I have a AG200 with the optional Cup chassis , one of my best friends has recently purchased an AB 200 non cup. A few weeks ago we took both cars (with the Mrs(s)) for a bit of a Jaunt to whitby from Leeds, we decided to go over the tops and sample a few of the stunning roads and scenery. We had a little play here and there , I can honestly say that there was absolutely no way on this earth that I could keep up with him on those surfaces. The cup chassis is exceptional and I mean EXCEPTIONAL when the roads are good and/or on track. If the roads are not perfect then the car is a real handful, the steering goes light/normal/light/normal with every single bump in the road. I found myself having to try dodge every pothole/bump on the straights , if I didn't the car felt like it was about to disintegrate.
No doubt some will say its the driver , so we swapped on the way back . His car was like silk over the bumps , hardly any teeth jarring moment throughout. A few miles down the road I pulled over and waited......he got out and said he couldn't cope with it , the ride on those roads was ridiculous.
Sure I could have pushed it , broken the suspension , buckled an alloy , killed a sheep and then gone on a website saying how the cup chassis cant be caught in the 'twisties'
but the fact is that unless the roads are smooth then youve got no chance as the ride is extremely harsh. I had a 197 non cup for 2 years and the 200 with cup chassis for almost 2 years , both chassis are superb in their own right but you must decide what you feel the majority of the driving will be done on.
On the local rat run near my house the car is superb, the grip is outstanding , I can chuck it into roundabouts and the car defies physics. Try going around a bend on road full of potholes and bumps and expect to call the dentist.
If I was to order again I would go for the cup chassis though , mainly because 95% of the time the roads are fine. If I had a small child and it was my daily drive then I would probably spec the non cup , they are both just as capable( if been driven by average Joe) and the latter wont mean that the baby started like with a deformed spine..........I do love my car though!!!
After the little whitby trip
bit cleaner