Mk2 golf to a clio 172

[magic36]

Hi all,

Im new to the forum and currently own a mk2 golf gti 8v. But the time has come for a change, the car has numerous little issues and i dont really have the time or enthusiasm to fix it anymore

Although i have loved owning the car i really would like something a little more modern but still keeping the fun factor!
Clio 172's & 182's have caught my eye and im on the lookout for a well kept example.

I know there has been a lot of discussion between the various models but i haven't seen anything which answers my main question..... Is there much difference in how the clio 172/182 cup handles in comparison to other non cup models? Its just fell in love with the mk2 because you got so much feel for the road and had the confidence to really chuck it into corners.

Your opinions would be much appreciated!!

 

[2Damnsly Andy]

Having sold a MK2 abf 2 years ago and bought a 172 ph1 track car recently (added to that 7 years driving and selling Renaults) the differences are as follows. The golf is a very raw cat bit it would be as even the youngest models are 21 years old now. The 172, cup and 182 are all new age go karts in comparison. Ph1 172 is still my favourite and still feels quickest till the 182 came out. If you buy a 182 get the cup pack, if you buy a 172 get a cup you won't miss a normal 172 as the golf has no ac anyway. They are French made so expect dodgy fits and squeaks and rattles buy if you can ignore that for fun, performance and smiles you can't go wrong with either a 172 ph1, 172 cup or 182 cup.

 

[jackthewelshman]

Some reading incase you haven't seen these:

I may get lynched for linking to magazine reviews, but this top link explains what some of the differences are between 182 and 182 Cup as a bit of a basic run down:
Evo: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/43716/renaultsport_clio.html
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_Clio_Renault_Sport
ClioSport difference guide: http://www.cliosport.net/content/guides/Renault Sport Clio Guide.pdf

The differences between 172 and 172 Cup were a bit bigger since the Cup version is missing Air Con, ABS, Traction Control and some sound deadening. (it also misses half leather seats, replaced by bog standard looking ones that are probably slightly less comfortable, but still offer pretty decent support)

Someone else will have to comment, but I doubt there will be a hell of a lot of difference between them on handling that will be noticable on a daily basis. The Cup versions had stiffer suspension (and uprated shocks?) which would have improved handling and made the ride harder. However most of the time you are now looking at 172s or 182s that will have had replacement shocks and springs anyway and have probably been upgraded to at least some Eibach springs (and you could get new shocks fitted for not too much cash).

I would say that the one to go for depends on where you draw the line between comfort / creature comforts and slightly tweaked performance, since I am young and have only ever had crap cars without any gadgets I could do without the comforts, so have a 172 Cup. Other people that do many more miles or just prefer to have air con and other gadgets like ABS would go for a 172 or 182 of some kind.

I do miss ABS, would be handy - I haven't been caught out yet, but there is always that time when you double take at a roundabout and slam on the anchors (or whatever).

EDIT: By the sounds of it you should aim for a 172 Cup / 182 with Cup suspension / 182FF

 

[Gorms]

I sold (scrapped) my old mk2 16v in for my 200 and loved every minute. Good luck looking for a car.

 

[magic36]

Thanks for the advice guys! After alot of reseach and thought i have decided i want to be greedy and have it all, 182 FF Now just to find a decent example.

 

[Perry]

Three and a half years ago I made the same move after 18 months or so of ownership, from an F reg sixteen valve mk2 to a 27k FF 182. I done so as because I loved the mk2 and it had a strong engine, I got bored of having to get underneath it every week with crazzy little issues. I'd have another because of the look, but only as a second/track car. The 182 is almost a modern day GTi, it (so far) has the reliability and also the fun.


Can't answer the differences in the 172/Cup/182/FF etc as I haven't driven them all!

 

[magic36]

One last question, i am probably just being stupid but is there much difference in the mpg between the 172 cup (being lighter and slightly less powerful) and a 182. Just that i can just about squeeze 400 miles out of £60 of fuel in the golf, would i be able to achieve anything similar in a clio sport?