We've decided to ruin our lives...

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by Clivey

Congratulations Albert - It looks like quite a nice hatch...

...but it's NOT a Delta.

We were discussing AWD cars in the Golf R20 thread; the original Delta Integrale is undoubtedly an example of an AWD car that's got the necessary soul to be enjoyable.

It's exactly nothing like it indeed...

I saw an Integrale the other day by the way.

(And I still don't want four wheel drive... )

[cargirl1990]

That car is quite sexy if you give it a chance.

[Ferrer]

It's stupid but I think I like it.

First things first, objectively this car is about a million times worse than the BMW. There's absolutely no way it can get close to the BMWs excellence when it comes to driving and there's no argument to be had here. The only aspect where the Lancia is better than the BMW are ride comfort, brakes and probably engine, altough I admit that comparing diesel and petrol isn't really fair.

However, yesterday as I put my driving gloves on and started the engine it all became clear. The BMW is driving tool, and a great one at that, but the Lancia is an automobile. Or to put it another way, in the BMW you are a wanker, in the Lancia you are a gentleman. It's not about what it can do, it's about how it makes you feel.

I know this sounds like a lot of bs, and that with any shadow of a doubt the BMW is the better car and that we all should just forget about the Lancia. But it's not. Do you know all that's said about italian cars character? Well, it's absolutely true.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Or at least you feel it is.

I understand the 'soul' of a product, but you get soul from a sexy toaster. in the end it still converts heat into delicious toast.

[Ferrer]

Reliability is indeed overrated.

Now the sunroof is leaking badly. The car is back at the dealer.

[G35COUPE]

Originally Posted by f6fhellcat13

Isn't the chassis still flobbery regardless of the revs?
With fuel economy like 15l/100km, good straight line characteristics, and an underwhelming chassis I think you are seeing the muscle-car residue from GM ownership.
Suffice to say, if you ever miss RWD, you can always drive backwards.

Man, what on earth are you trying to say here?

[Revo]

Originally Posted by Ferrer

Reliability is indeed overrated.

Now the sunroof is leaking badly. The car is back at the dealer.

Most likely it is caused by blocked drainage tube. Minor stuff really.

Only a submarine must have absolutely watertight hatch, not a car.

[henk4]

Originally Posted by Ferrer

Reliability is indeed overrated.

Now the sunroof is leaking badly. The car is back at the dealer.

you are in Spain, sunroofs are meant to be open....

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by henk4

you are in Spain, sunroofs are meant to be open....

Not when you are washing the car though...

[IBrake4Rainbows]

I once did that with the E30 I used to have

D'oh.

[clutch-monkey]

that thing is like hektik P plate spec now, rolling on old school BBS rims.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Well I hope the interior dried out.

8 months sitting in your swamps wouldn't of helped.

[clutch-monkey]

it was baked dry! interior was redone last i saw it acually..

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Thats probably for the best....Get rid of the old dash and fix the leaking clutch master cylinder (located, through German Wisdom, to be only accessible once the ENTIRE DASH is removed.)

[Ferrer]

Fiset test is due.

Is it practical?

Yes quite. It's a big car with plenty of space everywhere except for rear head room. So keep tall people in the front seats and you'll be fine.

Is it economical?

That rather depends on how heavy is you right foot. If the answer is very then no. But if you relax and try to drive carefully then it's not so bad.

Is it fun to drive?

As in G-forces and sideways action? No. But every time I overtake someone in an expensive german car I can't help but bit a little bit happy inside.

Will it break down all the time?

Of course. It's italian and they do that sort of thing. It's part of the charm.

Is it easy to park?

It's not bad, but it's quite a big car and the turning circle isn't exactly tight. So better find big spaces.

What if I go to a Shopping Centre and get chased by baddies in a Corvette?

It will be very handy... to them. Because when they can catch you they won't be able to fit you in the Vette's boot. But you'll fit perfectly in the Lancia's boot.

Is it green?

No. It's blue and has a black roof.

Can I afford it?

Well, nobody is buying cars now, and usually no one wants relatively affordable italian cars. So while at the dealer just haggle hard until you can afford it. Trust me, eventually you'll get to that point.

What If I'm asked to take part in a beach assault with the Royal Marines?

The electrics will go berserk. And that'll only be the start of your problems...