Club G40 Forum

Club G40 => General Car Chat => Topic started by: martinjc1981 on August 09, 2011, 04:43:35 pm

Title: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 09, 2011, 04:43:35 pm
Hi,

Im considering buying a polo g40 in the near future as a weekend toy.
How fast are they? Read the reviews and 0-60 time seems a bit slow at just over 8 seconds?
Anyone timed this on a race logic box etc for a standard car and what kind of quarter mile will they run as standard?

Thanks, Martin
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Justin14100 on August 09, 2011, 05:58:15 pm
I think that they don't quite get to 60 in second gear officially, so there is two gear changes in that time. 0-80mph is a much bigger compliment to a G40.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 09, 2011, 06:13:20 pm
So how would they compare to the modern say 200bhp "hot hatchbacks"??
The 8 seconds to 60mph is fair enough then?
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Justin14100 on August 09, 2011, 06:28:32 pm
One thats slightly modified is a good match for new hot hatches on a traffic light drag, but around corners they are no match to modern cars really - though there is a fun factor in them that you just don't really get anywhere else. The small supercharged engine really "turns on" when you put your foot down. Putting more money into them will make them a much better match for new hot hatches but as i said, its the fun factor and simplicity we love here.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: scotsjohn on August 09, 2011, 06:31:07 pm
0-60 isn't really where the g40 shines unless you've got a Quaife diff and launch control, but the 50-100 bracket's much more fun. That's where the G excels.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 09, 2011, 06:43:58 pm
Just torn between the g40 and a uk spec dc2 integra. Say if the polo had a few mods to around 140bhp would it be faster than the integra?
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: breadman on August 09, 2011, 07:05:40 pm
TBH Martin, 0-60 and 1/4 mile times aren't any reason to by a G40 or any other car. Performance figures are largely irrelevant, you either want a G40 or you don't.
They are based on a design from the late 60's so things like safety levels are really dire. The interior is sparcely equipped and the handling and brakes are pretty poor.
Outright, overall performance is never gonna be a match for a modern equivilent. They are however FUN. They feel much faster than they actually are, in fact in gear performance is very good even by today's standards. Most are modified to some extent by now and a nicely modded one can be very quick indeed.
It really all depends on what you want from a car. The G40 is a basic, simple, fun car that has a bootful of grunt. Enjoy!
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 09, 2011, 07:18:50 pm
TBH Martin, 0-60 and 1/4 mile times aren't any reason to by a G40 or any other car. Performance figures are largely irrelevant, you either want a G40 or you don't.
They are based on a design from the late 60's so things like safety levels are really dire. The interior is sparcely equipped and the handling and brakes are pretty poor.
Outright, overall performance is never gonna be a match for a modern equivilent. They are however FUN. They feel much faster than they actually are, in fact in gear performance is very good even by today's standards. Most are modified to some extent by now and a nicely modded one can be very quick indeed.
It really all depends on what you want from a car. The G40 is a basic, simple, fun car that has a bootful of grunt. Enjoy!

ok breadman. Quite an honest review. I just want something for the weekends thats fun and will put a smile on my face. I just used the quarter mile time as a rough guide to straight line speed.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Peterpolo on August 09, 2011, 08:40:11 pm
Hi agree with scotsjohn and Martin, but you say you want it as a toy then you should play with it and modify it,
A standard g40 is not all that! Handling and performance, I would say you can modify a g40 up to 150-160bhp for relatively cheep!! And that wld go like stink with just lowering springs and shocks would improve the handling alot if you don't want the full kit and subframe?
You wld be saying good bye to the integra and won't go back,

But a g40 does require mantaince and is reliable considering age etc if it's looked after so you might as well spend a bit on it if your going to get one,

Anyway i wld also say it's very hard to find a completely standard g40 lol!
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 09, 2011, 09:18:51 pm
Hi agree with scotsjohn and Martin, but you say you want it as a toy then you should play with it and modify it,
A standard g40 is not all that! Handling and performance, I would say you can modify a g40 up to 150-160bhp for relatively cheep!! And that wld go like stink with just lowering springs and shocks would improve the handling alot if you don't want the full kit and subframe?
You wld be saying good bye to the integra and won't go back,

But a g40 does require mantaince and is reliable considering age etc if it's looked after so you might as well spend a bit on it if your going to get one,

Anyway i wld also say it's very hard to find a completely standard g40 lol!


so a g40 with say 150bhp would leave a 200bhp integra for dust?? Sounds impressive.
I like a car that handles well tho.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Justin14100 on August 09, 2011, 09:24:38 pm
Its handling is bad, but when you are behind the wheel its great - it has a nice comforting understeer to let you know you are getting to the limit. but when you are bouncing off the bumps and pushing it to the limit it doesn't matter that its not 'fast' round a corner, because its fun round the corner!

