(14 Sep 2020, 10:14 am)Andreos1 wrote I can't remember what was operating on the X5 back in 83 (VR perhaps?). Here's the engine spec according to Mike Humble - https://www.aronline.co.uk/the-bus-secti...el-engine/
It would be interesting to compare with what we have now.
Assuming it was a VR, I can't ever remember them being that powerful or having much pull. That's not to say they didn't, but I remember there were vehicles around the same time and since which seemed to handle the express routes with much less stress.
Obviously there's more to it than just engine size. Gearing, vehicle weight etc will all have some impact.
It certainly would be an interesting one, in service though I'd kinda want to say the Streetdeck would win - for one big reason and that's the low floor. Even if the 80's bus was quicker you'd soon lose it fast with pensioners struggling to get on. Without passengers though I'm not too sure, I'm guessing it'll be very close but no doubt one of them will win comfortably and it'll probably depend on the bus at the same time.