Panda Panda 100hp

[Cam]

Hi all,

Despite what my friends and family think, I deliberately traded in my mazda 3 mps for a panda 100hp! And I bloody love it!

I've already posted up a couple of things, and asked a couple of questions about some handling "oddities" I had after changing tyres, but I thought I'd say hi officially.

Obviously the panda is nowhere near as quick as the mazda, which was not only straight line fast but mental through fast corners, but I'm having so much more fun, more of the time now! The only thing I'm not totally sold on is the steering which, being electric, doesn't really centre very convincingly. On light steering loads it doesn't have the natural weight I'd expect. And I don't like whatever the sport button does - pish!

I don't have any grand plans for it - I had a major service done, new goodyears put on it, alloys straightened out and balanced, and a 4 wheel alignment done immediately - but with parts being so much cheaper than I've been used to, I just might consider a few things...! To be honest, the only thing I really miss about having a big fast hatch, (apart from the ability to overtake(!) and the complete stability it had at speed) is a really good stereo, so I might have a look into upgrading that first and foremost. And then maybe have a think about suspension. And I quite fancy one of those ragazzon group B exhausts! We shall see.

But hey, cambelt change first, and a bonnet respray! Boring boring me!

C

 

[Gavv8]

You mean the Ragazzon group 'n' exhaust....its very loud...

 

[Cam]

You mean the Ragazzon group 'n' exhaust....its very loud...

That's the one! I'd keep a silenced mid section of the exhaust as well - would it really be so bad?!

 

[Gavv8]

Its not too bad with the silenced mid section, there are tons of videos on youtube showing the various combinations, there are quite a few other options if you order from Italy.

 

[AllThingsItalian]

Its not too bad with the silenced mid section, there are tons of videos on youtube showing the various combinations, there are quite a few other options if you order from Italy.

Gavv8

Sorry to cut in, new member. But do you you know if makes a straight through centre section for the 100HP??

Matt

 

[Gavv8]

Gavv8

Sorry to cut in, new member. But do you you know if makes a straight through centre section for the 100HP??

Matt

Ragazzon/Inox/Protoxide and Ulter sport all do straight through centre sections, they are usually about £90 on ebay but are not street legal in the UK.....doesn't stop anyone though..

 

[AllThingsItalian]

Thanks Gavv8, will keep my eyes peeled for one there, much appreciated

 

[Cam]

Exhaust started blowing a bit a couple of months back, so decided to replace! Popped into a nearby LongLife garage, and had them make up a full stainless system from the downpipe back. I rather like it! 3" opening, considerably less silencing, but shuts up nicely at speed (no resonances or drones), and looks in proportion with the chunky wheels and taillights! And a lifetime warranty, which has to be good.

That's two exhausts I've had from these guys now - I'm sure the garages vary, but in my experience they've been quick, efficient, and the results are what you ask for!

Next up, shocks all round and a wheel refurb... Maybe a good clean first though..!

 

[kanewilsonjr]

Welcome & Best Wishes on your new Buy !

 

[babbo_umbro]

Perhaps you persist with the Sport button - it makes the steering less too light - if you see what I mean. I had a 100HP for 5 years and it was always on Sport after trying without briefly.

 

[Punto MC]

Yeah, don't give up on the Sport button!


I used to use it all the time as I found non-sport steering ridiculously light.


However...now I actually tend to use non-sport most of the time and


'ENGAGE SPORT MODE' when I'm on a blast. It does feel quite different and really suits the 'sharp' nature of the car!

 

[fpan]

Can you tell us a bit more about the exhaust, is the tube's diameter the same as the OEM one underneath the car and if you could post a video it would help others with their decision, I am looking at something a little more sporty when opening it up but I can't stand noise.

How much did it set you back if you don't mind me asking? PM if you prefer.

Regarding Sport mode, I've only ever driven the car in Sport less than a dozen times.

Yes it does make the steering heavier which is a good thing but you get full throttle at 50% of the pedal's travel. I'd rather use my right foot to push the pedal to the metal when I want to rather than have full throttle at 50% of the pedal's travel and nothing happening afterwards.

It makes no difference in reality whatsoever though since if one wants to make progress he/she has to use the loud pedal like a digital switch

You get used to the steering if you always drive it in normal mode anyway.

Horses for courses.