Focus RS loses 'Top Hot Hatch' crown after a fortnight
14 November 2002, 03:17 PM
#31
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Clio 172 : power 172bhp weight 1035 kg
Clio 172 cup : power 172bhp weight 950 kg
So the 172 cup has 181 bhp/t
ref: http://www.renaultclio172.net
[Edited by Hollister - 11/14/2002 3:19:02 PM]
Clio 172 cup : power 172bhp weight 950 kg
So the 172 cup has 181 bhp/t
ref: http://www.renaultclio172.net
[Edited by Hollister - 11/14/2002 3:19:02 PM]
14 November 2002, 05:12 PM
#32
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What crown?
In Evo the Clio and Mini CooperS had already beaten it.
JC said it was terrible on the road and drove away in the Scoob instead....
It never had a crown to lose.
And as Dave said, it was disappointingly slow at Snetterton. I'd love to hear our expert explain why that was the case.
[Edited by BT52b - 11/14/2002 5:16:15 PM]
In Evo the Clio and Mini CooperS had already beaten it.
JC said it was terrible on the road and drove away in the Scoob instead....
It never had a crown to lose.
And as Dave said, it was disappointingly slow at Snetterton. I'd love to hear our expert explain why that was the case.
[Edited by BT52b - 11/14/2002 5:16:15 PM]
14 November 2002, 05:50 PM
#33
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Hollister - Renault (and EVO mag) both claim 1011kg for the cup and IIRC about 1050 for the normal 172 - and the power is 170bhp, 172PS 
Even if it is lightened further to get to 950kg, still only 178bhp/tonne - and still a fair bit off the Alfa - it would need 192 bhp to match it
Even if it is lightened further to get to 950kg, still only 178bhp/tonne - and still a fair bit off the Alfa - it would need 192 bhp to match it
14 November 2002, 06:28 PM
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hmmm actually looking on renaultsport it claims it is 1021kg. It is 89kg lighter than the original though.
I suppose it depends whether everyone is quoting kerb weight or what.
I suppose it depends whether everyone is quoting kerb weight or what.
The latest edition of EVO Magazine, for example, puts the Cup in a straight shoot-out with the Mini Cooper S, the Ford Focus RS and the Subaru Impreza WRX but none of the heavyweight challengers were able to match the all singing all dancing Renault: "If the Clio's throttle response was any sharper it'd have your foot off" wrote co-editor John Barker.
14 November 2002, 06:44 PM
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...didn't have 250 of Milan's finest horses in the Alfa to compete with though
Seriously though, the response of a light car are incredible (I speak as someone who has a 400kg weekend car to 'play' in), its a shame more manufacturers don't get back to basics and strip weight out of their hot hatches.
If Ford got the RS down to a tonne is would be awesome (although the diff problem might be exacerbated). The Alfa is pretty light considering it has a thundering 3.2 V6 engine, but could still shed a bit of weight as even with the lump of an engine, it still weight c1300kg....for a hatch!! but with the legendary Alfa pin-sharp steering feel and response and STi PWR it is going to be an awesome beast - and will certainly have the best exhaust note of any of the Hot Hatch brigade to match the most grunt.
I still miss my V6 Alfa's
.......but the big thumping German V8 makes up for it
Seriously though, the response of a light car are incredible (I speak as someone who has a 400kg weekend car to 'play' in), its a shame more manufacturers don't get back to basics and strip weight out of their hot hatches.
If Ford got the RS down to a tonne is would be awesome (although the diff problem might be exacerbated). The Alfa is pretty light considering it has a thundering 3.2 V6 engine, but could still shed a bit of weight as even with the lump of an engine, it still weight c1300kg....for a hatch!! but with the legendary Alfa pin-sharp steering feel and response and STi PWR it is going to be an awesome beast - and will certainly have the best exhaust note of any of the Hot Hatch brigade to match the most grunt.
I still miss my V6 Alfa's
.......but the big thumping German V8 makes up for it
14 November 2002, 10:56 PM
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Gary, I've missed something I think - Have you swapped the 330D for merc or something? What is it? Any specs?
Read the article on the Alfa too, looks very nice - can't say I'd want another hot hatch though (having owned a 309GTI previously which was clearly much better than the golf anyway)
Read the article on the Alfa too, looks very nice - can't say I'd want another hot hatch though (having owned a 309GTI previously which was clearly much better than the golf anyway
)
with a 4.3l V8 
21 November 2002, 04:39 PM
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Hmmm, i dunno bout the RS. it certainly is an enthusiasts car, i mean look @ that gay blue patchy interior, but the alfa is in a different league. it has, looks, torque, class, and a sweet V6. im wondering now if i should have ordered a 147GTA instead of a 156GTA :-D
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