1.2L vs. 1.4L

DaveHarries · 21-07-2008, 19:43

Hi,

I am intent on getting a Fabia 2 1.4L 16V. However, having just lost my job (grrrrr.....) means that this will get put back a bit. I will, however, downgrade a bit and go for a 1.2L Fabia if I have to.

Some questions though, and I would appreciate some answers if anyone knows:

1. BHP: I notice that there are various levels of bhp. Does the amount of bhp have any effect on the overall speed of the car or does it simply alter the amount of force on the brakes?

2. Road Trips: I will, from time to time, use the Fabia to go to places like Torquay (annual weekend away) and Llandovery, mid-Wales (friend has a cottage there). I reckon that a 1.2L wouldn't have as much kick as a 1.4L when it comes to motorway usage. Would I be right on that? If so, what sort of MPG could I expect from taking a 1.2L 12V down the M5 at 70mph compared to a 1.4?

Cheers.

Dave

cjb · 21-07-2008, 20:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveHarries

1. BHP: I notice that there are various levels of bhp. Does the amount of bhp have any effect on the overall speed of the car or does it simply alter the amount of force on the brakes?

The 'brake' in BHP is just the way it is measured. It's a measure of engine power output.

Little Jo · 21-07-2008, 20:32

Hi there

I can only vouch for the 1.4, it is a good car and in estate guise is a tiny bit underpowered, but it's okay. I wouldn't want to use a 1.2 on longer journeys as it would have to work harder to keep up on the motorway. The gearing in 4th and 5th gear are longer than my previous car (a Vauxhall Astra 1.4 16v) and this means coming down a gear on inclines.

Hopefully you will find a new job soon. Yes, unemployment is rising and many companies and individuals will feel the pinch, but there are still millions in work and still vacancies wanting to be filled. Fingers crossed for you!

nutztoys · 22-07-2008, 06:29

Hi DaveHarris,

I have a 1.2 12V and can only recommend it also for longer trips.
I live in Copenhagen and we drive to Norway about 4 times a year and think it does it very well on the motorway. The tourqe of the engine is good and travelling around 110 kmp ( Think it´s around 70 mph) is very comfortable and overtaking is no problem.
I do not think it has to struggle to keep up not even on the twisty and steep roads in Norway.
I actualy chose this instead of the 1.4 because I found the 1.2 a very good engine for the Fabia. The fuel economy is good. I do around 18 km/liter on our trips.
Also the grunt is very nice....

So my advice to you is to go for it............

Hope you find a job soon.........

Bgds Dan

the13thduke · 22-07-2008, 08:19

Hi Dave,

I went from a 1.2 12V to a 1.4 16V Ibiza a few years back and was sorely disappointed, finding the larger engine to be flat at lower revs when pootling around and positively asthmatic at higher revs when pressing on, with a fairly narrow band of decent power/torque delivery inbetween. This meant more cog-stirring than the smaller engine, which is somewhat counter-intuitive.

When I moved to the Fabia I tried both engines and ended up plumping for the 70bhp 1.2. In my eyes it's a far more flexible unit and I don't miss the 1.4 at all. Sure the 1.2 pulls a few more revs at motorway speeds but it isn't intrusive and I've found it very capable so far.

Can't comment on the Fabia's economy yet as I'm only two tanks in but the difference between my Ibiza's was 3-5 mpg around town in favour of the 1.2 and pretty much negligible on a long run unless taking it really steady, where the 1.2 would again eke out a few more mpg. Doesn't sound much but all told it was an extra weeks commute per tank!

All peronal opinion and experiences of course, go and test drive both and see how you feel. Good luck in the job market

jamestay1 · 22-07-2008, 18:43

i had a mk 1 1.4 and now own a mk 1 1.2.
the 1.4 was slow from start and wasn't powerful enough ( it was 5 years old when i bought it)
i bought the 1.2 brand new and i could feel the diffrence straight away,more power from standstill and a more gutsy engine.
on the motorway it's fine and in town very good.

helix · 24-07-2008, 08:36

Hi
I've been in a 1.4 but not a 1.2. A lot of motoring journalists seem to like the 1.2 as it's responsive, revs easily and is characterful though for some this means the 3 cylinder unit is a bit unrefined. WhatCar online review recommends the 1.4, which is quite refined and a good all rounder (but less characterful to some).
I'd be cautious about the 1.2 if you are carrying a load, and i think it would be more wearing than the 1.4 on the motorway. i think the 13thDuke's comments pretty much sum up the pros and cons as I've head them. Just one thing to note, for most of its life the Ibiza 1.2 had 64bhp (now 69 in the Fabia) and the 1.4 had 75bhp and 93lbs of torque, and now has 84bhp and 97lbs, so a bit of a change. I felt the 1.4 I was in was surprisingly powerful given it had 3 largish adults in too! Ultimately you need to test drive them and decide for yourself. I hope you find this helpful.

