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MG ZR ZS ZT Technical - MG ZS120 and 180 comparisons.

Soon be time to replace my wife's Montego (still going strong after twelve years and 118,000 miles).

High on our list will be a Trophy Blue ZS120. That could really suit my wife's car needs. All we need to know now about the 120 is if it has the same steering set up and suspension geometry of the 180 which we admire? I've not driven a 120 but was most impressed with the 180's handling. Obviously, we will drive one before making a final decision. So, do they share similar set-ups?

TIA
John McFeely

After having driven both, they handle much the same as far as steering etc concerned. Obviously different in power/torque but very similar in many respects.
JLD

John McFreely, unless your wife wants to blast around at silly speeds the 120 is more than able and far more economical to run. As JLD says not too much difference and good value for money.

Mike
mikeh

We have a Trophy Blue ZS120 and it's excellent. Steering and suspension are indeed its best feature, and the power seems pretty reasonable to me. It is a very comfortable motorway cruiser and pretty economical.

All in all the 120 is amazing value for money IMO.
David Bainbridge

Agree with David that the ZS120 is good value. If slightly underpowered,I have just fitted a Pipercross Viper and this has made a noticable difference.52mm TB is waiting and then some head mods;-)
Mike.
mike

I must admit that I am now thinking of some fairly minor, but good bhp-per-£ modifications for the 120. That is, knowing what a different the odd filter can make to the MGF!
David Bainbridge

I have been pestering MGR to install their 160 HP turbo version of the K4 to provide this extra power which we would like without having to go to the V6-especially for the French market where individual tuning is not permitted.
With their now declining sales you would think they would listen to such propositions !
(same applies to their new 135 HP diesel badly wanted in continental markets)
andrew

'Pestering' MGR is the wrong way to go, believe me
Coco-Shunter

Please advise us of the best way Coco,
It would benefit them as well as me
andrew

That MG World mag had a report on the KV6 MG ZS - said the engine was 'one of the best this side of an Alfa'. That bent six in a light saloon/hatch is worth suffering a leaking fuel wallet.
Ann MG Writer

Thats fine Ann-by all means keep the ZS 180 but we need to upgrade the ZS 120 as lots of 'ordinary' cars now have 110 HP.The V6 is not for everyone because of
insurance,weight,image- as well as fuel consumption.
andrew

From our point of view, the ZS120 Step is a nice car, but its not anywhere near as quick as the 2.0Auto Astra it would replace...

Now if they'd make it a ZS135Step - or a ZS180 Auto....

(my wife has to drive something without a clutch as she's got a "damaged" left knee)

Three things are putting us off at the moment:
The ZS price has gone up (since the lists they were handing out at the motor show)
The employee discount has gone down
The Astra's trade-in price is ridiculous!

Neil.
Neil

This thread was discussed between 09/11/2002 and 30/11/2002

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