Best Engine?? (1 Viewer)

[Bart]

So our new motor we are looking at has 2 different engine choices depending on if its Automatic or manual.
With manual transmission it comes on a boxer cab with the Peugeot 2.0ltr 160 bhp engine
But with the Automatic transmission it has to be on the Ducatto cab with the Fiat 2.3ltr 150bhp engine.
So as far as transmission goes I am sure we would like to go with an Automatic this time, but I'm worried as to if there is much difference between the 2 engines as far as reliability, engine torque and fuel consumption goes.
Also is there more risk (clutch wear / slipping) in getting an engine on an auto trans than if it were on a manual transmission.

 

[tonyidle]

So our new motor we are looking at has 2 different engine choices depending on if its Automatic or manual.
With manual transmission it comes on a boxer cab with the Peugeot 2.0ltr 160 bhp engine
But with the Automatic transmission it has to be on the Ducatto cab with the Fiat 2.3ltr 150bhp engine.
So as far as transmission goes I am sure we would like to go with an Automatic this time, but I'm worried as to if there is much difference between the 2 engines as far as reliability, engine torque and fuel consumption goes.
Also is there more risk (clutch wear / slipping) in getting an engine on an auto trans than if it were on a manual transmission.

Fiat do not make an automatic Ducato so it's as prone, or not prone, to clutch wear as any other manual. Fiats "automatic" is a conventional manual gearbox and clutch with both gearchanging and clutch operation controlled electronically via servos.

 

[dave newell]

Take the 2.3 option. A proven reliable donkey that pulls well. The new 2 litre engines are not so great. My 2009 2.3 ducato has 210,000 (yes two hundred and ten thousand) miles under its belts.

D.

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[Bart]

Take the 2.3 option. A proven reliable donkey that pulls well. The new 2 litre engines are not so great. My 2009 2.3 ducato has 210,000 (yes two hundred and ten thousand) miles under its belts.

D.

My current 2007 mh has the 2.3 130 multi jet, is the 150 bhp ( plus 10 years newer), more or less the same just with more power ??

 

[Bart]

Fiat do not make an automatic Ducato so it's as prone, or not prone, to clutch wear as any other manual. Fiats "automatic" is a conventional manual gearbox and clutch with both gearchanging and clutch operation controlled electronically via servos.

Ahh so is their "automatic" a new thing that it's to new to see if there is any "weak points" in its design, or is it a tried and tested design?

 

[TerryL]

It's called "Comfortmatic" and is not new, been around I think since the X250 came out. It is generally a proven, reliable system but of course like al things has had some problems. I've never driven one but I'm told it's a bit different to a "proper" autobox, so you might want to have a test drive before making up your mind.

Personally, I've always preferred to do the gear changing myself, even when I was driving coaches.

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[jongood]

It's called "Comfortmatic" and is not new, been around I think since the X250 came out. It is generally a proven, reliable system but of course like al things has had some problems. I've never driven one but I'm told it's a bit different to a "proper" autobox, so you might want to have a test drive before making up your mind.

Personally, I've always preferred to do the gear changing myself, even when I was driving coaches.

I agree with you Terry, much more control with a manual. but seriously @Bart 160 bhp 2 litre, asking for trouble IMHO

 

[Bart]

I agree with you Terry, much more control with a manual. but seriously @Bart 160 bhp 2 litre, asking for trouble IMHO

Why trouble u mean to much power? Or shit designed engine.?

 

[jongood]

Why trouble u mean to much power? Or shit designed engine.?

Too much stress IMHO not good for longevity.

There are also quite a few moans about the 2.3 ducato at 180 bhp not being as tractable as the 3 litre, something has to give.

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[Bart]

It's called "Comfortmatic" and is not new, been around I think since the X250 came out. It is generally a proven, reliable system but of course like al things has had some problems. I've never driven one but I'm told it's a bit different to a "proper" autobox, so you might want to have a test drive before making up your mind.

Personally, I've always preferred to do the gear changing myself, even when I was driving coaches.

Hi Terry this is an example of the sort of pvc I am looking at that is described as Automatic , I've not seen any of them listed as Comformatic. However I have in the past read many people here who love Thier Comformatics , is this mh below a Comformatic ??

