Never posted here, and I suppose the best way to find out anything is to, well, find it out ...
Today I got in a couple discussions, one with a friend (who has an 8v 1.6L 1984 corolla and 16v 2.0L 1990 Prelude, both not running), and one inspired by less amicable terms, about the ability of my 8v 2.0L 1998 VW Golf.
On VW forums, my engine has been degraded and slammed so much that it seemingly takes second place only to the Yugo in terms of embarrassment.
I bragged [jokingly] that my VW could at least beat the Corolla .. obviously, as the Corolla puts out a measly 70hp and 86 lb-ft of torque, vs. my VW's 115hp / 122 lb-ft torque. I had a nice back-road run with my friend before his Prelude blew up, his 135 hp / 127 lb-ft, coupled with modified suspension, obviously were above my car's abilities.
Today though, I got into a minor altercation with a Civic Del Sol driver after he ran a red light ~ 150 feet away from the intersection I was crossing on a green light (the lights are very close, as one is at a University pedestrian path). His Del Sol looked beat, so I said a few choice words about him and his car - which he drove like it was the hottest thing on the block.
I've always privately maintained that (handling issues aside - where I feel my Golf, with a stock front sway bar and heavier steering) I would dominate any non-VTEC Honda. For example, a 2001 1.7L civic (like my mother's) has a matching 115hp but only 110 lb-ft torque. Older Hondas are presumably weaker ... the Del Sol, however, isn't too bad. The Si model made 125hp, but only 106 lb-ft torque ... the VTEC busted out 160 hp .. but still only 111 lb-ft torque.
I have no idea if it was a VTEC or just the Si (although I'd guess the Si) ... judging cars on paper obviously doesn't do much justice. The Del Sol is lighter than my Golf, but not by too much. And as typical of Hondas, even the Si has a peak powerband much higher in the RPM range than my Golf. The VTEC is sky-high.
So, would my (modestely) torquey Golf have had a chance if I'd run against the del sol? I've never driven a VTEC Honda (except perhaps an Integra), but I'd like to think that my VW is superior to at least some Japanese competition. I know Foci / Neons will walk me all day, with their higher hp + DOHCs ... but can my engine, decried as valuable only for its reliability (not even gas mileage!) hold its own against the Japanese bargain buckets?
[Even if the Honda is faster and possibly handles better due to low weight, at least I have my pride ...]
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3UR0
I roll in dubs, not on them
