Clio 182 CUP, Mk3 MR2, Ep3 Type R (Coming From MKV GTI)
Discussion
Hi All again,
I had a little research last night and it brought me to think.
What will any of these 3 cars feel like coming from a MK5 Golf GTI?
Will they feel slow due to the lack of turbo?
Or will they feel faster?
What are your thoughts?
I would be using Any of the 3 for mostly weekend driving on B Roads and attending car shows and very occasionally maybe a track day.
Very occasionally use it one day during the week to do a little shopping for 2 people that I cant cycle home with.
Cheers in advance
I had a little research last night and it brought me to think.
What will any of these 3 cars feel like coming from a MK5 Golf GTI?
Will they feel slow due to the lack of turbo?
Or will they feel faster?
What are your thoughts?
I would be using Any of the 3 for mostly weekend driving on B Roads and attending car shows and very occasionally maybe a track day.
Very occasionally use it one day during the week to do a little shopping for 2 people that I cant cycle home with.
Cheers in advance
Few points that came to my mind:
- Compared to the MK5 GTI they all have a much lower quality cabin with less creature comforts.
- They will all feel slow unless your willing to rev them, none of these 3 make power till up in the rev range
- The MR2 is tiny and very impractical
- The EP3 has naff steering feel, but an absolute gem of an engine
- The 182 Cup would be good fun on track and there is a huge aftermarket scene for them, same for the EP3
Both the 182 and EP3 are rated as being faster to 60 than the mk5 golf? That obviously doesn't give the whole story but neither will feel like a step down in performance.
They'll both lack the mid range shove you get with a turbo. The 182 will feel less lethargic off cam than the K20 in the EP3, which while fantastic on the big lobes, feels ordinary off them.
The interior quality is naff in both, especially the Renault, but mine doesnt rattle too much despite being a 15 year old track hack.
I would consider both to be more "weekend car" worthy than a mk5 golf. To me NA engines are just more exciting when pressing on.
I don't have any experience with the MRS but I think they only come with the 1ZZ? so roughly 140 hp? Might feel slower if it's not very light, but then again it has no roof and you sit about a knats pube above the road...
They'll both lack the mid range shove you get with a turbo. The 182 will feel less lethargic off cam than the K20 in the EP3, which while fantastic on the big lobes, feels ordinary off them.
The interior quality is naff in both, especially the Renault, but mine doesnt rattle too much despite being a 15 year old track hack.
I would consider both to be more "weekend car" worthy than a mk5 golf. To me NA engines are just more exciting when pressing on.
I don't have any experience with the MRS but I think they only come with the 1ZZ? so roughly 140 hp? Might feel slower if it's not very light, but then again it has no roof and you sit about a knats pube above the road...
What power is your GTI? Power to weight springs to mind.
You’d probably be impressed with the Clio’s nippy, instant throttle response at pootling speeds then floor it and wonder where the mid range of your golf is and may dislike it at first.
I’ve always had turbo cars and my clio felt odd without mid range shove but when you realise they’ve got a power band up high it’s just a different way to drive it. It’s kind of nice if you care about fuel as it’ll return good mpg pootling about too and scream when you work it over.
It took me some getting used to as I was forever putting my foot down and changing gear before it’d even come on cam thinking where’s the grunt.
You’d probably be impressed with the Clio’s nippy, instant throttle response at pootling speeds then floor it and wonder where the mid range of your golf is and may dislike it at first.
I’ve always had turbo cars and my clio felt odd without mid range shove but when you realise they’ve got a power band up high it’s just a different way to drive it. It’s kind of nice if you care about fuel as it’ll return good mpg pootling about too and scream when you work it over.
It took me some getting used to as I was forever putting my foot down and changing gear before it’d even come on cam thinking where’s the grunt.
AmosMoses said:
Few points that came to my mind:
Interesting points, I do like High Revving NA Engines hence why looking at these. In terms of Creature comforts I understand they will lack some of them, However mostly being only a weekend car for me it wont be much of a factor - Compared to the MK5 GTI they all have a much lower quality cabin with less creature comforts.
- They will all feel slow unless your willing to rev them, none of these 3 make power till up in the rev range
- The MR2 is tiny and very impractical
- The EP3 has naff steering feel, but an absolute gem of an engine
- The 182 Cup would be good fun on track and there is a huge aftermarket scene for them, same for the EP3
uncleluck said:
What power is your GTI? Power to weight springs to mind.
