Lmst

Del 2000 al 2025: los tres mejores coches japoneses de los últimos 25 años

https://espirituracer.com/reportajes/del-2000-al-2025-los-tres-mejores-coches-japoneses-de-los-ultimos-25-anos/

#BerlinaSedn #Cabriolet #Gasolina #Hbrido #Honda #Nissan #Reportajes #Superdeportivo #Toyota #Del2000Al2025 #HondaS2000 #NissanGTR #ToyotaPrius
#espirituRACER #coches #cars

Gotha (ots) - Am Freitagabend gegen 21:10 Uhr wurde dem Inspektionsdienst Gotha mitgeteilt, dass Unbekannte sich an einem Pkw Golf in Gotha in der Enggasse zu schaffen machten. Die mit dem Sachverhalt betrauten Beamten stellten vor Ort fest, dass ...

https://www.presseportal.de/blaulicht/pm/126721/6186341

#Cabriolet #Personenkraftwagen #Sachbeschädigung #Transport #Unbekannte #VW

Zweibrücken-Oberauerbach (ots) - Heller Flammenschein schreckte die Nachbarschaft der Bodentalstraße mitten in der Nacht auf. Um 01:30 Uhr des Vorweihnachtstages bemerkte ein aufmerksamer Nachbar, dass das Auto seines 39-jährigen Nachbarn brennt. ...

https://www.presseportal.de/blaulicht/pm/178881/6184923

#Audi #Brandstiftung #Cabriolet #Feuerwehr #Kriminalpolizei #Nachbarn #Nachbarschaft

Last one (4/4) I still love a first-gen #Audi TT 🇩🇪 #Lamborghini Miura 🐂 vinyl-wrapped #Porsche Carrera GT 💙 my pal's base #Saab 900 & my :vw: #Cabriolet #weirdcarmastodon

El restomod que avergüenza a los puristas (y les mete un repaso): Un MGA con motor Mazda 13B

https://espirituracer.com/curiosidades/el-restomod-que-averguenza-a-los-puristas-y-les-mete-un-repaso-un-mga-con-motor-mazda-13b/

#Cabriolet #Curiosidades #Gasolina #Hasta42 #Mazda #MG #Restomod #MGA #MGA13B
#espirituRACER #coches #cars

El restomod que avergüenza a los puristas (y les mete un repaso): Un MGA con motor Mazda 13B

https://espirituracer.com/curiosidades/el-restomod-que-averguenza-a-los-puristas-y-les-mete-un-repaso-un-mga-con-motor-mazda-13b/

#Cabriolet #Curiosidades #Gasolina #Hasta42 #Mazda #MG #Restomod #MGA #MGA13B
#espirituRACER #coches #cars

Las batallas no han terminado para este Porsche 914 que no es lo que parece

https://espirituracer.com/curiosidades/las-batallas-no-han-terminado-para-este-porsche-914-que-no-es-lo-que-parece/

#Cabriolet #Curiosidades #Gasolina #Hasta42 #Motorizacin #Porsche #Porsche911 #Porsche914
#espirituRACER #coches #cars

@Basmitharts 1986 :vw: #Cabriolet ...since Jan 2009 #weirdcarmastodon #QOTD

#carbrain parkt wiederholt sein hochpreisiges #Mercedes #Cabriolet vor der Einfahrt seiner Nachbarn! Nachmittags, nicht samstags, sieht T2 das #Stehblech gegenüber in der geräumigen Garage und es wird von Hand mit Schwamm geputzt.
Wie asozial kann ein einzelner #Dosenlenker sein?

An dieser Stelle einen Hinweis auf das Feuilleton:
Der Parkplatz – Geständnisse eines Autohassers
https://www.ardaudiothek.de/episode/urn:ard:episode:bbf47f8e4db8d1b6/

#ADAC @bmv #Verkehrswende @oekomobil #AVD @pschnieder #Autokorrektur @koeln #Stehzeug

Retro Road Test: Ford Escort Cabriolet vs Rover 216 Cabriolet (1993)

A Very British Battle of Open-Top Modesty

Convertibles are often associated with glamour: palm-lined boulevards, chic sunglasses, windswept hair worthy of an M&S advert, and perhaps an expensive dog in the passenger seat. But in early-1990s Britain—the era of Ceefax, Supermarket Sweep, and the Ford Probe—convertibles took a very different form. Manufacturers decided that sunshine shouldn’t be reserved for those with Champagne budgets. Instead, they gave us the accessible cabriolet: an ordinary hatchback with its roof removed, some extra bracing inserted, and just enough glamour to make the neighbours wonder whether you’d won £50 on the Premium Bonds.

