The LCR is the choice if you want maximum power, top speed and best handling from standard. And, of course, if you are put off by the sound of the diesel engine at tickover (once you get moving, the sounds aren't all that different).
Power and torque: well, I won't go into my long rant about how they are two sides of the same coin, but I'll note that the TDI 150 has more torque than the LCR at 2000 rpm, where you are likely to be in town traffic, and in fact matches or exceeds the LCR up to 4000 rpm. So your performance off the line is going to be better in the TDI (I've never been disappointed).
At 4000 rpm, the TDI power curve turns downwards and you have to shift up. The LCR will carry on to 6000 rpm, making more power as it speeds up and keeping the torque figure high all the way (one advantage of forced induction).
So the LCR will develop more power, provided you are happy to make a lot of high-revving engine noise: I don't think you'll find this a problem, although it does turn heads, not all of whom approve.
The TDI gearbox has taller gears than the LCR, due to the restricted rev range of the diesel, which means that over any reasonable distance the LCR will win out in pure drag-race terms.
Handling is better in the LCR as it has specially engineered suspension that is unique to the car. The TDI 150 has the Sport suspension package which is lower and firmer than the standard Comfort package. Still, weight will tell against the diesel as well as the less-exotic suspension.
Around town, on urban roads and in slow-speed commuting, the low-end torque of the diesel is a great advantage. On motorways it cruises effortlessly at the limit and I'm never at a loss for power to complete overtaking manoeuvres quickly and safely.
The diesel will also cost less to run: better mpg, lower tax and insurance. I get 40mpg around town and 50-55 on long steady runs.
To be honest, if you're tempted by the LCR, you should go for it now and review things after a year or so. If you're hit too hard by the running costs, trade it in: but at least you'll know what it is you're missing. I used to run a Golf GTI Mk.1, and although it doesn't have the same power as an LCR, it's incredibly light (830kg) and the power-to-weight is fantastic. The original silly-grin hot hatch.
I like my Toledo TDI 150 Sport (the FR in Toledo form). It has the advantage of looking almost exactly the same as any other Toledo (you need eagle eyes to spot that the little TDI letters are all red) and attracts no attention on the road, but will deliver a silly grin to the face when asked
The LCR is the choice if you want maximum power, top speed and best handling from standard. And, of course, if you are put off by the sound of the diesel engine at tickover (once you get moving, the sounds aren't all that different).
Power and torque: well, I won't go into my long rant about how they are two sides of the same coin, but I'll note that the TDI 150 has more torque than the LCR at 2000 rpm, where you are likely to be in town traffic, and in fact matches or exceeds the LCR up to 4000 rpm. So your performance off the line is going to be better in the TDI (I've never been disappointed).
At 4000 rpm, the TDI power curve turns downwards and you have to shift up. The LCR will carry on to 6000 rpm, making more power as it speeds up and keeping the torque figure high all the way (one advantage of forced induction).
So the LCR will develop more power, provided you are happy to make a lot of high-revving engine noise: I don't think you'll find this a problem, although it does turn heads, not all of whom approve.
The TDI gearbox has taller gears than the LCR, due to the restricted rev range of the diesel, which means that over any reasonable distance the LCR will win out in pure drag-race terms.
Handling is better in the LCR as it has specially engineered suspension that is unique to the car. The TDI 150 has the Sport suspension package which is lower and firmer than the standard Comfort package. Still, weight will tell against the diesel as well as the less-exotic suspension.
Around town, on urban roads and in slow-speed commuting, the low-end torque of the diesel is a great advantage. On motorways it cruises effortlessly at the limit and I'm never at a loss for power to complete overtaking manoeuvres quickly and safely.
The diesel will also cost less to run: better mpg, lower tax and insurance. I get 40mpg around town and 50-55 on long steady runs.
To be honest, if you're tempted by the LCR, you should go for it now and review things after a year or so. If you're hit too hard by the running costs, trade it in: but at least you'll know what it is you're missing. I used to run a Golf GTI Mk.1, and although it doesn't have the same power as an LCR, it's incredibly light (830kg) and the power-to-weight is fantastic. The original silly-grin hot hatch.
I like my Toledo TDI 150 Sport (the FR in Toledo form). It has the advantage of looking almost exactly the same as any other Toledo (you need eagle eyes to spot that the little TDI letters are all red) and attracts no attention on the road, but will deliver a silly grin to the face when asked
Have to say I've not been that impressed with my FR TDI, despite a remap to 175hp/300lb ft. (rolling road showed car was making the power) and the additon of a free flow stainless exhaust.
It feels pretty sluggish below 2000rpm and is quite laggy generally, a noisy at low speeds. Works best as a motorway cruiser where the turbo can be kept on boost and pulls well, but not much use in 'point and squirt' situations such as B-roads where a hot hatch is supposed to excel.
Why didn't they make the Leon with the funky-sounding V5 motor? Could have been more interesting than a diesel to me!
If this thread is turning into a buying guide, then so far my 54 plate FR TDI has had the following faults:
v) AC no longer chills.
vi) Rear window washer not working. Reconnected a detached pipe joint but still not spraying properly.
vii) Very loud turbo whistling - thought it was a boost leak but car made 150hp so apparently normal(?)
HTH.
Ben
I have a breathed-on LCR and not once have I wanted for more torque! lol
The thing is absolutely bursting with the stuff!
Basically there is one advantage to the smelly smokey thing - money. If your wallet is the most important thing, go for the diesel. If the driving experience is most important to you, go for the LCR.
Personally, I think they are worlds apart and not really comparible. Different tools for different purposes.
Get the LCR
(unless you're tight )