Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

Sorry Niall- the fuel bit is bollocks.

A turbo four will be drinking more petrol than an NA 8.

My turbo five needs AFR's in the 12's to prevent det when in boost, and that's pretty standard.

If you're comparing a 1980s twin OHC 4 valve engine with a 1960s pushrod V8. Its way more economical even with a turbo. These are stock figures for broadly similar size large hatchbacks with similar drag coefficients. I think the 800 is probably heavier than the SD1 but a tad more aerodynamic.

800 Vitesse Sport
197 BHP
177 Lb Ft
0-60 in 7.3 secs
Urban MPG 25.6
56mph MPG 47.5
75Mph MPG 38.0
Top speed 142MPH

SD1 Vitesse
190 BHP
220lb ft
Urban MPG 18.5
56mph MPG 37.7
75mph MPG 30.1
0-60 in 7.1 secs
Top speed 136MPH

Having said that, I'd go for the V8 myself. Its just lovely.