Minimum BHP on a car you would own.

Gibbo · 02-03-2009, 03:00 PM

We always go on about performance but what is the least powerful car you would consider as your everyday car? I am not talking lightweight specials with high power to wait ratio's just normal cars.

For myself Petrol I would say around 200bhp and diesel about 175bhp. I wonder if this would be more fun on a daily basis having to drive the car more to get the best out of it.

F104 · 02-03-2009, 03:07 PM

My wife wants a Fiat 500 100bhp which is top of the (fiat 500) range... Even the Abarth vesion comes no where close to your minimum

sheps · 02-03-2009, 03:09 PM

Having gone for a 325i this time around and having now covered close on 30k in it, I would have to say the next car I get, if it weighs anything as much as this one, will need to have at least 280, if not 300bhp.

I have spoken before on my disappointment with my cars performance. Should have spent more, should have got more power.

Having come from a Subaru, which felt electric in all gears, at all times I think my perspective has been somewhat skewed, as most people who passenger in mine state how quick (and smooth) it feels. Perhaps it is too smooth for its own good, as it makes it feel slow in my book!

Steve A · 02-03-2009, 03:10 PM

I dont think i would consider anything under about 350 bhp.

DonM3 · 02-03-2009, 03:12 PM

+1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve A

I dont think i would consider anything under about 350 bhp.

Dave_3 · 02-03-2009, 03:16 PM

Depends how heavy. Probably anything over 120 ps would be more than sufficient. Can actually make driving quite fun ...

I was recently out in a friends 1950s Racing Morgan with a 1300 pre-crossflow pumping out a tuned 35 bhp. Sitting a couple of inches above the road and with just a wood frame, fibreglass wings, me and the engine to propel, it was a hoot. Felt like I was flying but could probably get overtaking by enthusiastic kids on bikes.

D.

willhollin · 02-03-2009, 03:17 PM

I couldn't go below 400 bhp now.

Snooky · 02-03-2009, 03:18 PM

I'm with Gibbo. I have had a few cars about 200bhp and my current one has 306bhp. Whilst I love the current power (and would happily take more!!) I would manage fine with another 200bhp like my Mark V Golf Gti.

willhollin · 02-03-2009, 03:19 PM

Actually I loved my Leon 140ps TDi.

mikem · 02-03-2009, 03:29 PM

My Mondeo tdci has a monsterous 115 ps and gets driven harder than the M3. (which will have almost 6 times the power)

Oli · 02-03-2009, 03:52 PM

I understand this thread, but I love my 414BHp, works just fine for me.

I run quite a few VW Transporters, and spend quite a lot of time in these; 130BHP, armrests on the seats, 6 speed, and most importantly, a nice high driving position, which is great for keeping a check on the trafic in front - All a perfect combination for me. Anyone who has driven one will understand exactly where I'm coming from

willhollin · 02-03-2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oli

I understand this thread, but I love my 414BHp, works just fine for me.

I run quite a few VW Transporters, and spend quite a lot of time in these; 130BHP, armrests on the seats, 6 speed, and most importantly, a nice high driving position, which is great for keeping a check on the trafic in front - All a perfect combination for me. Anyone who has driven one will understand exactly where I'm coming from

You can't beat a van.

booforty · 02-03-2009, 04:02 PM

I wouldn't go less than a Vauxhall Viva or Morris Marina

I do have some standards

Porscha! · 02-03-2009, 04:14 PM

It all depends on the weight surely? Say in a car that weighs under 1000 kg 150 bhp will be plenty enough it's not all about bhp but about weight, if the car has lots of driver aids you'll need more power to make the experience as fun!

Having said that I've rather got into turbo cars with my MR2 so ill say near on 250 with no driver aids! 300 would be nice though, help I'm getting addicted to power!

SoYank · 02-03-2009, 04:15 PM

My truck has 147 hp. As a daily driver, that's about the minimum. For a weekend car, about 81 hp. But I still like my 300 hp.

SoYank · 02-03-2009, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porscha!

help I'm getting addicted to power!

Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

DaveC · 02-03-2009, 05:23 PM

Dont understand this thread, or rather I do and its rubbish.

Look, numbers mean nothing at all. First car I ever owned was a mini 1275GT with around (from memory) 55BHP, few simple mods and wow its pushing maybe 70 tops. Most fun car I ever owned bar none.

Power has nothing to do with it, its about how the car handles, about how it involves you, about how it makes you work and how it rewards you. In many cases (most probably) less is more and modern BMWs fail iin every respect. Yes they are good but they are soulless and uninvolving simply because they are too good - you just cant use all the performance and all the grip they offer.

For fun I'd go with Porscha. Hmm maybe I better rephrase that. For real fun I'd go with the kind of cars Porscha chooses. If it comes down to "I must have xyz BHP" then you're on the motoring equivalent to buying designer clothes _simply_ because they have a label (200BHP) attached to them.

trixman · 02-03-2009, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveC

If it comes down to "I must have xyz BHP" then you're on the motoring equivalent to buying designer clothes _simply_ because they have a label (200BHP) attached to them.

I know, great eh! I'll vote for 350hermes-prada please.

Porscha! · 02-03-2009, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveC

Dont understand this thread, or rather I do and its rubbish.

Look, numbers mean nothing at all. First car I ever owned was a mini 1275GT with around (from memory) 55BHP, few simple mods and wow its pushing maybe 70 tops. Most fun car I ever owned bar none.

Power has nothing to do with it, its about how the car handles, about how it involves you, about how it makes you work and how it rewards you. In many cases (most probably) less is more and modern BMWs fail iin every respect. Yes they are good but they are soulless and uninvolving simply because they are too good - you just cant use all the performance and all the grip they offer.

For fun I'd go with Porscha. Hmm maybe I better rephrase that. For real fun I'd go with the kind of cars Porscha chooses. If it comes down to "I must have xyz BHP" then you're on the motoring equivalent to buying designer clothes _simply_ because they have a label (200BHP) attached to them.

I was trying to say exactly what you are saying Couldn't agree more I've had cars from 65 bhp to ones with about 265 bhp the former being my MG Midget and the latter being my Boxster S people often wonder why I don't miss that car, truth is I for enjoyment have owned many cars better (for me)!

Problem with this country is gotta have more bhp, more weight, more gadgets, more status, more expensive than the neighbours cars have indeed been 'Beckhamed' while I don't doubt there are many proper petrol heads on here in my opinion there are some image heads too!

As for me, I'd rather drive my MR2 than most current cars on the market today gadgets have made cars 'white goods' some people even measuring them as so!It's not about driving anymore for a lot of people but about 27 airbags. 9 modes of braking control, traction control, automatic gearboxes pretending to be manuals, massive alloys, phones, sat navs, TVs whats next an internet revolution for cars?

I'm not having an eccentric Porscha rant but guys just think about it when did you actually drive no distractions just went out for a nice point to point hoon over the countryside no nav, no radio, no gadgets switched on!

Porscha! · 02-03-2009, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trixman

I know, great eh! I'll vote for 350hermes-prada please.

Ah but vintage Chanel has always been infinitely more chic

creepy coupe · 02-04-2009, 02:44 AM

Not bothered about the total BHP figure, it's torque that matters.

BHP sells engines

Torque wins races

NFS · 02-04-2009, 02:47 AM

DaveC is right. The numbers game is a mistake.

If there was a minimum for me it would be 100hp, because there is at least 1 car (Fiat Panda 100hp) with that power, that I know would be a hoot to drive.

I'd still love a Lotus Elise 111s and that has only 156hp.

