172 / puma 1.4 comparison

[meady100]

Just had a quick blat around in my mum's 1.4 puma! (I have a 172). Quite an eye opener! Obviously it has no grunt whatsoever compared to the 172, but other than that it was fantastic! You sit lower, the steering is razor sharp and the gearbox/change is an absolute peach - soo snickety and short compared to the clio's rubbery long action! I'd imagine that the 1.7 would be driving heaven! You also get quite a bit of attention in it - although i find the styling rather girly/hairdressy myself! The brakes also have almost no bite compared to my 172 - but you soon get used to them, and they actually feel pretty good after 10 mins. Driving other cars for comparison is great fun - give it a try!

S.

 

[RobHardyUK]

Fords brakes are normally shite. I have owned a Zetec S before, so same brakes, and didnt rate em. Very good handling cars! Mine done me very proud. You just gotta make sure if you buy a 1.7 its been serviced, because zetecs dont run well if abused, and also its vvt so drinks a little bit more than most other zetecs. Good cars

 

[terribleclio]

i agree with the ford brakes being crap. Drove my dads '01 mondeo the other day, feels like theres nothing there compared to the ones on my clio, you put em on and they stop you dead.

 

[tameracingdriver]

I've drove a 1.7. It was very willing from low revs, and takes off like an excited puppy. OK its not fast balls out, but for around town it felt plenty fast enough. The handling is excellent, it feels like a little go kart and has excellent grip and traction. Beautiful gearshift as well. Engine is nicely revvy and has a nice sound.

With only 125 bhp on tap, you can imagine, its pretty sluggish compared to a Clio (RS), but if you arent bothered about outright pace, I can think of few cars that are as much fun to drive.

 

[Anni182]

yes..ford brakes are terrible! the bf had a go in my ka last week and he's got a 172, couldnt believe how crap they are, have to more or less put your foot fully down for them to work!

 

[RobHardyUK]

Prob lack of servo assistance tbh, I find all renaults brakes work with little effort. I drove a golf plus other day, brakes were pants on that aswell. I think renaults brakes rule in mass market cars.

 

[_bondy_]

mates gf's got a 1.4 puma on sports suspension.....not had a proper blast but the clutch is like air compared to my clio! Really short nippy gearbox aswel, wouldn't mind giving one a ragging!

 

[beatjunkie]

my bro has given me his xreg puma 1.716v to sell and its a very solid car, my clios lowered 60mm on koni adjustables and i think the puma handles better!pretty good cars to be honest, i would get insured on it but looks well girly!!
the attention in it is well good, specially sunny day like today lol!
Ryan

 

[Ex-User (19928)]

lol these car's brakes aren't poor at all, it's just that the brakes on the Clio are fully on with a lot less depression of the pedal, the first time I used the brakes on mine I was not impressed with the sensitivity (being so high) but each car is different.

Ford brakes are fine, just you have to put your foot down to brake hard, nothing wrong with that.

 

[beatjunkie]

well the brakes on the one ive acquired are solid!

 

[meady100]

yeah they do actually work fine, its just a bit of a shock having to press so hard at first!