Clio 172/182 Cup vs Golf Mk2 GTi vs 106 GTi

Clio 172/182 Cup vs Golf Mk2 GTi vs 106 GTi

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Synchromesh

Original Poster:

2,428 posts

167 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
Apparently like many others of these boards, the process of choosing my next car is long but enjoyable one. Despite only being 6 weeks into the ownership of my present vehicle, it's time to start pondering the next.

I commute by (pedal) bike, so it'll mainly be used as a runabout, for recreation, with the occasional long motorway slog and (hopefully and if funds allow) track day.

I've owned 3 cars in my motoring life, all of which were or are FWD. Before I make the switch to a 'pusher', I want to have a car that epitomises the FWD genre, with the emphasis firmly on fun. A final tribute to FWD if you will.

So, with that in mind, my requirements are as follows; first and foremostly it'll be a hot hatch, but more specifically it needs to be brimming with feedback, light on it's feet - not to bludgeon the road into submission like my current T5-dragged Volvo.

Other than communicative handling, my other main factor is running costs, not in terms of fuel, tax and insurance which I can plan for, but more the chance of bits going wrong, and the cost to mend.

I've narrowed to choices down to these as follows;

Renault Clio 172 Cup or 182 Cup

Pros:
Quickest in a straight line
Most modern in design

Cons:
Fattest tyres (poor feedback and less approachable limits)
Poor reputation for reliability
3 door

VW Golf (Mk2) GTi 5 door

Pros:
Practically of 5 doors
Retro-cool factor - best looks of the 3
Lack of power steering (I believe) and narrow tyres > good feedback

Cons:
Old > components closer to end of useful life > more expensive to run
Old > suspension past it's best > poor handling
Hardest to find a nice (rust free and unmodified) example

Peugeot 106 GTi

Pros:
Lightest and most 'chuckable'
Narrowest tyres (more approachable limits)
Low running costs?

Cons:
Not that quick in a straight line
Perceived quality
Comfort on motorway slogs
3 door

Synchromesh

Original Poster:

2,428 posts

167 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
not260 said:
The standard tyre width on these cars are similar, 185 on the golf and pug and 195on the clio. Mk2 golfs don't perform or handle like the other 2.

I think you should get a 205 gti or a 309 gti failing that the clio is probably the best of your choices.
Didn't realise the tyre widths were so similar. In which case you can discount my arguments pertaining to them.

Not so keen on the 205 / 309 GTi as I've heard they're quite "snappy" at the limit.

Synchromesh

Original Poster:

2,428 posts

167 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
boyoM3 said:
Mk2's do have power steering - its belt driven.
Didn't realise that either.

boyoM3 said:
We bought a mk2 16v and ended up spending a small fortune because a lot of the parts were knackered
This is what worries me.

Synchromesh

Original Poster:

2,428 posts

167 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
exgtt said:
Cambelts on 1*2's

rust on 106 gti bootfloor/inner chassis/rear axle bearings shot.

mk2 golf, check rust everywhere, check runs nice and smooth (injection system - from rusty fuel filler neck, to injection probs. Head gasket, timing chain (16v) etc etc.
Thanks for the info.

Synchromesh

Original Poster:

2,428 posts

167 months

Tuesday 10th April 2012
quotequote all
Baryonyx said:
If you really like pressing on, you'll probably find FWD or AWD far better for making progress on UK roads than RWD.
I pressing on, but pressing on in relation to the capabilities of the car rather than overall journey time. My S60 T5 is all too capable in the respect, doesn't provide the 2-way interaction I crave, and rewards you with little at legal speeds.

My first car was a classic mini, and in a way this is the kind of fun I'm after. Chuckable and communicative in equal measure - just this time something a little bigger, more practical and a lot more powerful.

Synchromesh

Original Poster:

2,428 posts

167 months

Tuesday 10th April 2012
quotequote all
boyoM3 said:
Out of curiosity, why a 5 door?
More practical for my lifestyle (did I just use the word lifestyle?) and looks better in my opinion.

Synchromesh

Original Poster:

2,428 posts

167 months

Wednesday 11th April 2012
quotequote all
chris182 said:
The 306 is a lovely chassis and they can be had for bargain prices now, I was tempted myself before I settled on the clio.
I'll have a look at these.

Synchromesh

Original Poster:

2,428 posts

167 months

Wednesday 11th April 2012
quotequote all
Hoddy910 said:
182 trouphy is the best of the bunch for me!
I don't want to spend more than £3k so I think a 172 Cup would be the Clio of choice.

Synchromesh

Original Poster:

2,428 posts

167 months

Wednesday 11th April 2012
quotequote all
busta said:
106 is a more agile, fun car.
This is what I'm after, so perhaps the 106 GTi is the answer.