106 gti or mk1 mx5?
Discussion
Looking for a new car and after owning an alfa 147 ti fancy something a bit lighter and nimble. Well alot lighter and nimble lol. Just wondered peoples opinion of both. top speed doesnt bother me but the mx5 is alot slower on paper but drivability is supposed to be outstanding. Whereas the 106 is very quick for engine size and also handles very well. Can anyone shed some light?
I've tried both and bought the MX-5. The 106 GTi is without doubt a cracker but for the times you're just driving around town it's just a tiny little hatchback. With the MX-5 you still have the chance to throw the top down and revel in that perfect sportscar driving position sat low next to that (admittedly relatively small) transmission tunnel.
So for me the MX-5 was something I felt I could enjoy and have a sense of occasion in more of the time. I certainly don't regret it.
So for me the MX-5 was something I felt I could enjoy and have a sense of occasion in more of the time. I certainly don't regret it.
Wigeon Incognito said:
I've tried both and bought the MX-5. The 106 GTi is without doubt a cracker but for the times you're just driving around town it's just a tiny little hatchback. With the MX-5 you still have the chance to throw the top down and revel in that perfect sportscar driving position sat low next to that (admittedly relatively small) transmission tunnel.
So for me the MX-5 was something I felt I could enjoy and have a sense of occasion in more of the time. I certainly don't regret it.
yea i know what you mean but then again only 2 seats so a little more impracticle really hard decision this! although rwd is temptin me hugelySo for me the MX-5 was something I felt I could enjoy and have a sense of occasion in more of the time. I certainly don't regret it.
The 106 will be the better steer IMO. Much more eager engine, it will be pleasant to drive at 70-80mph, whereas the MX will be an utter ballache on the Motorways.
Whilst the MX5 purists will probably lambast me for saying this, I just don't get what's so great about the MX. It's small, rattles, leaks, stereo is sheeeite, little leg room (106/MX5 probably on par for that) and, you get constant comments about your chosen profession
They're ok, but not the best sports car for the money IMO. It's only saving grace is the fact that the spares back-up is hugely cheap and vast, and on the right road they are fun- you just have to find the right road.
Don't get caught up in this RWD nonsence. It's an MX5, it hardly has enough power to pull the skin off a rice pudding. The grip offered by decent tyres is too much for the engine to overwhelm- unless you're dumping the clutch at the lights. The 106 will be just as adjustable on the throttle.
Whilst the MX5 purists will probably lambast me for saying this, I just don't get what's so great about the MX. It's small, rattles, leaks, stereo is sheeeite, little leg room (106/MX5 probably on par for that) and, you get constant comments about your chosen profession
They're ok, but not the best sports car for the money IMO. It's only saving grace is the fact that the spares back-up is hugely cheap and vast, and on the right road they are fun- you just have to find the right road.
Don't get caught up in this RWD nonsence. It's an MX5, it hardly has enough power to pull the skin off a rice pudding. The grip offered by decent tyres is too much for the engine to overwhelm- unless you're dumping the clutch at the lights. The 106 will be just as adjustable on the throttle.
Edited by Vidal Baboon on Saturday 29th January 09:05
Completely different cars you've picked here, one a hot hatch and one the begining of a rwd jap performance time of your life.
Pug gti is a great wee car, handles great if you spend the time and set up the suspension well, a few simple mods gets this one off the ground
Mx5 however with the right suspension set up will handle like a dream and (the fun part) will push you out of corners with a smile on your face endless moda available from our hks service kits to a whole world of exhausts ecus fuel pumps, the list is endless
Big question for yourself is, how long do you want to keep it for? Do you want to be content or always want more? Pug gti is sensible choice or go ahead and live a little with the mx5
Pug gti is a great wee car, handles great if you spend the time and set up the suspension well, a few simple mods gets this one off the ground
Mx5 however with the right suspension set up will handle like a dream and (the fun part) will push you out of corners with a smile on your face endless moda available from our hks service kits to a whole world of exhausts ecus fuel pumps, the list is endless
Big question for yourself is, how long do you want to keep it for? Do you want to be content or always want more? Pug gti is sensible choice or go ahead and live a little with the mx5
How much is your budget?