You’d probably be impressed with the Clio’s nippy, instant throttle response at pootling speeds then floor it and wonder where the mid range of your golf is and may dislike it at first.
I’ve always had turbo cars and my clio felt odd without mid range shove but when you realise they’ve got a power band up high it’s just a different way to drive it. It’s kind of nice if you care about fuel as it’ll return good mpg pootling about too and scream when you work it over.
It took me some getting used to as I was forever putting my foot down and changing gear before it’d even come on cam thinking where’s the grunt.
Cheers for the response, My GTI is at 250bhp, Good car enjoyed owning it but now cycling to work so I want something more exciting and fun for the weekends You’d probably be impressed with the Clio’s nippy, instant throttle response at pootling speeds then floor it and wonder where the mid range of your golf is and may dislike it at first.
I’ve always had turbo cars and my clio felt odd without mid range shove but when you realise they’ve got a power band up high it’s just a different way to drive it. It’s kind of nice if you care about fuel as it’ll return good mpg pootling about too and scream when you work it over.
It took me some getting used to as I was forever putting my foot down and changing gear before it’d even come on cam thinking where’s the grunt.
smartie93 said:
Both the 182 and EP3 are rated as being faster to 60 than the mk5 golf? That obviously doesn't give the whole story but neither will feel like a step down in performance.
They'll both lack the mid range shove you get with a turbo. The 182 will feel less lethargic off cam than the K20 in the EP3, which while fantastic on the big lobes, feels ordinary off them.
The interior quality is naff in both, especially the Renault, but mine doesnt rattle too much despite being a 15 year old track hack.
I would consider both to be more "weekend car" worthy than a mk5 golf. To me NA engines are just more exciting when pressing on.
I don't have any experience with the MRS but I think they only come with the 1ZZ? so roughly 140 hp? Might feel slower if it's not very light, but then again it has no roof and you sit about a knats pube above the road...
To be honest with you all 3 are great cars and I believe more exciting and engaging as a weekend car with more sense or occasion.They'll both lack the mid range shove you get with a turbo. The 182 will feel less lethargic off cam than the K20 in the EP3, which while fantastic on the big lobes, feels ordinary off them.
The interior quality is naff in both, especially the Renault, but mine doesnt rattle too much despite being a 15 year old track hack.
I would consider both to be more "weekend car" worthy than a mk5 golf. To me NA engines are just more exciting when pressing on.
I don't have any experience with the MRS but I think they only come with the 1ZZ? so roughly 140 hp? Might feel slower if it's not very light, but then again it has no roof and you sit about a knats pube above the road...
It is hard to put my finger on which one of them I would go for however, Would have them all if I could haha
ThatredGTI said:
smartie93 said:
Both the 182 and EP3 are rated as being faster to 60 than the mk5 golf? That obviously doesn't give the whole story but neither will feel like a step down in performance.
They'll both lack the mid range shove you get with a turbo. The 182 will feel less lethargic off cam than the K20 in the EP3, which while fantastic on the big lobes, feels ordinary off them.
The interior quality is naff in both, especially the Renault, but mine doesnt rattle too much despite being a 15 year old track hack.
I would consider both to be more "weekend car" worthy than a mk5 golf. To me NA engines are just more exciting when pressing on.
I don't have any experience with the MRS but I think they only come with the 1ZZ? so roughly 140 hp? Might feel slower if it's not very light, but then again it has no roof and you sit about a knats pube above the road...
To be honest with you all 3 are great cars and I believe more exciting and engaging as a weekend car with more sense or occasion.They'll both lack the mid range shove you get with a turbo. The 182 will feel less lethargic off cam than the K20 in the EP3, which while fantastic on the big lobes, feels ordinary off them.
The interior quality is naff in both, especially the Renault, but mine doesnt rattle too much despite being a 15 year old track hack.
I would consider both to be more "weekend car" worthy than a mk5 golf. To me NA engines are just more exciting when pressing on.
I don't have any experience with the MRS but I think they only come with the 1ZZ? so roughly 140 hp? Might feel slower if it's not very light, but then again it has no roof and you sit about a knats pube above the road...
