Shall I trade the Clio cup in for a 944?
Discussion
Hello all,
After a bit of advice... Currently I'm running around in a Clio 172 cup, it's a great car to drive and after a handful of autosolos I've got to grips with it over 7 months of ownership. The one thing which really bugs me is it's image... It's a boy racer car through and through. I had the miss fortune of heading into a trading estate today and I saw 3 other clio's all being driven by the same type of person, and it's mad me sad as I assume others see my car and think Im in the same band wagon. Anyway enough moaning...
I have a soft spot for classic cars, and have always wanted one, I finally decided that enough is enough and am toying with the idea of an entry level classic... a Porka 944. It's 80's from a generation of excess is every thing and the more retro the better in my books. I can't afford a turbo so will have to get a 2.5 lux or similar spec, but was just wondering if any one has any experience driving these?
Basically the Clio has a massive smile per mile rating for me, so I am worried that my next car won't meet expectations... What do all you lovely PH's think?
Many thanks, Al
After a bit of advice... Currently I'm running around in a Clio 172 cup, it's a great car to drive and after a handful of autosolos I've got to grips with it over 7 months of ownership. The one thing which really bugs me is it's image... It's a boy racer car through and through. I had the miss fortune of heading into a trading estate today and I saw 3 other clio's all being driven by the same type of person, and it's mad me sad as I assume others see my car and think Im in the same band wagon. Anyway enough moaning...
I have a soft spot for classic cars, and have always wanted one, I finally decided that enough is enough and am toying with the idea of an entry level classic... a Porka 944. It's 80's from a generation of excess is every thing and the more retro the better in my books. I can't afford a turbo so will have to get a 2.5 lux or similar spec, but was just wondering if any one has any experience driving these?
Basically the Clio has a massive smile per mile rating for me, so I am worried that my next car won't meet expectations... What do all you lovely PH's think?
Many thanks, Al
Always liked the 944, so if you can find a good one...
Lots of good stuff on this thread...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Lots of good stuff on this thread...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Edited by ChickenvanGuy on Saturday 13th October 19:36
Depends what you like out of driving.
If you like being an utter hooligan then the Clio is probably going to satisfy you more.
If however, you like to think about your driving, have wonderfully balanced handling that is brimming with feel and feedback, and a car that actually has some midrange torque, then I think you would prefer the 944. Also, as you say, the image of it is so much better. It will be much more of an event to drive, too.
I upgraded from a 172 to a 350Z, I know its not a 944 but it is the same layout (front engine, rear wheel drive) and I don't regret it one bit.
If you like being an utter hooligan then the Clio is probably going to satisfy you more.
If however, you like to think about your driving, have wonderfully balanced handling that is brimming with feel and feedback, and a car that actually has some midrange torque, then I think you would prefer the 944. Also, as you say, the image of it is so much better. It will be much more of an event to drive, too.
I upgraded from a 172 to a 350Z, I know its not a 944 but it is the same layout (front engine, rear wheel drive) and I don't regret it one bit.
nammynake said:
Can't comment on the Porsche but if the Clio makes you smile then why let other people's perceptions bother you?
Drive what you want and stop fretting about what other people think.
I wasn't bothered about the image in mine particularly, but it has to be said, they do bring out the boy racer in you.Drive what you want and stop fretting about what other people think.
Personally, I'm getting a little too old to drive tinny little hatchbacks. Yes they're fun when they work, but there are lots of other cars that are more fun.
It's best to drive one yourself to get an idea. IMO any RWD car is more of a hooligan vehicle than an FWD car, but the 944 is pretty finely balanced so it's a really nice drive. It's quite long legged too, which is nice for the motorway. The power isn't crazy so it's a pretty good introduction to RWD if you haven't had one.
The image of the Clio is pretty bad considering all the chav kids driving them,so probably id say you better keep it and save it from one of them.
Really though i don't know much about 944s but id think an old car with a lazy 2.5 150hp wont have the buzz a 172 Cup has,better keep the Clio,you can always drive a 944 and decide though.
Really though i don't know much about 944s but id think an old car with a lazy 2.5 150hp wont have the buzz a 172 Cup has,better keep the Clio,you can always drive a 944 and decide though.
ChickenvanGuy said:
Always liked the 944, so if you can find a good one...
