The classic question..this may help or not!!
Had an '89 Digifant 8v for a year and have now had current '89 16v for a year now. I drive exactly the same roads and can honestly say the 16v is faster in 'the real world' but requires (far) more gearchanging. Although people argue the 8v feels torquier, is this not because the 16v gearbox has shorter ratios? The 16v has more torque at a similar engine speed anyway. The 8v would lollop around devon lanes in 3rd gear everywhere, the 16v grumbles a bit, asks for 2nd gear and then runs straight out of revs..It is a different animal though and deceptively quick- i had to fit Pagid Fast Road pads because it keeps running out of road
i think it all boils down to your driving style- if you like a relaxing yet rapid drive buy an 8v. For a quicker, busier drive get a 16v.
For the best of both worlds, get a 2 litre block and stuff it into your 16v. Had a drive in one...its the 8v/16v hybrid we all need