 

[Bart]

Take the 2.3 option. A proven reliable donkey that pulls well. The new 2 litre engines are not so great. My 2009 2.3 ducato has 210,000 (yes two hundred and ten thousand) miles under its belts.

D.

210k do you ever work

 

[Kannon Fodda]

Comfortmatic is the Fiat branding for their robotised gearbox on the Ducato van. . So the van you link above classed as automatic will be Comfortmatic.

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[dave newell]

210k do you ever work

I've only put a few thousand on it, it was a pharmaceutical delivery van prior to me buying it and converting it.

D.

 

[dave newell]

My current 2007 mh has the 2.3 130 multi jet, is the 150 bhp ( plus 10 years newer), more or less the same just with more power ??

Yes it's basically the same lump, probably different turbo and perhaps cams

D.

 

[Garfields]

Apparently there is a proper auto box on the way from Fiat
Read it on a German forum recently
Sorry not got the link at present

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[Bart]

Think I'll try my best to go for the Comformatic 2.3 150bhp then, as my wife's left leg plays up and for that reason I think an auto will be a more sensible choice that also with the fact its a 2.3ltr which is more tried and tested

 

[Basildog]

Too much stress IMHO not good for longevity.

There are also quite a few moans about the 2.3 ducato at 180 bhp not being as tractable as the 3 litre, something has to give.

I hate the Fiat 2.3 litre 180 bhp thing in our HYMER pig

 

[Lenny HB]

On our 2nd van with the 150hp Comformatic, love them, current (2017) Comformatic box is better than the 2014 one we had.

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[Bart]

On our 2nd van with the 150hp Comformatic, love them, current (2017) Comformatic box is better than the 2014 one we had.

Glad to hear that Lenny, and that is interesting info about you noticing a difference between 2014 & 2017, as we are looking in the year 2017 upwards bracket, but autos are not that popular so might have to be a bit more flexible with the year.

 

[Lenny HB]

interesting info about you noticing a difference between 2014 & 2017,

The earlier one had the annoying glitch that when you pull away from a junction quickly normally when entering a roundabout, it changes up too soon and a long pause between the change from 1st to 2nd. Which means after you have pulled out you slow down and get honked by the French. Easy to get ariound it, just after you have pulled away flip it into second then floor it, or flip it into manual as you approach the roundabout & go around the roundabout in manual.
The later one only very occasionally does it.

 

[Bart]

@Lenny HB sounds annoying, but not the end of the world

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[SuperMike]

Personally, I prefer the 8.1L Chevy Vortec big block.

I know, that’s not in the least bit helpful.

 

[Bart]

Personally, I prefer the 8.1L Chevy Vortec big block.

I know, that’s not in the least bit helpful.

I bet you don't like filling her up

 

[SuperMike]

I bet you don't like filling her up

Got past caring a looooooooong time ago. It’s only money.

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[Ninjabob]

Peugeot 2.0 160bhp pulls like a train. Fully loaded Bailey 75-2 does about 30mpg and 27mpg towing a SMART on an A Frame. Who knows on longevity but Peugeot Panel Vans are not breaking down in huge numbers despite doing the colossal mileages white van men will have done already.

 

[Bart]

Suppose, so true @Ninjabob

 

[Happy1]

Go the whole hog 2.3 180hp auto

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[Bart]

Go the whole hog 2.3 180hp auto

What clutch

 

[Alex and Lesley]

Go the whole hog 2.3 180hp auto

Agreed, we did and it pulls like a train and it is still under 1000 miles, Very happy with both engine and gearbox.

 

[jongood]

Peugeot 2.0 160bhp pulls like a train. Fully loaded Bailey 75-2 does about 30mpg and 27mpg towing a SMART on an A Frame. Who knows on longevity but Peugeot Panel Vans are not breaking down in huge numbers despite doing the colossal mileages white van men will have done already.

The difference is that only a proportion of panel vans are fully loaded the whole time. Whereas most motorhomes are permanently pushing the limits, some such as yourself are even putting another tonne behind it.

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