106 GTi vs. Clio 172 vs. Fiat Scientio sporting
Discussion
Fiat is an absolute hoot to drive, it will give you everything it has, much fun to be had keeping the momentum up!
Always found the 106GTi a bit bland, much prefer the 306. And I've not actually drove a Clio 172 (that i remember) so unable to comment, although after reading reviews and opinions on them i did consider one at a point.
Always found the 106GTi a bit bland, much prefer the 306. And I've not actually drove a Clio 172 (that i remember) so unable to comment, although after reading reviews and opinions on them i did consider one at a point.
^^^ "Best at what?" is a great question, as all anyone can give is their personal preference.
It'd be the 106 for me please, if there is such a thing as a good unmolestered example still in existence ..... They look great with the 306 GTi cyclone rims on them, but god knows what that does to the handling.
It'd be the 106 for me please, if there is such a thing as a good unmolestered example still in existence ..... They look great with the 306 GTi cyclone rims on them, but god knows what that does to the handling.
The 106 and Clio are in a totally different league to the Fiat. However, as an ex Seicento owner, I will say it is an absolute hoot to own, dirt cheap to run but puts a big grin on your face even though its barely quick enough to alert even the most speeding ticket happy coppers. The pedals are arranged almost perfectly for heel and toe gearchanges, although in a car this size its probably pointless. It is a very fun "back to basics" car, the only driver aid is power steering, which in all fairness will probably break anyway, but that's the way I like it.
KenBlocksPants said:
i'd be going for the one with 172hp over anything else. Handling is also supposed to be excellent.
In all that I remember the 106 easily out did the 172 in the handling department, and was often considered a better faster car for it.didn't the 106 rank 2nd or 3rd in Clarkson's Best Handling car ever with Richard Burns and Tim Harvey.
I can't comment on the 172, never had a chance to drive one
been passengered in a couple, and followed 1 on a hoon that left me for dead, so i can confirm that they are capable machines.
The 106GTI is a stunning little box of fun. Seriously trying to get the OH to approve this or an MX5 for my DD.
The Fiat, what a giggle they are, i would have one in a heartbeat, but only becuase i have an Impreza and an MR2 to play with at the weekend. They are not only cars.

been passengered in a couple, and followed 1 on a hoon that left me for dead, so i can confirm that they are capable machines.The 106GTI is a stunning little box of fun. Seriously trying to get the OH to approve this or an MX5 for my DD.
The Fiat, what a giggle they are, i would have one in a heartbeat, but only becuase i have an Impreza and an MR2 to play with at the weekend. They are not only cars.

This is like one of those multiple choice questions where one of the options is clearly idiotic!
I have nothing against Seicentos at all, but to compare one with a 106 GTi or a Clio 172 is rather ludicrous. I cannot imagine anyone would be seriously contemplating getting one if considering either of the other two.
It would be a bit like comparing a Gallardo, F430 and a 370Z.
I have nothing against Seicentos at all, but to compare one with a 106 GTi or a Clio 172 is rather ludicrous. I cannot imagine anyone would be seriously contemplating getting one if considering either of the other two.
It would be a bit like comparing a Gallardo, F430 and a 370Z.
300bhp/ton said:
omgus said:
I can't comment on the 172, never had a chance to drive one
been passengered in a couple, and followed 1 on a hoon that left me for dead, so i can confirm that they are capable machines.
A 172 left your Impreza STI for dead?
been passengered in a couple, and followed 1 on a hoon that left me for dead, so i can confirm that they are capable machines.
If that "hoon" were on a bumpy twisty B road, then I'd much prefer to be trying to set a time in the Clio than an Impreza. In addition, "left me for dead" is a very subjective term. Not to mention that ultimate pace down a public road is only partially about the car, and a lot to do with the driver - in the case of a public road, however, its not necessarily a reflection of the drivers ability so much, rather the level of regard they have for the law, their safety, their car, and the safety of other road users.
mat205125 said:
300bhp/ton said:
omgus said:
I can't comment on the 172, never had a chance to drive one
been passengered in a couple, and followed 1 on a hoon that left me for dead, so i can confirm that they are capable machines.
A 172 left your Impreza STI for dead?
been passengered in a couple, and followed 1 on a hoon that left me for dead, so i can confirm that they are capable machines.
If that "hoon" were on a bumpy twisty B road, then I'd much prefer to be trying to set a time in the Clio than an Impreza. In addition, "left me for dead" is a very subjective term. Not to mention that ultimate pace down a public road is only partially about the car, and a lot to do with the driver - in the case of a public road, however, its not necessarily a reflection of the drivers ability so much, rather the level of regard they have for the law, their safety, their car, and the safety of other road users.
But from a performance standpoint the Impreza has a more advanced suspension setup, around 130hp more, a lot more torque, AWD traction and better diff control.
Regualr WRX or Turbo 2000 I could believe more (or at least more level). But seriously an STI should be miles a head of a 172 cross country.
Well in my opinion anyhow

mat205125 said:
300bhp/ton said:
omgus said:
I can't comment on the 172, never had a chance to drive one
been passengered in a couple, and followed 1 on a hoon that left me for dead, so i can confirm that they are capable machines.
A 172 left your Impreza STI for dead?
been passengered in a couple, and followed 1 on a hoon that left me for dead, so i can confirm that they are capable machines.
If that "hoon" were on a bumpy twisty B road, then I'd much prefer to be trying to set a time in the Clio than an Impreza. In addition, "left me for dead" is a very subjective term. Not to mention that ultimate pace down a public road is only partially about the car, and a lot to do with the driver - in the case of a public road, however, its not necessarily a reflection of the drivers ability so much, rather the level of regard they have for the law, their safety, their car, and the safety of other road users.
Oh i'm sorry this is PH and we are all driving gods, i should not admit the weakness of having a slower car with a better driver leave me behind. 300 from seeing your car i reckon i will avoid fast A roads i don't know when should we competitively hoon, but the little lanes about either Fife, Weymouth or the Surrey/Hants border that i know very well, they should suit me slightly more.

ETA I meant the Chevy, not the Smart.

Edited by omgus on Thursday 8th April 12:49
doogz said:
mat205125 said:
^^^ "Best at what?" is a great question, as all anyone can give is their personal preference.
It'd be the 106 for me please, if there is such a thing as a good unmolestered example still in existence ..... They look great with the 306 GTi cyclone rims on them, but god knows what that does to the handling.
Not an awful lot. Remember that the VTS is essentially the same car.It'd be the 106 for me please, if there is such a thing as a good unmolestered example still in existence ..... They look great with the 306 GTi cyclone rims on them, but god knows what that does to the handling.

Drive a 106 and Saxo back to back and you'd be hard pushed to notice any differences. I know the image is a little unfortunate, but don't ignore the VTS if you're looking at that sort of thing.
No idea about the others, but a friend used to have a Cinquecento (the old square shaped one) and that was surprisingly fun in a cheap and naff sort of a way. The handling actually reminded me a little of an original Mini.
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