ive just recently swapped my ph2 172 for a ph1 172, now where do i start...
interior - ok so its not pretty looking inside however i still like it and after a day you dont mind that everything is grey, it still rattles just as much as a ph2.
exterior - what an mean looking little car with its big wide front bumper and little 15" wheels, the ph2 is a bit nicer to look at with its xenon headlights and smooth lines, but the ph1 does look more mean, however i find the pannel gaps on the ph1 to be a bit worse and mine has no signs of repairs so as far as im aware thats the way it is.
engine - my ph2 was modified running nearly 190bhp so its not really fair to compair them however id say my ph1 feels not far off just as fast it actually feels better under 5k, it returns banging mpg when you try to be good too. ive never had a cable throttle car but im getting used to it and starting to prefer it now.