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Ownership

Know the car in the drawing

A model name is the beginning of identifying a car. These guides help separate generations, engines and facelifts, with tools where a comparison needs more than a paragraph. For a used purchase, the version guide supports your research; the condition of the individual car still needs checking.

Start here

  1. 01350Z DE or HR is an engine question, not a verdictThe 350Z moved from the VQ35DE to the substantially revised VQ35HR, with a RevUp version between them. Identify the engine first, then let condition and evidence decide the car.
  2. 02Which Fiesta is which? Five drawings and four generation namesThe same Fiesta can carry two different generation numbers in two honest guides. I use Jonathan’s established UK-facing count, then use the year range and the front of the car to stop the number becoming a guess.
  3. 03NA, NB, NC and ND are four different Mazda MX-5 drawingsThe Mazda MX-5 has four generations: NA from 1989 to 1998, NB from 1998 to 2005, NC from 2005 to 2015 and ND from 2015. Headlights, body shape and roof type help identify the correct drawing.
  4. 04A Civic Type R chassis code is more useful than its red badgeHonda’s Civic Type R chronology runs through EK9, EP3, FN2, FK2, FK8 and FL5. The chassis code identifies the generation more safely than a badge, colour or registration, especially when a car has been imported or modified.
  5. 05AW11, SW20 and ZZW30 are the three Toyota MR2 generationsToyota built three MR2 generations. The angular AW11 arrived first, the larger and rounder SW20 followed, and the ZZW30 returned the idea to a lighter open roadster. All three put the engine behind the seats and drive the rear wheels, but they need separate drawings and generation-specific figures.

Nissan Z

  1. 01MX-5, S2000, GT86 or 350Z are four different answersThe Mazda MX-5 NA, Honda S2000, Toyota GT86 and Nissan 350Z all put the engine in front and drive the rear wheels, but they solve different problems. The MX-5 is a light open two-seater. The S2000 adds a high-revving engine and roadster structure. The GT86 is a fixed-roof 2+2 coupe. The 350Z is a heavier two-seat V6 coupe. Choose the body, engine character and real use first, then compare identity, condition, history, modifications, insurance and total ownership cost. Jonathan’s signed print figures provide a consistent house comparison without pretending every published kerb-weight convention is identical.
  2. 02The R33 GT-R and 350Z share a maker, not an engineering briefThe Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 is a four-seat, twin-turbo 2.6-litre all-wheel-drive performance coupé launched in Japan in 1995. The Z33 350Z is a later two-seat, naturally aspirated 3.5-litre rear-wheel-drive sports car launched for 2002 in Japan and 2003 in the UK. Their signed print figures are close in power but their layout, age, market history, mechanical systems and buying risks are not. Compare individual cars through identity, structure, history, modifications, specialist support, insurance and total cost.
  3. 03Buying a Nissan 370Z starts with the individual car, not the Z badgeBuy a Nissan 370Z on identity, condition and documented maintenance. Confirm the exact version, check the MOT and recall records, inspect it cold and warm, and treat modifications or familiar model faults as prompts for diagnosis rather than proof.
  4. 04The 370Z is the shorter, wider successor to the 350ZThe 350Z is the Z33 generation with a 3.5 litre V6. The 370Z replaced it as the shorter-wheelbase, wider Z34 with a 3.7 litre V6. They are separate bodies and drawings, so year, front shape and chassis generation must agree before choosing either print.
  5. 05GT86 or 350Z? The figures answer only part of the questionThe GT86 has the lower signed-off catalogue weight. The HR 350Z has more power and torque. Both prints describe rear-wheel-drive manual cars, but neither specification block can judge the condition of the used car you may buy.
  6. 06Buying a 350Z, from someone who has drawn every panel of oneThe right 350Z is the one with sound history and condition. Use this version-specific checklist to identify DE, RevUp and HR cars, then verify the individual car before buying.

