noonan mckane wrote:I remember reading somewhere about the development of the original 800, and the collaboration between Honda and Austin Rover (as 'twas) on it's design. Obviously, looking at the MKI 800, Honda designers have had a big say in what the car looked like (the phrase "It's a great big Honda" does sort of suggest itself), but there were big disagreements over a lot of the mechanicals, in particular the front suspension. Honda were determined that it should have two wishbones, while Rover wanted the traditional Macpherson strut. Honda's design would have allowed a bigger interior cabin, as more space would have been freed up inside the engine bay in the absence of a 'suspension turret', but Rover's idea (proven to have been the right one, undoubtably) would make the car ride like a big saloon car should, rather than like a big version of a small car.
Honda were not especially pleased at having to compromise on this point, but Rover were obviously mindful of the critical point their relationship with Honda had reached; ie Honda were very near to completely buying Rover out, which would have made Rover simply a UK based assembler of Honda cars, but were worried about 'quality control' issues. Honda eventually agreed with Rover's engineers on the finer points of the 800s nuts and bolts, but struck a deal which would see Cowley produce the Honda Legend as well as the 800 (after an army of Honda's people had inspected every inch of the factory to ensure it had the proper feng shui or something, I suppose) and all was well again. Rover's integrity and independence was preserved, and Honda's (let's face it: invaluable) continuing support and cooperation was maintained.
You know, you can't deny it; Honda can produce a top quality motor car, any old day. Somehow, though, there's something that a Vitesse Coupe has that no Honda Legend could have in a million years. And it's probably got nothing whatsoever to do with it's front suspension......
What you say is right but having owned both a Rover 620 and a Honda Accord 2.2iES coupe (imagine a 623 coupe and you're about there!), the Rover felt more solidly planted on the road and drove nicer. Despite paying about £4k for the Honda and about £200 for the Rover (both on "N" plates!) the Rover was nicer with the wood trim etc although it was a lowly 620i against the range-topping "ES" spec of the Honda. Granted the Honda had some extra toys like leather, cruise etc but if i'd bought a 620 with the toys the Rover would have been nicer all round. Mechanically there was little to separate them, if memory serves both had McPherson struts (Honda learnt a lesson with the 800, besides it was built by Honda Motor Co, North America) but with hindsight i would save my money and go for the Rover every time!
In the village where i live, there is a Legend in Nightfire Red or whatever Honda call their shade of that colour. Very well looked after by an old boy, always clean and polished etc. Having had a sneeky peek in as i went past, the interior looks plasticky and cheap, the instruments just look wrong (unequal size speedo and tacho), ergonomically it's a disaster with switchgear seemingly placed by a blind epileptic during a fit and it just doesn't look like a 30 grand car.
Parking my Sterling next to the Legend makes it look like a fat, bloated wannabe which is a shame when you consider how closely related they are.
As for my fuel filler, i suppose some time next year i'll have to start looking seriously for a replacement as although my welds are holding, the rest of the pipe isn't doing so well! Maybe i'll take my own advice and get one of those fillers from Europa Spares i linked to further up.