the limit is fun, not speed - you learn this at the Nurburgring
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 09, 2011, 09:29:20 pm
hw reliable do they tend to be? Im 30 now and just looking for something for the odd blast at the weekend. Always liked the g40 polo. 150 bhp sounds good if it will be leaving all modern hatches off the lights.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Justin14100 on August 09, 2011, 09:31:02 pm
some are, some aren't. there are some horror stories but it depends on how their life has been. Mine has 198k on the clock now, no internal rebuilds yet.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 09, 2011, 09:32:59 pm
some are, some aren't. there are some horror stories but it depends on how their life has been. Mine has 198k on the clock now, no internal rebuilds yet.

thats impressive, what bhp is yours?
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Justin14100 on August 09, 2011, 09:40:31 pm
some are, some aren't. there are some horror stories but it depends on how their life has been. Mine has 198k on the clock now, no internal rebuilds yet.

thats impressive, what bhp is yours?
140-150bhp maybe, not been on the rollers.
the mods are:
De-Restricted air box (there is a restricter in the air box limiting the air that can enter the charger, easy mod just sanded it out)
Jabba R1 charger porting (removes material that restricts the charger outlet to produce more boost, a bit of charger inlet porting too)
65 - 63mm Toothed pulleys (the twin V- belts slip at high revs so this just spins it faster throughout the rev range, standard is 75mm but its hard to calculate the toothed equivalent, mine are custom and somewhere between 65 and 63mm)
GT inlet manifold (manifold from the G40's little brother the polo GT; has larger inlet ports and gives a tad extra top end power (tiny amount of low end torque is lost though but unnoticeable because of the torquey supercharged engine)
51mm Throttle body (standard is 45mm, i make these myself - check the traders section - ported at the top, frees up the top end revs and makes the throttle more responsive, great off boost)

Sorry for the long post, if you don't know a huge deal about G40s it can be confusing when people just make a list of mods that generally have community names; thought it would be good to explain it.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 09, 2011, 09:44:57 pm
thanks for the reply, sounds like a lot of work. Im not wanting road racing reports but what would your car at that power compare to?
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Justin14100 on August 09, 2011, 09:47:13 pm
I don't really know, I don't really race much - chased a S1 Focus RS though without them pulling away; Clio 172's / Fiesta ST's are dealt with too.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: cheys03 on August 09, 2011, 09:55:03 pm
There's a bell end Fiesta ST driver that I occasionally come across locally. The car's been bought by daddy and he drives like a knob. I take great pleasure from showing him up, especially when he's got his bird in the car and in my rear view mirror I can see her mocking him. Teeehehehe.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 09, 2011, 09:58:26 pm
I don't really know, I don't really race much - chased a S1 Focus RS though without them pulling away; Clio 172's / Fiesta ST's are dealt with too.

Really? That does sound like a quick car you have got. And only 150bhp?
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 09, 2011, 09:59:17 pm
There's a bell end Fiesta ST driver that I occasionally come across locally. The car's been bought by daddy and he drives like a knob. I take great pleasure from showing him up, especially when he's got his bird in the car and in my rear view mirror I can see her mocking him. Teeehehehe.

Excellent, what bhp is yours?
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Justin14100 on August 09, 2011, 10:10:27 pm
I don't really know, I don't really race much - chased a S1 Focus RS though without them pulling away; Clio 172's / Fiesta ST's are dealt with too.

Really? That does sound like a quick car you have got. And only 150bhp?
Top end I've seen 140 on the clock on the way to the Nürburgring.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 09, 2011, 10:16:04 pm
I don't really know, I don't really race much - chased a S1 Focus RS though without them pulling away; Clio 172's / Fiesta ST's are dealt with too.

Really? That does sound like a quick car you have got. And only 150bhp?
Top end I've seen 140 on the clock on the way to the Nürburgring.

fast car then for all the power they have!
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: cheys03 on August 09, 2011, 10:21:37 pm
I dunno, it's a basic 1.3 engine that has a turbo bolted on. At 15psi boost it was rolling roaded and realistically produced ~165bhp. I run it as a daily so reduced the boost to 10psi - at a guess maybe 140bhp? I'm sure this Fiesta ST guy is a poor driver too which helps.
By far the best element of a boosted Polo is the sleeper value. So long as you don't go mad with exterior mods, to most it just looks like an old Polo. Then BAM, boost :-)
I think Breadman has put it well - there are many weaknesses, but the fun factor is excellent.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Justin14100 on August 09, 2011, 10:25:21 pm
I don't really know, I don't really race much - chased a S1 Focus RS though without them pulling away; Clio 172's / Fiesta ST's are dealt with too.

