I'm guessing there's a couple of people on here who have changed from a Clio 172/182 and gone for a Megane R26? Just wondering how people are finding they compare? Had my Clio almost a year now, and just fancy something a bit quicker, and a R26 seems to be the obvious upgrade whilst still having good handling, The appeal of them mapping up to 270bhp (and 300ft/lb torque = double the clios!) and the LSD sounds ideal, however I'm not sure how the bigger size and heavier weight makes to them in terms of comparison to a Clio... Got to admit that I'm not a major fan of how they look, but they're slowly growing on me with the R26R Spoiler fitted and a few others mods Here's my Clio at the moment; Or other option is to low boost the Clio which will give me 230ish bhp, which with the lower weight of the Clio I'd say would perform similar to a 270bhp Megane, but obviously no LSD Clio as it stands is quite a decent spec - Cup Suspension, Polybushed, Cooksport Springs, Rear ARB, Recaro Trendlines, Turinis, Stripped out Rear, and quite a bit more Just don't want to find the Megane is a boat in comparison to a Clio...
I made the move from a 182 to R26. I missed the Clio like mad, but not because of outright performance. The Clio 2 is Imo the last decent Clio RS, it was a cracking car. The R26 (if we're comparing out of the box performance) is on another level, so much easier to drive fast, the turbo is very forgiving and pulls in any gear. The NA Clio was a great drive and I loved it. The R26 is obviously bigger and heavier but because of the torque and the way the power is delivered its not to its detriment. I can't compare a boosted Clio, I'm sure a boosted and lsd'd Clio will be extremely capable, but you won't have the perfohub suspension. Your best bet is to drive one.
Thanks for that, some good advice I do love the Clio, and find it great fun! Especially when your giving it some stick on the right roads it comes alive! I live right on the edge of the Black Mountains / Brecon Beacons so I have some fairly decent roads near me, and often pop up to Elan Valley or similar for a blast, and there's no question on how fun the Clio is when your giving it some beans That's what I'm a little concerned about with the R26 - losing some of the 'character'. The Clio you have to drive hard to get anywhere fast, which at times is a chore (such as motorway driving or main road use) and other times it adds to the appeal and is almost rewarding such as when your on a decent B road I just like the idea of something with a bit more oomph when you put your foot down, something which puts you back in the seat a bit more whilst still having good handling I think your right, I need to find someone local who's willing to take me out in an R26, as the chances of finding one to drive would be slim
I went more or less from a 172 at a similar spec to yours,to an R26, with an S2000 in between. And I'm happy I did! As said its easier to drive fast and it's by no means a boat,even in stock form. A stage 1 map will help with a bit more oomph too. As an everyday car it's better than a 172/182 IMO and far more comfortable on a long haul. They're both very capable cars but in different ways,but I doubt you'll get bored driving the R26 on a good road
I made the switch, ph1 172 to R26, and now 275 Trophy. I miss the 172 far more than the R26. Make of that what you will. The R26 is next level fast, but also next level cost wise. They both have character, though different. I still maintain that on the right B-road or unclassified road, the 1*2 is faster than a 225/R26 however. The brakes on mine were twice as good as either of the Meganes. If I was putting together a pistonheads-like 100k garage, a throttled bodied 182 Trophy would be in there but not a Megane... The bigger car is safer, nicer inside, larger, quieter & more comfortable though. As already said, see if you can blag a ride out in one.
I loved my Williams, never got on with the 172, love the Megane. Getting into a Mk2 clio again when I borrow one from the garage is like stepping back a decade!
Hi Jimbob, thats a really good looking 182 I had a 172 and now a 225 Lux with Cup Pack and the difference is night and day. It doesnt feel all that much heavy to me as they are not all that big of a car really. The set up on the R26's are fantastic and once remapped you will have so so much fun in any gear trust me, you would of been glad to change to a Meg RS. Heres mine in Black
I went from a 182 to a 5dr 225 LUX due to having a baby. When I first got my Megane it felt massive, like a boat but now I've had it for around 2 months and have got use to the size. I wouldn't go back. I find the throttle response isn't as good but unsure whether that just my car or not. The grip and handlng is amazing, even compared to the Clio. I always drove my Clio hard and there was a few times where I felt like 'I shouldn't of done that' but the Megane doesn't feel like that at all. It feels so planted, safe and secure. It's also a lot faster in real world terms, the extra torque makes a massive difference. The ride quality is night and day, the Megane is such a comfy cruiser. Its almost silent but sometimes it can feel slightly boring for that reason. My brother bought my Clio and I wanted to still have use of it because like you, I expected the Megane to be boat like. But, honestly, I haven't felt a need to drive the Clio at all. The Megane is better in every way that I can think of. Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
the clio is more fun to drive in my opinion, the megane is fast but a bit boring if im being honest. i have thought about getting a clio again a few times
Yeah as everyone said it depends what you want. The megane will embarrass cars two or three times the price on a B road and comfortably cruise along on the motorway at 80. I've only had 172 for a day as a loan car but it was more of a grab it by the scruff of the neck and thrash it kind of car. Where abouts are you based? Have no objection to taking you out in mine if you're not too far away!
Also I might add the same Clio I had for the day has now been boosted and whilst it's still very very quick, in real world terms I think the megane would have it. And for what you'd spend on boosting a Clio including the value of the car you could buy a nice R26!
went from a 172 to a r26, you lose a tiny little feedback, but you gain more performance & pace.. mods wise, r26 for a few ££ you can go faster, a 1!2 you'd need to spend loads more ...
