1991 Lancia Delta Integrale Evoluzione 2.0 16v turbo

Summary:

Stunning

Faults:

One of the rear dampers failed, I suspect the brakes need minor attention and the rear (after market) exhaust back box doesn't fit correctly. All minor issues relevant to any car 13 years old.

General Comments:

The reputation of these cars is well deserved, they are seriously quick and require an element of self control.

The engine is fantastic, when the turbo is spinning it has real genuine grunt whilst also being easy to drive around town. The grunt is very much at the expense of fuel economy.

The handling from the four wheel drive is just in a league of its own plus it has serious stopping power.

Inside the build quality is surprisingly good for an early 90's Lancia, it creaks and rattles a bit, but noise from the engine, road etc is well damped.

Don't buy one of these for motorway work as this car is designed for the twisty stuff and comes into its own in the country. I have never owned a car that can inspire so much confidence at speed on twisty country roads, you will be rewarded for your efforts.

These cars require a lot of love... and possibly money to stay in peak condition.

The best car I have ever owned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st March, 2004

1991 Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16v 2.0 16v turbo

Summary:

Performance icon

Faults:

Dashlight bulb blew.

Wastegate actuator spring weakened.

Paint starting to blister around the tailgate.

General Comments:

Outclasses my old Scooby in nearly every department.

The most enjoyable car I`ve ever sat my bum in.

The reliability thing is a fallacy, buy a good one in the first place.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th May, 2001

1991 Lancia Delta LX 1.3 petrol

Faults:

Replaced exhaust, clutch (both at 50,000 miles) and had an alternator drive belt snap on the motorway (only a £3.50 repair but it took nearly an hour to get on !!)

General Comments:

This car is great. It's quick and handles better than any GTI., O.K. so it's only a 1300 and sometimes gets beaten away from the traffic lights but only by cars with bigger engines and turbos. Specialist dealers are not expensive, if you visit a proper Lancia specialist you won't pay the cowboy prices charged by the Fiat and Alfa Romeo monkeys.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th January, 1999

23rd Aug 2003, 11:30

I used to own a LX, true that it's a bit slow off the line, but it sure can go round corners better than most cars these days.. its lots of fun on A & B roads and cheap on in insurance to. I wouldn't mind owning another, but hard to find.. regret selling it.

28th Aug 2009, 08:53

Had my 1300 LX some 20 years / 50k miles now and it still puts a smile on my face as it coughs into life. Kept the rust at bay, that's a labour of love, but now when you see all these bland euro box's about now, the old thing sure stands out.

You have to watch the take off (not quick), but once in the 20 to 70 range there's very few similar sized modern cars will out run or handle it - just have to watch the braking distance, never a strong point - but I still drive it like I stole it - after all, it's a Lancia...