Really? That does sound like a quick car you have got. And only 150bhp?
Top end I've seen 140 on the clock on the way to the Nürburgring.

fast car then for all the power they have!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIWqJ8ny6HE&playnext=1&list=PLFDED437EB4A035E2
very high spec one, from a long while back now.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Jezza-7 on August 09, 2011, 10:47:25 pm
My g40 was running around 150 bhp beat my mates twin turbo subaru off line up to around 80-90mph.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 09, 2011, 10:54:51 pm
My g40 was running around 150 bhp beat my mates twin turbo subaru off line up to around 80-90mph.

a twin turbo subaru? lol
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Etches on August 09, 2011, 11:53:50 pm
The G40 is an enthusiasts car mate, only having around 50 genuine On the road. I would say that unless your very passionate about Vws especially polos then they are not for you. With their primite steering set up and poor brakes I don't think there comparible to new cars.

Only having had polos since I started driving many people wondered why I hadn't upgraded my car e.g getting a golf but that's just a passion for the mk3 platform.

Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 10, 2011, 12:01:30 am
The G40 is an enthusiasts car mate, only having around 50 genuine On the road. I would say that unless your very passionate about Vws especially polos then they are not for you. With their primite steering set up and poor brakes I don't think there comparible to new cars.

Only having had polos since I started driving many people wondered why I hadn't upgraded my car e.g getting a golf but that's just a passion for the mk3 platform.



Is the handling really that bad? Looks like an itegra dc2 would wipe the floor with it unless i spent a load of cash on the polo...
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Justin14100 on August 10, 2011, 12:09:26 am
The G40 is an enthusiasts car mate, only having around 50 genuine On the road. I would say that unless your very passionate about Vws especially polos then they are not for you. With their primite steering set up and poor brakes I don't think there comparible to new cars.

Only having had polos since I started driving many people wondered why I hadn't upgraded my car e.g getting a golf but that's just a passion for the mk3 platform.



Is the handling really that bad? Looks like an itegra dc2 would wipe the floor with it unless i spent a load of cash on the polo...
they are two totally different cars, integra is a sports saloon from honda where as the G40 is a 20 year old hot hatch, many cars could wipe the floor with the polo in real world racing, but as we have said here - its the fun factor, nothing really gives the same buzz for the money they cost to run. Its a really fucking fun car to own, very exhilarating to drive because of its characteristics, not because of its out-right speed compared to other cars.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 10, 2011, 12:18:03 am
The G40 is an enthusiasts car mate, only having around 50 genuine On the road. I would say that unless your very passionate about Vws especially polos then they are not for you. With their primite steering set up and poor brakes I don't think there comparible to new cars.

Only having had polos since I started driving many people wondered why I hadn't upgraded my car e.g getting a golf but that's just a passion for the mk3 platform.



Is the handling really that bad? Looks like an itegra dc2 would wipe the floor with it unless i spent a load of cash on the polo...
they are two totally different cars, integra is a sports saloon from honda where as the G40 is a 20 year old hot hatch, many cars could wipe the floor with the polo in real world racing, but as we have said here - its the fun factor, nothing really gives the same buzz for the money they cost to run. Its a really fucking fun car to own, very exhilarating to drive because of its characteristics, not because of its out-right speed compared to other cars.

what are they like on fuel? i want a car for fun but also want it to be reliable and fast. 
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Etches on August 10, 2011, 12:28:14 am
Mines 135bhp and gets 40mpg round town and 50+ on motorways
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Etches on August 10, 2011, 12:34:12 am


I just don't think such a rare car should just be for people who want a "lights racer" plenty of
others out there which can be tashed around. I bought mine from a guy who refused £600 more than I offered from someone else because he didn't want it being trashed.

Plenty of other cars out there which are cheaper and faster that can be used for traffic light drags
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Justin14100 on August 10, 2011, 12:37:59 am
Mines 135bhp and gets 40mpg round town and 50+ on motorways
I'm a bit heavy footed so its 30 thrashing around town and up to 42 sitting at 80mph for an entire tank
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 10, 2011, 12:40:43 am


I just don't think such a rare car should just be for people who want a "lights racer" plenty of
others out there which can be tashed around. I bought mine from a guy who refused £600 more than I offered from someone else because he didn't want it being trashed.

