What makes a FIRE different?

[Tom95]

Hi all,

I'm seriously tossing up whether or not to buy a 2013 Panda with the 1.2 FIRE engine.

I've spent hours reading up on different aspects of the car; and it's been mentioned a couple of times that the FIRE engine uses 30% less moving parts that a regular engine.

Is this true? What aspects of the design differ from other engines?

On another note, I've read that the 8-valve FIRE's are non-interference; whereas others seem to say that the re-designed head of the 2012+ Panda/500 do mean it's interference. Can anyone shed any light on this?

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi,
the FIRE engine concept is from the early 1980's, ( built by robots)
and has been non-interference until the late 00's

then a different head/valve arrangement ( for improved emissions) means it's no longer a "SAFE" engine

I hope that helps..,

DO be aware of the mapping issues found on SOME of the current 1.2 FIRE engines..!! see 500 section for more info

Charlie

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi all,

I'm seriously tossing up whether or not to buy a 2013 Panda with the 1.2 FIRE engine.

https://www.fiatforum.com/500/33982...sponse-hill-start-issues-watchdog-report.html

 

[Tom95]

https://www.fiatforum.com/500/33982...sponse-hill-start-issues-watchdog-report.html

Yep, I'm well aware of this "issue".

I've test driven 3 different Pandas and they all seem fine, even on hills. While the low-end power/torque wouldn't exactly tear your face off, it seems pretty much what you'd expect from a small 8 valve.

I think the fact that I'm in Australia helps. We seem to have missed out on the dodgey batch .