ag.morley · 24-07-2008, 09:10

We do regular trips to London from Yorkshire in a 1.2 Fabia Estate (64 bhp)........No promlem...Good on Fuel at 70. Once it's sat at Cruise speed it's fine.

woodenspatulas · 24-07-2008, 10:05

if you dont carry much weight with you on your long trips the 1.2 70bhp would be fine. i drove one for a 1000 miles which was mainly motorway and i found it fine with an extra passenger and some luggage but when i went upto the airport with 2 passengers and luggage to fill the boot it did feel a little under powered. but it certainly didnt stop me sitcking to the 70mph limit all the way there and back

the 1.4i seems more expensive all round, for only a bit more power. the engine isnt a character like the 3 pot is but i agree it is more refined. we seen to get allot of people asking after the 1.4 and then after test driving it either going down or up to the 1.6i

DaveHarries · 24-07-2008, 12:06

Woodenspatulas,

Sounds interesting that not many 1.4s seem to find favour with your customers. I take it you work for one of the dealerships?

I wouldn't expect to be carrying huge amounts of luggage in it. However, the 1.4L 16V option is tempting: I had one on hire in November 2007 for a daytrip from Bristol to West Somerset. Took the 1.4L across Exmoor and it did a decent pace without much bother.

I am just trying to guage oppinions on what thoughts are from users on this board about the 1.2L & 1.4L. But I will end up test-driving them both before I decide. It is a pity that the local dealerships in Bristol (Clist & Rattle and Streets) don't do 24-hour loans on the Fabias: that would be the best way to compare as I could then try them on the M5 between Avonmouth & Clevedon.

Dave

Estate Man · 24-07-2008, 15:23

Dave, I've just put my new 1.4 TDI 80 diesel estate into the garage for a very minor problem to be sorted and picked up the 1.4 petrol hatchback courtesy car. Crikey, what a difference. The petrol car is very lacking in power compared to the diesel...although still ok. It's just I've gotten used to having huge great gobs of torque that fling you and the car down the road at a goodly rate of knots I guess. I understand from friends the 1.2 petrol is just as good if not better than the 1.4 petrol. But...can you not wait just a little until you have your job sorted, and go for the diesel. The 1.4 TDI 80 is amazing (I'm averaging between 59mpg and 70.9mpg) and the road tax on it is going down to £30pa next year too, down from £35pa. But...all that extra power...it's luvely!!! Good luck mate!

jaxx007 · 24-07-2008, 16:22

To estate man, My tdi 80 estate is on order at the minute. Your economy is brilliant. As you say, the torque is brilliant, so do you get this economy and still regularly use the turbo's performance and torque. i.e, getting 60-70 mpg and still reving it to say 2500 rpm. Do you do this regularly or only rarely? Just wondering so I know how best to drive mine when it comes!!!

Estate Man · 24-07-2008, 18:06

Jaxx, I don't think we should bump this thread...but quickly...yes, I use the turbo's power. But my car is still running in and whilst I drive 'normally' I follow the instructions in the manual regarding running in. I use it on mixed roads ie: dual carriageways, 'A' roads, town etc and I take the revs to 3000rpm regularly and use the gears alot to vary the load on the engine. Not exactly economy driving but I still get amazing results! Don't worry...you'll know how to drive it to get best results. Errr...sorry Dave...hope you don't mind our deviation from your subject too much!

jaxx007 · 24-07-2008, 18:36

I apologise also. I'm just sooooooo excited about my car cos it's my 1st ever brand new car. My newest purchase before this was 7 years old when I got it. I'm sorry again.

Phil9 · 24-07-2008, 19:21

I must admit i have never driven the 1.4 because after a test drive i bought the 1.2 12v straight away. Most of the time the car is relatively "unloaded" but have also driven fully laden and it was fine. I can imagine that if you are fully laden, with 4 adults and the AC switched on then you might struggle on inclines. Apart from that don't expect to win drag races but overtaking in 5th is smooth at motorway speeds.
(incidentally my previous car was an escort 1,8 16v

)

DaveHarries · 24-07-2008, 21:08

I am finding this to be a most interesting thread. I should have said at the start that I want a Hatchback, not an Estate.

Thanks for all your replies: look forward to reading any more that appear.