Ford Fiesta

  1. 01Clio R.S. 200 or Fiesta ST Mk7 starts with the gearboxThe facelift Renault Clio R.S. 200 and Ford Fiesta ST Mk7 are turbocharged front-wheel-drive hot hatches with close factory output, but the Clio is a five-door with a six-speed EDC dual-clutch transmission while the Fiesta is a three-door with a six-speed manual. Jonathan’s signed Clio block has more power and a higher weight; his Fiesta block is lighter and uses a different performance source. Compare actual cars through identity, gearbox condition, history, tyres, brakes, modifications, cabin use, insurance and total cost.
  2. 02Fiesta Mk numbers disagree when facelifts are counted differentlyFord Fiesta Mk numbers are informal generation shorthand, not a VIN field or one globally controlled sequence. The main disagreement appears when a substantial facelift, especially the 1999 New Edge car, is counted as a new Mk by one source and retained inside an earlier generation by another. Use the year, body, front lamps, grille, bumper, engine and VIN-linked record to identify a Fiesta. Then state which numbering convention you are using.
  3. 03The 2022 Fiesta ST is the Mk8 with the revised faceFord changed the Fiesta ST nose for the 2022 model period and raised peak torque from 290 Nm to 320 Nm. That makes identity the first buying check: a facelift body paired with pre-facelift figures, or the earlier face advertised as the later car, is not one coherent specification. Confirm the VIN and history, then inspect the cold engine, controls, tyres, underside, repairs and modifications of the individual car.
  4. 04The Fiesta Mk5 guide starts by settling which Mk5 you meanGreasemonkey Prints calls the 1999 to 2002 revised Fiesta a Mk5 because that is Jonathan’s established UK-facing catalogue convention, while other generation counts call it a Mk4 facelift or Mk6. Settle the body and date before reading an advert, then check the individual car’s identity, corrosion, cold running, cooling, controls, tyres, repairs and history without applying the live 1.3-litre poster figures to every engine.
  5. 05Fiesta ST Mk8 facelift or pre-facelift is a front-end decisionThe catalogue splits the Fiesta ST Mk8 into a 2018 to 2021 pre-facelift drawing and a 2022 to 2023 facelift drawing. The revised nose changes the picture, while the signed print also moves from 290 Nm to 320 Nm.
  6. 06A 2018 to 2021 Fiesta ST needs the pre-facelift faceConfirm the 2018 to 2021 front end before using the Mk8 name or its figures. Ford supports the 1.5-litre three-cylinder, 200 PS and 290 Nm specification, while the print uses Jonathan’s separately signed bhp and poster values.
  7. 07Fiesta ST Mk7 or Mk8 starts as a three-drawing questionThe Mk7 covers 2013 to 2017. The Mk8 needs a second split: 2018 to 2021 pre-facelift or 2022 to 2023 facelift. All three signed prints use different weight or torque figures, even where the badge and power look familiar.
  8. 08A Fiesta ST180 viewing starts with the car, not the reputationVerify the VIN, history, cold engine and modification record before the test drive. Ford confirms the 1.6-litre EcoBoost and 182 PS launch specification, while the print keeps its own signed-off bhp and poster figures.
  9. 09A Fiesta ST150 badge still needs a matching historyVerify that the VIN, documents, 2.0-litre engine and history describe the same Fiesta ST150 before the test drive. The catalogue range follows Jonathan's signed-off drawing, while the individual car still has to prove its own date and specification.

Mazda MX-5

  1. 01MX-5, S2000, GT86 or 350Z are four different answersThe Mazda MX-5 NA, Honda S2000, Toyota GT86 and Nissan 350Z all put the engine in front and drive the rear wheels, but they solve different problems. The MX-5 is a light open two-seater. The S2000 adds a high-revving engine and roadster structure. The GT86 is a fixed-roof 2+2 coupe. The 350Z is a heavier two-seat V6 coupe. Choose the body, engine character and real use first, then compare identity, condition, history, modifications, insurance and total ownership cost. Jonathan’s signed print figures provide a consistent house comparison without pretending every published kerb-weight convention is identical.
  2. 02MR2 or MX-5 begins with where the engine sitsThe Toyota MR2 and Mazda MX-5 are compact Japanese two-seat sports cars, but their shared size and rear-wheel drive conceal the decisive difference. Toyota placed the MR2 engine behind the occupants and ahead of the rear axle. Mazda placed the MX-5 engine in front. The MR2 also spans three visibly and mechanically distinct generations, while the MX-5 has its own NA, NB, NC and ND sequence. Choose the layout, roof and generation first. Then compare the exact car through identity, corrosion, cooling, tyres, geometry, service history, modifications, insurance and realistic first-year cost.
  3. 03The S2000 and MX-5 NA are two different roadster answersThe Mazda MX-5 NA is the lighter, earlier roadster in the live catalogue, with pop-up headlamps and verified 1.6 or 1.8 UK specifications. The later Honda S2000 pairs a 237 bhp high-revving engine with a six-speed gearbox and a different level of performance. Both are front-engined, rear-wheel-drive two-seat convertibles. Choose between real cars on identity, shell, condition, history, modifications, intended use and total ownership cost, not a winner declared in the abstract.
  4. 04An MX-5 NC viewing needs two checks: which face, then which carThe Mazda MX-5 NC is the third generation launched in 2005, with 1.8 and 2.0-litre engines and soft-top or power-retractable-hard-top forms across its run. Identify the pre-facelift or later front before viewing, then check the exact engine, roof, structure, corrosion, drains, fluids, tyres, suspension, transmission, history and modifications with an MX-5 specialist.
  5. 05NB 1.6, early 1.8 and 1.8 VVT are specifications, not visual guessesThe MX-5 NB was sold with 1.6 and 1.8-litre engines, and the later 1.8 gained variable valve timing. Confirm the engine from the VIN, vehicle documents, block markings and history, not from one bumper or registration year. The live builder offers two checked European 1.8 blocks: 138 bhp for 1998 to 2000 and 146 bhp VVT for 2001 to 2005. A 1.6 needs separate verified figures.
  6. 06An MX-5 NB viewing starts with identity, structure and evidenceThe Mazda MX-5 NB is the fixed-headlight second generation launched in 1998. Separate the early car from the facelift, confirm its engine and market, then inspect corrosion, structure, roof, drains, fluids, tyres, suspension and modifications with a qualified specialist. A registration year or fresh MOT is useful evidence, but neither proves the whole car.
  7. 07The MX-5 ND soft top and RF share a face, not a roofThe ND Roadster has a manually folding fabric roof. The RF has a powered retractable roof panel and fixed fastback buttresses. From the front, the catalogue drawing stops at the windscreen header and honestly represents either. The builder therefore changes the verified specification rather than pretending the roof is visible.
  8. 08MX-5 NC facelift or pre-facelift: the front is what tells them apartThe NC was restyled during its run, and the change is at the front. The early car has round fog lamps set into a softer bumper. The later one drops them for shaped corner intakes and a harder edged nose. The engine and the figures stayed where they were.
  9. 09Eunos Roadster or Mazda MX-5 starts with the original marketMazda called the first-generation car Eunos Roadster in Japan and MX-5 in overseas markets. The name identifies its original market, but it does not by itself settle the engine, registration, trim or modifications.
  10. 10Which MX-5 NA engine belongs on your print?The catalogue 1.6 is the early 1989 to 1993 UK specification, while the 1.8 covers 1994 to 1997. They share the same body drawing, but every figure in the poster block changes with the engine choice.
  11. 11Buying an MX-5 NA means buying the shell firstBuy the cleanest MX-5 NA shell you can verify, then choose between the early 1.6 and the later 1.8. Mechanical work is visible and usually finite. Corrosion hidden behind a tidy sill is neither.

