Why do people prefer V6 (or HDI and TD) over the 2.0 CT?

[9000se]

Having driven the CT for a little while now (been using it the whole weekend, must have done about 150 - 200 miles over a range of roads), I have been very happy with the engine - very little turbo lag and when the turbo comes in at around 3,000 rpm, it becomes quite lively. The only thing that has let it down was the long throw in the gearbox (but at least it is precise and not notchy).

So here comes the question (haven't driven the V6, HDI or the TD), why do people prefer those? I have a diesel (CX) and whilst the power is pretty good, I don't think the diesel would have suited the Activa's more interesting suspension and potentially is more nose-heavy - likewise for the V6(?) I like linear power output / smoothless of V6's, but the Activa is a slightly different car to the softer riding Xantia's...

[xantia_v6]

[9000se]

Haha, yes, I get the linear power output argument, but with some mild tuning, wouldn't the CT be more powerful at the peak (although with much more turbo lag).

[xantia_v6]

A tuned TCT is undoubtedly better than the stock version, but I have never heard of anyone comparing them favourably with the ES9 V6.
I have to admit that I have never driven a TCT, but I don't see it having any advantage, and the fuel economy is definitely in favour of the ES9 (my long term average is generally around 30 mpg (manual or auto car).

[9000se]

Wow, really! One thing I am surprise by is how much mine drinks...having said that my C70 drinks a lot as well...the Ford (which I selling due to the Xantia) has surprisingly good fuel economy. The CX, despite being diesel, is not economical...Wind though is brilliant.

[Stickyfinger]

Torque and when it is delivered. A comfortable 40mph up to 145mph in the same gear does it for me but still having the option to rag it to 6.5krpm if I feel like being naughty

[9000se]

I know what you mean

[daviemck2006]

Your car has the upped boost pressure which does give it much better drivalibility. I did, and wasn't the only person to drive LTR and a standard tct back to back a couple of years ago and there is a big difference. Fuel consumption, any time I worked out a figure it was early 20s but did not bother as she was not my daily. Out of curiosity did you get a boot full of spares for it? I put all my activa spares in it when I sold it. One reason I sold it and did not really bond with it was because she encourages spirited driving, which was fun, but I prefer a lazy drive which is why I replaced her with the 407 2.7hdi auto. It's a pity it's broken! In xantia terms I prefer my humble 1.9td as it's a lazier drive and suits me better. To be honest the activa itch needed scratching but now it's scratched I don't need to again. I'm happy with the td, but if I ever wanted another it would be a v6 exclusive auto.

[daviemck2006]

Torque and when it is delivered. A comfortable 40mph up to 145mph in the same gear does it for me but still having the option to rag it to 6.5krpm if I feel like being naughty

S163LTR can match that speed figure on the Speedo, it said 139 on the GPS. Obviously I was not on the M74 covering 118 miles from Penrith to Glasgow in less than an hour at the time

[white exec]

S***LTR ? Well, here's another - ours in 2001
New Year in Rannoch Moor

[9000se]

S***LTR ? Well, here's another - ours in 2001
New Year in Rannoch Moor
Image35.jpg

Wow - cool, its almost like a brother!

[9000se]

Your car has the upped boost pressure which does give it much better drivalibility. I did, and wasn't the only person to drive LTR and a standard tct back to back a couple of years ago and there is a big difference. Fuel consumption, any time I worked out a figure it was early 20s but did not bother as she was not my daily. Out of curiosity did you get a boot full of spares for it? I put all my activa spares in it when I sold it. One reason I sold it and did not really bond with it was because she encourages spirited driving, which was fun, but I prefer a lazy drive which is why I replaced her with the 407 2.7hdi auto. It's a pity it's broken! In xantia terms I prefer my humble 1.9td as it's a lazier drive and suits me better. To be honest the activa itch needed scratching but now it's scratched I don't need to again. I'm happy with the td, but if I ever wanted another it would be a v6 exclusive auto.

Yes, thanks! Got a keypad (have now changed code), wing mirror, 2 strut tops (?), 4 pads and 2 rear discs. It was also serviced in Feb with new ABS sensor, new mid and rear exhaust, and oil change.

I know what you mean, I will be surprised if the front tires last very long if I am honest...haven't given it the full beans yet, but she pulls very well. I quite like the fact that it basically corners as well as my Wind but so so better well sprung on straights (no bounce), but the body doesn't feel as rigid as the Wind, but then didn't really expect it to be...

[Quackers]

I've had 3 2.0i Turbo CT Activa's and driven over 100,000 miles in them between the 3, its not a bad engine, reliable and as you said it can pull once the turbo kicks in , but having been the passenger in a V6 Activa and seeing how much more it pulls and the fact it has no lag i would take the V6 version anyday. Even in 5th gear at low speed the V6 still shoots off like a rocket. The Activa encourages more sporty driving and the V6 is the sportiest engine the Xantia offered so its just the better match.

[Michel]

So here comes the question (haven't driven the V6, HDI or the TD), why do people prefer those?

The V6 is more drivable, has more power, more torque, is smoother, makes a better noise, is more economical...

I'd wager if Citroen had made a RHD V6 Activa they'd have sold about ...zero 2.0 TCT Activas here.

HDi - power, loads of torque and very economical. I once drove one foot-to-the-boards (119mph!) for 90 miles and it still did 32mpg. With a remap on, they're even nicer. Put it this way, my 90bhp 2.0HDi Berlingo, with a remap was faster than a 2.0TCT Activa official performance figures in all but top speed.

The TD is ok. The HDi is a much nicer and more economical engine though. The TD was good for it's day, but the 2.0 HDi 8V is the engine I like most .

[Peter.N.]

I'm surprised about your CX not being economical, I ran them for about 10 years and 200k miles and mine always averaged 40 - 50 mpg although I do live in the rurals and drive gently. My last one a 25DTR turbo Safari I used for work and covered about 160k in it.

Peter