Cup

[paulous2k]

Hello all,

Im new to this forum, I only stumbled across it while researching the clio cup. I used to own a Williams, (no 157 if anyones got it?!) it was the best car Ive ever owned, but for some strange reason I sold it back in 1998 after 2.5 years of boy racer heaven ownership (I spent £1000s getting it over 200bhp). Anyway Ive now come to my senses again and Im thinking about buying a Clio Cup.

Just wondering what people thought about the cup ? In particualr how does it compare to the Williams ? Ive owned many cars since the williams, including an elise, and I still think the Williams was the best handling, most fun car Ive ever driven. Is the Cup as good ?

Also, anyone know if Renault are ever likely to make the 172 half leather seats available as an option for the cup???

Cheers,

Paul.

 

[specialK]

cant believe nobody has replied to this one yet - do searches on cup and you will find a lot of opinions !!!

Weve got a 172 and a Cup in the garage next to each other - the Cup is faster - has been since new!!! but thats maybe not all there is to it - cant fault either in my opinion. Love em both

 

[telford_mike]

Ive driven both, though owned neither. They are very similar. Both stupidly quick, Cup more so in standard trim. There are more goodies available for the Willy, but thats just because the 172 is relatively new. Cup handling is er, entertaining in the wet, not as competent as the Williams, although its cheap and easy to improve.

If you liked the Williams youll like the Cup. You cant get the leather seats in the Cup - buy a 172 and strip it out if you want them. Climate control is available as an option. Lack of ABS on the Cup is a big deal for some (there have been a lot of pics of crashed Cups on here) - most dont care though I suspect. I think the Cup is outselling the 172 at the moment - at the price theres nothing to beat it.

 

[RobFenn]

Do cups have different seats or just different seat covers?

 

[Ben H]

If you want to use the car every day, then get a Cup. Warranty, low miles, reassurance etc - but a damn fine car with it.

If you are more flexible and possibly have another car to rack up the boring miles, then get a Willy. Still to be bettered.

 

[Ian_182]

Quote: Originally posted by RobFenn on 21 July 2003


Do cups have different seats or just different seat covers?

same style seats with different trim.They dont feel any different sitting in them..

 

[specialK]

Quote: Originally posted by ian 172 on 21 July 2003

Quote: Originally posted by RobFenn on 21 July 2003


Do cups have different seats or just different seat covers?

same style seats with different trim.They dont feel any different sitting in them..



but they arent exactly the same cos there are no adjustable lumber supports in the cup - whereas there are in the 172

although I agree, to sit on, even on long journeys I havent found them any different - certainly not less comfy!!

 

[Ian_182]

Yes,doh,exept the lumber bit

 

[Rich-D]

Quote: Originally posted by RobFenn on 21 July 2003


Do cups have different seats or just different seat covers?

Same seats underneath, but different trim...

However, as with the Rallye to GTi-6 seats, no lumbar adjustment?!

 

[RobFenn]

Cool cheers

 

[George16v]

I found the seats in the cup, better, They seem to grip you better on the track anyway, maybe it is the grippy/bumpy material

I have had my Cup about 2 months now and love it, I have always had clio started with an RT and then a 16v then a williams and then a new shape 1.6, But the cup is definately the most fun, Get some hard springs and shove a K&N on it and thats it, sounds wicked and driving amazingly. Wouldnt swop it for anything.

 

[Rich-D]

Quote: Originally posted by George16v on 21 July 2003


I found the seats in the cup, better, They seem to grip you better on the track anyway, maybe it is the grippy/bumpy material

The material is quite good at holding you in place actually...

Not done a trackday in my Cup yet (only had it 5 days), but Ive done a couple in a mk1 172 and I find myself jamming my right leg against the door to stop me moving about!

Really need harnesses as seatbelts are cr@p on track

 

[paulous2k]

Thanks for all the info, I now have a couple more queries...

Just how bad is the cup in the wet ? I presume if youre sensible its OK? I remember losing my Williams once in the wet but it wasnt too bad. My wife will occasianally have to use the car so I dont want her to wrap it round a tree!

Also, I need to decide where is the best place to purchase a clio cup. What sort of discount am I likely to get from a Renault dealer? Id pay £12K new, and Ive seen 2nd hand ones for £10.5K, and then other companies that claim to have brand new UK cars for around £11.5K. Any buying advise would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Paul

 

[Dash]

Do a search for Cup cheapest prices and Cup handlig etc.... I am sure you will find all you need to know.

 

[Rich-D]

Quote: Originally posted by paulous2k on 21 July 2003


Just how bad is the cup in the wet ? I presume if youre sensible its OK? I remember losing my Williams once in the wet but it wasnt too bad. My wife will occasianally have to use the car so I dont want her to wrap it round a tree!

As with all powerful fwd cars it will be a handful if you drive like an idiot in the wet, so drive "normally" and its fine.

 

[George16v]

Fine in the wet, handling etc, But the braking is the one to watch out for Slides like a motorbike

 

[jaycup]

Great car to drive.

Do not buy LS52 XXC, it rattles from the front suspension when cornering.

I hope you have better Renault ownership memories than I did.......

Jaycup