1997 Toyota MR2 or 2009 Clio 200 Cup? Help me out!
Discussion
Hey all!
I've been looking for a replacement for the VW Mk2 GTI 8v for a while now. A bit of history, I've driven a NA MX-5 before and the VW MkV GTI. As you can see I've had two FF cars now, I am feeling I am ready for a change.
Two cars came to mind after crunching all those insurance numbers (I'm 23 this year, zero NCB). Basically I'm down to these two cars, the MR2 SW20 or the Clio 200 Cup. Believe me I've looked at close to 50+ other cars out there, but those that suit my insurance criteria are few and far between, considering that I'm looking at drivers' cars too. I've also shortlisted a RX-7 and a 306 Rallye, but they didn't make the cut because the Mazda is too frighteningly unreliable to own and the Peugeot didn't really get dad's approval because it's old and French.
Also, good thing too because I've got the budget for the Clio 200 Cup now. Looking at one with the Recaro seats too. I really love everything about this car. The N/A engine, light-weight (ish), great handling. But it's FF and I am afraid it's a rehash of the same formula again. I don't know if there's another dimension of FWD that I haven't explored yet that's worth trying in the Clio.
On the other hand, the MR2 is mid-engined, RWD, first time I've ever owned a car with such a layout. Can't own the turbo 'cos of insurance, so the Rev 3 4 5 2.0 3S-GE would suffice. Thing is from what I've read this car isn't the handler like the Mk1 MR2 used to be, so I am worried that I am settling for a car that isn't quite a drivers' car in that regard.
Phew. That's a lot of text. Sorry! Basically - MR2 or Clio 200 Cup - which would you choose?
Thanks, this will help me out lots, have been having sleepless nights about this!
M
PS. really flexible about budget, it's all about finding a car I can insure for less than 3,000 quid (yes it's that much
)
I've been looking for a replacement for the VW Mk2 GTI 8v for a while now. A bit of history, I've driven a NA MX-5 before and the VW MkV GTI. As you can see I've had two FF cars now, I am feeling I am ready for a change.
Two cars came to mind after crunching all those insurance numbers (I'm 23 this year, zero NCB). Basically I'm down to these two cars, the MR2 SW20 or the Clio 200 Cup. Believe me I've looked at close to 50+ other cars out there, but those that suit my insurance criteria are few and far between, considering that I'm looking at drivers' cars too. I've also shortlisted a RX-7 and a 306 Rallye, but they didn't make the cut because the Mazda is too frighteningly unreliable to own and the Peugeot didn't really get dad's approval because it's old and French.
Also, good thing too because I've got the budget for the Clio 200 Cup now. Looking at one with the Recaro seats too. I really love everything about this car. The N/A engine, light-weight (ish), great handling. But it's FF and I am afraid it's a rehash of the same formula again. I don't know if there's another dimension of FWD that I haven't explored yet that's worth trying in the Clio.
On the other hand, the MR2 is mid-engined, RWD, first time I've ever owned a car with such a layout. Can't own the turbo 'cos of insurance, so the Rev 3 4 5 2.0 3S-GE would suffice. Thing is from what I've read this car isn't the handler like the Mk1 MR2 used to be, so I am worried that I am settling for a car that isn't quite a drivers' car in that regard.
Phew. That's a lot of text. Sorry! Basically - MR2 or Clio 200 Cup - which would you choose?
Thanks, this will help me out lots, have been having sleepless nights about this!
M
PS. really flexible about budget, it's all about finding a car I can insure for less than 3,000 quid (yes it's that much
)Hold on, you leave out the old and French but keep the new and French? Anyway.
I'm biased but I'd take the MR2. Still gives me a kick in a way that I'm pretty sure (not driven the new model of clio sport) a French hatchback can't. And I'm going to go out on a limb but other than fuel can imagine the MR2 being cheaper to buy outright and run while still being able to sell for a similar value as bought when you do decide to change again.
And in terms of a drivers car? Very involved, rewards smooth driving and those breakthrough skill moments and will still kick you out of bed if you mess it around while still being controlable up until that ultimate brown seat incident. Great driving position too, combines with being quite close to the ground really makes you feel "involved" in a way thats usually far more expensive.
No over assisted steering or brakes like in a selection of newer cars either.
That said though you've mentioned the RX-7, now it'll probably be somewhat more crippling than either to run but how can you discount that great car? What about an RX-8 if you're thinking of the 7, likely to be relatively cheap on the insurance front and more than enough about if something does go wrong. Cheap to buy used too to leave you a few quid for fuel, beer and obviously a nice kebbab.
