Megane RS250 - will I be disappointed coming from a Subaru?
Discussion
Looking to get something a tad more economical than my current car, a 3.0L R Spec.b Subaru Legacy. It's 20 years old, and is standard apart from a stiffer rear ARB, an uprated clutch and a full 2.5" stainless exhaust, sports cats and raptor headers. For context, it is ever so slightly quicker in a straight line from a rolling start than a mapped BMW E90 330d or a standard Clio RS220.
I find myself boiling the brakes (already has EBC redstuff pads), and I'm wanting some more supportive seats and a newer headunit, and so on. I've worked out that the cost of buying bigger brakes, wheels to fit over said brakes, tyres to go on said wheels, front seats and the relevant bits to fit a headunit actually cost around £2500, which is a daft amount of money to spend on a 20 year old estate car, which only cost me a little more than that much to buy.
I figure I could just as well sell the Legacy, and buy a car which already has nicer seats and bigger brakes, and I generally don't get along with German cars, so that leaves me looking at the STI hatchback and the Megane cup. Knowing what I do about Subarus, that generation isn't a particularly reliable one, and the tax and insurance is just daft, so it's the Megane I'm most tempted by. The turbo versions of the Civic Type R are still big money, the NA versions generally don't have LSDs and arent actually that quick. All other FWD hatchbacks I gather are 2nd-rate to those two in terms of handing and performance/sportiness, and the M135i, Golf R, Cupra 280, Octavia VRS are all german - not my cup of tea.
Is it as good to drive as the magazines say? Does the differential really work that well? Or is it just going to annoy me everytime it rains?
Anything in particular to look out for, besides the timing belt, and not having an abused ex-track car?
Thanks!
I find myself boiling the brakes (already has EBC redstuff pads), and I'm wanting some more supportive seats and a newer headunit, and so on. I've worked out that the cost of buying bigger brakes, wheels to fit over said brakes, tyres to go on said wheels, front seats and the relevant bits to fit a headunit actually cost around £2500, which is a daft amount of money to spend on a 20 year old estate car, which only cost me a little more than that much to buy.
I figure I could just as well sell the Legacy, and buy a car which already has nicer seats and bigger brakes, and I generally don't get along with German cars, so that leaves me looking at the STI hatchback and the Megane cup. Knowing what I do about Subarus, that generation isn't a particularly reliable one, and the tax and insurance is just daft, so it's the Megane I'm most tempted by. The turbo versions of the Civic Type R are still big money, the NA versions generally don't have LSDs and arent actually that quick. All other FWD hatchbacks I gather are 2nd-rate to those two in terms of handing and performance/sportiness, and the M135i, Golf R, Cupra 280, Octavia VRS are all german - not my cup of tea.
Is it as good to drive as the magazines say? Does the differential really work that well? Or is it just going to annoy me everytime it rains?
Anything in particular to look out for, besides the timing belt, and not having an abused ex-track car?
Thanks!
I'm not sure the Megane RS will have the same grunt as your Subaru so I would say don't anticipate straight line speed but every RenaultSport car I've owned or been in has been impressive handling wise and a lot of fun.
I have owned two of the Megane 225s (still have one) and an old mate of mine had the R26.R. The LSD certainly makes a difference on cornering and it was hugely impressive. I would imagine the 250 onwards is that bit more refined but will definitely be a lot of fun.
I have owned two of the Megane 225s (still have one) and an old mate of mine had the R26.R. The LSD certainly makes a difference on cornering and it was hugely impressive. I would imagine the 250 onwards is that bit more refined but will definitely be a lot of fun.
Alex_225 said:
I'm not sure the Megane RS will have the same grunt as your Subaru so I would say don't anticipate straight line speed but every RenaultSport car I've owned or been in has been impressive handling wise and a lot of fun.
I have owned two of the Megane 225s (still have one) and an old mate of mine had the R26.R. The LSD certainly makes a difference on cornering and it was hugely impressive. I would imagine the 250 onwards is that bit more refined but will definitely be a lot of fun.
I think in a straight line it'll be a bit quicker, especially from 3rd gear onwards, but not that much. I'd hope a Megane 250 is quicker than a Clio 220...I have owned two of the Megane 225s (still have one) and an old mate of mine had the R26.R. The LSD certainly makes a difference on cornering and it was hugely impressive. I would imagine the 250 onwards is that bit more refined but will definitely be a lot of fun.
I did look at 225s, but they seem like quite a bit less car than the 250s, especially when you consider the interiors and the lack of LSD.
Gearboxes aren't terribly strong, and watch out for electrical gremlins, but they're generally well built and there's a good community and aftermarket for support.
They're also much, much smaller in the back than a legacy.
But they are fantastic to drive.
