Wanted one while they were available to order. Had a test drive few years back, chassis and high revving engine were superb. Circumstances weren't right then, so year ago ordered a meg 265 as the clios had gone 5 door and turbo, auto anyway. Love the meg, but when i see the akrapovic exhaust videos on youtube it just makes me want one for the sound alone! If the right one came along id be tempted. Anybody done this? Im thinking i may miss the torque more than anything!
I went from a 197, 5 years of ownership, to a 265. Loved the clio, it was such a joy to work with on track especially but ultimately there just isn't enough grunt to pull its weight down the straights. In comparison the meg is everything good about the clio but after a serious dose of steroids. I couldn't go back to the clio now... Try a 172 as a 2nd toy? I have one and it always reminds me of a go kart when going for a blast, still has the N/A revving but being so much lighter it really feels quite torquey.
As above really, brilliant chassis and car, let down by an engine that's several years too old and down on power for its weight. Loved mine still and imo a much better handling car than the previous ones but lacking about 20bhp. The Meg gets better mpg too :/
Not a bad idea a 172 as a 2nd toy! Cheap runabout, could be turned into a bit of a project?! Had the meg a year now, love it. Again chassis brilliant, power and torque too, does everything well for me, think the same ben, although I've not owned one id miss the torque! 172 might be the one, also could be a bit of a track toy. Meg being a daily for me.
My 197 was running 230bhp on ITBs, high comp pistons and heavy head work. Still wasn't enough to keep me excited. In standard form the 265 was just better with no drawbacks. Tidy 172s can be had for £1500 and below now and that's a lot of fun for the money. I use mine on track simply because it's such a laugh and if I do stuff it I can swallow £1500 easier than writing of my 265.
I've had several 172/182's and a 200. 200 offers nothing over the megane. The 1*2 (especially the trophy) are a great second car. Get a trophy and your money should be safe too.
Wow ben i bet that sounded awesome though! Il have a look at a 172/ early 182. Trophy for me would be a bit much as a second car, although id love one. Exactly, would be able to swallow binning a £1500 clio on track rather than the 265!
Force charge a 172. Can be done for buttons. Had one that was circa 300hp, it went like stink and was great fun.
Currently got both, the megane excites me more to drive. As said the clio is too underpowered, but it's nicer to drive on the accelerator when negotiating bends being NA.
Haha very subtle! As much as I would like one, for a second car to play about with it'll have to be a cheap 172/182. Got a trip to Vegas coming up, so after that il start the hunt for one! Hopefully from winnings from Vegas, but not holding my breath!
If it's for a toy, look for a good ph1 172. More fun to drive, even better throttle response and cheap 15 inch tyres. Don't bother spending extra to get a 182 over a 172. Zero point.
To be honest there isn't much price difference between 172 and 182 nowadays. Only plus side of the 182 is they'll be newer and probably lower mileage as they're all starting to get on a bit now. Both have a far superior interior over the ph1s.
Interior wouldn't be a factor for an occasional toy (for me anyway!). The better throttle response and lighter weight would sway me more! More suspension options on the 172 (and non cup pack 182's). Nowadays a large number of them are sheds. Buy on condition would be my advise.