Honda Civic Type R

  1. 01EP3 and FN2 are two European Type R generations, not trim choicesThe EP3 is the upright European Civic Type R hatch built from 2001 to 2005. The FN2 is the wedge-shaped European hatch sold from 2007 to 2011. Both use naturally aspirated 2.0-litre K20-family engines and front-wheel drive, but their bodies, chassis, exact engines, weight and printed specifications are different. Identify the shape first, then verify the chassis code.
  2. 02The DC5 and EP3 share Honda Type R thinking, not a bodyThe DC5 Integra Type R is a low Japanese-market coupe. The EP3 Civic Type R is a taller three-door hatchback built in Swindon and sold across Europe. Both arrived in 2001 with two-litre K-series engines and six-speed gearboxes, but their bodies, market specifications and verified poster figures are separate.
  3. 03The Civic Type R changed from high-revving naturally aspirated engines to turbo powerEK9, EP3 and European FN2 Civic Type Rs are naturally aspirated. Honda changed the line to a two-litre VTEC Turbo engine with the FK2 in 2015, then continued that layout through FK8 and FL5. The badge stayed, but the way the engine fills its cylinders, its output and the body around it changed.

Nissan Skyline

  1. 01An R34 GT-R advert needs BNR34 evidence behind the badgeThe R34 Skyline GT-R is the BNR34 launched in 1999, with the RB26DETT, all-wheel drive and several factory grades across its short run. A UK viewing should establish the exact imported identity before inspecting structure, repairs, engine, turbo and cooling systems, six-speed transmission, four-wheel-drive hardware, brakes, suspension, electronics and modifications. This guide organises evidence rather than recommending an individual car.
  2. 02An R32 GT-R viewing begins with BNR32, not the badgeThe R32 Skyline GT-R is the BNR32 launched in 1989 with the RB26DETT, ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission. A UK viewing should prove the imported car’s identity and history before assessing structure, repairs, engine, turbo system, cooling, driveline, brakes, suspension and modifications. This guide organises the evidence without telling you whether to buy a particular car.
  3. 03R32, R33 and R34 are three different Skyline GT-R drawingsR32, R33 and R34 identify three successive Skyline GT-R generations. The R32 has the squarest front, the R33 is broader and more rounded, and the R34 returns to sharper lamps and blockier openings. Confirm the chassis code because modified bumpers and lamps can hide those clues.
  4. 04Prove an R33 GT-R's identity before you buy itVerify the chassis identity, provenance and modifications before judging an R33 GT-R from its colour or badge. The UK registration date can be later than the car itself, so the documents have to tell one consistent story.

Toyota MR2

  1. 01MR2 or MX-5 begins with where the engine sitsThe Toyota MR2 and Mazda MX-5 are compact Japanese two-seat sports cars, but their shared size and rear-wheel drive conceal the decisive difference. Toyota placed the MR2 engine behind the occupants and ahead of the rear axle. Mazda placed the MX-5 engine in front. The MR2 also spans three visibly and mechanically distinct generations, while the MX-5 has its own NA, NB, NC and ND sequence. Choose the layout, roof and generation first. Then compare the exact car through identity, corrosion, cooling, tyres, geometry, service history, modifications, insurance and realistic first-year cost.
  2. 02The live AW11 is the later Japanese supercharged MR2The first-generation MR2 began in 1984, but the live Greasemonkey Prints car is the later 1986 to 1989 Japanese 1600G-Limited supercharged version. Toyota introduced its 1,587 cc 4A-GZE, reinforced chassis, larger brakes and optional T-bar roof in August 1986. Confirm the market, engine and body first, then inspect corrosion and repairs, cold running and cooling, supercharger system, gearbox, brakes, pop-up lamps, roof seals and modifications.
  3. 03A ZZW30 viewing starts by separating the two visible frontsConfirm whether the MR2 Roadster is an early or 2003-model facelift car before judging its advert, history or poster fit. Then inspect the 1ZZ engine, fluids, structure, roof, drains, tyres, suspension, transmission and modifications with a qualified specialist. The live drawing is the revised 2003 to 2007 face and its figures come from checked customer commissions.
  4. 04An SW20 advert names a generation. The evidence names the carTreat an SW20 viewing as an identity and condition check, not a hunt for one headline fault. Confirm the revision, market, engine and transmission from records, then inspect the mid-engined cooling system, structure, tyres, suspension, modifications and recall status with a qualified specialist. The live poster is a verified 1993 export-market Turbo, not every Mk2 MR2.

