Williams 1 (no.69)
After having a bit of banter with Winston about this thread I decided I would post...
I currently own a Mk2 Ph1 172 and recently bought a Williams 1 (number 69), and have previously owned a Mk1 16v.
The 172 has been a great fun car to own and drive and in my eyes it was a true successor to the 16v – but not the Williams.
The Williams is the one car out of all the RenaultSport offerings that I have wanted to own. I have driven in the past, my brothers Williams 3 and his current Williams 1 (number 26) and it really provided an experience unparalleled by the 172, hence me finally buying one myself.
This thread has touched upon so many variables, speed, safety, cost, handling, 'fun factor', reliability etc – and TBH I cannot compare all of the above with all the RenaultSport efforts as I haven’t owned them all. What I do know, is the Williams is so right, it will be hard pushed to be beaten.
IMO, the reason the Williams is/was so successful is due to the complete package. The handling, the looks, the iconic status, the speed, the engine characteristics, the chassis dynamics, the precise steering, even the sharp clutch! – they all matched and complimented each other so well the end result is a car, that 14 years on is still the benchmark to judge a hot hatch again. The complete package works so well on the Williams and after owning a 172 I think I appreciate this more than ever.
The only change I would make if I was in your shoes would be from your Williams 3 to a Williams 1.
I currently own a Mk2 Ph1 172 and recently bought a Williams 1 (number 69), and have previously owned a Mk1 16v.
The 172 has been a great fun car to own and drive and in my eyes it was a true successor to the 16v – but not the Williams.
The Williams is the one car out of all the RenaultSport offerings that I have wanted to own. I have driven in the past, my brothers Williams 3 and his current Williams 1 (number 26) and it really provided an experience unparalleled by the 172, hence me finally buying one myself.
This thread has touched upon so many variables, speed, safety, cost, handling, 'fun factor', reliability etc – and TBH I cannot compare all of the above with all the RenaultSport efforts as I haven’t owned them all. What I do know, is the Williams is so right, it will be hard pushed to be beaten.
IMO, the reason the Williams is/was so successful is due to the complete package. The handling, the looks, the iconic status, the speed, the engine characteristics, the chassis dynamics, the precise steering, even the sharp clutch! – they all matched and complimented each other so well the end result is a car, that 14 years on is still the benchmark to judge a hot hatch again. The complete package works so well on the Williams and after owning a 172 I think I appreciate this more than ever.
The only change I would make if I was in your shoes would be from your Williams 3 to a Williams 1.