Dave

Estate Man · 25-07-2008, 14:21

Dave, yes it's a good thread. You will know this I'm sure...but you can order your new Skoda Hatch with the 1.4TDI 80 engine if you think the diesel is the one for you. Have you taken the diesel version out for a spin yet? Most people do tend to fall in love with it once they have driven one. And...there is that diesel indestructability built in too. It will contribute to lowering your running costs if you can stretch to one in the first instance, especially over longer term ownership.

jaxx007 · 25-07-2008, 20:35

I fell in love with the tdi 80 estate. I would have loved to have the 1.9 but the big gap in urban economy and extra cost, tax and insurance meant I was unable to convice the boss (my wife) that I wanted the 1.9. As per usual though... she is right. Still after the 1.4 tdi 80 test drive, I fell in love with that and the noise is only noticable at idle. And as I said to the missus... turn the radio up if it annoys you. I'm unwilling to spend 3000 more just to get a common rail equipped family car. They can sod off!!!

HZ123 · 25-07-2008, 21:19

Good for you Jax. I wonder if replacing the under bonnet noise insulation might reduce the noise a little. That as standard does seem to be that good to me. I payed about £60 for sound insulation kit for the boot / bpnnet of my previous 'a' class and it made a difference.

jaxx007 · 25-07-2008, 21:27

how and where do you go about getting something like that done. Is it easy to fit or does a man in overalls do it???

21-07-2008, 19:43	#1
DaveHarries Briskodian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bristol Posts: 196 Thanks: 8 Thanked 7 Times in 5 Posts	1.2L vs. 1.4L Hi, I am intent on getting a Fabia 2 1.4L 16V. However, having just lost my job (grrrrr.....) means that this will get put back a bit. I will, however, downgrade a bit and go for a 1.2L Fabia if I have to. Some questions though, and I would appreciate some answers if anyone knows: 1. BHP: I notice that there are various levels of bhp. Does the amount of bhp have any effect on the overall speed of the car or does it simply alter the amount of force on the brakes? 2. Road Trips: I will, from time to time, use the Fabia to go to places like Torquay (annual weekend away) and Llandovery, mid-Wales (friend has a cottage there). I reckon that a 1.2L wouldn't have as much kick as a 1.4L when it comes to motorway usage. Would I be right on that? If so, what sort of MPG could I expect from taking a 1.2L 12V down the M5 at 70mph compared to a 1.4? Cheers. Dave

21-07-2008, 20:32	#3
Little Jo Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Herts Posts: 130 Thanks: 21 Thanked 9 Times in 8 Posts	Re: 1.2L vs. 1.4L Hi there I can only vouch for the 1.4, it is a good car and in estate guise is a tiny bit underpowered, but it's okay. I wouldn't want to use a 1.2 on longer journeys as it would have to work harder to keep up on the motorway. The gearing in 4th and 5th gear are longer than my previous car (a Vauxhall Astra 1.4 16v) and this means coming down a gear on inclines. Hopefully you will find a new job soon. Yes, unemployment is rising and many companies and individuals will feel the pinch, but there are still millions in work and still vacancies wanting to be filled. Fingers crossed for you! __________________ Jo

22-07-2008, 06:29	#4
nutztoys Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Copenhagen , Denmark Posts: 35 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: 1.2L vs. 1.4L Hi DaveHarris, I have a 1.2 12V and can only recommend it also for longer trips. I live in Copenhagen and we drive to Norway about 4 times a year and think it does it very well on the motorway. The tourqe of the engine is good and travelling around 110 kmp ( Think it´s around 70 mph) is very comfortable and overtaking is no problem. I do not think it has to struggle to keep up not even on the twisty and steep roads in Norway. I actualy chose this instead of the 1.4 because I found the 1.2 a very good engine for the Fabia. The fuel economy is good. I do around 18 km/liter on our trips. Also the grunt is very nice.... So my advice to you is to go for it............ Hope you find a job soon......... Bgds Dan

22-07-2008, 08:19	#5
the13thduke Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lancashire Posts: 13 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: 1.2L vs. 1.4L Hi Dave, I went from a 1.2 12V to a 1.4 16V Ibiza a few years back and was sorely disappointed, finding the larger engine to be flat at lower revs when pootling around and positively asthmatic at higher revs when pressing on, with a fairly narrow band of decent power/torque delivery inbetween. This meant more cog-stirring than the smaller engine, which is somewhat counter-intuitive. When I moved to the Fabia I tried both engines and ended up plumping for the 70bhp 1.2. In my eyes it's a far more flexible unit and I don't miss the 1.4 at all. Sure the 1.2 pulls a few more revs at motorway speeds but it isn't intrusive and I've found it very capable so far. Can't comment on the Fabia's economy yet as I'm only two tanks in but the difference between my Ibiza's was 3-5 mpg around town in favour of the 1.2 and pretty much negligible on a long run unless taking it really steady, where the 1.2 would again eke out a few more mpg. Doesn't sound much but all told it was an extra weeks commute per tank! All peronal opinion and experiences of course, go and test drive both and see how you feel. Good luck in the job market

