Integra Type R, Clio 172 Cup or 306 Rallye?

[itiejim]

I'm looking for a change of daily driver and quite fancy a "legendary" FWD car for a change. The above all seem to fit the bill and I'm just after thoughts from folk who've had / driven them.

I'm not interested in figures so to speak, I've got a Cerbera to satisfy any urges for frightening performance (and MPG) but am really looking for an involving, visceral, adjustable drive that keeps me interested on my 18 mile each way commute.

Any thoughts?

[nammynake]

I'd consider the Racing Puma alongside that line up too.

[jsg612]

172 Cup or 182 Trophy would suit the bill nicely.

[Kozy]

The Teg gets my vote as a Honda fanboy.

I found the Clios to have an akward driving position, and the lack of LSD is a points loser against the Honda.

FRP is a good shout too, although IIRC they are slightly lacking in power anad again, no LSD as far as I am aware.

[zeppelin101]

Can't stand Clio's, feels like you're driving a van. You might not be in it for very long but driving my dads 54 plate Clio after I passed my test made me ache. If driving position is important to you, and you aren't a midget I wouldn't bother. Or go and sit in one and see if you think you could live with it.

[Herbs]

Integra is prob the most different to what you have now purely because of the vtec. It's a marmite thing so go test drive some and see if you like it or not as will be a completely different power delivery to the TVR

[nammynake]

Kozy said:

FRP is a good shout too, although IIRC they are slightly lacking in power anad again, no LSD as far as I am aware.

LSD was an optional extra. IIRC power is about 150 BHP, so lower than the Clio/ITR, although the Racing Puma gets stonking reviews.

[anonymous-user]

I'm yet to have a problem with my Cup 172's driving position after covering 5000+ miles in it. I'm 6' 0", but I prefer to drive with my legs quite bent anyway. The only thing that makes its tricky and strenuous to drive is the clutch in traffic. Very happy with mine and the running costs are very reasonable.

[SarlechS]

i was stuck in a similar dilemma when i was looking to buy a legendary FWD. i've test drove a 172, 182 and a DC2.

Pros - RS 172/182 :

- Handled well
- modern-ish
- fun behaviour when on the limit


Cons - RS 172/182 :

- Gearbox
- Seating Position
- Quality of Interior
- Not a nice place to sit

Summary

the car is amazing, the speed it can carry through corners is amazing., in terms of feedback it didn't give me back what i wanted.

Pros DC2

- Handling is better than the CS
- More Feedback through the seat and wheel
- Diff will keep you smiling throughout ownership, after owning a car with a Diff you'll never go back to having one without
- the car feels special
- believe it or not the interior quality is better than the CS
- Seating Position is more sportscar-esque
- Gearbox, one of best
- Shouldn't drop in Value anymore
- Engine (one of the best sounding four pots ever made)

Cons DC2

- look old
- most burns oil
- most will have rust
- parts start to fail now its over 10 years old - OEM Parts are relatively expensive in terms of Hot hatch prices
- no sound proofing, bumpy, can be annoying if you don't like that sort of thing

when you compare the two personally i think it's like chalk and cheese. if the DC2 didn't exist and i'd have a CS within a heart beat but the reality is, it does exist and from my experience i don't think the clio is a worthy contender to be compared with the DC2.

saying that i still have huge respect for 172/182 owners.

[tommobot]

Owned a DC2, Trophy & FRP.

Wouldn't mind another Trophy, would like another Teg, but want another FRP.

Just try one, you won't be disappointed.

[RobCrezz]

Surprisingly around a track the FRP had much more grip than either and posted faster lap times. On a previous thread someone posted the magazine test which showed it.

DC2 would be my shout, although I would consider a newer EP3 Civic type R and buy fit a LSD from the JDM version (or an aftermarket Quife) as a daily driver. It wont be as tired and the K20 engine is much more flexible than the B18 in the teg.

[pbirkett]

Have had a 182 and a DC Teg. DC2 all day out of those two; never driven a 306 GTI-6... suspect it might be more fun than the clio... havoc on here had one (i think, correct me if i'm wrong) and said while it was good it was maybe 85-90% of the ITR... never driven a FRP, only a standard one - was a fun car though.

[EvoBarry]

JAM35F said:

Is the 306 rallye/ gti-6 being discounted immediately by everyone? Any fans?

I think for instant giggles the 306 would be the better choice out of all of them tbh, but finding a decent one might prove tricky now? DC2, well, I'm clearly biased, but its leagues ahead of the Renault for driving involvement but you'll pay big money for a clean one now. That said, they're a reliable little thing and don't need *that* many parts generally. My Ex as a Clio182 and it leaves me cold, its just a hatchback with a big engine and lots of grip imo.

[itiejim]

The DC2 was my preferred choice too, though only based on what I've read. I must admit that I had the same concerns about ability over involvement when it comes to the Clio.

So, looks like I'm scouting for a DC2 then - or a Rallye if I find a good one at the right price...

[John D.]

One thing a 172 Cup cannot be described as is lacking involvement. Zero driver aids except power steering. Very adjustable in the bends. Many of which can be taken on three wheels. Whats not to like?

I'd have another given half a chance. Quite fancy a go in a 'Teg of course!

[Pugland53]

I had a 306 Rallye from new, great handling car and faster than you'd expect. Finding a tidy one today will be tricky. In my opinion the last great car Peugeot has built.

[JWH]

I haven't the time to write reams but I've driven all three cars and owned a DC2 (JDM 98 spec) for a year. I only sold it due to circumstances and of all the cars I've owned the DC2 is the one I'd dearley love to have kept. They're a fab drive and totally fullfill everything that I've read about them. Specifically the front end grip, diff, gearshift, seats and driving position and engine noise put it head and shoulders beyond the other options.

[The fatboy]

what about a DC5? DC2 is just on a B18 with 187BHP where a DC5 is a 210BHP K20 (same as EP3 type-R)

[-Ad-]

The fatboy said:

what about a DC5? DC2 is just on a B18 with 187BHP where a DC5 is a 210BHP K20 (same as EP3 type-R)

Maybe you should get in a DC2 and you won't then talk about it 'just' a B18. Both are excellent cars and different beasts altogehter.

I would say get the Dc2, although older and harder to find a good example, they are different, have that peach of an engine, epic LSD and are pretty rare compared to the others (CLios are everywhere). Plus they just look fast standing still and were built that way, the clio looks like a chopped and modified shopping trolly that it is.

[Groober]

Teg!

I had one and it was brilliant.

That is all I have to say about that.