If youre thinking of a Williams then bear in mind that its a very different beast both to own and drive than your Mk2 1.4.
I recently drove a 1.4 Dynamique and was very impressed with it (my parents are looking for a new 2nd car). Jumping back into my mint standard Williams and the first thing that hit me was the general harshness of everything about driving the car: clutch, gearbox, manic acceleration, noise, braking, seats and cabin. Youll not be disappointed by the drive, but bear in mind that they are ten years old and not designed for the new generation of gadget and grainy-plastic loving buyers.
To run any older hot hatch is going to be very different cost-wise too. A trusty Williams can be yours for under £5,000 up front, but it could cost you a lot more than youre used to in day-to-day cash terms. Im used to low outlay, high random cost cars through previous ownership of a 16V, but it could shock you if youve previously had no running costs apart from routine servicing.
Apart from that, a Willy really is a world apart from a non Renaultsport Mk2 (and even then its different from them). The steering is just second to none, the engine picks up at a mere 2,000rpm and its a supreme B-road tool. This was clearly the best hot hatch of its time and is still regarded as such by most - todays market sees the ever-swelling rash of hot hatches jossle for pole position on what seems like a monthly basis.
The closest thing to a Willy today would be a homologated Group A stripped out 182, with a 2.2 bottom end and revised suspension/transmission/interior. I doubt well see something of its ilk for some time.
I pay under £600 at 23 with 3 years NCB (my mum as a named driver brought it down by £150).