They're also much, much smaller in the back than a legacy.
But they are fantastic to drive.
Edited by Cambs_Stuart on Friday 26th June 18:13
You missed one off the liast & it's the GTC VXR is a cracking steer & only a smidge behind the RS Megane Cup, with the Megane you'll want either a Cup or a car with the Cup Chassis as well as the Recaro's.
The VXR comes with the Brembo's/LSD/Recaro's/Remus exhaust as standard & unlike the Megane they come with adjustable shocks so you can slacken off the ride when driving normally.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606083...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605032...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606213...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603060...
The VXR comes with the Brembo's/LSD/Recaro's/Remus exhaust as standard & unlike the Megane they come with adjustable shocks so you can slacken off the ride when driving normally.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606083...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605032...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606213...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603060...
ZX10R NIN said:
You missed one off the liast & it's the GTC VXR is a cracking steer & only a smidge behind the RS Megane Cup, with the Megane you'll want either a Cup or a car with the Cup Chassis as well as the Recaro's.
The VXR comes with the Brembo's/LSD/Recaro's/Remus exhaust as standard & unlike the Megane they come with adjustable shocks so you can slacken off the ride when driving normally.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606083...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605032...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606213...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603060...
I am absolutely in love with the blue oneThe VXR comes with the Brembo's/LSD/Recaro's/Remus exhaust as standard & unlike the Megane they come with adjustable shocks so you can slacken off the ride when driving normally.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606083...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605032...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606213...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603060...
Thanks all!
Being less practical isn't too much of a concern. I can count on one hand the number of times I've had people in the back of the Legacy, and I could still put my dog in the Megane if I had to.
It'll be down to what the insurance companies say...
Cambs_Stuart said:
Gearboxes aren't terribly strong, and watch out for electrical gremlins, but they're generally well built and there's a good community and aftermarket for support.
They're also much, much smaller in the back than a legacy.
But they are fantastic to drive.
The gearboxes - what is it that breaks them? Launching too hard, trying to force too much power/torque through them, rushing changes, or something else?They're also much, much smaller in the back than a legacy.
But they are fantastic to drive.
Being less practical isn't too much of a concern. I can count on one hand the number of times I've had people in the back of the Legacy, and I could still put my dog in the Megane if I had to.
John D. said:
They are as good as the magazines say. Go for it.
Good stuff...ZX10R NIN said:
You missed one off the liast & it's the GTC VXR is a cracking steer & only a smidge behind the RS Megane Cup, with the Megane you'll want either a Cup or a car with the Cup Chassis as well as the Recaro's.
The VXR comes with the Brembo's/LSD/Recaro's/Remus exhaust as standard & unlike the Megane they come with adjustable shocks so you can slacken off the ride when driving normally.
The Vauxhalls are cheaper than I thought it'd be, I should have checked. Also conveniently it can tow...The VXR comes with the Brembo's/LSD/Recaro's/Remus exhaust as standard & unlike the Megane they come with adjustable shocks so you can slacken off the ride when driving normally.
It'll be down to what the insurance companies say...
I have owned a JDM 2.0 STI Hawkeye and 4 x Megane 3RS.
The Megane is an incredible car. Cup chassis car with LSD out the box is very capable. With simple bolt on mods and a map they make 320bhp ish and around 350ft lbs and the chassis handles that with ease. They are plenty quick at those figures. Collectively I have put well over 100k miles on the 4 I have owned and nothing has ever failed or caused me any trouble. Maintenance is cheap for the performance, expect sub 30mpg depending on your driving style and use case.
Gearboxes on 265/275's are known to be a bit weak, but none of mine gave me any issues and I tracked mine.
If you do track days, there is plenty parts available to upgrade in that respect. Plenty pad options with the 4 pot brembo's etc. It would run rings round your Legacy round a circuit.
The Impreza was a totally different animal, hard to say which I preferred. Impreza was worse on the wallet for sure though.
If you make the switch, buy a car that's had belts/dephaser done (or budget £600 for the work). You want Recaro's, Cup chassis with LSD.
The Megane is an incredible car. Cup chassis car with LSD out the box is very capable. With simple bolt on mods and a map they make 320bhp ish and around 350ft lbs and the chassis handles that with ease. They are plenty quick at those figures. Collectively I have put well over 100k miles on the 4 I have owned and nothing has ever failed or caused me any trouble. Maintenance is cheap for the performance, expect sub 30mpg depending on your driving style and use case.
Gearboxes on 265/275's are known to be a bit weak, but none of mine gave me any issues and I tracked mine.
If you do track days, there is plenty parts available to upgrade in that respect. Plenty pad options with the 4 pot brembo's etc. It would run rings round your Legacy round a circuit.