Its a tough choice, but for me, I love my mk2 MX5. Contary to baboon, mine has no rattles, no leaks, and the stereo is perfect. Leg room... well I am a short arse so no problems there. I use it for my 30 mile M25 commute, and think its quiet (compared to previous cars).
I honestly would drive both, they both excel in their own fields, it just happens the field I am camped in at the moment is the RWD one.
Its a tough choice, but for me, I love my mk2 MX5. Contary to baboon, mine has no rattles, no leaks, and the stereo is perfect. Leg room... well I am a short arse so no problems there. I use it for my 30 mile M25 commute, and think its quiet (compared to previous cars).
I honestly would drive both, they both excel in their own fields, it just happens the field I am camped in at the moment is the RWD one.
Loftus said:
thats the dilema i wouldnt mind either
personally I'd go RWD. Vidal makea a good point about motorways and the mazda - it can be a bit noisy over certain speeds. And as for rattles I cant imagine a peugeot is any better than a mazda. The stereo in my eunos was great after I replaced the speakers although it could only pick up radio 2! everything else worked though.
I used to commute 50 miles a day through rural b roads - the MX% was a perfect companion
Growing up with hot hatches I havent had a FWD car for 10 years now
Vidal Baboon said:
The 106 will be the better steer IMO. Much more eager engine, it will be pleasant to drive at 70-80mph, whereas the MX will be an utter ballache on the Motorways.
Whilst the MX5 purists will probably lambast me for saying this, I just don't get what's so great about the MX. It's small, rattles, leaks, stereo is sheeeite, little leg room (106/MX5 probably on par for that) and, you get constant comments about your chosen profession
They're ok, but not the best sports car for the money IMO. It's only saving grace is the fact that the spares back-up is hugely cheap and vast, and on the right road they are fun- you just have to find the right road.
Don't get caught up in this RWD nonsence. It's an MX5, it hardly has enough power to pull the skin off a rice pudding. The grip offered by decent tyres is too much for the engine to overwhelm- unless you're dumping the clutch at the lights. The 106 will be just as adjustable on the throttle.
This is a candidate for the single most ill informed post ever written on this website.Whilst the MX5 purists will probably lambast me for saying this, I just don't get what's so great about the MX. It's small, rattles, leaks, stereo is sheeeite, little leg room (106/MX5 probably on par for that) and, you get constant comments about your chosen profession
They're ok, but not the best sports car for the money IMO. It's only saving grace is the fact that the spares back-up is hugely cheap and vast, and on the right road they are fun- you just have to find the right road.
Don't get caught up in this RWD nonsence. It's an MX5, it hardly has enough power to pull the skin off a rice pudding. The grip offered by decent tyres is too much for the engine to overwhelm- unless you're dumping the clutch at the lights. The 106 will be just as adjustable on the throttle.
hornetrider said:
Vidal Baboon said:
The 106 will be the better steer IMO. Much more eager engine, it will be pleasant to drive at 70-80mph, whereas the MX will be an utter ballache on the Motorways.
Whilst the MX5 purists will probably lambast me for saying this, I just don't get what's so great about the MX. It's small, rattles, leaks, stereo is sheeeite, little leg room (106/MX5 probably on par for that) and, you get constant comments about your chosen profession
They're ok, but not the best sports car for the money IMO. It's only saving grace is the fact that the spares back-up is hugely cheap and vast, and on the right road they are fun- you just have to find the right road.
Don't get caught up in this RWD nonsence. It's an MX5, it hardly has enough power to pull the skin off a rice pudding. The grip offered by decent tyres is too much for the engine to overwhelm- unless you're dumping the clutch at the lights. The 106 will be just as adjustable on the throttle.
