>>Maintenence claims for the Turbo FWD and lesser models are fewer than the
>>average car in this class but expect more problems than average for the AWD
>>model (Consumer Reports)

I had a 1990 Eagle Talon TSi AWD for 4 years and never had a problem
with it.  The AWD was invaluable here in Oregon due to the rain etc.
Also, there is a talon/eclipse/laser mailing list you can contact
at ta…@di.com.  These folks are some serious gear-heads (e.g. in to
performance and performance mods) but are more than happy to offer
opinions.

>>0-60 times for the Turbo AWD model average 6.5 secs.  (0-60-0 in 15 sec, the
>>FWD probably isn’t much slower)

Agreed. In adequate traction, the FWD and AWD cars are almost
identical in terms of performance.  The AWD has 5 more HP (due to
exhaust) but makes it up in extra weight.

>The FWD is actually a bit faster than the AWD because it is lighter,
>but you will only be able to measure the difference with a good
>driver.  A bad driver won’t be able to get good times on either of the
>two, since performace times are very dependent on shift points.  The
>FWD is tricky to launch without spinning the wheels.  The AWD requires
>very hard launching to keep up with the FWD.

I found that my AWD outlaunched FWD cars due to the fact that I could
launch at 4000+ RPM and not have any wheel slippage.

Jay Connelly

The biggest problem w/ small and light turbo cars that suffer from massive
lack of serious horsepower, is that when you add the auto trans you add
plenty of extra weight. Couple this with the torque eaten up by the torque
converter and they are generally more sluggish then they should be.

Sure the new Vette with the super crunch punch 350cid and auto is
quick, but that’s another ballgame.

>Also, don’t get an automatic with the turbo motor.  The engine puts
>out power only at high rpms.  YOu need to be able to kick the rpm’s up
>to get power.

this is more a matter of tuning of the automatic than the fact that
it’s an automatic.  i’ve seen plenty of automatics in high performance
cars that will let the engine rev way up if you give it enough gas.
i don’t know about the characteristics of the talon’s turbo motor,
but some turbos put out plenty of torque at fairly low RPM (the audi S4′s
turbo delivers peak torque at about 2000 RPM).

automatics have an advantage in that the turbo boost is maintained during
shifts.  with a manual you lose some boost when you lift off for the
shift.

-teddy

>>I just love the looks of the Talon and Eclipes but wonder if any of you

In rec.autos.driving mjmil…@nyx10.cs.du.edu (Mike  Miller) wrote:

>I’m currently looking for a slightly used Talon/Eclipse, after researching
>and testdriving a number of em’ here are my conclusions:

>Don’t get an automatic transmission on anything less than the turbo
>motor.

Also, don’t get an automatic with the turbo motor.  The engine puts
out power only at high rpms.  YOu need to be able to kick the rpm’s up
to get power.

>Don’t get anything less than the GS interior (eclipse) or the upgraded interior
>in the talon (forget the designation)

>The Turbo FWD has a torque pull problem under hard acceleration (controlable if
>you know about it) which dosen’t exist in the All-Wheel-Drive
>versions.

That was my impression.  If you want 200hp, get the AWD model, or look elsewhere.

>If your afraid of TOO MUCH horsepower, the 16-v DOHC engine works well with the
>5-speed tranny. (Altho’ the throw-yer-kindeys-in-the-backseat feeling of the
>turbo sure is fun)

Nothing to worry about, since the turbo doesn’t have what I consider
“TOO MUCH” power (it only has 195).

>Maintenence claims for the Turbo FWD and lesser models are fewer than the
>average car in this class but expect more problems than average for the AWD
>model (Consumer Reports)

This is nonsense.  Most of the problems associated with these cars are
engine related.  There is no reason for the AWD to be significantly
different from the FWD in terms of reliability.  If anything, the AWD
shold be more reliable, since the torque is distributed among 4 axles
(or half-shafts) instead of two.  Real-life experience, and data from
the Talon/Eclipse/Laser mailing list will prove that the data
presented by Consumer Report is not representative of the reliablity
of these cars.  By the way, some of the people in the list are racing
and pushing these cars to the limit.  Most of us do maintain or cars
properly, too.