It is hard to put my finger on which one of them I would go for however, Would have them all if I could haha
I can't seem to part with my 182, mainly because of a lack of suitable replacements. I drove a friend's EP3 and didnt think it was quite the step up that it was always made out to be back in the day. The drive train was better. The chassis, especially the steering, was worse.
The MRS will probably feel the most special, in my mind it's a budget lotus elise. It even has the same engine! Not sure how practical it is though if you ever need it.
smartie93 said:
That's fair! I don't think you would be disappointed with any of them.
I can't seem to part with my 182, mainly because of a lack of suitable replacements. I drove a friend's EP3 and didnt think it was quite the step up that it was always made out to be back in the day. The drive train was better. The chassis, especially the steering, was worse.
The MRS will probably feel the most special, in my mind it's a budget lotus elise. It even has the same engine! Not sure how practical it is though if you ever need it.
Yeah I think the Clio 182 especially the CUP chassis is the best hot hatch you can get for the money and I never considered it before however after past few days of watching reviews and researching info it is a strong contender for me, The Ep3 Type R has always excited me , and there is something about that high revving k20 that excites me too, My friend is also a JDM fan and owns a supercharged Celica so I have been always wanting to finally go to the JDM side after many attempts by my friend to convert me into JDM Car fan, The MK3 Mr2 is a brilliant little go kart as well and it would feel special, I think they look brilliant and heard they handle brilliant and feel faster than they are, I would like to buy one but I just not want to regret not buying the EP3 or 182 and vice versa haha.I can't seem to part with my 182, mainly because of a lack of suitable replacements. I drove a friend's EP3 and didnt think it was quite the step up that it was always made out to be back in the day. The drive train was better. The chassis, especially the steering, was worse.
The MRS will probably feel the most special, in my mind it's a budget lotus elise. It even has the same engine! Not sure how practical it is though if you ever need it.
IMO you'll have fun in any of them, but honestly it's worth owning a Type R Honda once, and the K20 is a cracking engine.... with a Cold air intake the crossover noise into VTEC is the most grin inducing thing i've experienced in any car i've owned.
Ultimately though, drive all three and see which one speaks to you.
Ultimately though, drive all three and see which one speaks to you.
Belle427 said:
I've always fancied supercharging a type r of some description, anyone done it or had a go in one?
Pretty common now really. Stock internals are very safe at about 350bhp IIRC as long as they and the map are of good quality. A few people in the UK running 600 on street cars (turbo rather than SC). If you want to do it then budget for a diff, and brakes.They sound fantastic with a supercharger
This guy is running over 400 with stock internals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpiwNt1D4Vc
Edited by vtecyo on Tuesday 28th January 12:07
ThatredGTI said:
smartie93 said:
That's fair! I don't think you would be disappointed with any of them.
I can't seem to part with my 182, mainly because of a lack of suitable replacements. I drove a friend's EP3 and didnt think it was quite the step up that it was always made out to be back in the day. The drive train was better. The chassis, especially the steering, was worse.
The MRS will probably feel the most special, in my mind it's a budget lotus elise. It even has the same engine! Not sure how practical it is though if you ever need it.
Yeah I think the Clio 182 especially the CUP chassis is the best hot hatch you can get for the money and I never considered it before however after past few days of watching reviews and researching info it is a strong contender for me, The Ep3 Type R has always excited me , and there is something about that high revving k20 that excites me too, My friend is also a JDM fan and owns a supercharged Celica so I have been always wanting to finally go to the JDM side after many attempts by my friend to convert me into JDM Car fan, The MK3 Mr2 is a brilliant little go kart as well and it would feel special, I think they look brilliant and heard they handle brilliant and feel faster than they are, I would like to buy one but I just not want to regret not buying the EP3 or 182 and vice versa haha.I can't seem to part with my 182, mainly because of a lack of suitable replacements. I drove a friend's EP3 and didnt think it was quite the step up that it was always made out to be back in the day. The drive train was better. The chassis, especially the steering, was worse.
The MRS will probably feel the most special, in my mind it's a budget lotus elise. It even has the same engine! Not sure how practical it is though if you ever need it.
Right now, you don’t need a car for work and you don’t need practicality, so largely, your car is going to be a weekend plaything.
A hot hatch, any hot hatch, is a compromise.
Their raison d’etre is to offer an affordable package of performance and practicality. You currently don’t need the practicality, so why not, while you have the opportunity, run a something like an MX5, MR2 or other roadster / coupe?