Subaru Impreza

  1. 01Bugeye and Blobeye describe two different Subaru Impreza facesA Bugeye Impreza has the large circular headlamps used on the early second-generation car. The 2003 facelift replaced them with a lobed, swept-back lamp shape and a new bumper and front wings, producing the Blobeye face. They belong to one broad generation, but a front-view print needs a separate drawing for each.
  2. 02A Blobeye face does not tell you whether it is a WRX or STIIdentify the exact Blobeye from its VIN, documents and equipment before applying WRX or STI claims to it. The shared 2003 to 2005 face is useful for dating the drawing, but it is not a complete mechanical specification.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

  1. 01An Evo VIII needs its exact market, grade and modifications provedStart a Mitsubishi Evo VIII purchase with the VIN, market, grade, gearbox and build date. UK 260, FQ and MR wording cannot be blended with Japanese or North American specifications. Once identity is secure, inspect the cold 4G63, cooling and turbo systems, calibration, clutch, gearbox, four-wheel drive, steering, brakes, suspension, shell, underside and modification record with a specialist who understands the exact car.
  2. 02An Evo X viewing starts with market, year and transmissionConfirm the Evo X's market, model year, engine rating and transmission before comparing its condition or price. Then inspect history, cold-start behaviour, fluids, cooling, drivetrain, tyres, brakes, structure and modifications with an appropriate specialist. The live print is an early 2008 Japanese GSR specification, not every Evo X sold from 2007 to 2016.
  3. 03The Evo VIII and Evo X share a name, not a body or engineThe Evo VIII is the smaller 2003 to 2005 generation with the 4G63 engine and a split front grille. The Evo X is the larger 2007 to 2016 generation with the 4B11T and a tall trapezoidal grille. Both are turbocharged all-wheel-drive Lancer Evolutions, but they need separate drawings and generation-specific figures.

Toyota Supra

  1. 01A Mk4 Supra viewing must keep body, market and engine togetherThe fourth-generation Toyota Supra is the A80 introduced in 1993 with naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE and twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE grades, manual and automatic transmissions, and an optional removable sport roof in relevant markets. Before buying one in the UK, prove identity, import and market history, then inspect the shell, repairs, roof, engine, turbo and cooling systems, transmission, differential, brakes, suspension, wiring and modifications.
  2. 02A Toyota Supra Mk4 is an A80 before it is a badge or a body kitThe Toyota Supra Mk4 is the fourth-generation A80, produced from 1993 to 2002. Identify it from the body code and complete shape, then check market and engine evidence before attaching specification figures to the car.

Honda S2000

  1. 01MX-5, S2000, GT86 or 350Z are four different answersThe Mazda MX-5 NA, Honda S2000, Toyota GT86 and Nissan 350Z all put the engine in front and drive the rear wheels, but they solve different problems. The MX-5 is a light open two-seater. The S2000 adds a high-revving engine and roadster structure. The GT86 is a fixed-roof 2+2 coupe. The 350Z is a heavier two-seat V6 coupe. Choose the body, engine character and real use first, then compare identity, condition, history, modifications, insurance and total ownership cost. Jonathan’s signed print figures provide a consistent house comparison without pretending every published kerb-weight convention is identical.
  2. 02The 2004 Honda S2000 changed where an owner can see and feel itThe European 2004 Honda S2000 retained its 240 PS 2.0-litre F20C and six-speed manual gearbox, but gained a stiffer body, revised suspension and steering, 17-inch wheels with wider tyres, triple-beam headlamps, updated bumpers and detailed cabin changes. It is more than a cosmetic model-year update. It is also the visible dividing line used by the live front-view S2000 print.
  3. 03The S2000 and MX-5 NA are two different roadster answersThe Mazda MX-5 NA is the lighter, earlier roadster in the live catalogue, with pop-up headlamps and verified 1.6 or 1.8 UK specifications. The later Honda S2000 pairs a 237 bhp high-revving engine with a six-speed gearbox and a different level of performance. Both are front-engined, rear-wheel-drive two-seat convertibles. Choose between real cars on identity, shell, condition, history, modifications, intended use and total ownership cost, not a winner declared in the abstract.
  4. 04Honda S2000 2.0 or 2.2 depends on market, not body aloneA European AP2 kept the 2.0-litre F20C. The US AP2 used the 2.2-litre F22C, while Japan changed from 2.0 to 2.2 in November 2005. The body alone therefore does not identify the engine.
  5. 05Buying an S2000 starts with the market it was built forConfirm the market, VIN and engine before applying an S2000 checklist. A UK 2004-on car kept the 2.0-litre F20C, while Japanese and US cars could use the 2.2-litre F22C.