Lots of good stuff on this thread...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Thanks for the link I'll have a good read through it Lots of good stuff on this thread...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Edited by ChickenvanGuy on Saturday 13th October 19:36
Conian said:
where abouts are you? find a local PHer with one and blag a spin in one, lovely lovely cars, and i have a project one for sale 
I'm in haslemere, Surrey. I see from your garage you speak with some experience. I've already got a project underway but am always open to new and exciting ventures so feel free to pm me with details if you like TameRacingDriver said:
Depends what you like out of driving.
If you like being an utter hooligan then the Clio is probably going to satisfy you more.
If however, you like to think about your driving, have wonderfully balanced handling that is brimming with feel and feedback, and a car that actually has some midrange torque, then I think you would prefer the 944. Also, as you say, the image of it is so much better. It will be much more of an event to drive, too.
I upgraded from a 172 to a 350Z, I know its not a 944 but it is the same layout (front engine, rear wheel drive) and I don't regret it one bit.
I have to say I like driving properly rather than driving like a tool, and I thought this would be a good starting block into the world of Rwd ownership. Plus pop up head lights rock! If you like being an utter hooligan then the Clio is probably going to satisfy you more.
If however, you like to think about your driving, have wonderfully balanced handling that is brimming with feel and feedback, and a car that actually has some midrange torque, then I think you would prefer the 944. Also, as you say, the image of it is so much better. It will be much more of an event to drive, too.
I upgraded from a 172 to a 350Z, I know its not a 944 but it is the same layout (front engine, rear wheel drive) and I don't regret it one bit.
davepoth said:
It's best to drive one yourself to get an idea. IMO any RWD car is more of a hooligan vehicle than an FWD car, but the 944 is pretty finely balanced so it's a really nice drive. It's quite long legged too, which is nice for the motorway. The power isn't crazy so it's a pretty good introduction to RWD if you haven't had one.
Yeah I did a motorway trip with 4 of us and a full boot in the Clio, it was horrible! Felt every bump all the way there, I wasn't too impressed...motorbreath said:
I have to say I like driving properly rather than driving like a tool, and I thought this would be a good starting block into the world of Rwd ownership. Plus pop up head lights rock!
Well I've personally owned 2 MX5s, an MR2 Turbo, an E36 BMW 328i and my current 350Z, and I have to say, I find the RWD cars were all more fun than the Clio, which although a good hot hatch and an effective A-B missile, is just like a fast supermini, the others all felt much better. The 328 might have been a little too refined, and wasn't really that quick (although a 5.7s 0-60 run at Brunters seems to suggest otherwise) but they were really my only complaints.Every driver should own a RWD vehicle at least once in their life. There is so much to learn about driving beyond FWD cars. RWD cars let you do that.
A few thoughts, I owned a 2.5 Lux for a few years, compared to the clio the suspension as standard is fairly soft and you get a slight roll over steer characteristic. 944s feel heavy-ish and are better at high speed stability and cruising than point and squirt B road driving.
If you get a non PAS steering car it will be pretty slow witted compared to the Clio, power steering is a better option. Weighing in at about 1200kg and having a mere 160bhp, they keep up with modern traffic just fine but are hardly quick.
Don't get me wrong they can be fun and can be "sharpened up" but a bad one will be a baggy, saggy, sad thing!
If you get a non PAS steering car it will be pretty slow witted compared to the Clio, power steering is a better option. Weighing in at about 1200kg and having a mere 160bhp, they keep up with modern traffic just fine but are hardly quick.
Don't get me wrong they can be fun and can be "sharpened up" but a bad one will be a baggy, saggy, sad thing!
interloper said:
A few thoughts, I owned a 2.5 Lux for a few years, compared to the clio the suspension as standard is fairly soft and you get a slight roll over steer characteristic. 944s feel heavy-ish and are better at high speed stability and cruising than point and squirt B road driving.
Wasn't your old one still going and got featured on here?s m said:
interloper said:
A few thoughts, I owned a 2.5 Lux for a few years, compared to the clio the suspension as standard is fairly soft and you get a slight roll over steer characteristic. 944s feel heavy-ish and are better at high speed stability and cruising than point and squirt B road driving.
Wasn't your old one still going and got featured on here?http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyI...
Edited by interloper on Sunday 14th October 23:02
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