850 turbo or 850 t5r

officejet · Post by **officejet** » 26 Mar 2006, 12:58

Im looking into getting either a 850 turbo or a t5r. What are the differences in performance with both, also what maintenance problems does each car pose? I have a GLT so I'm already used to working on an 850.

Post by **srnkanator** » 26 Mar 2006, 20:36

I have a 95 850 turbo that despite some recent and troubling transmission problems performs great. I think the T-5R has the same turbocharged 222hp engine. The only differences I believe are trim (front fenders, 17 inch wheels) and suspension/brakes (tighter suspension and bigger rotars/brake pads, and the "R" mystique. I'd go to www.ipdusa.com to find out more about performance upgrades if you are looking to make a turbo an "R". I bought a new sport exhaust systen from them that was easy to install and gave me 12 more hp. I'm no expert though so others may know more.

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 27 Mar 2006, 07:48

Maintenance issues are going to be identical w/ the cars. They have exactly the same engine and transmission.

As far as performance differences go, the only thing that makes the T-5R faster is it's ECU programming, which allows for a little over a lb. more boost pressure. However, w/ a simple aftermarket chip upgrade, the turbo will blow the T-5R away. The brakes on the two cars are identical, but as stated above, they do have trim differences and slightly sportier suspension.

My suggestion is to buy the turbo model and with all the cash you save in doing so, buy some upgrades that will put you far ahead of the T-5R in performance. I've got a '95 850 Turbo w/ a frightening amount of cash dropped in to it that will easily leave a T-5R sitting in its dust.

Feel free to ask any specific questions you have regarding performance stuff, as I have a ton of experience w/ it on these cars.

officejet · Post by **officejet** » 29 Mar 2006, 21:15

I found a really nice red 95 turbo with 135000 miles on it and an r front end. Its a lot faster than my GLT. Everythings clean and there are no leaks, but the only problem is that I cant buy it or one till the end of this summer.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 29 Mar 2006, 21:25

Don't worry...if you can't get the parents to float you a loan, these cars (well for the exception of the T5R) are plentiful and you'll be able to find one when the time is right for you.