Track toy: MX5 1.8 S or Clio 172 Cup?
Discussion
I'm spending more and more time looking into a toy that'll be great for track days but also some fun road use too.
I've narrowed it down to either a Mk1 Mazda MX5 1.8 S or a Clio 172 Cup. Both very different cars, but in the same sort of price range and attractive for various different reasons!
Does anyone have experience with either, or could you recommend why you'd choose one over the other?
At the moment the Clio wins on power and the fact that it's supposed to be one of the best hot hatches of all time (plus they're 10 years younger), but I think the MX5 would be a better all-rounder for a bit of road use too. And because RWD. Help please!
I've narrowed it down to either a Mk1 Mazda MX5 1.8 S or a Clio 172 Cup. Both very different cars, but in the same sort of price range and attractive for various different reasons!
Does anyone have experience with either, or could you recommend why you'd choose one over the other?
At the moment the Clio wins on power and the fact that it's supposed to be one of the best hot hatches of all time (plus they're 10 years younger), but I think the MX5 would be a better all-rounder for a bit of road use too. And because RWD. Help please!
Thanks for all the feedback. Wasn't expecting everyone to be so pro the Clio!
It won't be a daily driver so it doesn't need to be practical, but the extra power of the Clio is definitely a win. It'll be for weekend driving fun and as many track days as I can afford! Time to dig out the Demon Tweeks catalogue and starting a wish list...
It won't be a daily driver so it doesn't need to be practical, but the extra power of the Clio is definitely a win. It'll be for weekend driving fun and as many track days as I can afford! Time to dig out the Demon Tweeks catalogue and starting a wish list...
Thanks for all the input, great to see such balanced opinions. Like a few have said, I think I definitely need to try both before making any brash decisions.
Probably also worth a costing exercise to see how much it would cost to get both 'track ready' and see if there's much difference on that front. The decision is still a while off as I'm only just getting a Caterham, but I like to plan ahead!
Probably also worth a costing exercise to see how much it would cost to get both 'track ready' and see if there's much difference on that front. The decision is still a while off as I'm only just getting a Caterham, but I like to plan ahead!
ryanthescot said:
What's your budget? You can get a charged Mx5 for around £4k, I'm pretty sure FI would negate the straight line advantage of a Clio.
It's probably going to be the £3K mark, but as ever these things can escalate. At least it's easy to start off with the bog standard car and add to it as funds become available!The Clio won the battle in the end, although I upped my budget and snapped up a 182 Trophy. First PH Fleet article here: http://www.pistonheads.com/regulars/ph-fleet/renau...
Thanks again for all of the advice!
Thanks again for all of the advice!
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