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Anyone got a car mag review of the Vortex above?

This is bad. May be time for a different post.

I have cruised through my collection of the English Motor mags I bought - the 1986 bundle, shoulda got the 87 bundle too (didn't know I was gonna buy 87 car though )

Found an article on Mazdas 323 16v 4x4 turbo that had a comparison to the Vortex among others

Fearing copywrite laws....

Subaru XT Turbo 13,598 pounds
134 BHP 5600 rpm
145 lb/ft 2800rpm
max speed 124.4 mph
0-60 mph 8.8
30-50 mph in 4th 9.3
mph/1000rpm 23.6
overall mpg 23.3
touring mpg 29.8
weight 1120kg
miles and kilos - like it eh?
Drag coefficient Cd huh ? 0.31 claims elsewhere it is 0.29

Diagram indicates power split is 60% to the front wheels and 40% to the rears

Described as by far the most ambitious car Subaru have offered for sale in the UK. Good performance and striking looks. Dirty on part time 4WD . Loved the 4WD traction, poor handling when in 2WD

Compared on price
Maz 323 4x4 turbo 11,750
Audi 80 Quattro 12,313
Ford Escort RS Turbo 10, 028
Sierra XR 4x4 12,811
Toyota MR2 10,600

Giles, little wonder there are only five registered on UKs roads now, not many to begin with maybe based on price?

Here is an Australian Edition of Turbo Magazine. I think its from 1987.

Is an interesting read.
Enjoy.

WOW, all I had to do was ask, and someone has this gem stashed away.

Thanks heaps

Here's another article on the tex vs the rx7


Twin Test Subaru XT Turbo Vs Mazda RX-7 1985 1 by Trigger's Retro Road Tests!, on Flickr


Twin Test Subaru XT Turbo Vs Mazda RX-7 1985 2 by Trigger's Retro Road Tests!, on Flickr


Twin Test Subaru XT Turbo Vs Mazda RX-7 1985 3 by Trigger's Retro Road Tests!, on Flickr


Twin Test Subaru XT Turbo Vs Mazda RX-7 1985 4 by Trigger's Retro Road Tests!, on Flickr


Twin Test Subaru XT Turbo Vs Mazda RX-7 1985 5 by Trigger's Retro Road Tests!, on Flickr

and another on the L series turbo wagon!


Subaru 1800 Turbo Estate Test 1988 1 by Trigger's Retro Road Tests!, on Flickr


Subaru 1800 Turbo Estate Test 1988 2 by Trigger's Retro Road Tests!, on Flickr


Subaru 1800 Turbo Estate Test 1988 3 by Trigger's Retro Road Tests!, on Flickr


Subaru 1800 Turbo Estate Test 1988 4 by Trigger's Retro Road Tests!, on Flickr

Nice work findng some pretty impressive reviews there Sam.

Interesting to see their view on the comparo with the RX7

5000rpm time trial launches eh ! Gees, imagine you'd bought one in the UK, come across the article and realise your 'demonstrator' not only is same colour and spec as the reviewers car - but same plates !!

Motoring journos must be the same the world over - running an off road 4WD box on the tar for time trials and handling assessment.

As for fuel consumption figures , they must do a lot of city cycle to get low 20's. I have done two tanks now at smck on 10 litre per hundred - the old 28.8? mpg

steptoe wrote: Drag coefficient Cd huh ? 0.31 claims elsewhere it is 0.29

I think the 0.29 was quoted for the 2wd models, the 0.31 had something to do with the extra height and wider tyres of the 4wd model

steptoe wrote: Diagram indicates power split is 60% to the front wheels and 40% to the rears

Transmission had a static 50/50 split, but because 60% of the weight was over the front wheels, this gave a 60/40 relative torque split

Great read, thanks for posting it up.

Yup, G, they were early questions weren't they? The higher 4WDs lost a few markers - some of us having a good go to correct the cars height - to lower the height and drag coeff. And that split was for AWD auto only.....? Or is the split inside the viscous coupling inside the manuals too ?

The split was probably for both, as the manual had an open centre diff (viscous coupling didnt appear till the Liberty) and the auto was practically a FWD, with a F/R ratio of roughly 90/10 under most conditions, with the ratio increasing to 50/50 with increased throttle opening, or if wheel slip was detected.

Really ?? Like the double pump set ups of Honda CRV's etc?

Describe this double pump set up? I know little outside Subarus

Honda "double pump" system needs Hondas "double pump" fluid - looks like auto trans fluid. Goes in the CRV rear diff. If you use Dextron 2 or 3 etc you get a binding shudder from within diff on turns. The double pump fluid was $70 a litre about six years ago. The CRV is a front whel drive until its double pump system detects front wheel slip of 5 or 6 revolutions, then engages rear diff. Not my idea of a 4WD