Toyota GT86

  1. 01MX-5, S2000, GT86 or 350Z are four different answersThe Mazda MX-5 NA, Honda S2000, Toyota GT86 and Nissan 350Z all put the engine in front and drive the rear wheels, but they solve different problems. The MX-5 is a light open two-seater. The S2000 adds a high-revving engine and roadster structure. The GT86 is a fixed-roof 2+2 coupe. The 350Z is a heavier two-seat V6 coupe. Choose the body, engine character and real use first, then compare identity, condition, history, modifications, insurance and total ownership cost. Jonathan’s signed print figures provide a consistent house comparison without pretending every published kerb-weight convention is identical.
  2. 02The Gen 7 Celica and GT86 put Toyota performance at opposite endsThe facelift Gen 7 Celica T Sport is a front-engined, front-wheel-drive liftback with a 189 bhp 2ZZ-GE and six-speed manual. The GT86 is a later front-engined, rear-wheel-drive coupé with a low-mounted 197 bhp 4U-GSE boxer engine and manual or automatic factory choices. Their signed power figures are close, but layout, age, engine character, cabin, inspection needs and modification history separate them. Choose a used car from identity, condition and total cost. Choose a print from the owner’s exact face.
  3. 03The best GT86 year depends on whether you want the 2017 revisionsThere is no single best Toyota GT86 year for every buyer. Choose 2012 to 2016 if the original specification and early styling matter. Start at the revised 2017 model if you want Toyota’s body, suspension, aerodynamic, electronic-control, instrument and equipment updates. Treat TRD, Aero, Blanco, Orange and Blue editions as exact factory packages to verify. In every period, condition, recalls, transmission, repair history and modifications can outweigh the registration year.
  4. 04GT86 or 350Z? The figures answer only part of the questionThe GT86 has the lower signed-off catalogue weight. The HR 350Z has more power and torque. Both prints describe rear-wheel-drive manual cars, but neither specification block can judge the condition of the used car you may buy.
  5. 05A Toyota GT86 viewing should begin before the engine startsCheck the identity, history and cold engine before a test drive makes the decision for you. This GT86 checklist keeps verified catalogue figures separate from claims about an individual used car.

Renault Clio

  1. 01Clio R.S. 200 or Fiesta ST Mk7 starts with the gearboxThe facelift Renault Clio R.S. 200 and Ford Fiesta ST Mk7 are turbocharged front-wheel-drive hot hatches with close factory output, but the Clio is a five-door with a six-speed EDC dual-clutch transmission while the Fiesta is a three-door with a six-speed manual. Jonathan’s signed Clio block has more power and a higher weight; his Fiesta block is lighter and uses a different performance source. Compare actual cars through identity, gearbox condition, history, tyres, brakes, modifications, cabin use, insurance and total cost.
  2. 02A Clio R.S. 200 viewing starts by identifying the faceliftThe catalogue drawing is the 2016 to 2019 facelift Clio R.S. 200 EDC, not every fourth-generation Clio R.S. Establish the year and front end first, then inspect history, cold behaviour, controls, gearbox operation, tyres and modifications.

