V6 Golf to a 172

[matt0877]

Guys

had a few quick cars in the past (and motorbikes).....

Pug 205 GTi - 1.9 non cat (130bhp)

Golf MK3 VR6 (174bhp)

MR2 Turbo - (chipped to 270 horses and a world of torque)

Mitsubishi FTO GPx (200bhp)

MR2 N/A (174bhp)

Current Golf V6 4Motion (204bhp)

I am considering changing to a 172 Cloe !!! I kinda miss the hot hatchism of my 1.9 from years ago and somehow think that the Clio 172 may be a more mature version of this (just what Im after)..

what are your opinions? would I be happy with the grunt / build quality / motorway mpg etc etc? I know the Golf 4mo is a heavy lump and know that its the first thing people will comment on...... but I just wondered what people think (maybe those drivers/owners who have tried other marques and have then gone for a 172??? )

cheers


[Edited by matt0877 on 15 July 2004 at 3:21pm]

[Edited by matt0877 on 15 July 2004 at 3:22pm]

[Edited by matt0877 on 15 July 2004 at 3:28pm]

 

[TheCake]

Matt,

I had a mk4 Golf GTI before my Cup 172. Best decision I ever made to trade against it. The Clio is alot more fun.

 

[MarkCup]

I had a V6 Mondeo Zetec-S before getting a Cup.

Would I go back...never.

Best thing I ever did was lose the Dagenham barge. The Cup enetertains on levels the Mondeo could never hope of reaching...and averaging 33mpg is not too shabby either.

Stop considering it...just do it!!!

 

[matt0877]

Have the frogs sorted their build quality out then?



My Pug was built like a wet bog roll! Wet bog roll sure does fly when strapped to a 1900cc lump!

Also my mate had a Ren 19 16 Valve and that too was built like a moist scab!

any better these days ???????


[Edited by matt0877 on 15 July 2004 at 4:21pm]

 

[106GTi97]

evo 5?

 

[spirez]

personally i dont have any problems with the build quality on mine. only problem was a rattling sunroof (sorted now)but 172s dont have them anyway!

 

[MarkCup]

I cant comment on the build quality...cause if I did, Im sure the good luck Ive had will end.

16k miles, and my interior is still rattle and squeak free. The only probs Ive had have been with engine mounts (x2) needing replacing.

If I was after build quality Id have bought an A3. I was after a communicative car that rewards "enthusiastic" drivers , hence getting the Cup (which was soooooooo the right choice)!

 

[Cup-pa]

Also cant comment on build quality cos only got my cup a week ago but regarding power\handling\feedback... its awesome!!

Chop the golf in now and get one!!

 

[Big Iain]

yeah they are brilliant buy mine

 

[langers]

Build quality is obviously not going to be as good as the Golf... but once you drive it a bit your fall in love.

How fast is the Golf and whats it like round corners ... a guy at work has one and he is a cocky sh*t... will I OWN him in my 182 ?

 

[pkimber]

I have just changed from a Mk4 Golf Gti to a 182.

Sometimes I miss the conservative looks of my silver Golf, very smart, well built and understated.

Then I look out the window at my little french tart winking at me and I get a little stirring in my loins.

She is pure hardcore fun, fun, fun !!!

 

[missy]

DONT DO IT!!!!

i had a 1997 vr6 before i got the 172, and i miss it soo much (except for the fuel)

1. youll miss the engine performance. without tuning it up, youll find the clio engine really dull.

2. the noise! the clio sounds like a sewing machine...

its largely related to the noise, and the performance but youll really miss the golf. PLEASE dont do it. dont get me wrong, i love my clio, but sometimes its so boring.
(and before anyone says it, i could easily have it remapped, but it wont give it a v6 engine!)

 

[matt the cat]

Quote: Originally posted by missy on 15 July 2004


DONT DO IT!!!!

i had a 1997 vr6 before i got the 172, and i miss it soo much (except for the fuel)

1. youll miss the engine performance. without tuning it up, youll find the clio engine really dull.

2. the noise! the clio sounds like a sewing machine...

its largely related to the noise, and the performance but youll really miss the golf. PLEASE dont do it. dont get me wrong, i love my clio, but sometimes its so boring.
(and before anyone says it, i could easily have it remapped, but it wont give it a v6 engine!)

Bollox^^^^^Mwuahahahah

You will miss nothing IMHO - the 172 is quicker in all ways, except the VR6 pulls better lower down - but thats boring anyway - after 5k the 172 screams like a murdered cat!! Brilliant!!

 

[George16v]

I have had 5 clios now and have rented alot of golfs and focus!

Admitedly only the last two have been renault sports and I have to say that the built quality has been better on the renault sports by a long way.

The Cup did have quite a few rattles and I noticed the same rattles when driving a mk2 172, However the mk1 172 that I currently own has no rattles what so ever - except for when leaving a cd in the glove box,lol, Obviously this depends on how much you look after the car, But I always keep mine immaculate as Im sure you do, or you wouldnt be on this site now!

