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What is a good performance comparison to the Sterling?

Rickieh

Member
What would be the best comparison to give someone (strictly in terms of performance) who has never ridden in any VW kit car? What more popular car would be the closest? Geo Metro? Chevrolet Cavalier? Ford Festiva? Dodge Neon? Etc...
 

vpogv

Active member
I think other can weigh in a lot better than me but engine will have a lot to do with it. These cars are light and the stock 1600 will make it peppy but a 1776 or even 1900 will make it quick. It will never have top speed but makes it fun on the street.

Personally I'd put it way on top of all of the cars you posted.
 

letterman7

Honorary Admin
There isn't one. Weight, handling, comfort level are all different. The closest you could get would actually be the aircooled Beetle since it was the donor. Modern cars are just that - modern. There is no comparison to a 50 year old design.
 

Rickieh

Member
Feel free to give an older comparison. Like the C3 corvettes or Mustang II. I realize these were stronger motors but just barely. During the fuel crisis when motors were basically strangled the Camaro dropped down to 85 horsepower at the crank with the Iron Duke engine. These cars were also much heavier and only 30 horsepower ahead... would that be closer?
 

letterman7

Honorary Admin
There is no comparison. What specifically are you looking at "performance wise"? Mid 70's Camaros never got less than an inline 6 with 145bhp; Gear ratios, weight, etc etc all add into a formula. My little bored out 1500cc with twin carbs beat a newer (at that time 2001) Trans Am off the line, but of course cubic inches won out after a hundred feet. If you're trying to describe a kit car to someone, just tell them it's like riding a 400CC motorcycle. Enough pep to get you up and moving, not enough to really keep up in traffic.
 
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