Two of the great exponents of this principle were the 1993 Ford Escort Cabriolet and the 1993 Rover 216 Cabriolet. Both proudly British (in manufacturing at least), both equipped with humble 1.6-litre engines, and both converted from their more sensible, roofed siblings. And both, crucially, marketed to the British buyer who wanted “a nice little open-top motor” but wasn’t quite prepared to take the plunge into MX-5 territory.

What follows is a thorough road test comparing these two early-‘90s drop-tops—performance, comfort, ride, handling, build quality, style, and everything in between. Expect honesty, humour, a sprinkling of nostalgia, and perhaps an affectionate dig or two at the UK automotive industry’s quirks at the time.

1. Styling & First Impressions

Ford Escort Cabriolet

In 1993 the Escort Cabriolet was still something of a minor celebrity on Britain’s roads. Styled originally by Karmann in Germany, it retained that slightly chunky, angular stance that defined the early-‘90s Ford range. The standard Escort hatchback wasn’t exactly a show-stopper, but lop the top off, add a fabric hood, widen the hips slightly, and—well—it was at least noticeable.

The Escort Cabriolet exudes a sort of endearing, sturdy prettiness. The front end is bluntly straightforward, almost saying “look, I’m here to do the job, let’s not get carried away.” The rear is slightly more flattering, with a gentle taper and neat light clusters. The hood folds down into a tidy pile—never fully disappearing into the body, but tidy enough that passers-by won’t assume you’ve broken it.

In bright red—Ford’s favourite press colour—it looks cheerfully extroverted. In white, it looks like the car your aunt bought after watching an episode of Howard’s Way. In metallic British Racing Green, it looks surprisingly sharp, like something that wouldn’t embarrass you on the seafront at Scarborough.

Rover 216 Cabriolet

The Rover, however, enters with more style than one might expect from a company whose brand image in the 1990s oscillated between “your grandad’s choice” and “surprisingly classy if you squint.” The 216 Cabriolet was based on the R8-series 200/400 range—a car widely respected for its crisp lines and pleasant driving manners—and it translated into cabriolet form remarkably well.

With the roof down, the 216 looks genuinely elegant. Clean shoulder lines, neatly integrated bumpers, and a rear deck that doesn’t look like an afterthought. The Rover appears more cohesive than the Escort, as though someone actually started by designing a cabriolet rather than simply removing elements once the hatchback was finished.

It is unquestionably the more sophisticated of the pair. While the Escort suggests you might be driving to a fun fair, the Rover implies you’re on your way to a garden centre that stocks imported plants and “artisan chutneys.”

2. Interior & Comfort

Escort Cabriolet

Inside, the Escort’s cabin is a reminder that Ford in the early ‘90s believed firmly in grey. Light grey plastics, dark grey seat fabric, mid-grey carpeting—if you like grey, Ford had you covered. Ergonomically, it’s fine: gauges are clear, switches are logical, and everything feels reasonably solid, though not exactly luxurious.

The seats are comfortable enough, if slightly flat, and the driving position is what one might call “generic Ford”—a bit upright, a bit firm, a bit like sitting at a school desk that’s been adjusted for everyone but specifically you.

Rear seating exists, technically. Adults will fit if they are unusually flexible or exceptionally forgiving, but children and dogs will fare better. With the roof up, headroom is limited; with the roof down, it’s fine, provided they don’t mind the breeze rearranging their hair into something resembling a startled ferret.

Noise levels are acceptable for a car missing a quarter of its structure. The hood seals reasonably well, and wind intrusion is minimal at moderate speeds. Above 60mph, however, conversations become more theoretical than practical.

Rover 216 Cabriolet

Settle into the Rover and things immediately feel more upmarket. Rover interiors of the period weren’t truly luxurious, but they aimed for plush rather than plain. Softer plastics, more inviting fabrics, velour options, and small touches of faux wood (or real wood in posher trims) elevate the environment noticeably above the Ford.

