Mini GP R53 vs Ford Racing Puma vs Focus RS Mk1

[Muzzman]

I've got my BMW E46 M3 Convertible up for sale and am going round and round in circles deciding what to replace it with.

I want something that should depreciate little and be a bit of fun at the weekend, I've shortlisted the Mini GP R53, Focus RS and Racing Puma.

Any thoughts on living with the cars, fun factor, future values etc.

I appreciate that cars are rubbish investments due to cost to keep them on the road but i like a bit of comfort that whilst costing me money the price isn't falling through the floor.

I know I need to get out and drive some but until i sell my car I don't want to waste peoples time.

I have a MX5 track car so not looking for this to be a regular track car.

Also any other suggestions would be welcomed.

Thanks

[David87]

I have experience of all these cars, having owned the Racing Puma and Mk1 Focus RS, while I tagged along on a magazine test of the R53 GP (I have also owned an R56 GP).

You won’t go wrong with any of them, to be honest. The most difficult thing will be finding nice, unmolested cars for anything approaching reasonable prices.

The Puma really is a superb car, but it is not a fast one. The interior is pure Fiesta (aside from the nice Sparco seats) and it’s getting on a bit now. The biggest issue you’d have with one nowadays is that I believe many original parts are hard to get hold of and as such are very pricey or unavailable. I’d recommend one of the 100 or so cars that had the factory LSD fitted as this makes the wonderful handling that little bit more special.

The Focus RS is considerably faster, but slightly less special than the Tickford-built Puma, in my opinion. Again, the interior is rubbish and most will have been modified in some way, but if you can find an original, unmolested example, you won’t go far wrong. A brilliant car, but make sure the suspension geometry is set up properly!

The GP is cool. I think it’s much more special than the R56 GP because of how it was finished by Bertone in Italy. It’s quick too - probably as quick as the Focus. No rear seats could obviously be an issue compared to the other two.

I’ve had another (similar) car that I enjoyed more than any of the above, however: the Clio 182 Trophy. A stunning car to drive. Just a crap old Clio in many ways but blimey, it’s an absolute riot and I’m sad I no longer own one. I would pay many fortunes for a factory-fresh example in 2018 and then keep it forever and ever.

[G111MDS]

Can’t comment on the fords, but I have GP1. Owned for about 3.5 years and have really enjoyed it. Only just turned 40k miles. In terms of value, it’s pretty much worth what I paid for it.

[Muzzman]

I do feel that i am leaning towards the GP, something about it is very very cool.

I am actually going to look at a R56 GP next weekend as i want to get a feel for that before i drive a R53 GP and make sure it's the older car i want.

In terms of the Renault Clio i had a 172 Cup made into a track car by Mark Fish Motorsport. I had AST coilovers, Cage etc etc fitted and absolutely loved that car. A Trophy may not be a bad shout. Forgive my ignorance but what makes the Trophy so special apart from the fact it was a limited run.

[G111MDS]

[Ahbefive]

All great cars, I'd add some Renaultsports to your list. The R26 does everything the rest do (maybe even better) but for half the price.

[Muzzman]

Ahbefive said:

All great cars, I'd add some Renaultsports to your list. The R26 does everything the rest do (maybe even better) but for half the price.

R26.R maybe.

https://youtu.be/bPnAtNbrygk

Getting a good list of cars here.

[Ahbefive]

The R26R is excellent but 3-4 times the price of a regular R26.

[BoabyBooster]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[livinginasia]

I would highly recommend the Focus RS, it’s a fabulous looking machine and great fun to drive. I own two of them, and can let you know the owners club and the owners group on Facebook offer fabulous support and advice. Find an original one and you will love it! Much, much for fun than a rather girlie mini!

[Muzzman]

BoabyBooster said:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I really don't know why but i've always had a bit of an issue buying from Ireland. It is at a decent price though

[Muzzman]

livinginasia said:

I would highly recommend the Focus RS, it’s a fabulous looking machine and great fun to drive. I own two of them, and can let you know the owners club and the owners group on Facebook offer fabulous support and advice. Find an original one and you will love it! Much, much for fun than a rather girlie mini!

That's just gready :-)

I'm going to have to drive one

[CrouchingWayne]

From your list I would go R53 GP if you like the look of it. I’ve had a Focus RS (assume we are talking the original) which had the usual modifications.

My one was quite unreliable and had an incredible thirst, albeit it was probably a bad example. The interior isn’t as bad in the flesh, but it’s certainly very Halfords in this day and age.

They also rust around the arches which is a pain as the panels are (or at least were) hard to get hold of so we’re very expensive.

[egor110]

Muzzman said:

I do feel that i am leaning towards the GP, something about it is very very cool.

I am actually going to look at a R56 GP next weekend as i want to get a feel for that before i drive a R53 GP and make sure it's the older car i want.

In terms of the Renault Clio i had a 172 Cup made into a track car by Mark Fish Motorsport. I had AST coilovers, Cage etc etc fitted and absolutely loved that car. A Trophy may not be a bad shout. Forgive my ignorance but what makes the Trophy so special apart from the fact it was a limited run.

The trophy has -

SACHS remote-reservoir dampers , it's 10mm lower compared to the cup , different steering geometry than the cup and they have hydraulic bump stops and it was a limited run of 500 trophies .

[ToothbrushMan]

i had a MK1 RS - amazing cornering with that diff. hate the interior. blue seat inserts and wheel etc.

in todays scene for understated performance the RS is not a great choice as it shouts MAX Power and Halfords.

[ZX10R NIN]

182 Trophy should be on that list;

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Muzzman]

Going to look at this during the week.

Potential of a deal on my car

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RENAULT-CLIO-182-TROPHY...

Any thoughts on it?

[egor110]

Muzzman said:

Going to look at this during the week.

Potential of a deal on my car

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RENAULT-CLIO-182-TROPHY...

Any thoughts on it?

suspension would need a rebuild and the garage will do the cambelt/dephaser for a extra £250 , question is do you trust the garage to time it up properly if they don't you loose power .

Like any car though you need to try them because on paper it might seem really good but when your driving it could be a let down.

[Muzzman]

egor110 said:

Muzzman said:

Going to look at this during the week.

Potential of a deal on my car

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RENAULT-CLIO-182-TROPHY...

Any thoughts on it?

suspension would need a rebuild and the garage will do the cambelt/dephaser for a extra £250 , question is do you trust the garage to time it up properly if they don't you loose power .

Like any car though you need to try them because on paper it might seem really good but when your driving it could be a let down.

How often does the suspension need a refresh?

[TheAlastair34]

All nice cars!

All three rust though more so the Fords so unless they are low mileage most will have been welded and painted something to bare in mind, even the R53 rusts, my mates has gone near the rear lights and its a ball ache to sort properly!

I would have any of them to be fair!