Here's my thoughts purely on the costs between the two...
My Vee when driven on short journeys when it was cold, especially, in winter, was sub 20mpg... In normal conditions though, driven with any tiny enthusiasm, 22-23mpg. On a long run I once saw 32mpg staying at a very gentle cruise - but that was exceptional circumstances of slowness. My normal average was about 22-23mpg, this was a Mk1 and the Mk2 seems to be a bit worse, both officially and when people post figures so make of these what you will. You won't get 30+ unless it's a long run, trip reset at the start, driving very gently. And even then don't bank on it hehe! The noise is the problem, it's so addictive to heard it bark...
Aside from that, costs are similar, same service intervals, not much difference in service costs, obviously, road tax is £200 or so more but spread out over the year that's not so bad. You'll have heard of the cambelt, £800 at one of the known specialists, or £1200ish at Renault. Due at 5 years. Also, bare in mind that some of the parts are a bit pricey, I had an aircon pipe that was less than a foot long, £157+vat... Mind you, no idea what a 197/182 aircon pipe costs heh.
That's just my experiences of the costs
Dan
