[DML] Re: D questions!

[William T Wilson <fluffy@xxxx>]

On Wed, 24 Nov 1999, Tony Petrarca wrote:

> 1. Can someone explain the Volvo connection better? I find many people
> refer to the powerplant as a Peugot/Renault/Volvo engine, and that a
> number of car parts can be found through Volvo dealerships?

The DeLorean PRV-6 was used in cars made by all three of those
manufacturers. 760 and 240 Volvos of the era are the most common, though
the Peugeot 505 and Eagle Premier used it too. However, the DeLorean
version of the engine differs slightly from those used on the other cars,
so the engines are not identically interchangeable. Volvo calls the
engine the B28F. There are other versions of the PRV engine.

The PRV engine was chosen for a variety of reasons. First, JZD wanted to
use a European made engine. The logistics are simpler when the engine
manufacturer is near to the assembly plant. Secondly, the American car
companies didn't like JZD very much and didn't want to sell him engines.
But had the DMC-12 actually been made in Puerto Rico, I wouldn't be
surprised if we would have DeLoreans with Chrysler engines in them. :}

The PRV had several advantages. It was a lightweight engine that was
produced in very large quantities. It had good fuel economy. It was
already emissions-certified in the United States. And, this particular
version of the PRV was an extremely reliable engine (not all PRV versions
are of the same quality. So if someone tells you they heard the engines
were garbage, they are thinking of some other PRV version). It did have
one disadvantage, which was the cost. I believe DMC had to pay almost
$5000 apiece for the engines.

JZD originally considered several other engines, including GM, Citroen,
and Mazda wankels (none of which worked - GM over licensing, Citroen
over... uh... I don't know why, and Mazda over volume and logistics),
Citroen and Ford 4-cylinder engines (both of which were simply not
powerful enough) and I believe, also 4-cylinder Volvos. Unfortunately,
the combination of weight, emissions, and fuel economy eliminated V8 and
large V6 engines from consideration. The PRV was, given the alternatives,
the best choice at the time.

> 2. I am interested in driving a D to get a better feel for it. It's one

That's a little trickier. The best thing you can do is find someone who's
selling one and ask to test drive it. The problem is that many (most) D
sellers will want "serious inquiries only." I know I would.

It should be relatively easy to get someone to give you a ride. Most
DeLorean owners love to show off their cars (which look even better in
person than they do in pictures). You'll get a pretty good feel for the
car just by that. But I don't think, really, the test drive is going to
be the deciding factor. For a car like the DeLorean, it really shouldn't
be. Owning a DeLorean is about wanting to put in the time it takes to
maintain the car well, about owning a unique car with historical value,
and about enjoying all the attention you get. The car is comfortable and
easy to drive enough that anyone who wants one ought to be able to put up
with it.

> day? I WILL own one one day, but would like to know how they drive.
> I'd ask my neighbor who has one, but he doesn't drive his (bad idea!).

Why not? If he doesn't want it, maybe he'll give it to you. Sound like a
deal? :}