Plenty of other cars out there which are cheaper and faster that can be used for traffic light drags

but is there a better car for the money than the g40 for these traffic light drags?
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Jezza-7 on August 10, 2011, 07:08:32 am
My g40 was running around 150 bhp beat my mates twin turbo subaru off line up to around 80-90mph.

a twin turbo subaru? lol

I dont do this traffic light racing stuff unless its my mate and were having a laugh. I actually spend very little time on boost. I used to get 330 miles to a full (45 litres) tank of v-power. Theres this water resivoir near us with a good mile straight, always empty and on the countdown he jumped a little. I think its a legacy. Its power is 280 and weighs 1.4 tonne. Where as mine was 150 and weighed 900kgs. Power to weight ratio is what benefit these cars as well. Also the turbos dont kick in till 3500-4000rpm where as the charger is on boost from as soon as you put your foot down.
Would never sell mine. Its like my pride and joy and just a fun little car really. I have had a lot of work on mine and work carried out to the handling and its improved. Had a stage 3 subframe and got (only recently found out) bilstein shocks. The subframes are around £500 but its one of the best upgrades around. Would never want to drive another mk3 without to tell the truth. But as justin says there fun, really fun. And when it gets a little quicker its always fun to watch peoples faces when you fly by  :D
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: PeteG40 on August 10, 2011, 07:16:32 am
Mines 135bhp and gets 40mpg round town and 50+ on motorways

I'm sorry, but that just can't be true.  I've driven a totally stock and low miles G at basically 50-60 mph for a full tank and i got about 44mpg.

On any normal g you get 30-35mpg normal driving, with some right foot action and around town. and 40ish on a decent run. 

This is based on 10 years of owning g40s!
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 10, 2011, 12:25:40 pm
My g40 was running around 150 bhp beat my mates twin turbo subaru off line up to around 80-90mph.

a twin turbo subaru? lol

I dont do this traffic light racing stuff unless its my mate and were having a laugh. I actually spend very little time on boost. I used to get 330 miles to a full (45 litres) tank of v-power. Theres this water resivoir near us with a good mile straight, always empty and on the countdown he jumped a little. I think its a legacy. Its power is 280 and weighs 1.4 tonne. Where as mine was 150 and weighed 900kgs. Power to weight ratio is what benefit these cars as well. Also the turbos dont kick in till 3500-4000rpm where as the charger is on boost from as soon as you put your foot down.
Would never sell mine. Its like my pride and joy and just a fun little car really. I have had a lot of work on mine and work carried out to the handling and its improved. Had a stage 3 subframe and got (only recently found out) bilstein shocks. The subframes are around £500 but its one of the best upgrades around. Would never want to drive another mk3 without to tell the truth. But as justin says there fun, really fun. And when it gets a little quicker its always fun to watch peoples faces when you fly by  :D
yeah mate but the subaru still has a superior power to weight ratio. A 150bhp polo should not beat a 4wd subaru off the line unless your mate does not know how to drive or the car is away down on power?
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 10, 2011, 12:32:22 pm
anyone out there online who has times a 0-60 for the standard car or a quater mile time? must be someone?
8.5 book time to 60 is seriously disappointing.  :(
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: hayesey on August 10, 2011, 12:37:37 pm
book time is 8.1 seconds, magasine reports at the time reckoned more like 7.1. 

but this is all irrelevant.  just go and test drive one and see if you like it or not.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 10, 2011, 12:40:48 pm
book time is 8.1 seconds, magasine reports at the time reckoned more like 7.1. 

but this is all irrelevant.  just go and test drive one and see if you like it or not.

so how come the book time is a full second slower?  ???
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: AdzCM on August 10, 2011, 12:57:45 pm
Ive done 0-60 times in my g40 n they all seem to be around 6-7 seconds [completely standard car] ... also i can get 60 in second gear.

love to drive my g40 at 40mph everywhere just enjoying the fact i have one :) because it looks unreal especially when nobody over here [ireland] knows what it is. And for anyone to say they are not for draggin off the lights is either old or lying lol. love the fact even my standard [not for long] g will embarass 197bhp type r's when they cant really get away then find out ive got under 120bhp  ... as for handling.. ive just got mine lowered on coilovers and i think it handles great :s wierd. considering you wont be staging on main roads, it can still be thrown into some pretty tight bends with no real problems.

they are definately brilliant 'off the lights' but dont expect to beat many modern hot hatches in the higher speeds.

just my opinion ;)
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 10, 2011, 01:09:26 pm
Ive done 0-60 times in my g40 n they all seem to be around 6-7 seconds [completely standard car] ... also i can get 60 in second gear.

