2.2 or 1.8 ?

big_nick

Due to the nature of the website I may get a slightly biased view but what are the major advantages of the 2.2 over the 1.8... Obviously there is the power increase but does it set the world on fire? Im looking at a getting a Mk4 soon to replace my Mk3 shed.. Any views much appreciated..

rapfiend03

big nick said:
Due to the nature of the website I may get a slightly biased view but what are the major advantages of the 2.2 over the 1.8... Obviously there is the power increase but does it set the world on fire? Im looking at a getting a Mk4 soon to replace my Mk3 shed.. Any views much appreciated..

Yes, yes it does. The 2.2 is a stronger engine plus as the old saying goes, "There's no replacement for displacement."

Matt

Depends on what you are looking for. The 1.8 in the Mk4 astra comes in 2 specs, SRI and SXI, both are very similar, apart from a few cosmetic things. Looks wise, the 1.8 and 2.2 are identicle, as they are both SRI spec, it's simply the engine. The 1.8 also has 2 different engine specs depending on what year, old one is 115bhp, and new one is 123bhp. 2.2 comes in at _150bhp as standard.

And welcome to the site 😃

vocky

with a decent cat back system, panel filter and precat removed the z22se will be around 160bhp

the z1.8 is a good motor, but would only give around 130bhp with the cat back and panel filter (they don't have a precat)

so a lot more power available with the 2.2 - standard or lightly modified

astradave

I have had the 123bhp 1.8 and i have test driven a few 2.2's now,the difference i can pick out that is where it counts really and that is at 30/50mph rolling ecelleration is much better in the 2.2 and it also pulls alot harder and stronger at cough 90mph cough 🙂

2_2berfurno

one thing to remember is that the 1.8 might not have the torque but its fitted with the sports gearbox the same that is fitted to the turbo

my mate has a cab 1.8 hes getting it super chipped in a couple weeks just to sqeeze a few extra horse out.

he reckons with two people and roof up its not to bad, its really only top end that the problem,

1.8 0-60 is 8.5 2.2 0-60 is 7.9

so for 400cc more you knock .6 of a second hmmmmm

prezek

I was in the same position as you only a couple of months ago. I spent ages going through this forum & others trying to make my mind up. I went for the 2.2 in the end and do not regret it. My mate who has a 1.8 Bertone was really impressed with the pull of the 2.2 compared to the 1.8.

0-60 is only slighly quicker but once its going the 1.8 does not stand a chance as the 2.2 would pull away with no trouble.

Just my opinion (a very very happy 2.2 owner)

astradave

prezek said:
I was in the same position as you only a couple of months ago. I spent ages going through this forum & others trying to make my mind up. I went for the 2.2 in the end and do not regret it. My mate who has a 1.8 Bertone was really impressed with the pull of the 2.2 compared to the 1.8.

0-60 is only slighly quicker but once its going the 1.8 does not stand a chance as the 2.2 would pull away with no trouble.

Just my opinion (a very very happy 2.2 owner)

I agree with the above,0-60 is not everything,how often do you have traffic light duels and how often are you dumping the clutch at like 5k which is needed to achieve the stated 0-60 times.
It's the torque and extra bhp that out performs the 1.8,roll on excelleration from 30,50, and 70mph is where the 2.2 shine's over the 1.8.
By the looks of alot of 2.2 owners bhp figures the 2.2 achieves upto 160bhp with simple mods ie catback system,filter + airbox mods.
My old vec sri 1.8 (z18xe 123bhp) was only getting 131 bhp with the same mods.

kompliance

I was in the same situation when I chose my recent car.

I looked at MPG and ignored the BHP and as it appears the MPG is only slightly differant so I thought what the hell, 2.2 all the way.

Now its in the garage with an unhappy cam chain being replaced, an alarm that goes off irregularly and windscreen wipers that don't return to their original position.

Spunjedd

I've owned both the 1.8 (Z18) and the 2.2 albeit in Vectras not Astras and the 2.2 is a fair bit quicker than the 1.8, although I do find I use quite a lot more petrol with the 2.2 than I did in the 1.8. I do have a heavy right foot a lot of the time though lol. Don't get me wrong, the 1.8 was a pretty fine motor but I much prefer the 2.2, got the power to get you out of trouble if needs be. If you can afford the extra insurance and fuel costs then go for the 2.2 mate.