02-03-2009, 03:00 PM	#1
Gibbo Colonel 104 Rep 2,292 Posts Drives: Golf Ed35 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: South East iTrader: (0)	Minimum BHP on a car you would own. We always go on about performance but what is the least powerful car you would consider as your everyday car? I am not talking lightweight specials with high power to wait ratio's just normal cars. For myself Petrol I would say around 200bhp and diesel about 175bhp. I wonder if this would be more fun on a daily basis having to drive the car more to get the best out of it. __________________ Golf Ed35 Black with - Black Leather
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02-03-2009, 03:07 PM	#2
F104 Captain 19 Rep 732 Posts Drives: E92 320D M-sport Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: belgium iTrader: (0)	My wife wants a Fiat 500 100bhp which is top of the (fiat 500) range... Even the Abarth vesion comes no where close to your minimum
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02-03-2009, 03:09 PM	#3
sheps Colonel 73 Rep 2,396 Posts Drives: C63 AMG Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cambs, UK iTrader: (2)	Having gone for a 325i this time around and having now covered close on 30k in it, I would have to say the next car I get, if it weighs anything as much as this one, will need to have at least 280, if not 300bhp. I have spoken before on my disappointment with my cars performance. Should have spent more, should have got more power. Having come from a Subaru, which felt electric in all gears, at all times I think my perspective has been somewhat skewed, as most people who passenger in mine state how quick (and smooth) it feels. Perhaps it is too smooth for its own good, as it makes it feel slow in my book! __________________ Gone but not forgotten: 325i M Sport (E92), Black Sapphire, Coral Red Dakota, 19" 225's, Seat Heating, 6FL and de-badge Replaced by 6.2 litres of AMG powered C class.
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02-03-2009, 03:10 PM	#4
Steve A Brigadier General 96 Rep 3,465 Posts Drives: too much Join Date: May 2007 Location: Manchester UK iTrader: (0)	I dont think i would consider anything under about 350 bhp. __________________ C350 cdi sport estate facelift 457lbft 130i M SportMercedes C350 CDI Sport Estate AutoMini Cooper Auto.Mercedes E250 CGI,Lexus IS-F,R36, RS4 Saloon,ML 420 CDI SPORT,M6, 335d, C55, C32, M3, M5, S3, ALL SOLD but fondly remembered
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02-03-2009, 03:16 PM	#6
Dave_3 Brigadier General 652 Rep 3,445 Posts Drives: G22 M440D Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: CH / SCO iTrader: (0) Garage List 1973 Escort RS2000 MK1 [10.00]	Depends how heavy. Probably anything over 120 ps would be more than sufficient. Can actually make driving quite fun ... I was recently out in a friends 1950s Racing Morgan with a 1300 pre-crossflow pumping out a tuned 35 bhp. Sitting a couple of inches above the road and with just a wood frame, fibreglass wings, me and the engine to propel, it was a hoot. Felt like I was flying but could probably get overtaking by enthusiastic kids on bikes. D. __________________ Escort Mk1 RS2000 (2.1 2x44IDFS, BVH, Kent FR32, 5spd, 180 BHP) : M440D ¦ Previously : F32 435D : F32 430D M Sport sDrive, 335D E92 2006
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02-03-2009, 03:17 PM	#7
willhollin Major General 268 Rep 9,915 Posts Drives: VW T5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Worcestershire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 330d SE [10.00] 2010 Transporter T5 ... [0.00]	I couldn't go below 400 bhp now. __________________
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02-03-2009, 03:18 PM	#8
Snooky Major 40 Rep 1,167 Posts Drives: Audi RS5 Sportback Carbon Blac Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Livingston, Scotland iTrader: (0)	I'm with Gibbo. I have had a few cars about 200bhp and my current one has 306bhp. Whilst I love the current power (and would happily take more!!) I would manage fine with another 200bhp like my Mark V Golf Gti. __________________ Still missing my E92 335i M Sport!
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02-03-2009, 03:19 PM	#9
willhollin Major General 268 Rep 9,915 Posts Drives: VW T5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Worcestershire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 330d SE [10.00] 2010 Transporter T5 ... [0.00]	Actually I loved my Leon 140ps TDi. __________________
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02-03-2009, 03:29 PM	#10
mikem Lieutenant Colonel 83 Rep 1,557 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Somewhere iTrader: (0)	My Mondeo tdci has a monsterous 115 ps and gets driven harder than the M3. (which will have almost 6 times the power)