A hot hatch’s party trick is the performance when you’re going for it a bit, at all other times, they’re just a hatchback. Admittedly, this applies to some more than others, but on the whole, I’d suggest it’s largely true.
If all you care about in a toy is going fast, then disregard the above, and buy a hot hatch. If the idea of a weekend toy is more than that to you, well…
(I also realise that I’m probably projecting my own sensibilities
)Edited by TheJimi on Wednesday 29th January 16:39
Cant comment on the MR2 as its somethign i've never owned.
Have had a 172 Cup and a Premier Edition EP3.
Ultimately, both the clio and civic wont feel as 'nice' to sit in as your Golf. The Civic probably gets closer to the Golf in that respect than the clio does.
But, in terms of the driving experience my choice would almost certainly be the clio 10 times out of 10. Of the 4 cars mentioned, the Golf would probably be the one which least interested me for something like a track day despite having the most power.
If your budget can stretch as far as a 182 Trophy then that would be the one to have.
Have had a 172 Cup and a Premier Edition EP3.
Ultimately, both the clio and civic wont feel as 'nice' to sit in as your Golf. The Civic probably gets closer to the Golf in that respect than the clio does.
But, in terms of the driving experience my choice would almost certainly be the clio 10 times out of 10. Of the 4 cars mentioned, the Golf would probably be the one which least interested me for something like a track day despite having the most power.
If your budget can stretch as far as a 182 Trophy then that would be the one to have.
Hopefully I can add my 2p here too.
I have a Mk5 R32 and an EP3 Civic.
The R32 is my daily driver and feels one or two generations ahead of the Civic in terms of quality and refinement.
The Civic feels much more basic and old school, which ultimately it is.
My EP3 is a track car and out of your list, it would get my vote for a track car. It's chassis is the real let down over the others, however it can be massively improved upon with some subtle tweaks.
The civic is a much more basic car to work on. If you are a DIY person, it would be easier to maintain than the GTI.
Down a back road, the Clios would have the chassis. However the Civic's engine and gearbox are going to be that bit sharper and feel that bit more special than the others.
I have a Mk5 R32 and an EP3 Civic.
The R32 is my daily driver and feels one or two generations ahead of the Civic in terms of quality and refinement.
The Civic feels much more basic and old school, which ultimately it is.
My EP3 is a track car and out of your list, it would get my vote for a track car. It's chassis is the real let down over the others, however it can be massively improved upon with some subtle tweaks.
The civic is a much more basic car to work on. If you are a DIY person, it would be easier to maintain than the GTI.
Down a back road, the Clios would have the chassis. However the Civic's engine and gearbox are going to be that bit sharper and feel that bit more special than the others.
Thanks for all the responses 
I appreciate the help and experiences,
This Weekend I'm going to look at a silver EP3 Type r with some light mods done to it as well as chain, belt ect being done.
And I also will look at a black mk3 mr2.
Haven't found any clio 182's that I would like in the nearby area so far
I appreciate the help and experiences,This Weekend I'm going to look at a silver EP3 Type r with some light mods done to it as well as chain, belt ect being done.
And I also will look at a black mk3 mr2.
Haven't found any clio 182's that I would like in the nearby area so far
Owned a 182 and MR2. Driven an EP3.
You would be happy with all in their own ways.
Clio has a big engine in a little car sort of feel. Handles well too and has a certain edginess to it.
Civic has a wonderful engine and gearbox, and feels the most grown up, and is the fastest in a straight line.
MR2 on paper comes off worse, but with a few inexpensive mods, the handling is outstanding, its so light, and has a poise and balance that the others can’t get close to. Its also a convertible. For pure fun, it scalps the others IMO, as long as your ego can stand to have a ‘slow’ car (PS its not THAT slow either).
You would be happy with all in their own ways.
Clio has a big engine in a little car sort of feel. Handles well too and has a certain edginess to it.
Civic has a wonderful engine and gearbox, and feels the most grown up, and is the fastest in a straight line.
MR2 on paper comes off worse, but with a few inexpensive mods, the handling is outstanding, its so light, and has a poise and balance that the others can’t get close to. Its also a convertible. For pure fun, it scalps the others IMO, as long as your ego can stand to have a ‘slow’ car (PS its not THAT slow either).
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