This is a candidate for the single most ill informed post ever written on this website.Whilst the MX5 purists will probably lambast me for saying this, I just don't get what's so great about the MX. It's small, rattles, leaks, stereo is sheeeite, little leg room (106/MX5 probably on par for that) and, you get constant comments about your chosen profession
They're ok, but not the best sports car for the money IMO. It's only saving grace is the fact that the spares back-up is hugely cheap and vast, and on the right road they are fun- you just have to find the right road.
Don't get caught up in this RWD nonsence. It's an MX5, it hardly has enough power to pull the skin off a rice pudding. The grip offered by decent tyres is too much for the engine to overwhelm- unless you're dumping the clutch at the lights. The 106 will be just as adjustable on the throttle.
What is incorrect about the above?
Vidal Baboon said:
hornetrider said:
Vidal Baboon said:
The 106 will be the better steer IMO. Much more eager engine, it will be pleasant to drive at 70-80mph, whereas the MX will be an utter ballache on the Motorways.
Whilst the MX5 purists will probably lambast me for saying this, I just don't get what's so great about the MX. It's small, rattles, leaks, stereo is sheeeite, little leg room (106/MX5 probably on par for that) and, you get constant comments about your chosen profession
They're ok, but not the best sports car for the money IMO. It's only saving grace is the fact that the spares back-up is hugely cheap and vast, and on the right road they are fun- you just have to find the right road.
Don't get caught up in this RWD nonsence. It's an MX5, it hardly has enough power to pull the skin off a rice pudding. The grip offered by decent tyres is too much for the engine to overwhelm- unless you're dumping the clutch at the lights. The 106 will be just as adjustable on the throttle.
This is a candidate for the single most ill informed post ever written on this website.Whilst the MX5 purists will probably lambast me for saying this, I just don't get what's so great about the MX. It's small, rattles, leaks, stereo is sheeeite, little leg room (106/MX5 probably on par for that) and, you get constant comments about your chosen profession
They're ok, but not the best sports car for the money IMO. It's only saving grace is the fact that the spares back-up is hugely cheap and vast, and on the right road they are fun- you just have to find the right road.
Don't get caught up in this RWD nonsence. It's an MX5, it hardly has enough power to pull the skin off a rice pudding. The grip offered by decent tyres is too much for the engine to overwhelm- unless you're dumping the clutch at the lights. The 106 will be just as adjustable on the throttle.
What is incorrect about the above?
hornetrider said:
Vidal Baboon said:
hornetrider said:
Vidal Baboon said:
The 106 will be the better steer IMO. Much more eager engine, it will be pleasant to drive at 70-80mph, whereas the MX will be an utter ballache on the Motorways.
Whilst the MX5 purists will probably lambast me for saying this, I just don't get what's so great about the MX. It's small, rattles, leaks, stereo is sheeeite, little leg room (106/MX5 probably on par for that) and, you get constant comments about your chosen profession
They're ok, but not the best sports car for the money IMO. It's only saving grace is the fact that the spares back-up is hugely cheap and vast, and on the right road they are fun- you just have to find the right road.
Don't get caught up in this RWD nonsence. It's an MX5, it hardly has enough power to pull the skin off a rice pudding. The grip offered by decent tyres is too much for the engine to overwhelm- unless you're dumping the clutch at the lights. The 106 will be just as adjustable on the throttle.
This is a candidate for the single most ill informed post ever written on this website.Whilst the MX5 purists will probably lambast me for saying this, I just don't get what's so great about the MX. It's small, rattles, leaks, stereo is sheeeite, little leg room (106/MX5 probably on par for that) and, you get constant comments about your chosen profession
They're ok, but not the best sports car for the money IMO. It's only saving grace is the fact that the spares back-up is hugely cheap and vast, and on the right road they are fun- you just have to find the right road.
Don't get caught up in this RWD nonsence. It's an MX5, it hardly has enough power to pull the skin off a rice pudding. The grip offered by decent tyres is too much for the engine to overwhelm- unless you're dumping the clutch at the lights. The 106 will be just as adjustable on the throttle.
What is incorrect about the above?