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02-03-2009, 03:52 PM	#11
Oli Campervan man 94 Rep 2,667 Posts Drives: RS3 and VW Kombi Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: here, there, everywhere...... iTrader: (1)	I understand this thread, but I love my 414BHp, works just fine for me. I run quite a few VW Transporters, and spend quite a lot of time in these; 130BHP, armrests on the seats, 6 speed, and most importantly, a nice high driving position, which is great for keeping a check on the trafic in front - All a perfect combination for me. Anyone who has driven one will understand exactly where I'm coming from __________________ www.bmvs-camperhire.co.uk Genuine VW T5 California Rental
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02-03-2009, 04:02 PM	#13
booforty Major General 337 Rep 8,811 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: London, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E92 M3 [0.00]	I wouldn't go less than a Vauxhall Viva or Morris Marina I do have some standards
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02-03-2009, 04:14 PM	#14
Porscha! Should be on www.retrorides.com 95 Rep 3,573 Posts Drives: Porsche 944 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Derbyshire iTrader: (0) Garage List 1978 MG Midget 1500 [0.00] 1987 BMW E30 325i C ... [0.00]	It all depends on the weight surely? Say in a car that weighs under 1000 kg 150 bhp will be plenty enough it's not all about bhp but about weight, if the car has lots of driver aids you'll need more power to make the experience as fun! Having said that I've rather got into turbo cars with my MR2 so ill say near on 250 with no driver aids! 300 would be nice though, help I'm getting addicted to power! __________________ "FIRE UP THA PORRSCHAAH" - The 80's are back! Front Engined Porsche
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02-03-2009, 04:15 PM	#15
SoYank Major General 571 Rep 7,519 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 335i MT Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Vinton, Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW E90 335i S ... [9.00]	My truck has 147 hp. As a daily driver, that's about the minimum. For a weekend car, about 81 hp. But I still like my 300 hp. __________________ **2009 E90 335i Montego Blue · Black Leather · Burl Walnut · 6MT · US Spec** SatNav • ZPP • ZCW • 6FL • TPMS • iDrive • PDC • HWS • Xenons • BMW Assist • Power Rear Sunshade • Logic 7 European Taillights • Rear Foglamp • OEM Alarm • PicoTray • DataToys XM-DVR • Multi-view Processor Quaife ATB LSD • Short Shift Knob • Hartge Anti-Roll Bars • AP Racing Front Brakes • 19" Style 269
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02-03-2009, 05:23 PM	#17
DaveC Captain 14 Rep 645 Posts Drives: 330 Touring Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Dont understand this thread, or rather I do and its rubbish. Look, numbers mean nothing at all. First car I ever owned was a mini 1275GT with around (from memory) 55BHP, few simple mods and wow its pushing maybe 70 tops. Most fun car I ever owned bar none. Power has nothing to do with it, its about how the car handles, about how it involves you, about how it makes you work and how it rewards you. In many cases (most probably) less is more and modern BMWs fail iin every respect. Yes they are good but they are soulless and uninvolving simply because they are too good - you just cant use all the performance and all the grip they offer. For fun I'd go with Porscha. Hmm maybe I better rephrase that. For real fun I'd go with the kind of cars Porscha chooses. If it comes down to "I must have xyz BHP" then you're on the motoring equivalent to buying designer clothes _simply_ because they have a label (200BHP) attached to them.
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02-04-2009, 02:44 AM	#21
creepy coupe Lieutenant General 1867 Rep 13,043 Posts Drives: BMW M340I G20 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (2) Garage List 2015 BMW 435d [0.00] 2009 335i [0.00]	Not bothered about the total BHP figure, it's torque that matters. BHP sells engines Torque wins races
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02-04-2009, 02:47 AM	#22
NFS Major General 275 Rep 9,218 Posts Drives: M340i Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	DaveC is right. The numbers game is a mistake. If there was a minimum for me it would be 100hp, because there is at least 1 car (Fiat Panda 100hp) with that power, that I know would be a hoot to drive. I'd still love a Lotus Elise 111s and that has only 156hp.
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