Tangible differences between the 16vt and 20vt?

Hi,

I am new to the forum and wondered what the real world differences in ownership, driving experience and costs are between the 16vt and the 20vt.

When I put out a wanted post for a 20vt I may have been a little hasty in overlooking the 16vt? I guess it's considered the poor relationship in comparison.

If there aren't too many real world issues then I may consider a 16vt. I know about the engine and brake differences, but as I don't want to thrash my car I'm not sure I'll benefit from the extra performance.

Thoughts, opinions and advice all welcome. Thx.

BTW I did search for this on the forum, so apologies if this as been asked before.

Think you will find the 20vt is more refined in power delivery and makes a better exhaust note when on power.

Otherwise, hello fellow local resident You might have spotted my yellow 16vt parked up on the driveway not going very far

Thanks for the info. Yes, I've seen a yellow coupe parked outside. Are you close to the Rose & Crown pub?

I ask as I think there are a couple of coupes in Sandhurst.

It was there, it's now moved further down the road near Aldi

What above a 20 valve NA if you're not wanting the outright performance?

They still drive well and make a good sound. The bonus is that they are cheaper

For me the clear difference between the 16 and 20 is the power and sound, as above the 20v noise and power is more refined but I love the 16v n/a because it's a drivers car using the gears to make that Lampredi engine sing, the 16vt is more banzai... boost comes in harder than the 20vt imo but nice examples are becoming rare so many need lots of ££££ spending on the.
When buying one of these cars it's always good to start with the colour you like first, set a budget and travel if needed to view the right one unless you're lucky to have it on your doorstep.

Thanks for the advice and information. It's really appreciated.

Can't really comment on the 20vt as never had one (yet) but loved the 16vt, a bit primitive by todays standards but great fun. The only drawback was that parts were not always easy to find and that was some years ago and I doubt they are any easier now. Mine was a daily driver so it was an issue if it was off the road for days on end whilst awaiting parts, not so much if it's not being used as such.
Now got a VIS which feels a bit more reliable (tempting provenance!) and definately cheaper to buy (they are a bargain) but I wouldn't recommend one if you've been seduced by the power as they feel a little under powered by comparison. Although perfectly adequate for modern application there is still the missing surge when the turbo (eventually) kicks in.

Great points there. Many thanks. :-)

My preference, having tried them all: 16NA as the better driving. Not so fast, but better balanced. 16VT I didn't like the turbo lag. 20NA, can't get on with the five cylinder noise; 20VT excellent on long trips.

Neil (I may be biased )

Thanks. After reading all the replies, I think I'll get a 20vt.

I love my 16v turbo, l love the jekyll and Hyde nature of the car where you can potter around town in it no problem and then get it on the open road feel the turbo kick in and it transforms into a different car altogether.
The 16v turbo is getting quite rare now tho with only 29 shown on the road and good ones rarely come up for sale where there are more 20vt's available.

Gotta say I can't see myself ever selling my 20V VIS. The noise combined with the throttle response and perfect pedal positioning makes it very special indeed.

I also have an LE and an Impreza STI blobeye. Both have bigger reputations than the VIS but both would get sold before it.

Mate drove the VIS and said, "I can see why you like it so much."

Not many of them at all, so only a lucky few have ever driven one. Can't recommend them enough.