Also have to say the brakes on the clios are wicked, obviously the cup with no ABS was completely diff. but still good.

Did have a golf VR6 for a while which I borrowed from my bros. and it just seemed too boring for me, The clio is a much more involved driving experience!

Think it would be a good decision! But why did you sell the MR2 Tubbie, have test driven a few recently and thought they were great!!

 

[missy]

actually, i got the golf to a much higher top speed, and it was much more comfortable when i did get it there. it also handled far more predictably, and far easier to get controllable oversteer on.

oh well, silly me for daring to saying theres a nicer car than a 172/182.

 

[George16v]

Oh by the way, If you get a good remap then you will also have the torque lower down!

 

[missy]

i thought about having it mapped like a formula renault for the weekend for the hell of it, but decided id probably wipe the engine out. might investigate the differences between the clio race car and this one because its easy to get it sorted to get more bhp out of.

i know the v6 is nearly a litre bigger than the clio, but the clio just lacks a certain... something in comparison.

until of course, it does 360 miles on a tank of petrol when the golf managed 280 on the same amount.

 

[Eddd]

No comparison. The 182/172/Cup wins by miles in the bang for buck and fun department. I lpve my ragnotti. Drive one and see what you think.

Ed

 

[Wezzie]

Clio wont be better in a straight line but im not saying it will be worse either. As for the sound it aint too bad once you get a s/s exhaust on it. Its the handling that makes this car but if you dont enjoy cars with good handling and prefer straight line speed its not the car for you.

If your used to the golf dont go for the cup as it might be a bit of a culture shock. Ive started to consider a seat for my next car as they are bringing out a 178 bhp 1.8 turbo and its not that sh*tty 4 door shape. Can get 220 bhp out of that engine easy. Id also consider a new 225bhp clio yet not bothered about a heavy megane. Get a clio mate you wont regret it!!

 

[Floodie]

Quote: Originally posted by missy on 15 July 2004


DONT DO IT!!!!

i had a 1997 vr6 before i got the 172, and i miss it soo much (except for the fuel)

1. youll miss the engine performance. without tuning it up, youll find the clio engine really dull.

2. the noise! the clio sounds like a sewing machine...

its largely related to the noise, and the performance but youll really miss the golf. PLEASE dont do it. dont get me wrong, i love my clio, but sometimes its so boring.
(and before anyone says it, i could easily have it remapped, but it wont give it a v6 engine!)

DEATH!!

 

[richy]

as i said before posts disapeared! what about the golf R32, if i was gonna go for a 172 , id look at either the cup or mk1 172

 

[George16v]

I agree, MK2 is heavy and seems more sluggish up to the top of the rev range.

And agree that once you have a stainless Exhaust system, the noise is wicked!

Matt my mk1 172 is for sale by the way with stainless

 

[AndyG]

...youll have to excuse us; from time to time we may sound a tad biased!!

Sort yourself a test drive in the 172, Cup and 182; its the only way to know for sure!

When i came back from my 182 test drive i was shaking like a leaf and my girlfriend was soooooooooooo p*ssed off. I just _knew_ id found the right car for me.

 

[MarkCup]

Quote: Originally posted by missy on 15 July 2004


DONT DO IT!!!!

i had a 1997 vr6 before i got the 172, and i miss it soo much (except for the fuel)

1. youll miss the engine performance. without tuning it up, youll find the clio engine really dull.

2. the noise! the clio sounds like a sewing machine...

its largely related to the noise, and the performance but youll really miss the golf. PLEASE dont do it. dont get me wrong, i love my clio, but sometimes its so boring.
(and before anyone says it, i could easily have it remapped, but it wont give it a v6 engine!)

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ROFPMSL!!!

 

[matt0877]

Blimey

ermmm thansk all appreciate the feedback,

I spend 90% of my time on the motorway going to work with a few twisty lanes and carriageways. I do LOVE the V6 engine note - who doesnt, I have just been looking at an R32 at the local dealer but thats just like SOoooo going the opposite way, I do get pi££ed off with filling up every 3 days (£45 a time). I like a point and squirt but after the V6 MIVEC on the FTO, I am sick of 9000 rpm to get me anywhere. The MR2 Turbo was sublime and after the mods was unreal - Imprezzas and M3s were very much taken by suprise. BUT it was a 1993 model and I just felt like a change, it was a peach of an example and got a good price for it (plus it was just before the import market took a slump.) I am not a bif fan of four pots unless it is turboed...gives it a gruff sound that never fails to make you grin (must say I saw a 206 Gran Turismo? the other day with cone filter, pulled off the lights and sounded great!) guess the Clio would be similar...

Also considered a Lotus Elise etc etc, but Im looking at getting my own place and dont want to frok out £20k just yet.....