More cars and engineering explained

  1. 01The 2007 to 2012 Aston Martin DBS must be separated from its nameThe modern V12 Aston Martin DBS was unveiled in 2007, entered customer production for 2008 and ended in 2012. The fixed-roof Coupé came first; the DBS Volante open-top derivative joined in 2009. Both use a 5,935 cc V12, while manual and Touchtronic 2 automatic versions exist. Separate reveal year, build date, model year and first registration, then confirm the VIN, body and transmission. The live print uses Jonathan’s fixed-roof front and signed 2008-style 510 bhp block, not the 1960s DBS or 2018 DBS Superleggera.
  2. 02An IS 300h F Sport is a complete grade, not a spindle grilleIdentify a Lexus IS 300h F Sport from its full VIN-linked build record, original market and production date, then match the hybrid powertrain, F Sport front grille and bumper, wheels, badges, sports seats, steering wheel, instruments, aluminium trim, pedals and suspension specification. Visible parts can be retrofitted. The live print represents the 2013 to 2016 pre-facelift car, recognisable by separate arrowhead daytime running lights below the headlamps. It uses Jonathan’s corrected 219 bhp, 221 Nm and 125 mph block.
  3. 03RB26DETT explains an engine, not every GT-R claimRB26DETT is Nissan’s 2,568 cc twin-cam, electronically fuel-injected, twin-turbo inline-six associated with the R32, R33 and R34 Skyline GT-R. The familiar production rating of 280 PS converts to about 276 bhp, which explains the power printed on Jonathan’s three live GT-R designs. It does not mean every engine makes the same current output. Age, market, control systems, maintenance, modifications and measurement method matter. Decode the name, identify the complete car, separate production specification from racing or tuned claims, and demand dated evidence before describing one engine.
  4. 04Understeer turns less than asked. Oversteer rotates moreUndersteer is a condition in which a vehicle’s yaw rate is lower than the reference response for its speed and steering angle, so its path turns less than intended. Oversteer is the opposite: yaw rate is higher and the vehicle rotates more than intended. Either can arise from speed, steering, braking, acceleration, tyres, surface, load, alignment, suspension or faults. Front-, rear- and all-wheel drive do not guarantee one response. Electronic stability control can brake individual wheels and alter propulsion torque to assist, but grip remains finite.
  5. 05A car production number is meaningless until its scope is namedA production number should state who counted, what exact model or edition was included, which market or factory it covers, whether it measures production, sales, registrations, licensed stock or known survivors, and the date of the count. Global manufacture is not UK allocation. First registration is not new-car production because imports can arrive later. Licensed vehicles exclude SORN stock, while an owner register includes only cars it has found. Use manufacturer releases for defined production runs and current Department for Transport or DVLA data for UK licensing questions.
  6. 06A modified performance car should arrive with an engineering historyBefore buying a modified performance car, establish its factory VIN identity and every current change. Build an inventory with part numbers, invoices, installer, calibration, fuel, service and removed original parts. Check whether DVLA details, structural-modification rules or vehicle approval apply. Confirm MOT and emissions evidence without treating a pass as a full inspection. Disclose every modification to an insurer before purchase. Then arrange a cold diagnostic, lift inspection and safe road test covering the engine, cooling, fuelling, transmission, drivetrain, brakes, tyres, suspension, structure and workmanship.
  7. 07A 2ZZ Celica advert must prove more than a T Sport badgeThe UK seventh-generation Toyota Celica used a 140 bhp 1ZZ-FE in the standard car and a 189 bhp 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i in the T Sport. Shared body panels, later badges and copied advert specifications can hide that difference. Confirm the full VIN-linked model, engine identification, six-speed transmission, dated Toyota specification and service history. The live Gen 7 print represents the 2003 to 2006 facelift T Sport and deliberately uses 2ZZ-GE because every signed performance figure belongs to that car.
  8. 08A car redline marks engine speed, not a performance promiseA car’s redline is the marked engine-speed region at the top of its tachometer that the manufacturer says should not be used as normal operation. RPM means crankshaft revolutions per minute. The redline, electronic rev limiter and engine speed at peak power are related but not identical. A limiter may reduce power near a calibrated speed, yet it may not prevent a manual downshift from mechanically over-revving the engine. Use the exact owner’s manual, instrument display and standard calibration for that model.
  9. 09Manual, automatic, DSG and DCT describe different ways to change ratioA manual gearbox asks the driver to operate a clutch and select each ratio. A conventional automatic commonly uses a torque converter and controlled internal clutches or gearsets. DCT means dual-clutch transmission, with two clutch and gear paths that can prepare the next ratio. DSG is Volkswagen Group’s name for its dual-clutch gearboxes, while BMW used M DCT for a different implementation. Names describe architecture or branding, not one universal service schedule, reliability verdict or driving character.
  10. 10WRX and STI badges establish a factory claim that still needs evidenceWRX identifies Subaru’s turbocharged all-wheel-drive performance line, while WRX STI identifies the higher-performance derivative developed with Subaru Tecnica International. The exact difference is generation, model year and market specific. Engine, turbocharger, gearbox, differentials, brakes, suspension, body and equipment can all change. Confirm the VIN-linked build record, original market and fitted hardware. A badge, wing, pink decal or quoted output cannot authenticate the car by itself.
  11. 11A trim level is an equipment grade, not the whole car identityA car trim level is a named equipment grade within a model range, such as SE, Sport, Titanium, Design or M Sport. It usually groups wheels, seats, interior finish, body styling, convenience or technology features. It is separate from generation, body style, engine, gearbox and individually selected options, although manufacturers sometimes bundle or restrict those choices. Confirm a used car through its VIN-linked build record and the correct dated market brochure. Badges and seller wording are only clues.
  12. 12F22 means 2 Series Coupé. F87 means the first BMW M2BMW F22 identifies the first-generation 2 Series Coupé, sold in the UK from 2014 with several engines and trims. BMW F87 identifies the first-generation M2, launched in the UK for 2016 and later offered as original M2, Competition and CS. An F22 M Sport is not an F87 M2. The live prints deliberately share Jonathan’s front drawing because he reused it for a customer’s 2 Series, but each entry has its own badge treatment, title and signed specification.
