What kinda speed / acceleration will a sporting give?
What is the engine like - power / torque figures, MPi? economy? reliability at different mileages?
How reliable are they generally - gearboxes / clutches / brakes / etc... I've read the sticky's about the rads, head gaskets and handbrakes!
Servicing / parts - is any thing exceptionally difficult - i've already read about the shimmy tappets, which doesn't sound like much fun at all!!!

Basically, i'm wondering if a sporting is going to be a suitable replacement for the girlfriends mildly tuned 1275 75hp H plate mini, which if truth be known, is not the most reliable, or rust-free transport on the road... I'm obviosly looking at spending as litttle as possible, but if you could guide me a bit, i'd be appreciative! I do have a small inkling that the 54 odd hp of one of these might be a drop too much power for her, but we'll have to see!!!

So, lets hear your advice please!

They are a cracking little car. You can do 90 all day in a standard 1108 (try that in a mini!) and 60 comes up in about 13 secs - but they feel quicker, and the engines are practically bomb proof. As long as you get one that's been looked after, higher mileages don't seem to kill them.

Parts are generally cheap, servicing you can do yourself for peanuts.
Tappets, I've never had to adjust any yet.
Clutches etc. will fail eventually like any other car, but they are generally quite hard wearing.

Best bet is to find one and have a test drive. It'll feel more refined than a mini, especially if you ignore the clang as you shut the door:I

oh, and welcome to the forum

Pete.
Cinq sporting 1242cc
Cinqs&Seis Yahoo group
Clubcento

Ahem, my red cinq is looking 4 a new home, local too, near chester
look at the link in my sig

Steve Wright

http://www.chestermodels.com/fiat
http://www.offroading.net

Dont buy one Or if you do just dont get one like mine that hates all human kind and sets out on a suicide mission from day one of ownership [xx(]

(Can u tell im bitter yet!!)

Cinq Newbie!

96 N Cinqo Sporting
Rosso Sporting Red
54k