"@rbalch1" (rbalch1)
10/08/2013 at 07:51 • Filed to: Corolla, E30
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"@rbalch1" (rbalch1)
10/08/2013 at 07:51 • Filed to: Corolla, E30 | 1
| 5 |
It had the stock standard 1.6L 4A-C
The 4A-C is an 8-valve SOHC Carburetted Engine producing around 78 hp (58 kW) and in the same family as the famous 4A-GE.
It looked much like this.......with a bit more rust.
Unlike the one in the picture it was lowered (by unknown means) and on wider than normal mismatching wheels.
(jelly beans!)
Being an old car it required a few pumps of the throttle to get it going, but one it started it roared into life. Yes it roared. It roared like a lawn mower at full throttle.
The long gear shifter (manual!) felt better than i thought it would given the age of the vehicle, and the shifts still felt positive in my hand.
Time to get going... The steering was heavy, no power steering on the cars back then, but it was also direct. You could feel every bump and crack in the road through the wheel giving the feeling you are truly connected to the road. It pulled away from the curb quite quickly, much like a go-kart with its bumpy ride (due to the suspension setup).
Every time it gathered speed it sounded like a jet engine; exciting the little kid within (whether that was the gear box or something else making that awesome noise)
Being rear wheel drive it took the corners very well but seemed to dive into the bumps throwing you around in the worn out seat that seemed to hug you like a collapsible camping chair. After only 5 minutes at the wheel, the engine cut out in a car-park. A quick dumping of the clutch in 2nd and it sparked back into life. It was just nice in that moment to know you didn't have to rely on your engine to power your brakes and steering. (just a thought). Now, whilst thinking about how nice that thought was, i was promptly reminded of the negatives of non-power assist steering when trying to maneuver into a tight parking spot.
Overall I have to say it was a fun experience, and very different to my modern European hatchback. But i don't think i could live with one as a daily driver. The steering was heavy and the ride, although predictable and road hugging was uncomfortable. Yes a new seat and some proper suspension would make it more comfortable, I cant help but think i would much prefer an e30. An e30 325e to be precise. I am yet to drive one but i am hoping the ride will be better and the torque- 6 cylinder engine more fun to drive
I cant help but think the E30 is the KE70's (better looking?) German cousin?
Out of curiosity, has anyone driven both and what is your opinion of the two?
Sparf
> @rbalch1
10/08/2013 at 08:25 |
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The E30 is probably a better car, but I still want an old Corolla!
Kuya
> @rbalch1
10/08/2013 at 08:30 |
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Having no power steering must have felt like you drove a race car!
ModerateSloth
> @rbalch1
10/08/2013 at 08:34 |
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For me it's all about the character when it comes to older cars. I have honestly never driven either of these, but from your description it seems as though this car has a fair amount of character. The E30, while a brilliant car, seems to lack the quirkiness of the Corolla (I could be wrong though). It really comes down to personal taste I guess.
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@rbalch1
> Kuya
10/08/2013 at 08:38 |
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haha, definetly more scaled up go-kart like than racecar
The 1.6 was surprisingly nippy which i guess is understandable given its low weight
Dunnik
> @rbalch1
10/08/2013 at 10:34 |
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(Fires several hundred rounds of ammunition at it)
(Carefully inspects results)
Hey, what do you know, it's bulletproof!