General 16 or 20
- Thread starter terryh
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General 16 or 20
16V/16VT - Used the Lampredi designed 16V engine as used in the Lancia Integrale. 142BHP N/A, 195BHP Turbo.
20V/20VT - All new modular engine designed by Fiat in 1996. 147/155BHP N/A, 220BHP Turbo. Distinctive Quattro 5-pot warble, 30MPG if driven carefully.
16VT has a slightly Different Dash, cloth interior has a different design that goes green in the sun.
20VT has Brembo brakes, the 16VT doesnt.
16VT has a different design of alloys compared to the standard 20VT's 4-spokes. Both 15in (N/A) and 16in (TURBO).
Both turbo variants had VISCODRIVE Viscous coupling (LSD) that works very well.
Tuning wise, it's now easier to tune the 20VT and cheaper than the 16VT, in the UK at least.
Performance:
16vt 0-60 around 7 seconds (maybe a smidge faster)
20vt 0-60 6-6.5 seconds (it varies car to car)
Top speed:
16vt 140-odd (I can't remember)
20vt 155
And there's a few little differences here and there. It's mainly the engine, performance, sound and the brembo's. I've owned one 16VT and two 20VT's, I much prefer the 20VT, but as ever with cars it's personal taste. I find the 20VT more modern, better sounding and I prefer the design of the dash.
One thing that's being noticed that's in the 16V's favour is that the 20VT's are rotting worse than the 16V
The cars are at an age now where high mileage, older cars are starting to show signs of the dreaded tin worm (the oldest 20V's are now 14 years old) 16v's aren't suffering so badly. One theory is that the gauge of steel used in the 16v's was thicker than the subsequent models. If buying any coupé I'd be checking the sills for rust.
Oh, there are also two run-out models for the 20V, the LE (Limited Edition) and the Plus. Highlights are a 6-speed gearbox, Sparco strut brace, factory fit side skirts and lips, different Alloy wheel design, Push-button start and a few cosmetic changes.
I think the 16VT is in a lower insurance group than the 20VT, which sits in group 18/19. I can only comment on the reliability of my 16VT, which was that it was very thirsty and was nothing but problems. I find the 20VT engine, with it's more modern design, far more reliable, if looked after. Ideally it needs to be serviced at specialists (FCSS, Torque Italia, Motor Mech, Power Fiat, Solo Italia) and not at Fiat, who haven't got the first clue about these cars most of the time!
20V/20VT - All new modular engine designed by Fiat in 1996. 147/155BHP N/A, 220BHP Turbo. Distinctive Quattro 5-pot warble, 30MPG if driven carefully.
16VT has a slightly Different Dash, cloth interior has a different design that goes green in the sun.
20VT has Brembo brakes, the 16VT doesnt.
16VT has a different design of alloys compared to the standard 20VT's 4-spokes. Both 15in (N/A) and 16in (TURBO).
Both turbo variants had VISCODRIVE Viscous coupling (LSD) that works very well.
Tuning wise, it's now easier to tune the 20VT and cheaper than the 16VT, in the UK at least.
Performance:
16vt 0-60 around 7 seconds (maybe a smidge faster)
20vt 0-60 6-6.5 seconds (it varies car to car)
Top speed:
16vt 140-odd (I can't remember)
20vt 155
And there's a few little differences here and there. It's mainly the engine, performance, sound and the brembo's. I've owned one 16VT and two 20VT's, I much prefer the 20VT, but as ever with cars it's personal taste. I find the 20VT more modern, better sounding and I prefer the design of the dash.
One thing that's being noticed that's in the 16V's favour is that the 20VT's are rotting worse than the 16V
The cars are at an age now where high mileage, older cars are starting to show signs of the dreaded tin worm (the oldest 20V's are now 14 years old) 16v's aren't suffering so badly. One theory is that the gauge of steel used in the 16v's was thicker than the subsequent models. If buying any coupé I'd be checking the sills for rust. Oh, there are also two run-out models for the 20V, the LE (Limited Edition) and the Plus. Highlights are a 6-speed gearbox, Sparco strut brace, factory fit side skirts and lips, different Alloy wheel design, Push-button start and a few cosmetic changes.
I think the 16VT is in a lower insurance group than the 20VT, which sits in group 18/19. I can only comment on the reliability of my 16VT, which was that it was very thirsty and was nothing but problems. I find the 20VT engine, with it's more modern design, far more reliable, if looked after. Ideally it needs to be serviced at specialists (FCSS, Torque Italia, Motor Mech, Power Fiat, Solo Italia) and not at Fiat, who haven't got the first clue about these cars most of the time!
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johnboywood
New member
i could not agree with you more i had a 16vt and went through 3 engines in the space of 6 months and never mind other issues, i now have a 20vt fle mapped and its amzing never let me down i dont always thrash it but i do give it some stick at times. 20vts drink oil i think its about 1l per 1000 miles so check it regularly other than that ive only had one issue with mine and that was the boot switch come loose 10 second fix.
Just a thought but why would anyone have a 16 when there are lots of 20's for sale ?
The 20 valve is expensive enough to keep going but why go for a slower model that WILL cost you more to keep on the road
The 20 valve is expensive enough to keep going but why go for a slower model that WILL cost you more to keep on the road
had a 16vt,got a 20vt. each has good n bad points. the question really is which one is better for you rather than which one is better,they are both coupes at the end of the day but if you want sound n speed the 20 is better for you but if like original models with the lancia lump or you want to mod it the 16 is more you.i say this because i hear the 16 lump is better and stronger lump to tune,tho that being said i no people with 375bhp 20vts and had no problems.about the 16 being best to mod, lots of lads from fccuk and i researched my self tho i now loads of people would dis agree. dont want 2 start a 16 v 20 war..lol...
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The reason for going for a 20 instead of 16 is probably due to there being a lot more "donor" cars around.
They both look stunning IMHO
They both look stunning IMHO