>0-60 times for the Turbo AWD model average 6.5 secs.  (0-60-0 in 15 sec, the
>FWD probably isn’t much slower)

The FWD is actually a bit faster than the AWD because it is lighter,
but you will only be able to measure the difference with a good
driver.  A bad driver won’t be able to get good times on either of the
two, since performace times are very dependent on shift points.  The
FWD is tricky to launch without spinning the wheels.  The AWD requires
very hard launching to keep up with the FWD.

–
The opinions stated above are not necessarily my employer’s.
—————————————————————-
Roberto L. Landrau    KC1YP    land…@mitre.org  r…@linus.mitre.org
The MITRE Corporation  Bedford, MA 01730          r…@linus.UUCP

>There’s a mailing list for these cars, though I’ve lost track of it —
>maybe Richard Welty’s FAQ has it.  Participants run the gamut from
>talking about how to wax it to talking about how to bugger the
>wastegate control or hack the engine computer for better performance.

I would greatly appreciate if someone would post or email me how to get on
this mailing list.

================================================================================
       ___
      (/  \                                      Daniel Paan
      /    \                                     Harris Controls Division
     /     / __     _ __   _ __                  P.O. Box 430
    /     / /  \   //’  ) //’  )  /   /          Melbourne, FL  32902-0430
  _/     / (   /  //   / //   /  /   /           Mail Stop 218
 (/\____/   \_/\_//   /_//   /__/\__/            (407) 242-5075
                                   /             email: dp…@ccd.harris.com
                                  /
                 ________________/
================================================================================

* As with any turbocharged car, either buy it new and raise it from
  a pup or be REALLY confident of the previous owner.
* DEFINITELY get the rear defroster and wiper.
* Consider opting for the biggest motor and best suspension you
  can find among the available selection.  Worth it.
* Unlike some, I’m happy with the base interior.
* It’s a surprisingly practical hauler of small cargo, but forget
  taking normal-height adults more than a few hundred miles in back.
  The two people up front can find it surprisingly comfortable on a
  long road trip.
* The prudent owner replaces the timing belt somewhere in the
  30,000-mile range, rather earlier than specified.

There’s a mailing list for these cars, though I’ve lost track of it —
maybe Richard Welty’s FAQ has it.  Participants run the gamut from
talking about how to wax it to talking about how to bugger the
wastegate control or hack the engine computer for better performance.

Cars to compare in the market survey include the new-generation Ford
Probe GT, the Honda Prelude, and the VW Corrado.  Or you can wait
for a rumored V6 version in a year or two.  But you’ll probably find
that the Eclipse stands up well.  It’s nice looking, solidly built,
and a blast to drive.  Whether it will outrun a police Mustang that’s
chasing some kid’s Camaro, I don’t know.  :)

Cheers,
–Joe
Happy co-owner of one of the first base model Eclipses.

I drive a 1992 Eagle Talon, which is possibly the funnest car I have ever
owned.  While my BMW has more power and better handling (my Talon is the
FWD model), it just doesn’t have the same feel to it.  This is a lot
to say about a car that cost half the price a the German Sedan.

The important thing to look at if you want this car is:

Spend the extra money and get the 16inch tires, especially if you buy
the FWD version.  Also, the Automatic is a joke and the version w/
1.8L engine is underpowered.  Mine is 2.0L FWD and I love it.

Hope this helps!!

-…@obelix.cc.gatech.edu

>I just love the looks of the Talon and Eclipes but wonder if any of you

I’m currently looking for a slightly used Talon/Eclipse, after researching
and testdriving a number of em’ here are my conclusions:

Don’t get an automatic transmission on anything less than the turbo motor.

Don’t get anything less than the GS interior (eclipse) or the upgraded interior
in the talon (forget the designation)

The Turbo FWD has a torque pull problem under hard acceleration (controlable if
you know about it) which dosen’t exist in the All-Wheel-Drive versions.

If your afraid of TOO MUCH horsepower, the 16-v DOHC engine works well with the
5-speed tranny. (Altho’ the throw-yer-kindeys-in-the-backseat feeling of the
turbo sure is fun)

Maintenence claims for the Turbo FWD and lesser models are fewer than the
average car in this class but expect more problems than average for the AWD
model (Consumer Reports)

0-60 times for the Turbo AWD model average 6.5 secs.  (0-60-0 in 15 sec, the
FWD probably isn’t much slower)

Insurance fees are slightly less than some of the cars in the same range (I have
one claim on my record, am < 24, single male, complete coverage = $105 a month)

All in all, a car I can’t wait to get a hold of.

Mike

/* I don’t NEED a tagline */