power to weight is one of the key figures to keep in mind. the other is torque and where it comes on. some engines (rotary, T1) you won't see your power until 4.5k or higher. a TIV will come on about 2.5k. just depends what kind of driving you want to do. by the sounds of it, you lean towards the latter.
i have 176HP at the fly (will know wheels later this year) and expect weight to come in around 1800 give or take 50lbs. that puts me near 10:1. it is plenty.
since i have a standard, handling is sub-par compared to a 1302 or 1303. if i had to do over again, i would probably go 1303, but i like the uniqueness of mine (and benefit) that it is chopped and besides the weight loss i am forced to shift the center of gravity lower by moving the seats closer to the floor.
--low and wide--