  13. 13An F87 BMW M2 must be identified before its badge sets the priceThe F87 BMW M2 family includes the original 370 hp car, the substantially reworked 410 hp Competition and the 450 hp CS. Confirm the VIN, build date, engine, transmission and factory grade before borrowing any figure or checklist. Then inspect the cold engine, cooling and diagnostics, manual or M DCT operation, active differential, brakes, tyres, suspension, body repairs, underside, history and modifications as one individual car.
  14. 14An MOT history is a dated test record, not a used-car warrantyThe free GOV.UK MOT history shows recorded passes and failures, mileage at each test, defects and the next due date. In England, Scotland and Wales it covers cars, motorcycles and vans from 2005; Northern Ireland results are available from 2017. Read the sequence for repeated advisories, mileage changes and gaps. Then inspect the car, because the MOT does not cover engine, clutch or gearbox condition and cannot guarantee roadworthiness after the test.
  15. 15Buy the Lexus IS 300h by evidence, not its reliability reputationA used Lexus IS 300h still needs an exact identity, coherent history and competent inspection. Confirm the VIN, registration date, pre-facelift or 2017-on face and genuine F Sport grade first. Then assess the petrol engine, hybrid system, cooling, brakes, suspension, tyres, body repairs, cabin equipment and diagnostics as one car, rather than assuming a marque reputation has inspected it for you.
  16. 16Cat S means structural damage. Cat N does not mean minor damageCategory S identifies a repairable insurance write-off with structural damage. Category N identifies a repairable write-off whose damage was classed as non-structural. Neither category says the damage was light, the repair was good, the car is safe now or the price is right. Before buying, obtain the original assessment and photographs, repair and parts evidence, identity and history checks, a suitable independent inspection, an insurance quote and a written valuation comparison.
  17. 17A 2007 to 2012 Aston Martin DBS needs specialist evidenceThe 2007 to 2012 DBS is the V12 flagship that followed its Casino Royale preview, not the 1967 DBS and not the later DBS Superleggera. Confirm the VIN, Coupe or Volante body, transmission and build record first. Then use specialist inspection for the cold V12, cooling and electrical systems, carbon and aluminium body work, ceramic brakes, suspension, tyres, history and modifications before deciding what one car is worth.
  18. 18A homologation special exists because competition rules needed a road carA homologation special is a production road car or derivative created, equipped or sold so a manufacturer can meet the eligibility rules for a particular competition category. The important words are particular, rules and period. Required volumes, permitted variants and homologation forms change between championships and eras. A limited edition, fast road car or rally-look replica is not automatically a homologation special.
  19. 19DOHC and SOHC count camshafts, not performance pointsA camshaft opens and closes an engine’s valves in a timed relationship with the crankshaft. SOHC means a single overhead camshaft for a cylinder head. DOHC means two. The labels describe valve-train architecture, not an automatic winner: valve count, actuation method, variable timing, lift, combustion design, tuning and the rest of the engine still decide how one application behaves.
  20. 20A DC5 Type R viewing starts with its Japanese model recordHonda launched the DC5 Integra in Japan in 2001 as an iS and a Type R. The Type R used a 220 PS two-litre DOHC i-VTEC K20A, close-ratio six-speed manual, helical limited-slip differential and Brembo-developed front brakes. UK cars are imports, so a useful viewing must establish exact identity and history before checking the shell, engine, transmission, differential, brakes, suspension, cabin and modifications.
  21. 21A grey import is a market route, not a grey-painted car or a warning labelGrey import is the common UK term for a vehicle brought in outside the manufacturer’s official UK distribution route, often from Japan. It is not automatically illegal, damaged or modified. For a permanent import, current official steps can include notifying HMRC, paying tax and duty, obtaining vehicle approval and registering with DVLA. For a used car already here, the practical task is to reconcile its foreign and UK identity, dates, mileage, specification and modification history.
  22. 22Coupe, roadster, convertible and targa describe different thingsA coupe usually means a fixed-roof car with a sportier two-door body. Convertible describes a main roof that opens and stows. Roadster usually means a two-seat open sports car. Targa-style describes a removable central roof panel with permanent structure left behind. The labels overlap, and manufacturer naming, registration body type and everyday speech do not always use the same boundary.
  23. 23Inline four, V6 and flat four describe cylinder arrangementAn inline four places four cylinders in one straight bank. A V6 divides six cylinders into two angled banks of three. A flat four places two opposing horizontal banks on either side of the crankshaft. These labels describe engine geometry, not power, induction, driven wheels or quality. The exact engine code, capacity, market and model year still decide the specification.
  24. 24Power to weight is simple division with difficult input choicesPower-to-weight ratio divides engine power by vehicle mass. For bhp per tonne, divide bhp by kilograms and multiply by 1,000. The arithmetic is easy, but a fair comparison needs power in the same unit and mass measured under the same convention for the same market, model year and derivative. The result is a useful ratio, not a prediction of acceleration or lap time.
  25. 25Legal plate flags are a short list, not an open badge spaceA GB number plate can show the Union flag, Cross of St George, Cross of St Andrew or Red Dragon of Wales with approved identifying letters on the left. The flag must sit above the identifier, neither can enter the margin, and the combined area cannot exceed 50 mm wide. Driving abroad is a separate test: UK with the Union flag works without a sticker in most countries, but Spain, Cyprus and Malta still require one.
  26. 26Torque is a turning effect, not a synonym for accelerationTorque describes the turning effect of a force. An engine specification normally states the maximum torque at the crankshaft and the engine speed where it occurs. Gears can multiply that torque before it reaches the driven wheels, while power also depends on how quickly the shaft is rotating. That is why one peak torque number cannot rank how two cars accelerate.
