Hot Renault or Fast Vauxhall

[Temple]

A friend of mine i work with has asked me for some advice about a future car,

The Reunalt Megane 230 R26
&
The Vauxhall Astra VXR

Basically he's torn between these two cars, he likes the feel of the Megane but the looks and sensible interior of the Astra,

Having never driven the Renault (but wanting too) i couldn't give him the answer with out saying the Astra is a little rough round the edges but isn't as bad as some reviews made out... So anyway if you had the choice between the two which would it be and why?

Driving Criteria:

Must be fun
Boosted
Hatch back
Doesn't cost the earth to insure
Something credible to bring to track days

[C2james]

id go for the megane from what ive read and also looked into as id like one next year, i think they will hold their value a fraction better and has much less of a chav image, unless you go for yellow.

[valverguy]

I think your friend should drive both, and i would expect him to take the renault. It is a far better drivers car. Mk5 astra vxr (like the ones before it) are plagued with torque steer for a start :-(

[Temple]

What about the driving position in the reault? is this a problem in the 230 or only the 225?

[gaz1234]

ren easy

[Butter Face]

Temple said:

What about the driving position in the reault? is this a problem in the 230 or only the 225?

I think the driving position is brilliant.

The R26 would be my choice. It's a fantastic car, remapped they're amazing.

[Paul v8]

prefer the astra hands down , look nice also

[okie592]

megane everytime, is he concidering a focus st in this range of car he would be bonkers not too

[framerateuk]

Can't comment on the VXR but my Megane 250 has been brilliant. Quiet and comfortable on the road, and a real weapon on a trackday.

The driving position is great too - especially if you buy the optional Recaro seats.

[Temple]

okie592 said:

megane everytime, is he concidering a focus st in this range of car he would be bonkers not too

Yup he only likes the facelifted ST though, and they can be a little pricey i think he wants to spend about 8 max!

[Temple]

framerateuk said:

Can't comment on the VXR but my Megane 250 has been brilliant. Quiet and comfortable on the road, and a real weapon on a trackday.

The driving position is great too - especially if you buy the optional Recaro seats.

Aye, recent experience with the 250 at the nurburgring for my self, i was astonished the cornering speeds average drivers where able to do with these! definitely on my wish list.


But not too sure if the previous 230 is the same?

[framerateuk]

Temple said:

Aye, recent experience with the 250 at the nurburgring for my self, i was astonished the cornering speeds average drivers where able to do with these! definitely on my wish list.


But not too sure if the previous 230 is the same?

The R26 is very accomplished too. Great chassis and enough power to have some fun.

Handling wise the R26 is in a different league to the Vauxhall, it's far more precise. Straight line speed and the Vauxhall will have it. If you're planning on doing some trackdays, you can't go wrong with a RenaultSport.