I just don't like mine. Probably because it needed rebuilding and I got fed up. As I said, they're great on the right road.
Being serious for a moment, and ignoring the way it's written. The points- IMHO, are valid.
- Scuttle shake (Rattles)
- Poor stereo (Alpine speakers, decent head unit) it's still impossible to get any decent bass from the system due to the speaker housings in the door.
- Leaking- due to windows not sealing properly on the roof. May not be the case with every Mk1
- Leg room- it's not a big car, so no real argument
- Wind noise- it's quieter with the roof down
Edited by Vidal Baboon on Saturday 29th January 09:38
The Crack Fox said:
Op, you'll have to drive both to help you decide. Having driven loads of hot stuff over the years, I cam honestly say my old mx5 is by far the most enjoyable. They don't rattle, leak or let you down and have enough power to entertain. Huge fun, just try one. You'll believe the hype...
driven a vts which is basically the same as a 106 and the are great. but have yet to drive a mx5 so think your right will have to have a test drive in one to help me decide.hornetrider said:
Vidal Baboon said:
The 106 will be the better steer IMO. Much more eager engine, it will be pleasant to drive at 70-80mph, whereas the MX will be an utter ballache on the Motorways.
Whilst the MX5 purists will probably lambast me for saying this, I just don't get what's so great about the MX. It's small, rattles, leaks, stereo is sheeeite, little leg room (106/MX5 probably on par for that) and, you get constant comments about your chosen profession
They're ok, but not the best sports car for the money IMO. It's only saving grace is the fact that the spares back-up is hugely cheap and vast, and on the right road they are fun- you just have to find the right road.
Don't get caught up in this RWD nonsence. It's an MX5, it hardly has enough power to pull the skin off a rice pudding. The grip offered by decent tyres is too much for the engine to overwhelm- unless you're dumping the clutch at the lights. The 106 will be just as adjustable on the throttle.
This is a candidate for the single most ill informed post ever written on this website.Whilst the MX5 purists will probably lambast me for saying this, I just don't get what's so great about the MX. It's small, rattles, leaks, stereo is sheeeite, little leg room (106/MX5 probably on par for that) and, you get constant comments about your chosen profession
They're ok, but not the best sports car for the money IMO. It's only saving grace is the fact that the spares back-up is hugely cheap and vast, and on the right road they are fun- you just have to find the right road.
Don't get caught up in this RWD nonsence. It's an MX5, it hardly has enough power to pull the skin off a rice pudding. The grip offered by decent tyres is too much for the engine to overwhelm- unless you're dumping the clutch at the lights. The 106 will be just as adjustable on the throttle.
Some one get this guy a chair
Vidal Baboon said:
I just don't like mine. Probably because it needed rebuilding and I got fed up. As I said, they're great on the right road.
Well, they don't leak for a start. Handling is on another level to the 106 - RWD is not about the traffic light grand prix is it, the MX5 has more than enough power to drift round corners.... just check out youtube - cheesy tunes included http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLh5r9_eD6g
Nice dilemma to have.
I've not driven the 106 although have driven a VTS, and I used to own a Eunos RS-Limited (for those not familiar, a special edition model with lightweight parts and seats, bilstein, LSD and the 1.8 lump).
To be honest, I'll say that I didn't really fall in love with the MX5. What it was however, was an extremely fun little car, and I have to say, it was more fun than the VTS, by far. However, it depends how you get your kicks, really. The MX5 handles better, and being RWD, is simply more rewarding for a driver. Also, the ability to put the roof down is just superb, and adds a new element to driving.
That said, top down motoring isn't the be all and end all, and I now drive a car with a fixed roof, and while I do sometimes miss it, it's certainly not the end of the world, but there's no denying it makes the act of driving a more intimate one.
The 106 / VTS does however, have a better engine, and is faster in a straight line (but not neccesarily the corners - seriously, the '5 is a bloody fast little car on the twisties IF you know how to drive), however, it's really just a shopping trolley with a reasonably powerful engine.
