Well,
I've went from a 172, to a 182, to a 197.
All I can say is wow ! I will try to be objective about this when comparing the 197 to the 172/182 but this is all just IMO
Pro's
More comfortable
Seats that actually hold you in the corners (Recaro's)
Superb build quality.
Epic handling.. absolutely pisses over my 172 and my cup pack'd 182 (and I 100% mean pisses !)
Brilliant driving position mainly due to decents seats and height/reach adjustment on steering.
Brilliant 6 speed gearbox with close ratio's and short shift changes. I no longer feel like i'm stirring porridge (and no there was nothing wrong the gearbox in my 172/182)!!
Keyless entry and engine start/stop button.
Looks brilliant, parking one of them next to a 172/182 really shows just how dated they are.
Just rev's and the power delivery is so smooth. I can see when people think they are not as quick as the 172/182 but look a quick look at the speedo proves otherwise !
Engine makes a great noise, the 172/182 sounded terrible in comparison.
Con's
Fuel economy - the 172/182 definitely gave better mpg.
Slightly higher rpm's at motorway speeds.
I would say with the 197's extra weight straight line it would be very close indeed, but could see the older models edging ahead. As said previously, handling wise there is no comparison, the older models would be embarrassed plain and simple.
Ultimately, would I ever consider going back to a 172/182 ? not a chance in hell ! Renault have made massive leaps and bounds in the jump to the 197 I cannot stress just how good a car it is.