22-07-2008, 18:43	#6
jamestay1 Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: bradford,w. yorkshire Posts: 281 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Re: 1.2L vs. 1.4L i had a mk 1 1.4 and now own a mk 1 1.2. the 1.4 was slow from start and wasn't powerful enough ( it was 5 years old when i bought it) i bought the 1.2 brand new and i could feel the diffrence straight away,more power from standstill and a more gutsy engine. on the motorway it's fine and in town very good.

24-07-2008, 08:36	#7
helix Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 55 Thanks: 7 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: 1.2L vs. 1.4L Hi I've been in a 1.4 but not a 1.2. A lot of motoring journalists seem to like the 1.2 as it's responsive, revs easily and is characterful though for some this means the 3 cylinder unit is a bit unrefined. WhatCar online review recommends the 1.4, which is quite refined and a good all rounder (but less characterful to some). I'd be cautious about the 1.2 if you are carrying a load, and i think it would be more wearing than the 1.4 on the motorway. i think the 13thDuke's comments pretty much sum up the pros and cons as I've head them. Just one thing to note, for most of its life the Ibiza 1.2 had 64bhp (now 69 in the Fabia) and the 1.4 had 75bhp and 93lbs of torque, and now has 84bhp and 97lbs, so a bit of a change. I felt the 1.4 I was in was surprisingly powerful given it had 3 largish adults in too! Ultimately you need to test drive them and decide for yourself. I hope you find this helpful.

24-07-2008, 09:10	#8
ag.morley S60-R wanabee Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: right on track........ Posts: 4,683 Thanks: 7 Thanked 67 Times in 24 Posts	Re: 1.2L vs. 1.4L We do regular trips to London from Yorkshire in a 1.2 Fabia Estate (64 bhp)........No promlem...Good on Fuel at 70. Once it's sat at Cruise speed it's fine. __________________ This is my new signature...........Good in'it.......... DO IT NOW------------------->>>>

24-07-2008, 10:05	#9
woodenspatulas Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Kent Posts: 1,208 Thanks: 27 Thanked 52 Times in 47 Posts	Re: 1.2L vs. 1.4L if you dont carry much weight with you on your long trips the 1.2 70bhp would be fine. i drove one for a 1000 miles which was mainly motorway and i found it fine with an extra passenger and some luggage but when i went upto the airport with 2 passengers and luggage to fill the boot it did feel a little under powered. but it certainly didnt stop me sitcking to the 70mph limit all the way there and back the 1.4i seems more expensive all round, for only a bit more power. the engine isnt a character like the 3 pot is but i agree it is more refined. we seen to get allot of people asking after the 1.4 and then after test driving it either going down or up to the 1.6i __________________ Where has my sig pic gone????

24-07-2008, 12:06	#10
DaveHarries Briskodian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bristol Posts: 196 Thanks: 8 Thanked 7 Times in 5 Posts	Re: 1.2L vs. 1.4L Woodenspatulas, Sounds interesting that not many 1.4s seem to find favour with your customers. I take it you work for one of the dealerships? I wouldn't expect to be carrying huge amounts of luggage in it. However, the 1.4L 16V option is tempting: I had one on hire in November 2007 for a daytrip from Bristol to West Somerset. Took the 1.4L across Exmoor and it did a decent pace without much bother. I am just trying to guage oppinions on what thoughts are from users on this board about the 1.2L & 1.4L. But I will end up test-driving them both before I decide. It is a pity that the local dealerships in Bristol (Clist & Rattle and Streets) don't do 24-hour loans on the Fabias: that would be the best way to compare as I could then try them on the M5 between Avonmouth & Clevedon. Dave

24-07-2008, 15:23	#11
Estate Man Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Essex Posts: 25 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: 1.2L vs. 1.4L Dave, I've just put my new 1.4 TDI 80 diesel estate into the garage for a very minor problem to be sorted and picked up the 1.4 petrol hatchback courtesy car. Crikey, what a difference. The petrol car is very lacking in power compared to the diesel...although still ok. It's just I've gotten used to having huge great gobs of torque that fling you and the car down the road at a goodly rate of knots I guess. I understand from friends the 1.2 petrol is just as good if not better than the 1.4 petrol. But...can you not wait just a little until you have your job sorted, and go for the diesel. The 1.4 TDI 80 is amazing (I'm averaging between 59mpg and 70.9mpg) and the road tax on it is going down to £30pa next year too, down from £35pa. But...all that extra power...it's luvely!!! Good luck mate! __________________ *I'm learning to be more RESPONSIBLE!...NOT!!!*

