BA xr8 versus AU xr8 - Ford Forums

6speedxr8 · 06-14-2003, 01:43

My new ba xr8 is quite frustrating to drive off idle, the drive by wire system on the ba is a step back in technology if ever there was one, what with the throttle delay,noisey and rattley gearbox and clunkey diff I wonder why I sold my au xr8, this new car is not half the car the au was. Sure my au had a 6 speed, 3.7 diff, two piece tailshaft,unichip,herrod extractors,big exhaust, adjustable suspension.But I expected much better in the new model.The BA has still got a way to go! What do other BA xr8 owners think?

laminge · 06-14-2003, 01:48

Owning both the Ts50, ba Xr8 and an ex S2au xr8, 6 speed super charged, I still think the BA is the best feel for the road under presure

The Au is a lighter car, but the BA just makes it a joy to drive from A to B

xr8power · 06-14-2003, 05:50

What 400m and 0-100km/h times did the AU do? In 185,200 & 220 kw forms?

JC-XR8 · 06-14-2003, 06:18

Quote:

Originally posted by laminge
........but the BA just makes it a joy to drive from A to B

Or even B to A perhaps?

snavy · 06-14-2003, 13:42

didnt you test drive the BA XR8 first? Would of given you a good idea first if the BA is worth it.

FordTech65 · 06-14-2003, 16:20

Quote:

Originally posted by 6speedxr8
Sure my au had a 6 speed, 3.7 diff, two piece tailshaft,unichip,herrod extractors,big exhaust, adjustable suspension.

So,what did your AU drive like before this?? Drive by Wire technology has been around in F1 since the late 80's.It's also been on European manufactured vehicle since the mid 90's. It's good to see that Ford are finally using unproven technology eh.

WBT56 · 06-14-2003, 17:35

Quote:

Originally posted by FordTech65
It's good to see that Ford are finally using unproven technology eh.

That is not the issue. We all know the reasons for drive by wire, reliability has not been bought into issue (yet). It may be the most cost effective, economical, neatest and most reliable method of throttle control, it just drives like a POS. That is the issue. People who haven't driven an AU V8 manual and a BA XR8 manual need not reply, as they will not have experienced the problem first hand.

ayman · 06-14-2003, 17:51

The AU Series I in Auto would take off faster than the BA to say 40k/h. Good torque downlow to fry any set of tyres less than 255*40. However, it used to "stole" specially if the idle wasn't high enough. This problem was not fixed and Ford dealers tried changing many things but it stayed this way.

The new BA has instant response( auto as well) off the line when you floor it. Little surprsing that the engine stays longer than usual when you let go the accelerator in N, but hey, floor it in drive and it's flying with no lags.

I like it:)

Have your car checked if you think you have something wrong with it.

Rodderz · 06-15-2003, 03:25

I'll admit it took me a couple of days to get used to the off the line acceleration in the XR8, although i came from a rodeo and drive a 6 tonne truck for work which are easy off the line.

I think it's just a combination of the new drive by wire (which is fantastic) and the nature of the DOHC which takes a while revving back down and for some takes some getting used to.

Also having a loose gravel driveway and not wanting to tear it up taking off without wheelspin takes a while to master!

FordTech65 · 06-15-2003, 03:56

Quote:

Originally posted by 6speedxr8
My new ba xr8 is quite frustrating to drive off idle, the drive by wire system on the ba is a step back in technology if ever there was one

Looks pretty much like a problem with the new technology to me!!