The driving position is comfortable, slightly lower and more enveloping. The seats offer better lateral support and longer-distance comfort. The dashboard, while undeniably very “1990s Rover,” is neatly laid out, thoughtful, and pleasant to the touch.

Rear seat accommodation is marginally better than the Escort’s—still not limousine territory, but adults have a fighting chance of tolerating short journeys without plotting revenge.

Roof noise is impressively subdued. With the hood up, you can have a conversation at motorway speeds without resorting to eyebrow semaphore. With the hood down, turbulence is present but not overwhelming, and the car feels more solidly engineered in this regard than the Escort.

3. Engines & Performance

Ford Escort Cabriolet – 1.6-litre (1993)

Ford’s 1.6-litre engine of the era was a dependable companion—reliable, tuneable, and perfectly willing, if not particularly enthusiastic. In carburettor and fuel-injected forms, power output typically sat around 88–90bhp.

Acceleration from 0–60mph takes approximately 12–13 seconds, depending on the exact variant and options fitted on the day. It never feels especially brisk, nor does it feel lethargic—it’s simply adequate, content to get you where you’re going without any unnecessary excitement.

Throttle response is modest, and the engine note under load is functional rather than inspiring—a sort of muted drone that says “I’m doing my best, alright?”

The gearbox, however, is a highlight: slick, mechanical, and easy to work through the ratios. Ford’s transmissions of the era were consistently pleasant, and the Escort benefits greatly from this.

Rover 216 Cabriolet – 1.6-litre (1993)

The Rover’s 1.6-litre Honda-derived engine is a more refined unit, offering around 110bhp in fuel-injected form. It’s smoother, quieter, and significantly more willing to rev. The difference between the two engines is immediately noticeable.

0–60mph comes up in roughly 10 seconds—respectably brisk for a compact convertible of its era. Power delivery is linear and eager, and the engine sounds happier when worked hard, emitting a distant but pleasant growl rather than the Ford’s determined hum.

The gearbox, often a Honda-sourced unit in this configuration, is light, precise, and delightfully easy to use. It is arguably one of the best transmissions fitted to any modest British convertible at the time.

In outright performance terms, the Rover is the clear winner. It accelerates harder, cruises more quietly, and feels more alive under your right foot.

4. Ride, Handling & Driving Experience

Escort Cabriolet

Removing the roof of a hatchback is always an engineering challenge, and Ford’s solution—while adequate—resulted in a chassis that feels less rigid than the Rover’s. Flex is noticeable over potholes and rough surfaces, and the steering wheel occasionally wobbles like a damp biscuit under pressure.

That said, the Escort is actually quite fun. The steering is light but accurate, the suspension soft enough to absorb urban imperfections, and the handling predictable. It leans in corners but does so politely, clearly communicating its intentions. You can push it, but it will remind you that enthusiasm has limits.

Around town, it is wonderfully easy to drive. Light steering, good visibility, and a turning circle that encourages U-turn experimentation. On faster roads, it’s stable enough, though crosswinds may occasionally remind you that the roof is made of fabric and optimism.

Rover 216 Cabriolet

The Rover feels more structurally sound, with less scuttle shake and fewer vibrations through the cabin. The suspension is firmer than the Ford’s but more controlled, giving it a more composed and mature feel.

Steering is precise, with a nicely weighted feel. Turn-in is sharper, mid-corner stability better, and the whole car feels more planted. You can drive it quickly and confidently, trusting it to behave predictably even on uneven surfaces.

Where the Escort feels like a cheerful companion, the Rover feels like a capable partner.

Ride quality is excellent, balancing firmness with compliance. Motorway cruising is quiet and smooth; B-roads can be enjoyed without bracing for impact. It is, overall, the more sophisticated driving experience of the two.

5. Refinement & Build Quality

Ford Escort Cabriolet

Ford’s build quality in the early ‘90s was, charitably, “inconsistent.” Some examples were solid, others creaked like a haunted staircase. Cabin plastics were durable but unremarkable, switchgear felt robust enough, and the general impression was of a car built with practicality rather than finesse in mind.

Wind noise with the hood up is acceptable; road noise is a bit intrusive. The hood mechanism, however, is reasonably reliable and easy to operate.

Rover 216 Cabriolet

The Rover feels more carefully assembled. Panels fit neatly, the doors shut with more conviction, and the cabin feels more thoughtfully constructed. The hood is better insulated, the seals more effective, and the general sense of quality higher.

