Euro R Test Drive

[Breeze]

Considering a new Euro in NZ but drove a 20000km old Euro R import as a comparison.

Here is a quick rundown

Differences
- Red dash lights
- 180km/hr speedo
- Momo wheel
- S2000/ITR type alloy pedals
- Alloy gearknob (cold)
- Recaro seats (wide ass version)
- HID lights
- Carbon dash trim
- No cruise
- No radio buttons on s/wheel
- 2.0L 220hp
- Factory LSD
- Stiffer ride
- 3200rpm at 100km/hr in 6th

To drive I expected this to be well down on torque compared to the 2.4L domestic version, thing is it wasn't. The thing had a noticable power gain on vtec rather than the smooth transition offered by the 2.4.

One thing I noted when test driving the 2.4 is that on gear changes it seemed to drop power to avoid drivetrain shunt, there was no wheelspin there. The euro R is a different animal, give it a hard gearchange and you know it. It seems less dumbed down.

Now to see if NZ lease companies will go for a financial lease.

Price comparison
JDM Euro R (2003, 20000kms)- $38000
NZDM Euro (2005, del kms)- $37000 + ORC

Final outcome, very hard choice, I think I want the Euro R, something different (looks stock), still very quiet and comfortable but lots of fun. Hope it is for sale long enough to organise my stuff.

[Slugoid]

NZ is like just across the ocean, but we miss out on so many good cars. Not fair!!

If I had the chance to get the Euro-R, I would get it for sure without 2nd thoughts. Good luck with the purchase.

[|N|]

NZ is like just across the ocean, but we miss out on so many good cars. Not fair!!

If I had the chance to get the Euro-R, I would get it for sure without 2nd thoughts. Good luck with the purchase.

cant agree more

[aaronng]

Great writeup! It would be interesting to see the difference in fuel economy that 3200rpm at 100km/h will make compared to the 2.4L's 2400rpm in 100km/h. Will it be enough to make the fuel consumption for both cars equal? Let us know!

[Breeze]

Apparently the Euro R is thirstier by a bit.

On http://english.auto.vl.ru/ they quote fuel consumption at 8.4l/100 km average consumption compared to 8.3l/100kms for an auto 2.4l.

[aaronng]

Cool, thanks for the link! So the fuel consumption does become similar, with 2.4L getting the edge. Watched the Best Motoring test of the 2.4L Euro, and they said it is at a similar performance level to the EuroR, but for family orientated use.

[Matell]

Cool, thanks for the link! So the fuel consumption does become similar, with 2.4L getting the edge. Watched the Best Motoring test of the 2.4L Euro, and they said it is at a similar performance level to the EuroR, but for family orientated use.

What Best Motoring dvd is the CL9 (Euro)test on? The two I have only test the CL7 (EuroR)....ie VTEC Club (std EuroR, Phase EuroR, Spirt EuroR), and Super Battle DVD(Phase EuroR) . I believe they mention the CL9 in VTEC Club but they don't test it. If there's one with a test of the CL9 I want to buy it!

[aaronng]

The Best Motoring with CL9 has not been brought to us by Best Motoring International. Hence, there are no english subs. It's the issue where they first test the original RX-8, on Laguna Seca. The Euros tested with the sedan and wagon. Both were autos, unfortunately. It's the March 2003 issue. Here's a link to some images.
http://www.tuningpt.com/bestmotoring...23/bmj_123.htm

[baboo]

I will choose the EURO R in a click like that.

[aaronng]

I will choose the EURO R in a click like that.

Except for the price. A 2nd hand 2 year old EuroR costing so similarly to a brand new Euro! Ouch!

[baboo]

u pay for exclusivity eh! LOL

[coladuna]

One thing I noted when test driving the 2.4 is that on gear changes it seemed to drop power to avoid drivetrain shunt, there was no wheelspin there. The euro R is a different animal, give it a hard gearchange and you know it. It seems less dumbed down.

Disagree on this point. Maybe you didn't give it enough.
I've had my wheel screeching during gear change when i gave it a bootful with VSA turned off.