Clio 197 F1 or Megan R26 F1
21 April 2015, 06:59 AM
#1
Clio 197 F1 or Megan R26 F1
I'm quite liking the look of these two cars, mostly for the Recaro seats and claimed handling prowess.
Appart from the seats what makes the F1's special as I know bugger all about Renaults, did they get the cup packs as standard or trick suspension and brakes.
Any known faults.
I'm still tempted by the 182 cup just not sure I could live with one on a day to day basis as I like a small amount of refinement and don't want to feel as though I'm in a racing car all the time for the sake of the odd blast.
I know the 197 is not as good handling and power to weight wise but I do think it would be easier to live with.
I'm also slightly put off the Megan due to size and the fact that it's another turbo car similar to what I already have but no 4wd, do they really handle that much better than a Subaru and are they able to hide their size once on the move on twisty narrow lanes.
Help please, other suggestions are also welcome as I'm struggling with what to go for that's going to be better than my reasonably well sorted wagon, big power is not really an issue but it needs to have some get up and go as well as handle like it's on rails.
And yes I know I kind of asked this question but started this thread to be slightly more specific.
Appart from the seats what makes the F1's special as I know bugger all about Renaults, did they get the cup packs as standard or trick suspension and brakes.
Any known faults.
I'm still tempted by the 182 cup just not sure I could live with one on a day to day basis as I like a small amount of refinement and don't want to feel as though I'm in a racing car all the time for the sake of the odd blast.
I know the 197 is not as good handling and power to weight wise but I do think it would be easier to live with.
I'm also slightly put off the Megan due to size and the fact that it's another turbo car similar to what I already have but no 4wd, do they really handle that much better than a Subaru and are they able to hide their size once on the move on twisty narrow lanes.
Help please, other suggestions are also welcome as I'm struggling with what to go for that's going to be better than my reasonably well sorted wagon, big power is not really an issue but it needs to have some get up and go as well as handle like it's on rails.
And yes I know I kind of asked this question but started this thread to be slightly more specific.
21 April 2015, 09:06 PM
#4
I've driven a Clio 182, Trophy, 200, Megane 230 F1 and 250RS; I'd take the 250RS, 230 F1 and 182 in that order, the 200 was gutless.
I've found the Trophy too stiff for the typical bumpy UK B roads and couldn't live with it as a daily driver.
The Meganes will transport you fast and without sweating from A to B, they are fantastic cars out of the box, great handling, ride quality and a razor sharp steering with great feel that will put Subaru's one to shame.
The 230 F1 comes with LSD, too although it's not as effective as a Quaife.
I thought you'd buy a 25 though, no?
I've found the Trophy too stiff for the typical bumpy UK B roads and couldn't live with it as a daily driver.
The Meganes will transport you fast and without sweating from A to B, they are fantastic cars out of the box, great handling, ride quality and a razor sharp steering with great feel that will put Subaru's one to shame.
The 230 F1 comes with LSD, too although it's not as effective as a Quaife.
I thought you'd buy a 25 though, no?
Last edited by fpan; 21 April 2015 at 09:48 PM.
22 April 2015, 06:35 AM
#6
TBH after reading a few reviews I'm leaning away from both of them which is a shame as I quite like the look of them, there's a nice black Clio F1 on AutoTrader and it does look rather sexy, more importantly I could see myself owning it and being happy about the way it looks with the addition of a roof spoiler, but after taking mine for a blast yesterday just not sure I'd be happy with the straight line pull.
I have been spoiled by Subarus.
I have been spoiled by Subarus.
23 April 2015, 08:07 AM
#8
Scooby Regular
If you looking to compare or replicate the Subaru performance hit, you best get your cash out!
Life is too short..... blow your cash you tight git!
Life is too short..... blow your cash you tight git!
23 April 2015, 01:19 PM
#9
I've driven a Clio 182, Trophy, 200, Megane 230 F1 and 250RS; I'd take the 250RS, 230 F1 and 182 in that order, the 200 was gutless.
