My car vs the hire car

[Gav76]

Im in France for a few days working and my hire cars a Clio 1.5 DCi

Since I got my 172 last month, Ive been a bit disappointed as it doesnt seem as fast as I think it should be. Anyway, after driving a normal Clio, I cant wait to get home. What a difference.

First thing I noticed was how bouncy the standard suspension was. Its like driving a kangaroo compared to the 172!! And the brakes are terrible. I know this could be the fact its a hire car and been thrashed but its only done 3500km so surely they cant be totally destroyed yet?

I quite like the engine in low revs though, it seems to be quite nippy up till 2500 revs. And the steerings really light though maybe my 17s dont help that!!

Anyway, point of the post was to say that Im quite impressed by the lower spec Clio, good around the city in traffic and it hardlyt needs any fuel. But, and this is the best bit, I cant wait to get home and give my 172 a thrash down the autobahn now I appreciate it a bit more!!

Anyone else had the chance to compare there car like this? Its given me a new appreciation for what Ive got.

 

[geordiepaul]

I had the same the other week! I had a 1.2 for 7 days and it was the same apart from mine had really good brakes which I was surprised at. The steering is unbearably light which I found to be a real pain at times. It had no guts but it made it fun cos you could race just about everything on the roads. Yeah the supension is really bouncy but it made it a very comfortable drive.

Overall I was well impressed, no rattles either (suppose the soft suspension would stop them occuring in the first place). I was please to get back in mine though, only after driving a different car do you appreciate your own.

 

[172gal]

Yes i totally agree with you, i had a 1.2 02 plate clio before i got my 172, the steering is so light compared to the 172, but the suspension and handling arent too clever. V quick for a 1.2 though

 

[RobFenn]

Yeah i agree too, was great to get back into the 1.2 after the 172 courtesy car!

-Rob

 

[Gav76]

Forgot to say, I got ripped off the lights last night from;

2 Ferraris

1 Clio V6

1 Smart Roadster

and a moped!!! Id have had him but he was a bit wobbly and I was worried I would kill him

 

[viceroy]

I used to drive a 2001 mk1 Clio 1.4 16V till I got my 2001 mk1 172 and I was also impressed with the 1.4 for its power and suprisingly its handling but unlike the 172 it doesnt have nearly enough power to really loose it too badly...I used to be able to plant it round a bend in the 1.4, but now i have the play the throttle when I feel it coming close to the limit in the 172