If memory serves me correctly (at my age!) the Rover uses a two litre Perkins diesel with direct injection. Probably a bit too old to tune electronically, but I do know that in the [Rover] 600 it delivered 100bhp. Lots more than the Renault, which is probably about 70bhp.
If I'm wrong then it's the Peugeot XUD unit either 1769cc or 1905cc. Both are lovely, indirect injector fed things but still do 90bhp ish. And they both are refined units for the era.
Neither is very sweetest of diesels but it will certainly go very nicely. Certainly much sweeter than the Renault 1.4 petrol.
Do check the history of any car, and ask for invoices to verify the mileage. Don't be afraid of high miles as long asit's been serviced properly.
Check for diesel exhaust smoke, too. You'll get a bit of grey/black soot under acceleration, but if it's excessive then the turbo's on its way out. I'd expect the Rover to feel pretty lively at low revs. If it's ploddy then the turbo has failed. Don't buy it.
The Renault (like any petrol car) should be totally clean under any operating conditions. If not, then walk away.
I'll stick to my guns here (much as I'm a diesel performance fan) and suggest that you might get better value from a petrol car in terms of servicing and maintenance.
Let us know how you get on.
Kind regards,
Paul Anderson. |