I've found the Trophy too stiff for the typical bumpy UK B roads and couldn't live with it as a daily driver.
The Meganes will transport you fast and without sweating from A to B, they are fantastic cars out of the box, great handling, ride quality and a razor sharp steering with great feel that will put Subaru's one to shame.
The 230 F1 comes with LSD, too although it's not as effective as a Quaife.
I thought you'd buy a 25 though, no?
I've found the Trophy too stiff for the typical bumpy UK B roads and couldn't live with it as a daily driver.
The Meganes will transport you fast and without sweating from A to B, they are fantastic cars out of the box, great handling, ride quality and a razor sharp steering with great feel that will put Subaru's one to shame.
The 230 F1 comes with LSD, too although it's not as effective as a Quaife.
I thought you'd buy a 25 though, no?
I missed that first time round, funny you should say that as I just have in the last week or so but went for an MG ZR this time. 
Retiring the Ferrari slayer due to tin worm but the engine is staying as it's a good one and if the HG goes on the new one i'll just swap it.
23 April 2015, 01:24 PM
#10
I might go and see what problems he's had if any because he's had it the best part of 5yrs so should be a good indicator of reliability considering the way he drives.
23 April 2015, 01:29 PM
#11
Already spent a large part of my life being carefree thinking I'd never make it past 40 and now I'm pushing 50 I can indeed confirm that life is too short especially when it comes to splashing the limited amounts of cash I have on cars.
24 April 2015, 08:46 AM
#13
Well it would seem after reading the best clio thread that the jurno preferred the 197 out of all of them. I do like the Megane but much like many of the other suggestions it's a very similar size to my WRX wagon but less power and no 4wd and as much as I would like to try one it's a fair chunk of cash to end up with something pretty similar to what I have which wasn't really my original intention.
Favorite for today is a Pug 206 RC / 180 although one of my friends out here suggests the 137bhp version might be better here as it has shorter ratios. Good thing about them is they seem to start at around the £500 mark which means I could drive one out here and keep the wagon the engine and boxes sell for that here as it's a popular upgrade for the 1.4 
could be a few quid to be made or at least break even on the "experiment" decisions 
Favorite for today is a Pug 206 RC / 180 although one of my friends out here suggests the 137bhp version might be better here as it has shorter ratios. Good thing about them is they seem to start at around the £500 mark which means I could drive one out here and keep the wagon
the engine and boxes sell for that here as it's a popular upgrade for the 1.4 could be a few quid to be made or at least break even on the "experiment" decisions
25 April 2015, 01:53 PM
#15
My mate let me drive his 1.4 206 a couple of weeks back which is what started me off, ok it wasn't exactly what you'd call fast but it held the speed well and was very pointy, I'm not sure if it has standard springs because it's quite old and most cars that belong to young lads out here tend to get modified one way or another, but I thought it was a decent little go cart and had forgotten what fun little fwd cars can be.
Obviously I want something with a little poke but he's already said if I bring one out he'll have the engine off me and his mate has the same car and wants one too. I'm sure I'll be able to sell a few other bits off them as well and then just weigh the rest in, even if I only make £500 off each car it's better than a poke in the eye with a blunt stick.
Obviously I want something with a little poke but he's already said if I bring one out he'll have the engine off me and his mate has the same car and wants one too.
I'm sure I'll be able to sell a few other bits off them as well and then just weigh the rest in, even if I only make £500 off each car it's better than a poke in the eye with a blunt stick.
25 April 2015, 02:05 PM
#16
I missed that first time round, funny you should say that as I just have in the last week or so but went for an MG ZR this time. Retiring the Ferrari slayer due to tin worm but the engine is staying as it's a good one and if the HG goes on the new one i'll just swap it.
25 April 2015, 02:43 PM
#17
Got both of these cars here, my eldest own the 197, my youngest the R26F1.
Different cars entirely, but TIDY handling on both.
The 197 needs the revs to perform, but when it gets them, goes well and handles like a better Pug GTi 1.9.
The Megane is heavier, but with the turbo, doesn't need the revs to go. It, too, handles really well.