  27. 27The 280 PS figure can date a Japanese performance carJapanese manufacturers used a voluntary ceiling of 280 PS for published domestic-market power figures. That is why 280 PS and its 276 bhp conversion recur across 1990s performance cars. The figure was a catalogue convention, not proof that every engine made exactly the same power, and Honda’s 300 PS Japanese Legend in October 2004 provides a clear contemporary marker that the convention had ended.
  28. 28An LSD limits wheel-speed difference. It does not simply lock the axleA limited slip differential lets the driven wheels rotate at different speeds while resisting an excessive difference when one wheel can use less torque than the other. Plate, viscous, helical and electronically controlled designs achieve that in different ways. The badge “LSD” therefore describes a function, not one universal part or one fixed driving result.
  29. 29An F87 M2 and an F22 2 Series M Sport can share a front drawing without sharing an identityThe F87 M2 is a separate BMW M model, while M Sport is an equipment and styling grade available across the F22 2 Series Coupe range. Their front views were close enough for one approved drawing to serve both products here, but the titles, grille badge and verified specifications remain separate.
  30. 30Type R, ST, RS and GT-R badges belong to different makers and different naming systemsHonda uses Type R for a racing-derived performance family. Ford says ST means Sports Technologies and RS means Rallye Sport. Nissan uses GT-R as a historic performance model designation, first on Skyline generations and later on the separate Nissan GT-R. None of these badges identifies an exact body, year or engine by itself.
  31. 31A mid-engined car puts its engine between the front and rear axlesA mid-engined car carries its engine between the front and rear axles rather than beyond either end. In the Toyota MR2 the engine sits behind the two seats and ahead of the rear axle, then drives the rear wheels. Engine position and driven wheels are separate facts, so mid-engined does not automatically mean rear-wheel drive.
  32. 32A car facelift updates a generation without replacing the whole carA car facelift is a substantial update made during one model generation. Manufacturers often change headlights, grille, bumpers, equipment and sometimes engines while keeping the underlying generation in production. It can still require a separate portrait when the front changes enough that the earlier drawing no longer matches.
  33. 33VTEC changes how far and when an engine opens its valvesVTEC is Honda valve control. In its original DOHC form, hydraulic pins switch the rocker arms between cam profiles so the valves can use one lift and timing pattern at lower engine speeds and another at higher engine speeds.
  34. 34Turbocharged or naturally aspirated describes how the engine gets its airA naturally aspirated engine fills its cylinders without an intake compressor. A turbocharged engine uses exhaust gas to spin a turbine connected to a compressor, raising the pressure and density of the air entering the engine.
  35. 35A boxer engine lays its cylinders flat on opposite sides of the crankshaftA boxer engine is a horizontally opposed engine with cylinders on both sides of a central crankshaft. The opposing pistons move in and out across a flat plane, which makes the engine lower and wider than an inline engine with the same cylinder count.
  36. 36Every car drawn so far, and what happens if yours is not one of themEach car in the catalogue is a separate hand drawing that has been checked against a finished poster before it goes on sale. That is why the list is specific rather than endless. If your car is not on it, the drawing does not exist yet, and that is a commission rather than a search.
  37. 37NA, EP3, R34: what a chassis code is and why owners use themA chassis code is the manufacturer’s own short name for a particular body, used long after the sales brochure has been forgotten. Owners use it because it identifies one shape precisely where a model name and a year often do not.
  38. 38JDM means sold in Japan, and that changes the numbersJDM stands for Japanese domestic market: built and sold for buyers in Japan. It describes where a car was sold rather than how it looks or how fast it is, and a JDM car often carries different figures from the same model sold in the UK.
  39. 39A hot hatch is a small hatchback with the performance version of its own engineA hot hatch is an ordinary small hatchback sold in a faster form, keeping the same body, the same doors and the same boot. The definition is about what the car is based on rather than a power figure, which is why the boundary is argued about so often.
  40. 40A VIN can identify the car, but it cannot photograph what is fitted to it nowA VIN is a unique vehicle identity number. Manufacturer data may decode its maker, model, model year or plant, but the available fields vary. It cannot prove the car's current paint, wheels, bodywork or modifications.
  41. 41FWD, RWD and AWD tell you which wheels receive drive, not how the car will behaveFWD sends drive to the front axle, RWD sends it to the rear, and AWD can send it to both. The label describes the driven wheels, but not a fixed torque split, engine position or guaranteed handling result.
  42. 42Nm and lb-ft can describe the same torque with different numbersNewton metres and pound-force feet measure the same quantity. One pound-force foot equals 1.355818 Nm, so divide Nm by 1.355818 to get lb-ft and multiply lb-ft by 1.355818 to get Nm.
  43. 43Model year, manufacture year and registration year answer different questionsA car model year is a manufacturer version label. The year of manufacture records when the vehicle was made, while the registration date records when it was first registered. DVLA keeps the latter two as separate fields.
  44. 44BHP, PS and kW can describe the same power without being the same numberBHP and PS are two horsepower units, while the kilowatt is the SI unit of power. One PS is about 0.986 bhp, so 200 PS is about 197 bhp or 147 kW. Convert the unit before comparing figures, then check that both sources describe the same engine and test standard.
  45. 45One car can have three different 0 to 60 timesZero to 60 times vary because the target speed, timing method, vehicle specification and test conditions are not always the same. A useful figure names the exact car and source instead of pretending every published time is directly comparable.
  46. 46Kerb weight is not one universally measured numberCar kerb weights vary because published sources can use different definitions and cover different transmissions, body styles, markets or equipment. Compare the label and exact vehicle before comparing the kilograms.
  47. 47A Gen 7 Celica advert should prove whether it is a T SportConfirm the engine and trim before using T Sport performance claims for a Gen 7 Celica. Toyota sold both the 140 bhp Celica and the 189 bhp T Sport, while this catalogue portrait and its figures represent the later T Sport.