I'm biased but I'd take the MR2. Still gives me a kick in a way that I'm pretty sure (not driven the new model of clio sport) a French hatchback can't. And I'm going to go out on a limb but other than fuel can imagine the MR2 being cheaper to buy outright and run while still being able to sell for a similar value as bought when you do decide to change again.
And in terms of a drivers car? Very involved, rewards smooth driving and those breakthrough skill moments and will still kick you out of bed if you mess it around while still being controlable up until that ultimate brown seat incident. Great driving position too, combines with being quite close to the ground really makes you feel "involved" in a way thats usually far more expensive.
No over assisted steering or brakes like in a selection of newer cars either.
That said though you've mentioned the RX-7, now it'll probably be somewhat more crippling than either to run but how can you discount that great car? What about an RX-8 if you're thinking of the 7, likely to be relatively cheap on the insurance front and more than enough about if something does go wrong. Cheap to buy used too to leave you a few quid for fuel, beer and obviously a nice kebbab.
noosh said:
And in terms of a drivers car? Very involved, rewards smooth driving and those breakthrough skill moments and will still kick you out of bed if you mess it around while still being controlable up until that ultimate brown seat incident. Great driving position too, combines with being quite close to the ground really makes you feel "involved" in a way thats usually far more expensive.
No over assisted steering or brakes like in a selection of newer cars either.
This is spot on. The Clio will no doubt be a great hot hatch, but the MR2 is somewhat more special overall. I've currently got an MR2 Turbo at present (which looks as though it is sold, and is moving on). It delivers on so many levels, but most of all because it's just good fun to drive. It does demand respect though, in a way that in unique to cars with the engine behind you.No over assisted steering or brakes like in a selection of newer cars either.
Does it handle as well as the mk1 MR2? No, but overall they are faster (the N/A MR2 dominates the MR2 racing leagues). Does it handle well compared to pretty much everything else? Yes, thats what mid-engined sports cars are supposed to do! An MR2 shouldn't cost you a great deal to run either, they are very tough. Have you tried getting quotes for the MR2 Turbo though? I actually found mine pretty cheap to insure, especially for a group 20 grey import.
Clio by far.
I have a mint SW20 Rev 5 MR2 T-Bar and a cheap tatty Xsara VTS.
I really ought to get round to selling the MR2 as I don't see the point in using it. The Xsara is quicker, handles better, is more comfy, has better brakes, more practical etc. The Xsara VTS is just great fun, the MR2 is a lardy, imprecise GT car but has a really revvy engine which doesn't suit it IMO. I'm sure the turbo is a whole different story though.
I have a mint SW20 Rev 5 MR2 T-Bar and a cheap tatty Xsara VTS.
I really ought to get round to selling the MR2 as I don't see the point in using it. The Xsara is quicker, handles better, is more comfy, has better brakes, more practical etc. The Xsara VTS is just great fun, the MR2 is a lardy, imprecise GT car but has a really revvy engine which doesn't suit it IMO. I'm sure the turbo is a whole different story though.
Strange choice of cars... but, MR2 for me as well. I had a Turbo model, and it was great fun to drive, if rather thirsty. I also had a Clio, albeit a 182, and I'm a bit "meh" when I think back about it.
For me, the RWD aspect is pretty much the decider - I generally always find a RWD more fun / challenging / balanced than a FWD car, all things being equal. The Clio will be faster... but, speed isn't everything.
For me, the RWD aspect is pretty much the decider - I generally always find a RWD more fun / challenging / balanced than a FWD car, all things being equal. The Clio will be faster... but, speed isn't everything.
Grovsie26 said:
So you either want a small, cramped, old, RWD coupe or a new, practical hot hatch?
Eh?
Eh yourself! Eh?
Loadsa room in a Mk2 MR2, unless your well over 6foot tall and brick s
t house dimensions you'll have no problems. Plenty of storage space too, the boot is huge.
MR2 every time, will feel more special to drive, driving position is superb, looks better, and will be utterly reliable given that its a 90's Toyota.
OP, go for a Revision 4 or 5 if you can, more likely to have an LSD
PaulGT3 said:
Clio by far.
I have a mint SW20 Rev 5 MR2 T-Bar and a cheap tatty Xsara VTS.
I really ought to get round to selling the MR2 as I don't see the point in using it. The Xsara is quicker, handles better, is more comfy, has better brakes, more practical etc. The Xsara VTS is just great fun, the MR2 is a lardy, imprecise GT car but has a really revvy engine which doesn't suit it IMO. I'm sure the turbo is a whole different story though.
