Are police cars uprated performance wise over civilian cars?
Generally speaking, no. Standard Panda types are bog standard mainstream diesel base models with some extra wiring. The rank and file 'standard' patrol car has nothing more than heavy duty alternator, bigger battery (sometimes another one added to the boot - Beemers certainly do) extra wiring from the factory for roof bars, radios etc, sometimes bigger brakes, sometimes heavy duty clutch assemblies, sometimes heavier suspension and skid trays beneath the bodywork in the style of forest stage rally cars, it really varies from maker to maker and force to force.
Rarely engine mods, unless destined for specific roles such as high speed intercept/persuit, specific firearms type jobs, diplomatic protection etc but cars do sometimes come from the manufacturers AVO type works as demonstators with 'tweaked' settings.
The weight loss/gain from the reduced trim specification level is offset by the bootfull of signs, cones, stinger, brushes, shovels, lights, first aid kit, crowbars, measuring tapes, handlamps, maps, specific paperwork etc etc that is carried.
I know of a Ford Explorer that was laden with all said kit and, when on a weighbridge, exceeded manufacturers rear axle and gross weights...... Had to get more expensive lightweight kit to get it back into the land of the legal.
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Topic: police cars (Read 3080 times)