I miss the nimble 205 1.9 and would like to get that satisfaction feeling back of out cornering everything! My current V6 4motion is 204bhp with a similar lb/ft torque figure, and with the 6 speed box is super.... but you can see the pounds fly out of the exhaust when you open her up...and it does weigh shed loads!!! in all seriousness I am also considering a chipped Golf 4 Tdi - 180 odd horses and 250 lb/ft plus six speed...flip side of the coin is lack of originality and squirtyness!

how do "Cloes" fair with higher mileage? doing 90 miles per day!

dont know why I am being so pedantic as I never keep a car for more than 6 months anyway.....



maybe I do need to get get a ride in one..... (offers?)


[Edited by matt0877 on 16 July 2004 at 10:01am]

[Edited by matt0877 on 16 July 2004 at 10:02am]

 

[Ally]

It seems you want everything from one car! (not a criticism, just an observation!). You say youre not a big fan of four pots without turbos, but that youre looking for better fuel economy - any turbod 4 pot will not be good on economy. And a small car like the Clio will never be great on mways - 5th gear is relaxed compared to pther small cars, esp. the 206 GTI 180 i tried, but its still not quiet. More than bearable though for a car thats not designed to be a cruiser.

IMO, the Clio engine is feckin great - doesnt need lots of revs to get decent everyday performance, but if you fell like it just take it above 5k and it will fly. Unfortunately its never going to sound like a V6...

As for build quality, its not as bad as its portrayed sometimes. A work mate has a W-reg GT TDI golf and I aint impressed with its build quality - its got a quite a few rattles and the rear suspension sounds fecked despite just being checked. My 172s 4 months old and after initial rattles its silent at the moment (curse of death saying that!).

Youll only know after test driving one yourself - all views on here are going to be slightly biased!

 

[matt0877]

Cheers AGMitch - I guess Im kinda in denial that Im doing big miles.... I want a fekking quick car that handles but gives me 100 mpg! doh LPG converted six speed Clio it is then!

gotta shift my V6 first

 

[viceroy]

I dont know how the Golf IV V6s compare to the Golf III VR6 but a mate of mine has a highly tuned VR6 (3.0 conversion, exhaust, cams, etc - 220bhp @ fly / 190bhp @ wheels) and Im running a 172 which until recently was standard.

Wed run similar 1/4 mile times with the clio getting off the line quicker and then the VR playing catch up, but on the track, the clio is king...at our local track I do 1min 21sec and he is at best 2 seconds slower consistantly

The Clio is just the better car in terms of fun and handling

 

[MarkCup]

How do Clios fair with higher mileage?

Ive knocked out 16k miles in 7 months, half on the motorway, half on A/B roads. Still feels like it did last December, and every journey makes me smile.

Where are you based? If youre anywhere near the South Coast (Sussex, Hampshire) you can jump in mine if you like?

 

[matt0877]

Cheers guys

I had a MK3 VR6 - exhaust and induction kit. was less refined than my 4motion and "even" more body roll.

MarkCup - superb offer, cheers mucker - however Im nowhere near



Staffordshire here

 

[George16v]

Mine does 33.6 mpg on Average and I do wuite a lot of driving in the city, plus she is chipped so think the mpg is bloody good for the performance you get.

 

[CocoPops]

Quote: Originally posted by matt0877 on 16 July 2004


how do "Cloes" fair with higher mileage? doing 90 miles per day

Ill be doing 200/day in my 182 when I get it tomorrow, and have no reservations about doing so.

Thats a mix of A/B roads and Motorway.

 

[eltel21]

I have gone from a V6 4Motion to a Clio 182.

Big different in driving. No torque compared to the Golf. However Handles MUCH better, brakes are excellent. Miss only the ignition (Does interupt radio until key is removed) and changing gear(Golf you can drive in 6 @ 40 and no need to change to overtake).

Fuel is a bonus even on a trackday got better than I could driving around town in the Golf.

 

[George16v]

Quote: Originally posted by eltel21 on 16 July 2004


I have gone from a V6 4Motion to a Clio 182.

Big different in driving. No torque compared to the Golf. However Handles MUCH better, brakes are excellent. Miss only the ignition (Does interupt radio until key is removed) and changing gear(Golf you can drive in 6 @ 40 and no need to change to overtake).

Fuel is a bonus even on a trackday got better than I could driving around town in the Golf.





Sounds like you need a remap Dude!

 

[eltel21]

Please note the figures below.

199lbft @ 3200

Clio 148lbft @5400

So the Clio I would presume will never be a match for the Golf.

 

[matt the cat]

Quote: Originally posted by eltel21 on 16 July 2004


Please note the figures below.

199lbft @ 3200

Clio 148lbft @5400

So the Clio I would presume will never be a match for the Golf.

you have not considered weight my friend, those figures show the torque the engine develops, they do not show the weight of the car that it needs to pull around. Have a look at the torque figure for a bus or a tank - about 10 times the vr6, but are they faster....erm no!

 

[George16v]

Exactly!!

WEIGHT

 

[Floodie]

Quote: Originally posted by eltel21 on 16 July 2004


Please note the figures below.

199lbft @ 3200

Clio 148lbft @5400

So the Clio I would presume will never be a match for the Golf.

What a nob

 

[George16v]

hehe