The Impreza was a totally different animal, hard to say which I preferred. Impreza was worse on the wallet for sure though.
If you make the switch, buy a car that's had belts/dephaser done (or budget £600 for the work). You want Recaro's, Cup chassis with LSD.
M.F.D said:
I have owned a JDM 2.0 STI Hawkeye and 4 x Megane 3RS.
The Megane is an incredible car. Cup chassis car with LSD out the box is very capable. With simple bolt on mods and a map they make 320bhp ish and around 350ft lbs and the chassis handles that with ease. They are plenty quick at those figures. Collectively I have put well over 100k miles on the 4 I have owned and nothing has ever failed or caused me any trouble. Maintenance is cheap for the performance, expect sub 30mpg depending on your driving style and use case.
Gearboxes on 265/275's are known to be a bit weak, but none of mine gave me any issues and I tracked mine.
If you do track days, there is plenty parts available to upgrade in that respect. Plenty pad options with the 4 pot brembo's etc. It would run rings round your Legacy round a circuit.
The Impreza was a totally different animal, hard to say which I preferred. Impreza was worse on the wallet for sure though.
If you make the switch, buy a car that's had belts/dephaser done (or budget £600 for the work). You want Recaro's, Cup chassis with LSD.
Yep - I don't doubt the Megane would be the quicker car on a dry racetrack, but I don't think I'll do many trackdays, besides the odd obligatory Nurburgring trip.The Megane is an incredible car. Cup chassis car with LSD out the box is very capable. With simple bolt on mods and a map they make 320bhp ish and around 350ft lbs and the chassis handles that with ease. They are plenty quick at those figures. Collectively I have put well over 100k miles on the 4 I have owned and nothing has ever failed or caused me any trouble. Maintenance is cheap for the performance, expect sub 30mpg depending on your driving style and use case.
Gearboxes on 265/275's are known to be a bit weak, but none of mine gave me any issues and I tracked mine.
If you do track days, there is plenty parts available to upgrade in that respect. Plenty pad options with the 4 pot brembo's etc. It would run rings round your Legacy round a circuit.
The Impreza was a totally different animal, hard to say which I preferred. Impreza was worse on the wallet for sure though.
If you make the switch, buy a car that's had belts/dephaser done (or budget £600 for the work). You want Recaro's, Cup chassis with LSD.
Sub 30mpg isn't great, my Legacy manages that on a long run, though typically in the low 20s on shorter trips, and into the teens if driven hard.
And yes, definately want the LSD, which as I understand, comes with the cup chassis? Are the Recaros, or lack thereof, a dealbreaker?
Thanks!
LotsOfLaughs said:
Alex_225 said:
I'm not sure the Megane RS will have the same grunt as your Subaru so I would say don't anticipate straight line speed but every RenaultSport car I've owned or been in has been impressive handling wise and a lot of fun.
I have owned two of the Megane 225s (still have one) and an old mate of mine had the R26.R. The LSD certainly makes a difference on cornering and it was hugely impressive. I would imagine the 250 onwards is that bit more refined but will definitely be a lot of fun.
I think in a straight line it'll be a bit quicker, especially from 3rd gear onwards, but not that much. I'd hope a Megane 250 is quicker than a Clio 220...I have owned two of the Megane 225s (still have one) and an old mate of mine had the R26.R. The LSD certainly makes a difference on cornering and it was hugely impressive. I would imagine the 250 onwards is that bit more refined but will definitely be a lot of fun.
I did look at 225s, but they seem like quite a bit less car than the 250s, especially when you consider the interiors and the lack of LSD.
The 225 is a great, quirky car and full of character but certainly as a daily prospect nowadays, a bit old school. Especially when you consider the earliest examples of that era Megane are from 2003 (225 was 2004). I'd say the 250 was a lot more modern even though they're now 13-14 years old if I recall.
John D. said:
The output bearings fail on the gearboxes IME. My 275 had one under warranty and had a similar failure on a Clio 172 Cup years ago. Just a Renault parts /design failing I think, rather than hard launches/ too much power.
Thanks - when they fail, is there an upgraded part to replace it? If so, I'll look for one which already has it.LotsOfLaughs said:
John D. said:
The output bearings fail on the gearboxes IME. My 275 had one under warranty and had a similar failure on a Clio 172 Cup years ago. Just a Renault parts /design failing I think, rather than hard launches/ too much power.
Thanks - when they fail, is there an upgraded part to replace it? If so, I'll look for one which already has it.
I think the 275s' were prone to it due to Renault having a bad batch or some small change compared to 250/265. Mine went at about 12-18months old and 15k miles. I then took it to 70k and 8yrs old and never had an issue.
My Clio I had a recon box fitted and then sold it.
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