I think this would be very close. Some say that fiero's are the domestic del sol. That we are the Del SLOW. What's your guys thought in contrast to the del sol?
Del Sol, an interesting exercise by Honda to make a FWD Civic look like a mid engined car. I see no point in comparing the two, the Del Sol is a nice car with decent performance, the Fiero is one of the few mid engined cars available at a reasonable price. In stock form the Del Sol is much quicker than the Iron Duke (like mine) but with its FWD it cannot offer the thrill of "hanging the tail out" under power in a slow turn (even the Duke can generate enough low end torque to make life interesting).
I don't need to make me feel good about my car by dissin' Hondas. I like the Del Sol, I like my Fiero, they are very different cars. Lets not make this thread into another Honda bash, live and let live.
Ira
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08:29 PM
WeAZz2M6 Member
Posts: 290 From: North of Toronto, ON,Can Registered: Mar 2002
First off the Del Sol was in production after the Fiero, so It would be consider'd the import Fiero and not the other way around. Although The MR2/Fiero would be a better comparison. Stock for stock there is no comparison. The Fiero would eat that dal slow up. James.
There is a Del Sol in the body shop that my car is at. (They both got there in January, they're both still there )
It has an Acura Integra LS motor in it, and all the guys rave about how fast it is. IF both of our cars are ever out of the shop, I'll letcha know how it goes. As far as the stock del sol, and a v6, the fiero should eat it up.
I'm jealous of the removable top though.
------------------ 19 Year Old Fierophile. --1986 SE V6, Wild Custom Notchback --1984 SE Modified Notchback
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10:08 PM
InsaneIntensity Member
Posts: 242 From: Topeka, Kansas, USA Registered: Apr 2003
Yes, like the last post we don't have to restrict ourselves just to performance. We can compare and contrast the body styling as well. I know Del Sol owner's that try to say the Fiero is just too "boxey". Go figure?
------------------ Fieros are slow? **** you! Tell that to my tail lights.
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11:33 PM
May 4th, 2003
MuncieFiero Member
Posts: 66 From: Muncie, Indiana US Registered: Mar 2003
All you have to do is look at the horsepower to weight ratio.
There's a hell of a lot more to it than that!!! What about gear ratios, and on the same lines, where's the powerband at? What about torque? What about available traction on launch? What about all of the OTHER STUFF that comes into play when driving in corners???
I agree, the VTEC Del Sol is quick, but to simply compare hp:weight ratios is foolish...many racers have lost (pride and money) going off the assumption that hp:weight is the only factor in a race.
Personally, I like the looks of the Del Sol a lot. It was my #2 choice when buying a car when I bought the Fiero (obviously, #1 choice). They look attractive, not too busy, and are small. I love the targa setup with the rolldown rear window, almost as nice as a convertible but better chassis rigidity with less weight. I would prefer to have the aftermarket support of the Honda, but the powertrain possibilities of the Fiero puts the Del Sol to shame, which is why I went with it. Plus, I like to be original, and the Fiero is far more original than the Del Sol on today's roads.
The thing that bothers me about the Del Sol is the body looks like it should be rear engined, such as an MR2 does, but it's still FWD. When it comes to performance, FWD just doesn't make sense, and I'm much more partial to performance than I am to styling. The thought has crossed my mind to get a Del Sol to drive for a while, then build a rear engine setup for the Del Sol, but it would be more work that it's worth. I think I'd much rather spend some extra bucks on a new MR Spyder if I wanted another small two seater....or build an Attack.
my best friend has a 93 delsol and we have this kinda argument all the time! too bad i cant prove him wrong casue my car isnt on the road yet lol but ya his is stock and it has only 130 HP same as a hatchback si, but of course hondas rev like mad so i think he might beat me, but it would be one hell of a race oh ya ps i went out for a spin today, first one this year boy it feels good!