love to drive my g40 at 40mph everywhere just enjoying the fact i have one :) because it looks unreal especially when nobody over here [ireland] knows what it is. And for anyone to say they are not for draggin off the lights is either old or lying lol. love the fact even my standard [not for long] g will embarass 197bhp type r's when they cant really get away then find out ive got under 120bhp  ... as for handling.. ive just got mine lowered on coilovers and i think it handles great :s wierd. considering you wont be staging on main roads, it can still be thrown into some pretty tight bends with no real problems.

they are definately brilliant 'off the lights' but dont expect to beat many modern hot hatches in the higher speeds.

just my opinion ;)

but it doesnt do 60mph in second gear going by previous posts? For you to claim 6 seconds to 60mph seems a bit fast? Have you raced a type r from the lights? any other cars you have beaten?
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Justin14100 on August 10, 2011, 01:18:47 pm
Ive done 0-60 times in my g40 n they all seem to be around 6-7 seconds [completely standard car] ... also i can get 60 in second gear.

love to drive my g40 at 40mph everywhere just enjoying the fact i have one :) because it looks unreal especially when nobody over here [ireland] knows what it is. And for anyone to say they are not for draggin off the lights is either old or lying lol. love the fact even my standard [not for long] g will embarass 197bhp type r's when they cant really get away then find out ive got under 120bhp  ... as for handling.. ive just got mine lowered on coilovers and i think it handles great :s wierd. considering you wont be staging on main roads, it can still be thrown into some pretty tight bends with no real problems.

they are definately brilliant 'off the lights' but dont expect to beat many modern hot hatches in the higher speeds.

just my opinion ;)

but it doesnt do 60mph in second gear going by previous posts? For you to claim 6 seconds to 60mph seems a bit fast? Have you raced a type r from the lights? any other cars you have beaten?
You can get to 60 on the clocks, but the tests use radar speed checking and its really only like 58 or 59 or something silly. everyones cars on here are different and will beat different things, a standard car is very nippy and will beat a few things - plough enough time, effort and money into it like Yoof off here and you can out drag Audi RS4's - you need to drive one for yourself to have any idea what they are like to live with.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Etches on August 10, 2011, 01:22:00 pm
Mines 135bhp and gets 40mpg round town and 50+ on motorways

I'm sorry, but that just can't be true.  I've driven a totally stock and low miles G at basically 50-60 mph for a full tank and i got about 44mpg.

On any normal g you get 30-35mpg normal driving, with some right foot action and around town. and 40ish on a decent run.  

This is based on 10 years of owning g40s!

Ive done plenty of runs with this result, recently £20 around 15 litres i managed 173 miles at 56-60mph on the motorway. Mine has a custom ecu and when i had it emmissions tested for the Mot I had less than 1% unburned fuel in the exhaust gases.

My round town mpg is usually between 35-40 depending on how much i drive like a granny

Im not scared of running it untill the fuel pump wines though
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: AdzCM on August 10, 2011, 01:25:18 pm

You can get to 60 on the clocks, but the tests use radar speed checking and its really only like 58 or 59 or something silly. everyones cars on here are different and will beat different things, a standard car is very nippy and will beat a few things - plough enough time, effort and money into it like Yoof off here and you can out drag Audi RS4's - you need to drive one for yourself to have any idea what they are like to live with.
[/quote]

Oh right, well close enough lol. they way in which it gets to 'nearly 60' is very nippy for under 120bhp...
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 10, 2011, 01:30:43 pm

You can get to 60 on the clocks, but the tests use radar speed checking and its really only like 58 or 59 or something silly. everyones cars on here are different and will beat different things, a standard car is very nippy and will beat a few things - plough enough time, effort and money into it like Yoof off here and you can out drag Audi RS4's - you need to drive one for yourself to have any idea what they are like to live with.

Oh right, well close enough lol. they way in which it gets to 'nearly 60' is very nippy for under 120bhp...
[/quote]

so what all have you raced mate?
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: SamG40 on August 10, 2011, 01:36:35 pm
Mines 135bhp and gets 40mpg round town and 50+ on motorways

I'm sorry, but that just can't be true.  I've driven a totally stock and low miles G at basically 50-60 mph for a full tank and i got about 44mpg.

On any normal g you get 30-35mpg normal driving, with some right foot action and around town. and 40ish on a decent run.  

This is based on 10 years of owning g40s!

Ive done plenty of runs with this result, recently £20 around 15 litres i managed 173 miles at 56-60mph on the motorway. Mine has a custom ecu and when i had it emmissions tested for the Mot I had less than 1% unburned fuel in the exhaust gases.

