Opinions on this FTO

[Chapman]

it's all similar, mivec, Vtec, VVTi, VVC......

[tomee]

i fink the vvti and vtec are different
even tho they do the same thing if u get me? heh

[DaiOni]

"I love the way the fto has to be defended by things like 'in it's class' and 'if you remove price from the equation'..."

That's a nothing statement if I've ever heard one.

[Iruka]

A story about VTEC .....


When VTEC hit,
I instantly pulled 2 cars and by 130mph I had rxped him so bad that he did a ricer flyby as I lifted my throttle ...



:D


Can't stand the VTEC 'boys' sometimes.

[vrfour]

Once again everyone feels compelled to criticise cars they've never owned and probably never driven.



I for one think they're probably the most under-rated import currently available in Oz. At $16K or so to import, I reckon they're a damn sight better than an equivalent Celica...

In the end, just take the thing for a drive and see what you think - don't bother listening to "legend in my own lunchbox" opinions on here.

[J_Tee]

Ok, I have been an FTO owner for 3 weeks now (GR version, 2L V6 non mivec).

The FTO is my first car. I've driven quite a few imports and variations of cars in my search for my first car. 180sx's, skylines, civics, pulsars, you name it, I pretty much drove the breathren of the under $20k 2nd hand car.

What made me get the FTO? Great handling, not overly powerful for a first time driver, good fuel economy comments from other owners. Non turbo, easy on the insurance and the fact that not not every 2nd import on the road is an FTO.

Now, from my point of view, and in my situation, I have no quirks about getting the FTO. Sure, when I'm older, insurance comes down (I'm still only getting 3rd party cause comprehensive is just shit priced), and I have a little more experience, sure I'll get a turbo RWD or AWD car. I certainly wouldnt look at an FTO if i was say, a 23 year old with $50k to spend (like my cousin). But for a 17 year old with only $20k and limited insurance prospects, I chose this path. If I had MORE money, I would definitely have gone the Integra type R, but hey, there are different situations and needs to accomodate everyone. I though the FTO suited me best, so i bought it. As a "starting off" car, I'm not complaining.

[Evo_Lee]

Originally posted by Kangz
Wasn't MIVEC a copy of VTEC, leased from Honda by Mitsubishi?

What I meant was MMC refined the technology in '91, let's take an example between the 91-93 Cyborg R and the 91-95 Civic SIR/II.

MMC managed to sqeeze 175ps/17kgm out of a 1.6L, where at the time Honda could only match with 170ps/16kgm from revisions made in '91,'92 & '93. At the time MMC was praised with such a racy engine in a light package. That's what I meant by the MIVEC were good at their time.

Course we all know what happened after, Honda clearly the winner now while MMC were busy with WRC engine development :D

T

[roastbeef]

Originally posted by Chapman
it's all similar, mivec, Vtec, VVTi, VVC......

not really actuallly.

Variable valve timing is a completely different kettle of fish, when it also has vvt and LIFT.

vtec - lift
vvti-l - has lift
vvti- no lift.

[DaiOni]

"MIVEC-MD Engine 1993

In 1993, the MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control) engine went into production. At that time, the MIVEC led its class in fuel economy at 16km/l in urban driving without sacrificing power. The key to the MIVEC engine's outstanding operating performance is the three mode regulated operation. Depending on driving conditions, the MIVEC system switches between low-speed, high-speed and MD (modulated displacement) modes. Modified cam and rocker profiles provide the most efficient operation possible in the first two modes. In MD mode, the MIVEC engine utilizes only two of its four cylinders, which reduces significantly the energy wasted due to pumping losses. In addition, power loss due to engine friction is also reduced. Advanced cylinder air flow control technology found in the MVV engine is incorporated in the MIVEC, improving combustion performance.

Lancer, Mirage (Colt) and FTO models marketed in Japan are equipped with the MIVEC engine."

http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/d...y/html/gdi.htm

[Theremin]

I've had an FTO for about 6 months now. They handle great provided the suspension is right. Power is good enough and the MIVEC not only gives a nice surge from 5500 rpm but also sounds awesome. Reliability is good, and parts seem reasonably easy to get hold of. As for looks, I can't think of many other cars in the price range that turns heads like the FTO does. So many people stop and ask what sort of car it is.

Not a lot of room for mods on the FTO. Can do some external stuff but not much with the engine (some would say because mitsubishi got it right the first time!) Definitely go for the GPX or GPvR models, both of which have the MIVEC engine. The others have a v6 engine except for the GR which is a 1.8l 4 cyl. You will pay extra for a manual because they are rarer and more popular in Aust. Also, anything newer than 1995 is dearer because the majority were made 1994-95.

Not saying it's the best car in the world, but it you like the looks and want good handling with reasonable performance, then definitely a car worth looking at.

[vrfour]

Theremin - they sound even better with an extra 0.5 litres capacity and a turbo hanging off each bank...

[crx2gen]

Originally posted by BEV11S
they do handle really well, my mate used to have one...until he put it into a wall

:p now i'm convinced.

i don't actually mind them, the rear doesn't appeal to me that much but overall a fairly tidy package - just a couple of questions for the initiated out there.

a) do they come in full automatic, NOT tiptronic?

b) are they still being produced by mitsubishi in japan?

cheers

[DaiOni]

a) do they come in full automatic, NOT tiptronic?

Not that I know of. Even the 1.8l has an invecs-II sports mode (4spd auto). As you probably know, it can be operated in either standard auto form, or flicked over to tiptronic mode.

b) are they still being produced by mitsubishi in japan?

No. 1999 is the oldest one I can remember seeing.

[DaiOni]

rice it to the MAX baby!



This FTO is from the osaka motor salon. Pics can also be found in the latest issue of Option magazine (if you are really that interested). Actually not a bad looking car, let down by a few excesses.

[crx2gen]

Originally posted by projectmagna

hehe, that'll suit mum to a T! :D

by the way, i missed the whole vtec/mivec/whatever thing before...roastbeef got it right.

vtec/mivec - uses two sets of cams, one for lower revs, the other for high, obviously switching between the two.

vvti/vanos - involves cam "phasing" not changing - in other words, changes the angle of the intake camshafts to appropriate earlier intake - bmw's vanos is a double system, which operates on exhaust as well.

vvtli/ivtec - pretty much adds the above together, so you have both cam phasing and cam chhanging. however, as far as i know, i-vtec only phases on the inlet, and not on the exhaust, whilst vvtli is arguably more advanced, allowing inlet and exhaust phasing.

many manufacturers have one form or another of variable valve technology, from the aforementioned hondas and toyotas all the way up to lamborghini and porsche, to name but a few.