Topic

What is the difference between a VVC and a 135, How would I tell apart a vvc from a 135. How different is the engine, insurance, road tax etc

The main difference is the VVC mechanism itself. The 135 is an mpi like the F mpi(118bhp), both have the standard double camshaft single / cam belt set up.
The F VVC 143bhp), Trophy 160(158bhp) and TF 160(158bhp) all have the variable valve timing. Two piece inlet camshaft with extra mechanism, a belt at each end of the head.

So the easy way to spot them is the extra mechs on the head. The VVC also have a higher rev limit 7250 instead of 6800.

Cracking answer from David.

Regarding insurance I'd say that 160 would be a higher premium than a 135.
Depends on age really: at our great age and with full NCB the difference would be minimal, perhaps a different story for someone younger.

The TF VVC has a lower emissions rating than pre 2004 135s meaning lower vehicle excise duty and marginally better fuel consumption, however these are offset by higher insurance premiums. Essentially the daily running costs are much the same if you're a 'mature' driver.

Of course if you're tendering maintenance and servicing then the VVC is marginally more expensive due to the additional mechanics.

I've owned both and I prefer the VVC*



*probably because of my inner loon.

Road tax is the same for 135 and 160: £220 for year/ £121 for 6 months.
The 1.6 is 200 quid for year/110 for 6 months.

The Internet. A thing of wonder.

Hi The V V C TF also gets bigger brakes [4 pot ] on the front and it cones standard with half leather seats and the wheels are different and the F V V C had electronic steering [ all the TFs have this ]

John and Sue wrote: wrote:

Road tax is the same for 135 and 160: £220 for year/ £121 for 6 months.
The 1.6 is 200 quid for year/110 for 6 months.

The Internet. A thing of wonder.

Actually it's not John. See my earlier post.

Pre 2004 135TFs have a higher vehicle excise duty than later models. ... £245 per annum IIRC.

This is because the ECU map was adjusted around late 2003 to give more economic performance over the rev range, sacrificing a miniscule amount of torque to achieve the lower emissions.

I know because I had a pre 2004TF. I had it remapped with the post 2004 spec and petitioned the DVLA about lower tax .... can you guess what their reply was ... ?

helsbyman wrote: wrote:

Hi The V V C TF also gets bigger brakes [4 pot ] on the front and it cones standard with half leather seats and the wheels are different and the F V V C had electronic steering [ all the TFs have this ]

Only some very early 1995 mgfs didnt have epas ,very rare to come across without epas terrible to steer on lock ,nice at speed and high speed corners after that vvcs and mpis all had them

David Aiketgate wrote: wrote:

The main difference is the VVC mechanism itself. The 135 is an mpi like the F mpi(118bhp), both have the standard double camshaft single / cam belt set up.
The F VVC 143bhp), Trophy 160(158bhp) and TF 160(158bhp) all have the variable valve timing. Two piece inlet camshaft with extra mechanism, a belt at each end of the head.

So the easy way to spot them is the extra mechs on the head. The VVC also have a higher rev limit 7250 instead of 6800.

Correct a valuable answer

GT MG SPARES LTD wrote: wrote:

helsbyman wrote: wrote:

Hi The V V C TF also gets bigger brakes [4 pot ] on the front and it cones standard with half leather seats and the wheels are different and the F V V C had electronic steering [ all the TFs have this ]

Only some very early 1995 mgfs didnt have epas ,very rare to come across without epas terrible to steer on lock ,nice at speed and high speed corners after that vvcs and mpis all had them

Also some 135 mpi had RED AP CALIPERS for example 135 sprint most limited edition models either in 135 or 160 had 4 pots even the 1.6 115 sunstorm MGTF.

mogatrons wrote: wrote:

John and Sue wrote: wrote:

Road tax is the same for 135 and 160: £220 for year/ £121 for 6 months.
The 1.6 is 200 quid for year/110 for 6 months.

The Internet. A thing of wonder.

Actually it's not John. See my earlier post.

Pre 2004 135TFs have a higher vehicle excise duty than later models. ... £245 per annum IIRC.

This is because the ECU map was adjusted around late 2003 to give more economic performance over the rev range, sacrificing a miniscule amount of torque to achieve the lower emissions.

I know because I had a pre 2004TF. I had it remapped with the post 2004 spec and petitioned the DVLA about lower tax .... can you guess what their reply was ... ?

Well, that about caps all. Glad to be set straight: even road tax isn't straightforward with these cars!
So, does the same apply to 160's or are they actually cheaper than pre late 03 135's?
Frankly, I'm befuddled and glad it doesn't apply to us! engage Selfish Mode......

I think VVC means more expensive running. Remember when you need a cam belt you have to pay for 2 lots... That doubles the cost!... of the belts £15.

Personally I'd go for the VVC after hearing so many good things about them but I'm happy with my stock 135 with xpower exhaust on. Until next year when I might be allowed a remap.