Odd mention of the brakes there, I personally find the MR2 brakes excellent, very progressive, solid feel from them as well. But maybe thats how older cars differ so much.I have a mint SW20 Rev 5 MR2 T-Bar and a cheap tatty Xsara VTS.
I really ought to get round to selling the MR2 as I don't see the point in using it. The Xsara is quicker, handles better, is more comfy, has better brakes, more practical etc. The Xsara VTS is just great fun, the MR2 is a lardy, imprecise GT car but has a really revvy engine which doesn't suit it IMO. I'm sure the turbo is a whole different story though.
Marf said:
Eh yourself!
Loadsa room in a Mk2 MR2, unless your well over 6foot tall and brick st house dimensions you'll have no problems.
Plenty of storage space too, the boot is huge.
MR2 every time, will feel more special to drive, driving position is superb, looks better, and will be utterly reliable given that its a 90's Toyota.
I'm guessing he meant it is a strange choice of two cars, given the fact one will be enormously more expensive than the other, when most people generally choose cars of a similar cost. Well, one of us will no doubt be the recipient of a parrot, anyway Loadsa room in a Mk2 MR2, unless your well over 6foot tall and brick s
t house dimensions you'll have no problems. Plenty of storage space too, the boot is huge.
MR2 every time, will feel more special to drive, driving position is superb, looks better, and will be utterly reliable given that its a 90's Toyota.
TameRacingDriver said:
Marf said:
Eh yourself!
Loadsa room in a Mk2 MR2, unless your well over 6foot tall and brick st house dimensions you'll have no problems.
Plenty of storage space too, the boot is huge.
MR2 every time, will feel more special to drive, driving position is superb, looks better, and will be utterly reliable given that its a 90's Toyota.
I'm guessing he meant it is a strange choice of two cars, given the fact one will be enormously more expensive than the other, when most people generally choose cars of a similar cost. Well, one of us will no doubt be the recipient of a parrot, anyway Loadsa room in a Mk2 MR2, unless your well over 6foot tall and brick s
t house dimensions you'll have no problems. Plenty of storage space too, the boot is huge.
MR2 every time, will feel more special to drive, driving position is superb, looks better, and will be utterly reliable given that its a 90's Toyota.
The MR2 will not cost much to run, bits are cheap and plentiful for the NA cars, and you can get really good value fixed price cambelt and clutch changes from the various specialists
I'd imagine the MPG will be similar too.
I had a well sorted MX5. Sold it to buy a 260bhp classic Impreza WRX. The Impreza was faster, grippier and more comfortable. But, I never connected to it in the same way as the MX5, didn't take it for random drives.
I bought a 94 rev3 MR2 last week and took it out last night, instantly fell in love with it. It feels so much more planted than both, even with knackered bushes. The sound of the engine behind is great, though it could do with being a bit louder (looking at after cone air filters).
Parts are around the same as the 5 was, the engine seems fairly easy to work on and the cabin is surprisingly roomy, with a bigger boot. The back end is also fairly lively, which is nice considering it's missing a limited slip diff.
I've got no experience with the Clio, but so far very impressed with the MR2
I bought a 94 rev3 MR2 last week and took it out last night, instantly fell in love with it. It feels so much more planted than both, even with knackered bushes. The sound of the engine behind is great, though it could do with being a bit louder (looking at after cone air filters).
Parts are around the same as the 5 was, the engine seems fairly easy to work on and the cabin is surprisingly roomy, with a bigger boot. The back end is also fairly lively, which is nice considering it's missing a limited slip diff.
I've got no experience with the Clio, but so far very impressed with the MR2
Grovsie26 said:
So you either want a small, cramped, old, RWD coupe or a new, practical hot hatch?
Eh?
Whilst the Clio is undoubtedly the more practical car, the MR2 is far from impractical, as far as two seater coupes go. The boot is massive considering it's mid engined, the cabin is well designed too. Extremely comfy seats, plenty of storage space in the three storage compartments, and easily big enough to accomodate my 6'2" frame (unlike my old MX5!). Eh?
That said, I tend not to give too much thought to practicality when I'm buying the car, I'd choose the MR2 simply because it'll be more fun at all speeds simply by virtue of it's design. Of the cheap two seater market, it is for my money the best. Though I've never driven a N/A model. If I had my time again I'd still choose the turbo, and maybe a rare BEAMS model in second place.
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