[Alex Csank]

I think that a bone-stock Verde (with the sunroof, spare tire, A/C, extra body parts, etc.) does weigh over 3100 lbs.

If you have a look at the 'European Car Magazine' article and the 'Grassroots Motorsports' article from a few months ago (sorry, my copies are loaned out right now or I'd check), they quoted the weight of a Milano Verde at close to 3200 lbs.

That weight is probably with a full tank of gas, but it is close enough to illustrate that the 164 and Milano are pretty close in weight. The 164 has a much heavier interior and can be lightened significantly by removing things like the heavy seats, the dash and HVAC, radio, speakers, carpets, headliner and insulation, door panels, etc. Also, removing the A/C plumbing and mechanicals, the airbag and other bits, and substituting a different exhaust system, lighter wheels, etc would most certainly shave some weight too. Of course, a rollcage does weigh extra, but every racing vehicle must have one of those.

Bottom line is that I think the 164 could be lightened more easily than a Milano (75) because there are so many heavy components in stock form. A racing 164 could come in at under 2900 lbs., while a racing Milano would likely weigh about the same.

Just my theory, however. Don't forget that the Milano would enjoy better 'corner-weight' balance with the front-engine rear-transmission and clutch. The 164 will alwys have to overcome the FWD issue and the front-weight bias.

Cheers,