My round town mpg is usually between 35-40 depending on how much i drive like a granny

Im not scared of running it untill the fuel pump wines though

But there will be some left in the tank etc. Plus when you put small amounts in the figures are always way out. You need to brim the tank and then look at the figures. I'm with Pete on this one, most I've ever got was about 43mpg with the car doing under 3k in top gear for pretty much the whole tank worth, thats still pretty impressive for the specs of the car.

Martin as said go and drive one and see if you like it. I'm sure we've all done the old traffic light grand prix when something tasty comes up next to us but to buy a car based purely on what it will 'waste' on the road is a bit of a weird attitude to take really. Also as said they are pretty old now and will need some heavy maintenance if you are driving round trying to race everything in sight.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: PeteG40 on August 10, 2011, 01:48:32 pm
g40 gauges are so unreliable, i've have it running on the red fine, plus i've ran out of fuel with it no-where near the red.

The old £20 in, is not really an accurate measure,  sam is right, full tank it then do about 300 miles, tank it again and then measure it.

and tbh, custom ecu unless its been VERY well mapped for economy not speed is more likely to use more fuel.


Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 10, 2011, 02:21:46 pm
Any one help point me in the direction of a g40 in the cardiff or wales area? i have abouy 3k to spend. I have 2 kids so funds are pretty tight.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: hayesey on August 10, 2011, 02:33:21 pm
given that there's usually only about 4 or 5 g40s for sale in the whole uk at any one point, you will probably have to widen your search a bit and be prepared to travel
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: hayesey on August 10, 2011, 02:36:32 pm
best places to find them are the for sale section on here, for sale section on clubpolo.co.uk, ebay and pistonheads.com I'd say.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 10, 2011, 02:36:54 pm
seems like thats the case. glad i joined up here. Seem like a really good little car. AdzCM has confirmed this and going by his messages they are very fast.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: hayesey on August 10, 2011, 03:25:52 pm
hmm.  You can talk numbers and stats till the cows come home though.  You need to actually drive one.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Jezza-7 on August 10, 2011, 04:41:21 pm
I can get 60 in 2nd on my car but its got the rev limiter lifted to approx 8000 rpm. I have done 0-60 in 6.7 going by a stop watch with my mate in the car. That was with a few mods on the car.

A few years ago this fella in his integra type r tried to pull away quicker than me from some lights that were on a bend, i think he was trying to impress his g/f but he failed as i beat him on the outside. I laughed.

I had about 135-140 when i melted a piston and that was racing a supra on motorway. He pulled over to let me by.

Aside all this how fast the cars are, do you know much about the g-lader and its servicing as its not cheap.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: breadman on August 10, 2011, 07:10:03 pm
Martin, without meaning to offend, I can't see why figures and stats are so important to you? Does it really matter if you can beat an Integra, Focus ST etc?
As I said before, the G40 Polo is based on an old design. Even when in production they were known to be dated. It is all part of the fun of an old car, no matter how much money you throw at one they are always gonna be a compromise in some way or another.
We all keep saying the same thing mate, THEY ARE FUN TO DRIVE. Spend enough on one and they can be very quick indeed, and because they look so understated thy make an exceptional sleeper.
TBH, from what you have said and the type of questions you've asked I'd say the G40 probably isn't a car for you.
Good luck anyway mate. 
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Justin14100 on August 10, 2011, 07:24:22 pm
I agree with Breadman, they feel so fast when you drive them because they are on the limit so easily, they are so so much fun - we have said that over and over that is what they are about, you shouldn't care about what you can beat in a race because there will always be a faster car, no matter what you own.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Yoof on August 10, 2011, 07:25:15 pm
Most automotive certification should/is done on mid limit components- i.e mid limit car on weight regs, power regs etc etc.

Declared figures are also only that- there's nothing to stop Bugatti declaring a Veyron hitting 0-60 in 10 seconds, providing they can certify it, why they'd want to is a different story.

Around the time the G40 was launched VW also had sales of the Golf GTi, Corrado G60 etc to consider, I'd hazard a guess these gave a better contribution the a Polo G40. Arguably not much of an inssue in the UK as sales of the G40 were limited to 500, but in mainland Europe they had unlimited sales.

Real world terms, the G40 is a quick car, its ability to have full boost instantly at any speed can catch a large amount of newer cars off guard- especially as most are turbocharged.

If you're after something which is as quick as possible for £3k, you're looking at the wrong car- get some turbo Jap scrap, or Swedish power, Saab 9000 Aeros are dirt cheap, and even with 300bhp will need a 190bhp+ G40 to see them off (my car has the battle scars to prove).

If you're looking at making a G40 as quick as possible 0-60, mine currently stands at 4.8seconds, that's neither standard, nor cheap!

