Pinto vs Duratec- The real differences Nov 2002

I am sure I can speak for most drivers, when I talk about why we started racing. The reasons may all be slightly different, but are based on a generic love for cars, competition and that shot of adrenaline that makes us feel on top of the universe. I am probably not alone however when you question your own sanity as to why we carry on doing it, especially when the conditions are terrible and the Murphy’s law dictates that everything that possibly could go wrong, does. In doing all of this we spend large quantities of our own cash, and waste hours stuck in traffic and cold garages. But the thrill of driving a racing car alone is something that is impossible to get elsewhere. My lovely Doctor wife Caroline has even explained the fact that the thrills you get during sex are scientifically different to those that you get at sport, in our case Racing.

This season I have had the wonderful privilege of driving and racing a new Duratec powered car as well as my Pinto version. So what is the difference? A question that I have been asked during the season by many drivers. In short, it’s in the size of your smile after driving one, it’s huge.

Racing is not just about competition, nor driving about speed. A weekend at the races appeals to all of your senses. The lingering odour of gasoline and burning rubber. The raw sounds that vibrate through to the depths of your bowels. The haunting emotions of all those that have raced in the very same venue before you. I highlight these feelings because describing the difference in the two cars relates to the way that they appeal to your senses. It is the way they reward you when you are either driving the cars or just in their vicinity.

For a start, an aluminium block, double overhead cam, and four trumpeted air intakes look a bloody sight more capable of producing serious power than our trusted SOHC Pinto’s. Before I go on, as I can already hear the jeers, I must say that I love the Pinto, it has a great history and will always been seen as THE Sports 2000 engine and long may it continue. But the racing fraternity is always looking forwards and to the future, always striving to become better and Sports 2000 must not be an exception.

The feel from the cockpit is one of anticipation even before you press the ‘start’ button. Like a child with a big piece of candy, you are filled with joyous trepidation, as you know that you are going to enjoy the experience. Once on the track the whole driving experience is changed. And Yes the Duratec car is quicker. But it is not a slam in the back when you open the butterflies that one might expect, but you are left in no doubt that there are more ponies behind your seat trying a lot harder to thrill you. The jump in horsepower however is only one of the differentiating characteristics compared to the Pinto. A 2.0litre melodic version of ‘Jerusalem’ emanates from all around, through the seat, and the steering wheel. It is not in the class of V8, but for a four pot, it is good enough to inspire you with greater confidence that you are not going to be aching for the power out of the slow corners as with the Pinto.

The engine’s greatest attribute and the one that sets it apart from its predecessor, is the way that it delivers that power. The rev limiter cuts in at about 7000rpm, but the power feels very even and progressive from as low as 3500rpm. This wide range makes the car more driveable as you can balance the car through the corners with the right foot, a distinctive and much appreciated difference from the Pinto. It is a wonderful experience to be able to modulate the pitch of the car with greater effectiveness, and even indulge yourself in a little power-on over steer on corner exit, just like in the movies!. Pretty, fun and hugely satisfying ?

The Duratec is truly at home in the back of a Sports 2000. It gives the cars attitude in the 21st Century. An experience that brought the difference home to me was during a testing session at Brands Hatch, which we were sharing with some high powered Porsches. When following them in the Pinto I would gain yards over them through Paddock Hill and up in to Druids, but once exiting Graham Hill, they simply opened the taps on their twin turbo’d power plants and agonisingly, off they would go. What a refreshing change to find that in the Duratec this did not happen. You begin to feel like you have made the jump from primary to ‘big’ school, and find yourself rubbing shoulders with the big boys. Yet you don’t feel embarrassed anymore in your little Sports 2’ to be playing on the same hallowed ground as those with machines worth £100K and belching out 400hp.

The changes are not purely engine related on the Van Diemen. Four pot AP calipers that glisten in between the wheel spokes add a new dimension again to driving, you can actually feel the brakes instead of acting like those on one of our tractors. This then gives greater control and balance, (theoretically anyway!), and I have become much more confident with my left-foot braking.
The sum of all of these differences is a more intense and rewarding driving experience. The car delivers extra through the seat and the pedals and gives you confidence to push, but in turn you have to give it a little more respect.

Duratec powered Sports 2000, a match made in heaven? I don’t know, but the honeymoon has been great!

Nik Johnson.