To be honest, if it were my money, I'd be looking seriously at Phase 1 Clio 172s as well, and BMW 325/328i... I know they aren't whats being asked about here, but they're in the same ball park in terms of price, and these cars are just as fun as the 106s and MX5s of this world IMHO. Personally, I now drive a BMW 328i, and I've got to admit, it's just as much fun, albeit in a completely different way, to the MX5.
I've not driven the 106 although have driven a VTS, and I used to own a Eunos RS-Limited (for those not familiar, a special edition model with lightweight parts and seats, bilstein, LSD and the 1.8 lump).
To be honest, I'll say that I didn't really fall in love with the MX5. What it was however, was an extremely fun little car, and I have to say, it was more fun than the VTS, by far. However, it depends how you get your kicks, really. The MX5 handles better, and being RWD, is simply more rewarding for a driver. Also, the ability to put the roof down is just superb, and adds a new element to driving.
That said, top down motoring isn't the be all and end all, and I now drive a car with a fixed roof, and while I do sometimes miss it, it's certainly not the end of the world, but there's no denying it makes the act of driving a more intimate one.
The 106 / VTS does however, have a better engine, and is faster in a straight line (but not neccesarily the corners - seriously, the '5 is a bloody fast little car on the twisties IF you know how to drive), however, it's really just a shopping trolley with a reasonably powerful engine.
To be honest, if it were my money, I'd be looking seriously at Phase 1 Clio 172s as well, and BMW 325/328i... I know they aren't whats being asked about here, but they're in the same ball park in terms of price, and these cars are just as fun as the 106s and MX5s of this world IMHO. Personally, I now drive a BMW 328i, and I've got to admit, it's just as much fun, albeit in a completely different way, to the MX5.
Loftus said:
driven a vts which is basically the same as a 106 and the are great. but have yet to drive a mx5 so think your right will have to have a test drive in one to help me decide.
Probably stating the obvious here, but if you havent driven a RWD before, go for a good drive, to get the feel of it. Years ago I chopped in an AXGT - which was a stonking little car and probably similar to the 106 - for a mk1 mr2. There is a significant difference in how FWD/RWD cars move and load up through bends and you may not get it if you just go for a spin around the block.I would imagine that with either of these cars you will be able to sell it on for similar cash if you decide you dont like it, so even if you change your mind it's not going to be a disaster.
I'd suggest go for the Mk1 MX5 as it's a fantastic car to learn about rear wheel drive handling characterisitcs and dynamics that won't bite your head off when you set a foot wrong. also there many fanbases/owners clubs and forums for the Mx5 so help or assistance/advice are only a few clicks away. They're also montains of upgrades for them at reasonable prices anything from obvious wheels etc right upto turbo and supercharger kits
The 106GTI is suitably rapid and is rather fun to drive, but you'll never escape the typical boyracer comments etc, that aside they're both very different cars in terms of driving experience and drive train layout so if you can i'd test drive both to see which you prefer.
The 106GTI is suitably rapid and is rather fun to drive, but you'll never escape the typical boyracer comments etc, that aside they're both very different cars in terms of driving experience and drive train layout so if you can i'd test drive both to see which you prefer.
Vidal Baboon said:
I just don't like mine. Probably because it needed rebuilding and I got fed up. As I said, they're great on the right road.
Being serious for a moment, and ignoring the way it's written. The points- IMHO, are valid.
- Scuttle shake (Rattles)
- Poor stereo (Alpine speakers, decent head unit) it's still impossible to get any decent bass from the system due to the speaker housings in the door.
- Leaking- due to windows not sealing properly on the roof. May not be the case with every Mk1
- Leg room- it's not a big car, so no real argument
- Wind noise- it's quieter with the roof down
Its hard to argue with your points, but about the leaking, I'd say if you're not doing that now, is to make sure all the doors are open when putting the roof up, as otherwise it doesn't seal properly.
My Eunos had a sports exhaust, drilled airbox, and decat pipe, so as you can imagine, quiet it wasn't
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