Which Renaultsport? Is a 250 worth so much more than a 225?

[LotsOfLaughs]

Decided to try a proper hot hatch, as my Subaru is a bit thirsty. I don't want anything German, the pedals don't work for me, and I don't want a Civic.

Looking around, it seems that the sportiest are the hot Renaults - so my question is, which is the right one to buy? I don't NEED them to do anything other than drive, preferably not cost loads of money and not break/rust.

My shortlist so far:

- Twingo 133 (I've read much good, but they aren't actually fast and the gearing is very short, only a 5 speed)

- Megane RS 175 dCi (Is this a proper hot Megane, does it have the PerfoHub, etc, or is it just a diesel Megane with a bodykit?)

- Megane 225 (The obvious budget choice, but it lacks an LSD, I'm not sure if this matters)

- Megane RS250/265/276 Cup (The car I actually want, but is it worth 3-4 times as much as a 225?)

Also considering Fords and Vauxhalls, but they don't really float my boat.

Thanks!

[Chucky-egg]

The 225 is decent, but ageing now - I have a friend with one and he’s spending a fair bit keeping it going. Mainly things like suspension parts, hub bearings etc.

The R26 is a 225 with LSD, climate, recaros, cup suspension and other tweaks. A much sharper tool than a 225. Not sure where prices lay with these nowadays though.

I’ve had all the hot Meganes from a 225 through to a 2020 300 Trophy, and the R26 was the most raw and fun of them all, but a 250/265/275 (get a cup chassis) is probably the most capable and will almost certainly cost less to run.

[Pixelpeep Electric]

got my ass handed to me in my EP3 civic type R round some challenging B Roads by a 225.. always liked them, never owned one. From what you've said, and what i've read, i would 100% try and make the 250 work. You don't want to buy the 225 and then pull up next to a 250 and be sad. IMO, they're only going to go up in cost for a good one.

[iacabu]

I was looking at the 225 and 250 recently, and was very tempted by a 265 Cup-S that was offered as a swap plus cash for my M3.

I wouldn't say there's much of a gap price wise between them. 225s are £3-6k, with a few outliers. The 250s start at £5k now.

Of course the 265/275s are a jump again, up to £14k or so. Trophy models even more.

[Josemartinez]

If I was single this is where my money would be going. Couple of cosmetic things like the drivers side headlight but should be easy to sort. I think the Clio's and Megane's in this colour look great.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606283...

[sriggers]

Curveball but have you looked at a 308 gti? 250-270 bhp with a great chassis from what I’ve read, can pick up from 6-10k but brakes can cost £1000