The 197 my lad has doesn't have the Recaro seats but the Renault Sport ones, tbh I prefer them to the Recaros.
Try both before buying.
Oh...and when used "properly", neither gets much above 25mpg.
Different cars entirely, but TIDY handling on both.
The 197 needs the revs to perform, but when it gets them, goes well and handles like a better Pug GTi 1.9.
The Megane is heavier, but with the turbo, doesn't need the revs to go. It, too, handles really well.
The 197 my lad has doesn't have the Recaro seats but the Renault Sport ones, tbh I prefer them to the Recaros.
Try both before buying.
Oh...and when used "properly", neither gets much above 25mpg.
25 April 2015, 03:16 PM
#19
Got both of these cars here, my eldest own the 197, my youngest the R26F1.
Different cars entirely, but TIDY handling on both.
The 197 needs the revs to perform, but when it gets them, goes well and handles like a better Pug GTi 1.9.
The Megane is heavier, but with the turbo, doesn't need the revs to go. It, too, handles really well.
The 197 my lad has doesn't have the Recaro seats but the Renault Sport ones, tbh I prefer them to the Recaros.
Try both before buying.
Oh...and when used "properly", neither gets much above 25mpg.
Different cars entirely, but TIDY handling on both.
The 197 needs the revs to perform, but when it gets them, goes well and handles like a better Pug GTi 1.9.
The Megane is heavier, but with the turbo, doesn't need the revs to go. It, too, handles really well.
The 197 my lad has doesn't have the Recaro seats but the Renault Sport ones, tbh I prefer them to the Recaros.
Try both before buying.
Oh...and when used "properly", neither gets much above 25mpg.
Have either of them had any problems?
And what's the mpg like when pootling about or @ 70/80mph on motorway?
Last edited by ditchmyster; 25 April 2015 at 03:19 PM.
25 April 2015, 03:52 PM
#20
Problems?
Clio eats wiper motors unless you modify the area it sits in and waterproof the motor. (It's in the outer scuttle area, the drainage hole is large, but has a rubber bung in it with a 5mm hole. THAT soon bungs up and the motor floods. Remove the bung and apply grease to the new motor where water can get in.)
It's also on it's second gearbox, this one from a Renault Sport Clio 200, longer 6th and stronger synchros, the standard one crunches 2nd to 3rd after a while. Repair not difficult, but box out and in make it dear.
Recently had a bottom ball joint, the whole hub has to be replaced, £207 for parts, kerching!
Front brakes are Brembos, eat retaining pins.
Back brakes are Brembos, the discs have the hub bearings in them, expensive to replace
That's on both cars.
Megane had a new rad, £300. (The old one was holed).
Usual stuff, but because they are specialist built, parts are harder to get, often on order only, and often dealer only.
Pootling about? 30mpg if you are lucky.
Clio eats wiper motors unless you modify the area it sits in and waterproof the motor. (It's in the outer scuttle area, the drainage hole is large, but has a rubber bung in it with a 5mm hole. THAT soon bungs up and the motor floods. Remove the bung and apply grease to the new motor where water can get in.)
It's also on it's second gearbox, this one from a Renault Sport Clio 200, longer 6th and stronger synchros, the standard one crunches 2nd to 3rd after a while. Repair not difficult, but box out and in make it dear.
Recently had a bottom ball joint, the whole hub has to be replaced, £207 for parts, kerching!
Front brakes are Brembos, eat retaining pins.
Back brakes are Brembos, the discs have the hub bearings in them, expensive to replace
That's on both cars.
Megane had a new rad, £300. (The old one was holed).
Usual stuff, but because they are specialist built, parts are harder to get, often on order only, and often dealer only.
Pootling about? 30mpg if you are lucky.
27 April 2015, 12:20 PM
#23
My how time fly's, interesting reading my own comments at the time, there's no doubt they are a good handling car but the more I think about it the more inclined I feel to just buy a cheap £5/600 206 gti and rag the **** off it, seems to be plenty about for less than a grand and I may well make a few quid too, which is always a pleasing thought.
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