Pete
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: hardchargin40 on August 10, 2011, 09:47:54 pm
Martin, no offence but you sound like a Saxo boy racer obsessed with racing others off traffic lights! You may aswell do the Ali G 0-30mph race for all it's worth! And if traffic light dragging is your pastime then you should be looking at a Saxo or properly a rwd sports car! Do not get obsessed with just power alone and times alone they do not tell a full story! It's an unfortunate circumstance that mags and the media choose to symbolise their cars performance by non real world figures! In it's day on fact there wasn't many cars that could be quicker than a G40 in 3rd gear 50-70mph (I.e. Overtaking).


VW if im correct had a tedency to underplay their figures due to superior models, I.e. The more expensive corrado G60 should not be slower than their little supercharged shopping car but it is, give or take.

A G40 is a raw experience, fun and exthrilarating without the blow ups of the R5GTT or escort rs turbo. it's a nineties car, trying to compare it to a modern day car is useless, yes it can be made faster but so can any car. It's all about the ownership experience! A DC2 ITR is an epic car, go test drive one and see where your heart lies. 

If you live a quarter mile at a time, your a very sad individual.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: ereeiz on August 11, 2011, 11:16:21 am
My first one with an induction kit and backbox only was a smidge slower than my mates Corrado VR6 (this was RR'd at 127BHP/ 119lb/ft) to about 70/80. I regularly "do" other cars off lights, slip roads, A roads, motorways, whatever. Normally nobbers in 325s or the like. My current G is about 140ish BHP I'd guess?
You're looking at the wrong things Martin, The power delivery is instant, makes pretty much full boost and power from ~2.5k - 6.5k with a very flat curve comparing to other engines.  So although it's not 1234567bhp it is available pretty much all the time, if you want to overtake from 50mph you can do it in 3rd, 4th, or 5th and still do it quicker than most other cars. Civic Type-R's, 325's. Jag XJ or something (the big saloon) not to mention other less expensive models are all dealt with on a regular occasion :D

And although they do handle rubbish, the car is about a ft narrower than most so you effectively have more road to use ;)
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: DMWG40 on August 11, 2011, 02:35:15 pm
My g40 was running around 150 bhp beat my mates twin turbo subaru off line up to around 80-90mph.
the best thing a g40 can do is go for it at the start. just playing keep up doesnt suit them
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: DMWG40 on August 11, 2011, 02:39:04 pm
book time is 8.1 seconds, magasine reports at the time reckoned more like 7.1. 

but this is all irrelevant.  just go and test drive one and see if you like it or not.

so how come the book time is a full second slower?  ???
you have to remember the era these came out they restricted it alot so not to make it quicker then its big bro the golf gti
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 16, 2011, 06:30:58 pm
Thanks for the replies guys. Was speaking to a friend who knows a bit about polo g40's. Few years back a pal of his had one which was completely standard and he raced it against a seat leon cupra r which was approx 240bhp. The polo was ahead to 100mph. Im impressed. Great cars it seems.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Peterpolo on August 16, 2011, 09:45:15 pm
Bloody Nora!
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Aza_rallye on August 30, 2011, 11:16:10 pm
Having owned my G for a couple of months now I wouldnt say they were fast,mines standard apart from a decat,my friend has dc2 integra standard and he leaves me,and they will out handle the g40 anyday but it is newer and more refined! I purchased my G as a daily driver for it's quirkyness and it's a giggle to drive! The integea is a completely different car! You need to drive one as all your mates can say I onced raced a 9000bhp skyline and beat it and it only had a k&n filter!! Just buy a Saxo Vts or similar and that won't be far off the pace if not quicker I'n standard form and there about £900 and you won't be trashing a decent g40!! Also a standard G would not beat a 240bhp seat to 100 they mite be heavy cars but there not full of lead!!!
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 31, 2011, 12:27:50 pm
Having owned my G for a couple of months now I wouldnt say they were fast,mines standard apart from a decat,my friend has dc2 integra standard and he leaves me,and they will out handle the g40 anyday but it is newer and more refined! I purchased my G as a daily driver for it's quirkyness and it's a giggle to drive! The integea is a completely different car! You need to drive one as all your mates can say I onced raced a 9000bhp skyline and beat it and it only had a k&n filter!! Just buy a Saxo Vts or similar and that won't be far off the pace if not quicker I'n standard form and there about £900 and you won't be trashing a decent g40!! Also a standard G would not beat a 240bhp seat to 100 they mite be heavy cars but there not full of lead!!!