24-07-2008, 16:22	#12
jaxx007 Briskodian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Merseyside Posts: 51 Thanks: 10 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1.2L vs. 1.4L To estate man, My tdi 80 estate is on order at the minute. Your economy is brilliant. As you say, the torque is brilliant, so do you get this economy and still regularly use the turbo's performance and torque. i.e, getting 60-70 mpg and still reving it to say 2500 rpm. Do you do this regularly or only rarely? Just wondering so I know how best to drive mine when it comes!!!

24-07-2008, 18:06	#13
Estate Man Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Essex Posts: 25 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: 1.2L vs. 1.4L Jaxx, I don't think we should bump this thread...but quickly...yes, I use the turbo's power. But my car is still running in and whilst I drive 'normally' I follow the instructions in the manual regarding running in. I use it on mixed roads ie: dual carriageways, 'A' roads, town etc and I take the revs to 3000rpm regularly and use the gears alot to vary the load on the engine. Not exactly economy driving but I still get amazing results! Don't worry...you'll know how to drive it to get best results. Errr...sorry Dave...hope you don't mind our deviation from your subject too much! __________________ *I'm learning to be more RESPONSIBLE!...NOT!!!*

24-07-2008, 18:36	#14
jaxx007 Briskodian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Merseyside Posts: 51 Thanks: 10 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1.2L vs. 1.4L I apologise also. I'm just sooooooo excited about my car cos it's my 1st ever brand new car. My newest purchase before this was 7 years old when I got it. I'm sorry again.

24-07-2008, 19:21	#15
Phil9 Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 20 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: 1.2L vs. 1.4L I must admit i have never driven the 1.4 because after a test drive i bought the 1.2 12v straight away. Most of the time the car is relatively "unloaded" but have also driven fully laden and it was fine. I can imagine that if you are fully laden, with 4 adults and the AC switched on then you might struggle on inclines. Apart from that don't expect to win drag races but overtaking in 5th is smooth at motorway speeds. (incidentally my previous car was an escort 1,8 16v )

24-07-2008, 21:08	#16
DaveHarries Briskodian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bristol Posts: 196 Thanks: 8 Thanked 7 Times in 5 Posts	Re: 1.2L vs. 1.4L I am finding this to be a most interesting thread. I should have said at the start that I want a Hatchback, not an Estate. Thanks for all your replies: look forward to reading any more that appear. Dave

25-07-2008, 14:21	#17
Estate Man Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Essex Posts: 25 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: 1.2L vs. 1.4L Dave, yes it's a good thread. You will know this I'm sure...but you can order your new Skoda Hatch with the 1.4TDI 80 engine if you think the diesel is the one for you. Have you taken the diesel version out for a spin yet? Most people do tend to fall in love with it once they have driven one. And...there is that diesel indestructability built in too. It will contribute to lowering your running costs if you can stretch to one in the first instance, especially over longer term ownership. __________________ *I'm learning to be more RESPONSIBLE!...NOT!!!*

25-07-2008, 20:35	#18
jaxx007 Briskodian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Merseyside Posts: 51 Thanks: 10 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1.2L vs. 1.4L I fell in love with the tdi 80 estate. I would have loved to have the 1.9 but the big gap in urban economy and extra cost, tax and insurance meant I was unable to convice the boss (my wife) that I wanted the 1.9. As per usual though... she is right. Still after the 1.4 tdi 80 test drive, I fell in love with that and the noise is only noticable at idle. And as I said to the missus... turn the radio up if it annoys you. I'm unwilling to spend 3000 more just to get a common rail equipped family car. They can sod off!!!

25-07-2008, 21:19	#19
HZ123 Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 79 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: 1.2L vs. 1.4L Good for you Jax. I wonder if replacing the under bonnet noise insulation might reduce the noise a little. That as standard does seem to be that good to me. I payed about £60 for sound insulation kit for the boot / bpnnet of my previous 'a' class and it made a difference.

25-07-2008, 21:27	#20
jaxx007 Briskodian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Merseyside Posts: 51 Thanks: 10 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1.2L vs. 1.4L how and where do you go about getting something like that done. Is it easy to fit or does a man in overalls do it???

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