Which is best

[jasonp]

I'm thinking of getting rid of my pinto. I have noticed most people on this board prefer Vx motors, but how do V8s stack up against them?

[Matt Seabrook]

Oh know Vx V8 war of words coming take cover.

[Westfieldman]

Just for Nick burn them all fit a Duratec

Paul. Any one got a web link for Jade race cars?

[Matt Seabrook]

The two cars are going to be very different. Best bet would be to get a drive in both and I don’t mean a mile up the road and back as first impressions can be deceiving.

[markg]

not much in it just personal preference but the sound of the v8 made my girlfriend a bit moist  so i had to have one just got to put it together now

[george]

let's see, 8 or 4 -- which is more? -- and more is better  

[Blatman]

and more is better

Unless it's seconds on a lap/sprint time.....    

[Bananaman]

let's see, 8 or 4 -- which is more? -- and more is better

Ancient Chinese quote

'Less is More!'

e.g. less weight more speed!'

Therfore what Westfieldman2002 says is the path to enlightenment.

Just for Nick burn them all fit a Duratec

You really don't want one of them BIG OLD HEAVY lumps in your car (or else you would stick with the Pinto??)        

P.S. The exhaust comes out of the same side as your Pinto also so no new body work.

[Si Stocks]

Just to echo what others have said here and in the past, I think it does to a great extent, depend on what you are going to be using it for and what rings your bells.

For me nothing beats the sound of a V8 and the characteristics of the power delivery.  Some people however prefer revs to cubic capacity.  In terms of outright power, with the Vx being good for 250+ bhp, there is not much in it, though someone better informed than me will be able to tell you what the relative costs are when looking to extract 250+ from either a Vx or a V8.  In terms of weight, the V8 is not as heavy as many people think and a search on the forum will no doubt turn up some weights for you to compare.

As I primarily use my car on the road, the

seconds on a lap/sprint time

are of no real relevance to me, but my V8 comrades who do race/sprint their cars will be able to offer advice on whether there is indeed a differential of this nature  

So overall, each has it's own strengths and weaknesses - it just depends on how these compare to your requirements as to which will suit you best...(go for a V8...you know you wany to...     )

Simon

[Matt Seabrook]

If you are talking really big power the V8 is likely to win as second hand TVR engines are not that hard to come by. I know of one that was purchased with gearbox and engine management for less than £5000 not bad when you think that 5000cc and easy over 300bhp you would be lucky to find a second hand Vx with 300bhp for £5000 with a gearbox and management thrown in. If you want a straight-line blaster go V8 if you want a very quick car that handles better go for a Vx if you want something with aprox 200bhp go Zetec with mods as this will be lighter than the Vx and should help to handle even better. If you have got deep pockets go Duratec and modify that, as this will be lighter than the Zetec. I am no Duratec expert but from prices I have seen it’s going to cost a bit to get it to 200bhp let alone any more. This is a very simplified overview.

[george]

 Oh, do you want a serious answer?  

V8 advantages --  

 it sounds great -- mine has side exhausts and no crossover pipe so it actually sounds like two out-of-sync 4 cylinder engines -- a bit weird

 it has a really broad torque curve -- this is rarely mentioned but is a real benefit.  Shifting is largely optional; for road use only 2nd and 5th are needed, even on hills

 cool looking engine -- I run without the hood (bonnet?) to keep it cool (see 4 cyl advantages, below)

4 cyl advantages --

 weight (handling) -- maybe.  The Rover/Buick is only about 320 pounds.  I'm told that the Rover trans is the heavy item.

 size -- for me this is the most intriguing aspect of a 4 cylinder engine.  My V8 is large -- it's width makes it harder to work on (removing the exhaust is a pain) and its height (wet sump) means that to maintain acceptable ground clearance, I have to use a higher ride height than I'd like for optimum suspension geometry (especially bump steer).  

 efficiency -- I'm lucky to get 16 miles per gallon.  With my 8 gallon fuel cell (and no fuel guage) this keeps my attention on the odometer.  The poor mileage also translates to a lot of heat generated by the engine.  Good airflow out of the engine compartment is a must.

As has been said, both work very well.  Whatever floats your boat.