Thats the story I heard about the cupra leon. So a vts would be faster then?
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: hayesey on August 31, 2011, 12:36:48 pm
all these stories of "a mate of a mate down the pub said..." make me laugh. Who honestly gives a shit what cars a g40 is faster than or not?  And don't forget, these 240bhp or whatever cars might have been driven by idiots or (often the case!) people who didnt think they were even in a "race".  Just go and test drive one and if you like it, buy it.  If you are wanting the fastest car on the planet then it's not a g40.

Truth is a totally standard g40 isnt really that fast, especially in comparison with more modern hot hatches.  And the 1970s design chassis certainly doesnt help, even with a simple straight line drag race, the front wheels are moving around loads.

But their beauty is that you dont have to do much to make them pretty crazy.  65mm pulley, chip, sort the air box out and you've got a bloody good fun car that will hold it's own against much more modern stuff and cars that on paper, should be quicker.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: grungeisdead on August 31, 2011, 12:40:40 pm
in all honesty, from the way you come across via your postings on here, a saxo would be more tailored to your needs of traffic light grand prix's and on the road tom-foolery.

we have kept neck and neck with an e36 m3 in a circa 150bhp G40, both two up with a gearbox in the back of the g40, both drivers gunning for it.

as paul says the handling leaves little to be desired in standard form and now compared to modern day hatches you need to spend a good amount on choice modifications before you can come close, however the fun factor when on-boost in a unsafe shoebox will leave you grinning from ear to ear, every time you drive it!
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: martinjc1981 on August 31, 2011, 12:45:16 pm
in all honesty, from the way you come across via your postings on here, a saxo would be more tailored to your needs of traffic light grand prix's and on the road tom-foolery.

we have kept neck and neck with an e36 m3 in a circa 150bhp G40, both two up with a gearbox in the back of the g40, both drivers gunning for it.

as paul says the handling leaves little to be desired in standard form and now compared to modern day hatches you need to spend a good amount on choice modifications before you can come close, however the fun factor when on-boost in a unsafe shoebox will leave you grinning from ear to ear, every time you drive it!

neck and neck with an e36 m3 in a polo with 150bhp? yeah right!
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Justin14100 on August 31, 2011, 01:17:33 pm
in all honesty, from the way you come across via your postings on here, a saxo would be more tailored to your needs of traffic light grand prix's and on the road tom-foolery.

we have kept neck and neck with an e36 m3 in a circa 150bhp G40, both two up with a gearbox in the back of the g40, both drivers gunning for it.

as paul says the handling leaves little to be desired in standard form and now compared to modern day hatches you need to spend a good amount on choice modifications before you can come close, however the fun factor when on-boost in a unsafe shoebox will leave you grinning from ear to ear, every time you drive it!

neck and neck with an e36 m3 in a polo with 150bhp? yeah right!
What would you know Martin - you dont own one nor do you know what they can be capable of. Yoof did 12.5 on a quarter mile which is HUGELY fast for loads of things let alone a 1.3l polo.
READ WHAT WE ARE SAYING the fun factor in these cars isn't about how fast it is or what we can beat in a race but it's the driving characteristics of the little charged engine that will make you smile time after time all day long which is something we here will all agree on.

Anyone can claim they beat something in a race, in fact - I once beat a veyron in a race while on the way to a track day where I beat Lewis Hamilton in his F1 car. Drive one. See how fun they are and you'll see why we keep saying they are so fucking fun.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: grungeisdead on August 31, 2011, 01:24:28 pm
wasnt my G40 nor my BMW so no reason to lie, but the BMW owner (a good friend of the G's driver) spent the next week mithering him to sell it to him!

Believe what you want to believe mate, as said people can only offer thier own experiences, theres so many variables to take into account, including the size of your cajones when driving enthusiatically on public roads against someone, when it only takes one copper to spot you and do you both for racing on public highways.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: breadman on August 31, 2011, 07:47:13 pm
TBH, I wish this posted could be locked, this blokes getting on my tits.
FFS Martin, we've told you enough times about these cars. I don't think you actually understand what we are saying though, they can be very quick indeed, Yoofs ones is unbelievably fast - a 12.5 sec 1/4 mile time is a SERIOUSLY quick time. And it handles too.
Get a Saxo or something else please - and be done with it. >:(
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: Jezza-7 on August 31, 2011, 08:09:23 pm
Can this be locked? I think this is going out of hand and there are clearly no benefits of this to anyone.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: scotsjohn on September 01, 2011, 06:38:32 pm
Agree. It's starting to sound juvenile.
Title: Re: 0-60 time, quarter mile for standard car?
Post by: SamG40 on September 01, 2011, 08:27:17 pm
The masses have spoken!  ;D