SDI Talk.

Alfaguy

New Member
It was a real close thing whether I chose a P6 or a Rover SDI V8. In the end I thought the P6 had more allure and was a more dignified and interesting car.

The build quality reports of the SDI worried me - partucularly the one going around that one side is longer than the other. I can't see how this could be possible. Is that just another myth or is there some substance to it?
 
The build quality reports of the SDI worried me - partucularly the one going around that one side is longer than the other. I can't see how this could be possible. Is that just another myth or is there some substance to it?

Build quality on the early cars was appalling, by the end of the run, some 10 years later they were a lot better. I can't say I've heard about one side being longer than the other. Bodywise it wouldn't really matter as long as the suspension pickup points were in the right place and the wheelbase was the same both sides, and even then, IIRC there was a Renault with transverse torsion bar suspension on the rear, which by design had to have one bar in front of the other, so the wheelbase was longer on one side than the other, but then again, that was French....
 
There are far far more P6s on the road than SD1s, despite being a decade and a half older in design which might tell you something....

Both won't be anything close in quality to even the most inept modern car but my experience of the SD1 is that the interior trim, particularly door cards and dashboards are awful.

A P6 is a lot easier to deal with bodywork due to the bolt on panels. An SD1 is far more practical though in terms of passengers and luggage. If its a fun car then go with the one you like the look of best. Or get both.
 
I think the myth about different side lengths was perpetrated by that well known classic car guru Jeremy Clarkson, although to be fair he did buy one in one show way back when. And don't forget, Top Gear did a piece about the end of the RV8 and said their favourite install was in the SD1, go figure......o_O

Mick
 
I like the SD1 have had a and rebuilt them along side the P6.

Two completely different cars but each has their own merits, can fit a lot in the boot of the SD 1 and there is more engine bay space.

The unequal wing length probably comes from the P5B. If you look at the front wing trim where it meets the indicator it is the give away.

Rover P4 if you look at the moustache on the emblem it is not symetrical either.
 
Hi, There were lots of stories about BL products at the time another one was Metro's coming out only half painted. BL was just considered an easy target.

Colin
 
The clip that gets shown every now and again of a chap on the production line of the Mini knocking seven bells out of a NEW body shell doesn't help! I wouldn't say no to a nice V8S or Vanden Plas SD1 though.

Mick
 
I test drove a very early SD1 V8 and found the whole feel of the car very cheap and nasty compared with the P6 I eventually bought. However I have since looked at and sat in (though never driven) a late model SD1 Vitesse and was very impressed with the interior which was a world apart from the earlier car - would quite fancy owning one!
 
Well at least it never got the Rover name, that is one ugly looking mistake. I suspect someone on the design team had too many French Genes.
 
Back
Top