180.5 bhp 172
Went on a test drive of a 2003 plate 172 Cup yesterday, and wasn't impressed. Was a hunk of sh*t, had a really bad rattle from the engine bay at about 3k rpm, was on 90 something k' miles, and hadn't had the belts done! Plus I could only take it around 30mph roads for a test, which kind of spoiled it.
But today I took a '52' plate 172 in Flame Red out for a spin, 80k on the clock, and would do a straight swap for my 1.2 16v ('55' plate with 33k) which was ideal in regards to convienience (sp!), but not really the price I wanted as they wanted £3750 for the 172.
Took it on some duel carridgeway, and WOW. They are rapid! Its a huge step up from my 1.2 16v!!
Only problem it had (Which put me off buying that one today) was the steering wheel wobble at 60+mph was hurrendous!! The wheel balance was way out. There must of been about 2 inches or travel in the steering wheel!! And it sounded like the rear wheel bearing had gone too as it was making a very loud humming noise at 30+mph, and got worse the faster you got!
The feeling of power I got when I was booting it on the dual carridgeway was awesome! I love the 5k kick too, and watching the cars dissapear in the rear view mirror was really pleasing :evil:
I got back in my 1.2 16v to drive home, and I was so shocked. Ever since I have been home, I find myself wanting to get back out on a duel carridgeway and give a 172 some beans!
Oh well, Im sure ill find a nice Flame Red soon enough.
Wish me luck!
But today I took a '52' plate 172 in Flame Red out for a spin, 80k on the clock, and would do a straight swap for my 1.2 16v ('55' plate with 33k) which was ideal in regards to convienience (sp!), but not really the price I wanted as they wanted £3750 for the 172.
Took it on some duel carridgeway, and WOW. They are rapid! Its a huge step up from my 1.2 16v!!
Only problem it had (Which put me off buying that one today) was the steering wheel wobble at 60+mph was hurrendous!! The wheel balance was way out. There must of been about 2 inches or travel in the steering wheel!! And it sounded like the rear wheel bearing had gone too as it was making a very loud humming noise at 30+mph, and got worse the faster you got!
The feeling of power I got when I was booting it on the dual carridgeway was awesome! I love the 5k kick too, and watching the cars dissapear in the rear view mirror was really pleasing :evil:
I got back in my 1.2 16v to drive home, and I was so shocked. Ever since I have been home, I find myself wanting to get back out on a duel carridgeway and give a 172 some beans!
Oh well, Im sure ill find a nice Flame Red soon enough.
Wish me luck!