Fiat Coupe 20v na V Turbo 20V

First post (maybe 2nd) so go easy on me......

I used to own a turbo 20v many years ago and am looking at buying another as a weekend runabout. I don't have access to many of them over here in the west of Ireland. I do have access to a 1997 20v NA which has been recently resprayed. Just wondering if anyone knows of any comparison reviews between the NA model and the turbo. The turbo has the 220 power kick versus the bog standard power. Not sure if I would miss it as I am not a speed demon more a cruiser.

Would I regret getting the NA or should I keep waiting for an even more expensive turbo?

I've only owned NA Coupés but have driven turbos add owned other turbo cars.

They are quite different beasts, so it depends what you want. If you would really miss the full thrill of the turbo kick, then I'd hold out for a turbo.

However, the NA is easier and cheaper to live with, and cheaper to buy. The engine sound is as good if not better and the performance is still fun, you just have to rev it more... Which is fun in itself.

If you can, test one and see what you think. Are there any owners in Ireland you could ask? If you come over the sea, I'm sure one of us would take you for a spin.

Good luck

My VIS is a fabulous car, with quite a kick of its own! Also uses less fuel than a turbo of course and the insurance is much cheaper.

What Gripped said

And what Annie said. The VIS is a good middle ground. A bit more power than the early NA and smoother delivery.

Thanks everyone. Unfortunately the NA I am looking at is not the VIS.

Are there any quick mods that can help pull up the power a bit?

Yep- a plug and play chip from FC Performance and a 2.5 inch stainless steel exhaust improved mine

Can you not just take the 20v for a test drive and see what it's like compared to your old 20v Turbo?

If you want a perspective from a Turbo owner - I can't believe people drive cars slower than my Saab 9-3 Aero workhorse, and that old heap would blow the doors off a 20v!

If you're buying a coop as a bit of weekend fun, make sure it's... fun

On the other hand - I had a 16NA and a 20VT and traded the 20VT; the 16NA (and I think, the 20NA) is a better driver. Lighter at the front and you can brake later into a corner and get out faster.

You don't need magic third gear all the time, or even often.

But on the other hand, the 20VT will eat you on the straight *after* the curve.

I think the 16vt is the best all rounder
Lighter than a 20vt on the front and more poke than the NA
Best of both worlds!

Edit:
Might be tricky finding one over there though.

Appreciate everyones input. Hoping to travel to see the NA and possibly do a deal.

I currently have an Alfa GT 1.9jtd which is similar in power but I just love the Fiat styling.

God, first world problems. What am I like!!!

Interesting topic, having owned a 16vna, 20vna and a 20vt in that order, i’d agree with a lot of what has been said.
16v: sounded amazing...proper Italian stallion drive..needs lots of stick but very rewarding. Raw!! More like the Alfa gtv that I replaced it with.
20na: (not a viz)...similar to 16v but smoother and less aggressive...had more power but you don’t really ‘feel’ it over the 16v but it’s there.
20vt: so smooth and the power can be frightening but always delivered without effort. A thrilling drive but sometimes leads to lazy driving as the power just ‘flows’
I still drive a 20vt but often tempted to go back to the ‘old school’ rawness of the 16v, the thrill of the 20vt is hard to give up but the 16v is probably the most rewarding to drive (lighter, feels more like you are driving in it rather than ‘on’ it, sounds more aggressive (in stock))....just my thoughts, hope that helps!!!

Well if you like an engine that you need to rev then it sounds like you all need a 20v Turbo... with a big turbo!

Mine spools slightly slower than a standard turbo but once it has spooled up, the power curve is a straight line right up to the redline at 420bhp.

No lazy surge of power here.

Punky I have just seen this VIS in Ireland, on Gumtree:

VIS

Punky, that 1.9TD is very similar in power to a stock 16NA but the power delivery is completely different from the 16 - that engine just loves to rev.

Thanks to all for their input. I took a spin up the country to view and test drive. I have to say that I was surprised as to how good the na 20V was to drive. Although you don't have the turbo it is still a very satisfying drive on the twisty windy country roads of County Mayo. Might be a bit dull on motorways but thats a different story. So I am at present open to buying a clean (ish) non turbo or a turbo which could need some tidying up or lets be honest anything at at the right price!!!

Unfortunately the owner wasn't prepared to move on price for a car that needed some work and also an NCT (MOT).

Thanks AnnieMac but the link to the ad on Gumtree but it is already gone!!!

Oh sorry it was gone Punky, Gumtree is a pain like that, they don't take adverts down. Have you looked at Pistonheads and Autotrader?

Did you see this one at Holyhead? I believe the Ireland ferry lands there? It has no MOT but apparently needs only a handbrake cable (although when I see that I can't help but think, then why don't you sort it and get an MOT and get more money for the car?).

Anyway, here is the link:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/fiat-coupe-/162707833858?hash=item25e2248402:g:NIQAAOSwfrJZ3QNA

That is so true, obliterated. On paper you could try and argue that there is not much in it, real world the performance is chalk and cheese.

I like the linear delivery of an NA engine as it so much more involving than FI but for those 'straights' as you apply the power FI is so exhilarating. IF I was considering the Coupe and it was my only performance type car, I would go for the 20vt.

True... but I did get six 20VTs at La Source while they were politely saying 'no, no, after you' to each other...

You were in the paraglider then....