Why the low torque?

[TStafford]

Trying to tow a 5th wheel?

[sluflyer06]

Because its the way the car was designed. More torque = larger axles, heavier duty rear end, heavier duty transmission = more weight, etc etc, and cost constraints.

Think of other cars like this, its not unique (S2000, Miata, RSX-S). There are always going to be compromises unless your looking at much higher priced cars like an Exige, etc.

Also to keep your example in mind of the Polo, those cars have no top end power, they are designed for putting around town but with potential light track days in mind or canyon carving.

[Lavalover]

Compare to the BMW turbo 2.0-liter. 240 hp and 255 ft-lb of torque. Important point is that the full torque comes in at relatively low rpm--1450 rpm. Makes a big difference in drivability. Too bad we can't have something like this from Subaru.

[ZionsWrath]

Originally Posted by Lavalover

Compare to the BMW turbo 2.0-liter. 240 hp and 255 ft-lb of torque. Important point is that the full torque comes in at relatively low rpm--1450 rpm. Makes a big difference in drivability. Too bad we can't have something like this from Subaru.

Just checked BMW website and the base 228i with that engine costs 32k and weights 3300lbs

[Lavalover]

I test drove a 228i last weekend and it has very nice performance. The next step up M235i is a pocket rocket that could get someone (like me) in a lot of trouble. The 228i is a pretty sweet little machine, and a relatively good deal for a bimmer.

[Shark_Bait88]

Originally Posted by malave7567

Had a guy in a truck honk at me to get me to lower my window and talk to me. Complimented my car, looks great, etc. etc.

then the inevitable. "Does it go pretty quick?"

Me: "Pretty quick for a 4-cylinder" (at least I'm tuned, but I didn't say that).

Truck guy: "that thing is a 4?! ... Well your car looks nice man"

*light turns green*

Had a very similar conversation in the parking lot of a small town Michigan convenience store with a good ol' boy. lol

[swpbrz]

I personally believe they were making a car you could yoke about in safely. I think the low torque is great for keeping me out if trouble when im trying to be fiesty in a turn. Its very easy to control the in and out of traction.

It also means I can rev the piss out of it and FEEL like im racing around but still pass cops and realuze im inly 5 over.

If you can escape your desperate ego need to compare objects at their most superficial levels. The most superficial thing about a car is ooouh how fast... thats a childs question... imo this car is perfect the way it comes from the factory. It FEELS like im racing around in a little tasmanian devil. If I had 400 tq it would feel like im touching the gas and the fun would be over. And im sure id have lostcontrol by now withhow much fun I like to have in my brz. One of those fun intersection mini slides would have been

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by malave7567

Had a guy in a truck honk at me to get me to lower my window and talk to me. Complimented my car, looks great, etc. etc.

then the inevitable. "Does it go pretty quick?"

Me: "Pretty quick for a 4-cylinder" (at least I'm tuned, but I didn't say that).

Truck guy: "that thing is a 4?! ... Well your car looks nice man"

*light turns green*

The vast majority of the people I have talked to have no clue as to what the car even is much less how "fast" it is or what it's numbers are. Many don't even have the basic concept of cars in general other then they look pretty, move and faster must be better. I always have fun when I talk to one of this type because when I tell them it is a 4 and they start to look all disappointed I add on "BUT it is REAR WHEEL DRIVE"! Amazing how many of them all of a sudden perk up again when I say that. It is as if the fact it is RWD makes it so much faster even though still a small displacement 4 engine. Or, you can always say "it is low hp but it is a BOXER engine". Again, if they give you a knowing look and go "ah yes that makes all the difference" then you confirm that they don't know sh*t about cars.

[stonenewt]

Welcome to the world of rev-happy N/A petrol engines. Not huge amounts of torque but if you work with them they'll make it all gel.

I'll pull out of a side road, hook second at 10-15mph & floor it. In this measure both my BMW & the BRZ/GT86 will bog down a little before accelerating away. The diesel unit will surge forwards & then lose interest at about 40-45mph slowly winding past 60mph, but making better progress than changing into 3rd. The petrol will take a little time to get going then just pull hard through to 60mph & beyond. Actually the BRZ will get there quicker & put a nice smile on my face my, the 120d will just deliver you at 60mph in a reserved 'job done' manner.

BRZ lacks torque? Maybe. But, it has charter!

[strat61caster]

Another factor is taxes. Many countries in Europe and Asia tax cars based on displacement, cars under 2.0L are taxed less than those over so a minor bump in displacement to get moh powah would be minor in terms of the cost to produce the car but very noticeable for most buyers in those regions.

[paros28]

Many people are disappointed because they do not understand the nature of the car. It is a driver's car. This means driver engagement. As a driver, you have to work to extract maximum performance from its engine. And you learn to make up for any deficit in the straights with better cornering. It is you or your skill that is making the difference. Over the years, cars have become increasingly luxurious, complex, and heavy. They have become more powerful and easier to drive. All you do is put your foot down and the car does the work for you. People tend to judge car performance by raw numbers and completely miss out on the fun factor.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by paros28

Many people are disappointed because they do not understand the nature of the car. It is a driver's car. This means driver engagement. As a driver, you have to work to extract maximum performance from its engine. And you learn to make up for any deficit in the straights with better cornering. It is you or your skill that is making the difference. Over the years, cars have become increasingly luxurious, complex, and heavy. They have become more powerful and easier to drive. All you do is put your foot down and the car does the work for you.

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!

[ftc~brz]

^this

have fun with it the way it was made. When you get bored, add boost.

[Tcoat]

^ If you get bored you are driving it wrong!