Ok, I've heard a lot about this from various sources. Is it true that '98 C70 hpt's w/ the Bosch Motronic 4.4 are faster/quicker to 60 than the later (99-02) models w/ the (whatever company here) 7E controller? I've just heard this, and wondered if it might be true. Also, is there a speed limiter on any years in particular? Thanks.
OliverEB

Yes, there are speed limiters. The top speed set varies by year and
market. The data for 98s at alldatadiy.com (you must subscribe and
I do for my 98 T5M) says:

"Max. speed: 240 km /h (149 mph) (manual), 230 km/h (143 mph) (automatic).
Speed limited by engine management system to 250 km/h (155 mph)."

But, I think that is for Europe. In U.S. I believe all 98s and
earlier are 143 mph (talking HPT turbo models, here). I've never
actually tried to hit max speed. 99s+ are limited to 130 mph, as
I recall. The European S70R speedo reads to 160MPH (based on photos
I've seen).

As for 0-60, I think it would be too close to call. That is, race
a few cars and variables like driver skill, traction (easy to spin
the tires in first gear in my car), etc. would be a bigger factor.
Also note that automatics limit torque in 1st gear and manual
transmissionc cars don't -- so that might be an example of another
slight difference right there (and 98s came with manual tranny in U.S.
market so 0-60 times you see in magazines might be for manual
transmission vehicles).

Wow, thanks; yes, I'll only be purchasing a manual transmission car...oh, and it's come from my experience that whatever the speedometer reads has nothing to do with how fast the car is (or very little). My '83 Porsche 944 has a 170 mph speedo, and it would be lucky to top out at 137. Disappointing, but true. Thanks again for your help, though I have acknowledged the differences in transmission, it's just that on a couple of sites I've seen that they are generally reported as having felt "quicker" in acceleration. Who knows?
OliverEB