Seat Ibiza 1.4 SE - ECU control during "running in" period. | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

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Thu 2 Jun 2011 16:44

Seat Ibiza 1.4 SE - ECU control during "running in" period. - mike w

When I recently bought my new Seat Ibiza 1.4 SE 85PS I expected it to have a bit more power than my previous car (Polo 1.4 75PS), but it doesn't seem to be the case. The Polo felt very flexible and long-legged, easily sailing up hills often in 5th gear, but the Ibiza is sometimes down to 3rd gear for same uphill speed. I just wonder if the ECU is programmed with a "running in" algorithm so that the engine never labours in too high a gear for the first 1000 miles or so after which it will become easier to drive. Anyone else had similar experience?

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Thu 2 Jun 2011 22:45

Seat Ibiza 1.4 SE - ECU control during "running in" period. - unthrottled

No. People often get disappointed by petrol engines with high specific outputs. At an engine speed of 2000-3000 RPM ALL naturally aspirated petrols make almost exactly the same amount of torque and power. It feels slower than the Polo, because: a.) it is heavier and b.) it has taller gearing to flatter the economy.

Think in terms of engine speed rather than 'gear'. You'll probably find 3rd corrosponds to 4th in the Polo. To see those 85 ponies you'll need to be well north of 5 grand on the tach.

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