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    • Mr.Pickle
    • Joined May 13, 2008
    • 24 Posts
    • Status: Offline

    Cheap cars with an LSD??

    May 19, 2008 11:06 PM

    What is the current cheapest car on the used market fitted with a Limited slip rear diff.?

    the only two i can think of is the BMW 318iS and the Nissan 200zx both still pricey, or is this why?

     

    ..Just a thought.. hmm
  • Re: Cheap cars with an LSD??

    May 19, 2008 11:19 PM

    It really depends how much you are looking to spend.

    The 1995 onwards BMW 5 series all have LSD's but in modern technology the standard LSD is obsolete. Saab's new XWD system has rendered just about every LSD system other than the Nissan Gtr 'OLD'.

    A model year 2004 Audi S4 would be ideal and are quite cheap to buy now.

    There is a 53 reg for sale on all approved cars, link below.

    http://www.allapprovedcars.com/Used-Audi-S4-Avant-4.2-quattro-Estate-5dr-Car-Swindon--crpId501999600-CarDetails.aspx

    Hope that helps

    • TJ Hunter
    • Joined Oct 25, 2007
    • 4 Posts
    • Status: Offline

    Re: Cheap cars with an LSD??

    May 20, 2008 10:01 AM

     

    • TJ Hunter
    • Joined Oct 25, 2007
    • 4 Posts
    • Status: Offline

    Re: Cheap cars with an LSD??

    May 20, 2008 10:12 AM

    BMW 5 series from 95 (which straddles the last of the E34 & first of the E39) onward don't have LSDs at all.

    In fact, LSDs left the options list on nearly all BMWs from that point on, except of course for their M models which have them as standard. The mechanical LSD option was replaced with electronic traction control (ASC), which is still an open diff.

    I think you've blurred LSD with 4 wheel drive there Hirsch and gone off on a mad tangent. I can't see how Saabs system has rendered LSDs, whether the old mechanical type of the fancy new M-Diffs, E-diffs et al, "old". And suggesting an expensive 4wd S4 estate when the question was about cheap rear wheel drive LSD-equipped cars is pointless.

    Back on topic, I suppose you're right - the price of the 318is & 200SX have remained somewhat bouyant is due to them ticking all the performance boxes an enthusiast on a budget wants ticked - rwd, LSD (though I'm not sure the 318is had the LSD as standard? I'm open to correction!) , and coupe looks.

  • Re: Cheap cars with an LSD??

    May 20, 2008 6:43 PM

    The MX5 Sport has a LSD - I know that the Mk2 and Mk3 does but not 100% about the Mk1. Given how long the MX5 has been around in its various models there should be one to suit your (almost any) budget. 

    I've got a Mk3 Sport and love it. I've heard the older ones are a bit better to drive. 

    Forget the German rubbish and turn Japanese! 

    In this world gone mad, we won't spank the monkey, the monkey will spank us!
    • realdriver
    • Joined Jan 10, 2008
    • 3 Posts
    • Status: Offline

    Re: Cheap cars with an LSD??

    May 20, 2008 8:28 PM

    Alfa Romeo 75 2 litre Twin Spark or 3 litre V6. Both have a LSD, and are dirt cheap.

  • Re: Cheap cars with an LSD??

    May 21, 2008 11:08 AM

    Thanks for the update on the diffs on BMW's, I was going on the information provided by a friend who has now been informed otherwise.

    On the topic of LSD's, an 'M-diff' or indeed an 'E-diff' are simply names and in no way are governed by anything other than the mechanics inside through the torque sensing pressure plates. In modern terms, the mechanics in the diff of an E-92 M3 are roughly the same as the Quafe diff that I have fitted to my 53 Reg Seat Leon Cupra, (weekend runabout). I am not sure if you are aware of how e-LSD works, but essentially it is a pre-emptive system that will activate as soon as you put your key in the ignition. This means that in order to reduce traction loss it doesn't rely solely on physics rather electronics. This in turn means that 100% of the power and torque can be sent to one wheel if the other wheel(s) (RWD or XWD) lose traction.

    The E-diff on the F430 granted is excellent and in terms of modern technology is right up there at the top, but to compare or say that an M-diff isn't old in terms of technology compared to an e-LSD is like comparing (In aviation terms) De-Havilland Comet with an Airbus.........

    • Paddler Ed
    • Joined May 21, 2008
    • 8 Posts
    • Status: Offline

    Re: Cheap cars with an LSD??

    May 21, 2008 11:48 AM

     Pretty sure I know of a 195bhp RWD car with 16" wheels, dropped chassis and an LSD is for sale; grand total of £1600iirc (and that's from a dealer) and with a reasonable amount of history

     Put a bit of money into it and you can easily see over 250bhp; makes a tidy q-car.

     

    What is it?

     

     

     

     

     

    A very late model Volvo 940 CD Sport Estate, complete with Leather, ECC, Cruise and various other bells and whistles
     

    • TJ Hunter
    • Joined Oct 25, 2007
    • 4 Posts
    • Status: Offline

    Re: Cheap cars with an LSD??

    May 21, 2008 3:10 PM

    That Volvo sounds like a bit of leftfield fun!!

    Hirsch - I suppose I'd consider the E-diff as a mechanical LSD with some electronic enhancements to the operation and performance. For example the E-diff is integrated with engine & gearbox management controls to adjust its responses depending on gearchange speed, traction control settings etc. So it is pretty 'active' rather than a 'reactive' mechanical locking diff. I do agree that the M-diff is a refinement of the basic mechanical locking diff, so was a poor example (though perhaps a 90s 737 rather than a Comet :-) )

    Can you outline how what you're referring to as an E-LSD goes beyond say the E-Diff? 

     

  • Re: Cheap cars with an LSD??

    May 21, 2008 3:29 PM

    Yes TJ Hunter a 90's 737 or even a 757. :-)

     

     

    The e-LSD runs on a similar system to an E-diff, just more advanced. It is interlinked with the Bosch ESP 4 system which makes it pre-emptive. I suppose now that I think about it, it is very similar to an E-diff in terms of mechanics, however the e-LSD doesn't react to driver inputs and engine changes as much as what is happening on the road. As a result it allows the driver to be as stupid as you like without getting into trouble. The problem with the E-diff is that it has it's limitations in terms of traction control and as result, I am sure you will agree, most Ferrari's on sale today are slightly tail happy if even verging on the skittish side.  

  • Re: Cheap cars with an LSD??

    May 21, 2008 3:43 PM

    I'd take a look at E34 5 Series BMW's. Quite a number of the 540's have LSD's. In fact it may even have been standard on some of the later models. 

    • Mr.Pickle
    • Joined May 13, 2008
    • 24 Posts
    • Status: Offline

    Re: Cheap cars with an LSD??

    May 22, 2008 3:26 PM

    An early (prob Mk2) MX5 looks to be the best bet so far I reckon,

    I only want it to learn to hold a decent powerslide, ( Im bored of lift off oversteer he he :). )

    they are very cheap too, insurance is good considering. One day I'll be rich.. then I can just buy a new V8 M3, a Noble M12 and maybe a Mk1 Escort RS2000

    Hmm..

    ..Just a thought.. hmm
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