Not that it’s immune to the occasional creak or rattle—this was, after all, a 1990s British car—but compared to the Ford, it feels more refined throughout.

6. Practicality & Running Costs

Escort Cabriolet

Practicality is… relative. The boot is modest but usable, the rear seats fold (helpful), and parts availability is excellent thanks to Ford’s wide network and generous recycling of components across its range.

Fuel economy hovers around the high-30s mpg, dipping into the low-30s if driven with enthusiasm. Insurance is reasonable, repairs are usually cheap, and the car is simple enough for most mechanics to understand without spiritual preparation.

Rover 216 Cabriolet

The Rover’s boot is slightly smaller, but still functional. Rear seating slightly better. The Honda-derived engine is extremely reliable, though parts can be pricier.

Fuel economy is similar to the Ford’s despite the extra power—mid-30s mpg being typical.

Insurance costs slightly more, but nothing outrageous. Servicing is straightforward, and reliability of the R8-series cars is well regarded.

7. Character & Ownership Experience

Escort Cabriolet

The Escort is fun, cheerful, slightly rough around the edges, and deeply British. It’s the convertible equivalent of a day trip to Blackpool: enjoyable, slightly chaotic, but charming all the same.

Rover 216 Cabriolet

The Rover is more refined, more grown-up, and better built. It’s the convertible equivalent of a National Trust membership: tasteful, gentle, and designed for relaxed pleasure.

8. Verdict

By nearly every objective measure—the engine, the refinement, the handling, the interior quality—the 1993 Rover 216 Cabriolet is the superior car. It accelerates faster, cruises more smoothly, corners more confidently, and makes you feel slightly more upmarket than you probably are.

But the Ford Escort Cabriolet has an undeniable charm, a likeability that transcends its limitations. It is simple, honest motoring with a splash of fun. It’s cheaper to run, easier to maintain, and carries a certain nostalgia that many British drivers of a certain age will recognise immediately.

If you want sophistication: choose the Rover.
If you want simplicity and cheeky enjoyment: choose the Escort.

For a sunny afternoon drive with the promise of ice cream and unpredictability? Escort.
For a weekend away with someone who appreciates a bit of comfort? Rover.

Either way, Britain in the early ‘90s knew how to make a cracking little cabriolet—roof optional, smiles guaranteed.

#16Litre #1993 #cabriolet #fordScortCabriolet #retroRoadTests #rover216

Los otros Lotus: Opel Speedster, Vauxhall VX220 y Daewoo Speedster

https://espirituracer.com/reportajes/los-otros-lotus-opel-speedster-vauxhall-vx220-y-daewoo-speedster/

#Cabriolet #Daewoo #Gasolina #Hasta42 #Opel #Reportajes #DaewooSpeedster #LosOtrosLotus #OpelSpeedster #VauxhallVX220
#espirituRACER #coches #cars

Lotus Elise S2: el deportivo británico que no se rompe ni queriendo

https://espirituracer.com/reportajes/lotus-elise-s2-el-deportivo-britanico-que-no-se-rompe-ni-queriendo/

#Cabriolet #Gasolina #Hasta42 #Lotus #Mercado #Opinin #Reportajes #Retro #LotusElise #LotusEliseS2
#espirituRACER #coches #cars

Los otros Lotus: Tesla Roadster (primera generación)

https://espirituracer.com/reportajes/retro/los-otros-lotus-tesla-roadster-primera-generacion/

#Cabriolet #Elctrico #Hasta42 #Retro #Tesla #TeslaRoadster
#espirituRACER #coches #cars

Bonus shot #Radwood Royalty :vw: #Cabriolet #Scirocco
#weirdcarmastodon

🚘✨ New lower price! ✨🚘
This Mercedes-Benz E 320 Cabriolet (W124) represents timeless style and engineering excellence.
🔹 Condition: perfect
🔹 Mileage: low
🔹 Spirit: pure classic Mercedes

A true collector’s piece now available at a more attractive price! 💎
👉 See details and photos:
https://klassikauto.pl/gielda/klassikauto-pl-sprzedam-mercedes-benz-e-320-cabriolet-w124/
#MercedesBenz #W124 #E320Cabriolet #ClassicCar #Youngtimer #MercedesClassic #KlassikAuto #Cabriolet #OpenTop #CarForSale