.

 

[aymen_a22]

Hi,

I agree with Ak, you are looking very early however I will still try to help. I have a 110 tdi and the torque makes a huge difference when driving and from what I have read and heard the 150bhp FR pulls through all gears very well.

I don't think turbo lag will be a problem in the diesel as the TDi engine uses a VNT turbo which reduces lag significantly however I imagine it will be faster and will feel faster as well (although I have not driven the 225 Cupra R).

It might also be wise to think about what you are planning to do with the car in the future (modifications etc) the 150 is a good base to start on and you can get very high power and torque figures from it with little effort.

The petrol Cupra is going to handle better as it does not have a heavy diesel lump sitting over the front axle however the FR is probably bad at all.

Your best bet would be to go and test drive one of each and get a feel for them, this should help you make up your mind. Also check out some facts and figures websites such as parkers to get more information.

Good luck.

 

[pdg32]

yes i agree it's early, but i have a definite plan in mind, so forgive my premature excitement

i'm still confused though in terms of performance - the cupra has nigh-on 70 bhp edge over the diesel - is it not a much quicker car?

thanks for your points, i just wanted someone who HAS driven both to give their views, i.e. as much comparison as possible.

re: the turbo lag on the FR, i have read this in quite a few places, so I believe that it does exist? also problems more common with that turbo compared with the petrol version from what i can gather too.

i'm guessing this forum is the best place to find a well-cared for, clean and unmolested example compared to ebay / pistonheads / auto trader? as for future plans, i want to keep the car standard with the exception of a better fitting exhaust ( i gather the original is off-set) and perhaps one or two small mods. it's a huge amount of power for a front wheel drive car? are there any alternative rear-wheel drive cars in the same price bracket, i can't find any as cheap as the Cupra. Audi S3 is tempting for 4wd but much more expensive from what i can gather, unless you're buying a dated example.

 

[aymen_a22]

A good comparison for you to look at is the BMW 330i vs BMW 330D, both engines are the same capacity.

330i = 268BHP and 320NM -----> 0-60 = 5.8 seconds, 38mpg

330D =241BHP and 520NM -----> 0-60 = 5.8 seconds, 49mpg

This clearly shows that it doesn't matter if the power is higher in the petrol engine, the torque fromt the diesel engine compensates for it.

Go have a drive of them and get a feel for them, petrol and diesel engines are different animals and both have their rewards however you need to test them to see what you enjoy driving most.