well heres my take: styling: fiero was years ahead of its time. del sol, slightly updated fiero lines(rounded them off) i prefer the fiero in this category performance(stock): we all know about the fieros performance, what about del sol's? i am not sure as i have never driven one. but 160hp and 120 torque does NOT impress me for a new car. hp=speeding tickets, torque =good street fun. my guess advantage fiero, but who knows, ive never driven a del sol performance(mod): well until i see a del sol with a v8, fiero will rule the road. with the right equipment a mid-engine car with bigger engine should be a better track car, i think. even if it takes 8 cyl to match a turbo and nos fed 2.2 techno engine. i would still prefer v8 anyday, at least over a 4 banger, sc3800 is my favourite swap though. anywho, i give this one to fiero too. aftermarket: fiero is great but only if your in the states or lucky enough to be near a fiero only shop. del sol being a honda is nearly limitless to the aftermarket crowd. if you like to customize then del sol is better than fiero(depending on location and if you can or can not fabricate) reliability: i have had little trouble with my 18 year old car, but honda is known for reliability, so i guess i'll give this one to the newer hondas overall i would definately take a fiero over a del sol. for these reasons, fiero is more unique and rare(here anyway). can get import styling AND V8 muscle on same platform. when my tastes mature i will still have a V8 as an option but i can change the stylin to stock or rebody or basically w/e i desire. stock parts are cheaper(if they aren't fiero specific) compared to honda parts
Much as I love my Fiero, a Vtec Del Sol should easily beat a V-6 Fiero. All you have to do is look at the horsepower to weight ratio.
The 85GT was the lightest V6 equipped Fiero: 2572 pounds 140 horsepower = 18.3 pounds per HP
The Vtec Del Sol: 2522 pounds 160 horsepower = 15.7 pounds per HP
Even the least powerful Del Sol comes in at 22.5 pounds per HP. Whereas the least powerful Fiero is only 27.6 pounds per HP.
I love my car, but technology IS advancing. As time goes by, more and more cars will be able to best a stock Fiero.
MuncieFiero
I love how the torque figuers were left out of this post. And as far as the technology goes the Vtec Del sol is a mid to low 15 sec car from the ninties vs a mid 15 sec car from the eighties. Doesnt say much. Besides, a b18 swap is nice BUT its not a 3800sc, lt1, l98, N* shall I go on
monza: my duke ran fine, and theres no WAY it had enough torque to spin the rear tires out in a turn, unless i popped the clutch during it...
First time I was pulled over in my new 84 coupe was for layin' drag. I tried to explain to the officer that my car was not capable, he didn't buy that. It was showroom fresh and the 88 4banger I drive now can't turn the tires over unless it's raining and I pop the clutch LOL. There is, or was, plenty of torqe in the 2.5 to make it fun! Better rubber may have made a difference back then but at the time I liked barking a second.
I think the Del Sol is a nice car. Its biggest shortcoming isn't FWD (I know, its not an ideal RWD car, but it doesn't have engines that overpower the front wheels, and it still handles very well. Plus in the north east, it makes the car a much more viable four season vehicle). Its biggest shortcoming IMO is just understated styling. Its a clean design, but leaves it without a very sporty edge. It just doesn't have a design that creates a lot of passion. I had considered one before they went out of production a few years back for my daily driver. Being so small and light, its a lot of fun to drive. Its just a little too understated for my tastes in a sporty car. Aside from the Targa roof, my favorite attribute of the car is its roll down rear window.
As for Fiero/Del Sol comparisons, anyone accusing the Fiero as being a copy is just a moron. If anything, Honda was working off of a Fiero in designing this car. Just check out the profile. Fiero went out in 88, Del Sol arrived for 93. Unless Pontiac engineers have a time machine, its Honda that was borrowing ideas.
JohnnyK and DRA, it may be dusty roads or less than perfect tires (195/70X14 Michelin MX4s) but mine will give the tires a workout when accelerating (from a stop sign) around a turn. No I do not dump the clutch, can't afford to break anything, but as soon as it is rolling I accelerate hard. No tricks here, I do not try to upset the cars balance by yanking the wheel or any other juvenile tricks, just turn and accelerate hard. It has never done this in right turns, just left, I figured that may have been because of a weak strut or the side to side balance of the car. No it is not because of the abundent power
As for performance, I am (reasonably) sure that my Fiero can (maybe) beat a Honda Civic CX (the economy model)automatic with five aboard (that is five big guys ) although I am not planning on testing that theory. Other than that, my biggest problem with Hondas is that every older Civic hatchback or coupe I see (that is driven by a baseball cap at least) always wants to race, sometimes even cutting me off to get out in front. It is getting rediculous, whenever I see a Civic hatchback I feel I should pull over before the driver decides he's at Le Mans and has to out run me to the next corner. I almost got nailed by one just two days ago, can't these idiots see that I am cruising along at 40Km/h, minding my own business and have no intentions to race. My appologies to any of you who wear baseball caps and drive older Civic hatchbacks, it may just be a Gander thing
Like I said, I like the Del Sol, it would make a great "all weather" sports car. It has decent acceleration even in base form, has better than average FWD handling and does look like a "modernized" Fiero (I appreciate the clean lines, too many modern cars have too much "surface interest" and look too busy).
