My first Mog was a 1993 4/4 with cvh efi. Nimble, nice engine. About 110bhp so for a light car ok. The torque was the only drawback. I kept up with roadsters/plus8’s driven by enthusiastic drivers, but had to read the road, use gears/revs. Easy on corners but long straights showed the shortcomings. I realised a plus8 ( roadster as second choice) was the way to go.
Changed to the V8. So much better due to the more available torque at lower revs. Took a short spell to learn the response and it made long journeys better, ability to get a move on more relaxed, nice soundtrack ( the 4/4 had a straight through exhaust so was decent too).
The torque is the key. Available at lower revs. Makes short spurts ( overtaking) easier and safer. At 3000rpm the car comes alive, especially in 3rd gear. Forget max bhp as that is at higher revs and rarely used. Having torque in the revs range you normally use is the important factor. It amazes me when people map cars for more bhp but ignore where the torque is. Having it in the right place makes driving easier.
