Car Court

Posted by beken (A) on June 02, 2005 at 14:42:52

In Reply to: Re: Restoring a 1985 Pontiac Fiero and making parts for my MINI Cooper S posted by draftingmonkey on June 2, 2005 at 05:29:17:

I'm keeping my Fiero because it's the first new car I bought after graduating from college. I like the mid-engine feel, sounds, and torque of V6 engine. In fact, the 1985 was the most powerful and lightest of the Fieros before the new smog regulations kicked in. The problem with the Fiero (besides finding parts), is the suspension, though adequate and pretty good for its day, isn't very well balanced. So hitting bumps on the road make the car react a bit unpredictably.

Having said that, the MINI Cooper S has 20 years of newer technology so the body is stiffer and it is a faster car as well as way more fuel efficient. The suspension is very well sorted and the steering much faster than the Fiero's. The only downside is the Mini being Front Wheel Drive. The balance is evened out a bit by the traction control and stability control but you can't control acceleration on turn in by throttle as well as a rear-wheel drive car. Still, like the Fiero, it's a car that has me WANTING to drive just for the fun of it. It makes a great commuter car.