Ira
[This message has been edited by Monza76 (edited 05-04-2003).]
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11:23 AM
jubjub2m6 Member
Posts: 1403 From: idaho, soon cali most likely Registered: Nov 2001
i remember one summer here in boise that me and paul(helmet1978) were cruising around downtown and some del sol kept wanting to race us and well...the del sol got smoked bout 3 or 4 times in a row...even tried some rolling starts to race us..he still got smoked.....
I think a lot of people would like a rear window in their Fiero that rolls down like the Del Sol. It's just a matter of time before someone manages to do it. It would take a radical modification to the firewall, but anything's possible.
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11:27 AM
Savagery Member
Posts: 1174 From: Warrenville, IL Registered: Jul 2002
Interesting, I have a friend with a 93 Del Sol Si (non-VTEC) 5spd who says he can beat my 86GT 5spd... He has 125hp and I believe 120 ft/lbs, in a 2500# car. I'm pretty sure I will win. I raced him when I still had my 88Gt auto, and completely wasted him. I don't know about the later VTEC models though... it would be close.
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11:44 AM
KRMFiero Member
Posts: 2711 From: Providence, RI Registered: Sep 2000
a v-6 fiero would eat a SOHC Del sol, but if it has the B16 DOHC engine forget it, it will walk on you.
I also have a 95 Integra LS and i can eat up the SOHC ones but the DOHC ones put up a real good fight, i have beat v-6 fiero's with my car
depending what del slow it is you might be able to smoke it... i think the DOHC ones would be a good race, the SOHC ones well if you dont beat it there is somthing wrong...
The Fiero has a big traction advantage over the Del Sol as well (in a straight line drag race). Those FWDs can really light up those front tires due to weight transfer if the driver is not careful.
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12:12 PM
InsaneIntensity Member
Posts: 242 From: Topeka, Kansas, USA Registered: Apr 2003
Front wheel drive is a huge setback if you plan on modifying your car (my friend has a FWD turbo eclipse....traction?????)
------------------ ---"Didn't those catch fire?"--- ---"Why didn't you get an MR2?"--- ---"The engine is WHERE?"--- ---Liking Fiero's is a lonely business---
This is in response the the post on power to weight ratio. There are stock GT's otu there running Low 15's.
JM
Well put. I found some figures(they vary alittle depending on what site you go to, but I am posting the most consistent numbers I can find. 1986 Fiero GT: Curb Weight: 2696 lbs HP: 140 @ 5200rpm Torque: 170 @ 3600rpm Fast foward 10 years to witness the modern marvels of Honda.
1996 Honda Del Sol VTEC Curb Weight: 2,522 lbs HP: 160 @ 7600rpms torque: 111 @ 7000rpms
If my numbers are off or there is somthing I am missing correct me.
[This message has been edited by Nachtzehrer6 (edited 05-04-2003).]
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04:18 PM
87gt5speed Member
Posts: 193 From: Columbus,OH,USA Registered: Dec 2002
------------------ ---"Didn't those catch fire?"--- ---"Why didn't you get an MR2?"--- ---"The engine is WHERE?"--- ---Liking Fiero's is a lonely business---
------------------ ---"Didn't those catch fire?"--- ---"Why didn't you get an MR2?"--- ---"The engine is WHERE?"--- ---Liking Fiero's is a lonely business---
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11:47 PM
May 5th, 2003
Phil86SE Member
Posts: 1476 From: Kamloops, B.C., Canada Registered: Mar 2003
My buddy might be gettin one here for prom to drive. Once my fiero is insured (should be by then) i will give him a go and let you guys know how it goes. I have lots of confidence in the fiero though although i do like the del sol too
-Phil
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86 SE V6....under construction! "Just remember, it's Race, not Rice."
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