General Cinq or Sei Sporting?

[Pandabloke]

Hi small car people! I've swung across from the Multipla forum cos I'm looking to buy a decent unmodified (very important) Cinq or Sei Sporting. (Basically cos I can't find a good Classic Panda near me......)

A couple of questions then, if you'd be so kind.

I think both the Cinq and the Sei have the 1108cc Fire engine. Is there any difference between the engine in the two models, or should I expect similar performance from both?

Are there any unmolested Cinq Sportings left.....

Is the Schumacher Sei worth pursuing or is it really just another model option? Is it extra special, sort of thing? I'm not knocking it at all, just wondering if it is THE Sei to have.

Are there any genuine factory Abrath versions of the Cinq or Sei, or are they created from Fiat bolt on goodies?

Can you advise me on any particular versions to look out for.

Does anyone know of a specialist dealer in the the Cinq or Sei (unlikely I know but I don't know your world as well as you do, lol!)?

Any other advice on my prospective purchase gratefully received.

Ta then,

Panda.

 

[rallycinq]

Same basic 1108 engine, although later Seis have Multipoint injection.

Early MPi ECUs are suspect, later ones fairly bulletproof.

SPi ECUs very bulletproof.

There all easily and cheap enough to repair.

Cheers

SPD

 

[Pandabloke]

Mpi Multipoint Injection ?

Spi Singlepoint Injection?

What reg is an early MPi Ecu'd car? Does Multi point Injection come with a power increase?

Your reply is exactly the sort of response I'm after. Cheers rallycinq!

 

[whitz]

yep
yep
October 2001 if i remember correctly

 

[Pandabloke]

yep
yep
October 2001 if i remember correctly

Lol! Cool. Ta. Short and swift reply. Me like.

 

[rallycinq]

No power increase with MPi, was done for emissions.

Cheers

SPD

 

[AppleSei]

Its oct 00 not oct 01

schumacher sei is a bit rarer, however it is only a few badges and an autograph on the boot that differs it from an abarth model, its not worth extra expense IMO if one is more dearer than the other

the abarth bits are just bolted on although the sei one was sold as a seperate model

Although the same power output the cinq and early seis are a bit quicker (however no quicker overall just feel quicker) but are a bit sloppy through the gears, the MPI sei is a bit more refined and smoother in the gears

 

[rallycinq]

I think the later Sei Abarths with 14 inch wheels from the factory have a different final drive ratio.

Cheers

SPD

 

[fingers99]

To compensate for the larger tyres. Yep.

But the performance choice is 14" 6J wheels with 195/45/14 which gives more or less the same gearing as the stock tyres (and, with the right tyres, obscene levels of grip).

 

[Todger182]

If it's of any interest, I do know of somebody who specializes in sei's.

Thanks

 

[murphya]

I think the later Sei Abarths with 14 inch wheels from the factory have a different final drive ratio.

Cheers

SPD

so if i put an abarth box in sporting would this cause my speedo to be different do i then need 14 in wheels

 

[fingers99]

The speedo will be different. The gearing will be lower.

If you want lower gearing, go for it, but it'll be pretty horrible on motorways.

If you want 14" wheels, go for 6J with 195/45/14 which have almost the same rolling radius as the standard tyres (and offer more choice than the 185/50/14s you have to run on the Abarth wheels) -- that way you can run with the standard box.

 

[CLXCraig]

stick it out for a panda!! theres a few on ebay from time tot time in good un changed condition.they seem to sell quite high though. alternatiley check out some private garages

 

[ycming]

Go for the cinq sporting

Ming

 

[cinqysporting]

ive had the privilage of owning both, they both handle like go-karts...brilliant. I have a Sei Abarth at the mo which i think feels more refined somehow. It shouldnt as there are only panel changes and bigger wheels.
I would rather change Geoff Capes nappy than the clutch cable on a SEI, a nightmare. A lot more accessable on a Cinq, i drilled a hole in the underside of the dash and fitted an updated cable on mine, you cant see/ tell from the passenger seat
Had mine for 3 years,no probs maybe looking to sell, need a bigger fiat

 

[AppleSei]

Go for the cinq sporting

Ming

informative

at least help the OP by putting a reason as to why you say this

 

[Pandabloke]

If it's of any interest, I do know of somebody who specializes in sei's.

Thanks

I'm interested! Let me know the details. Thanks.

 

[Pandabloke]

stick it out for a panda!! theres a few on ebay from time tot time in good un changed condition.they seem to sell quite high though. alternatiley check out some private garages

Yeah I know what you are saying Craig, but I've had me fill of driving 150 miles to look at £500 quid Pandas that are scrappers and that sort of thing.

Also they don't show up much on an Autotrader search these days and apart from classifieds here or the dreadful ebay they can't be found. I just can't source a good 'un in the last two years. Not within worthwhile viewing distance, anyway.

That's why I'm looking at Cento's now.

 

[Pandabloke]

Go for the cinq sporting

Ming

Actually I quite that. The man knows his mind!

 

[Pandabloke]

schumacher sei is a bit rarer, however it is only a few badges and an autograph on the boot that differs it from an abarth model, its not worth extra expense IMO if one is more dearer than the other....

Thanks for that. Useful stuff. Can't actually stand the man meself although I admire his talent enormously. Not sure I'd want his signature emblazoned all over me car, truth be known. It appears that I am not going to be too model specific, just a good Sporting version of either might do. You lot are nearly as good as the Multipla boys (but you don't break down half as much........)