scott8629

Right guys need some advice after deciding to get a newer car then a scoob, i have narrows it down to these two cars.

10k to spend, what do you guys think? i want a good all rounder.

NotoriousREV

if I didn't hate Renaults so much I'd say the R26 is the better hot hatch. What about the Golf GTI (Mk5)?

Does it have to be a hatchback? The Mazda 6 MPS is a great car, better than the 3 and has 4WD so can use the power a bit better.

steveo2579

golf r 32 canny beat it

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

The R26, love french cars, hate renault dealers, better than either the golf GTI or the R32 for run, they beat it on build quality though.

Tony

nisr227

Golf R32 wouldn't see which way the R26 went on a twistie road and in the dry (and I am talking about an R26 not the R26-R). I've had no problems against R32's in my CTR EP3, straightline or corners, but my mates R26 is easily faster through and out of corners. The way the diff works on the R26 is about the best in any fwd car, and don't believe its 227bhp, its closer to 250 (and the new Megane 250 is closer to 270, see this months evo).

R26 any day, its a much better drivers car than the MPS (all power but still pretty dull) and the build quality isn't as bad as renaults use to be, especially on the R26. Taking a no-french rule is overlooking one of the best and most capable hot hatches ever made.

Drive both, the R26 will feel so much better.

scott8629

I really like the sound of the MPS.

Stupidly fast, practical, bullet proof and a sleeper. I do love my french cars though............

Jimpreza

Ugly as sin though Scott imo.

scott8629

I do not think its too bad looking. Each to thier own

jespin

The R26 is about as much fun as you can have with an 'out of the box' hatch, i've looked at the MPS before but just can't get excited about it. The only real downside to the R26 is it's not very tunable. Don't believe they are 250 bhp as standard, most either fail or only just make their factory figures. The limit of the engine without upgraded turbo etc is around 270 bhp / 330 lb/ft.

AlanPPP

iTrader: (2)

I must admit when i worked at Mazda for a little while i had a blast of a few MPS's and i was really suprised by there performance!! I was playing with sport bikes on the motorway in 6th gear and the thing just pulled and pulled like a train.

I'd have to say though i got a bit tiresome of it after about an hours driving..couldn't put my finger on it it kind of rides wierd and drones a lot.I'd go for the Renault even though i'm not a fan of owning french cars.Mind you i'd have niether and get a Focus ST and Mountune it

Jimpreza

Yeh me too Alan ST or VXR. I do quite like the 6MPS also.

Razorwrx1

iTrader: (21)

Id say Mazda RX8 (231), Focus ST, Evo 6, 51/52 Reg M3.

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Oh the RX8 is one thirsty car though, your other option is the clio or corsa vxr, still think your better off with the R26 though

Tony

Razorwrx1

iTrader: (21)

I agree Fuel is not great on the RX8! But all fast cars have crap MPG. But look at the Spec compared to the R26. Looks better as well, just my Opinion Guys! Better Well built and all. I've had Ren And Pugs before. Hated the Build Quailty.

zippy!

iTrader: (1)

what about an astra vxr? great looks, great performance easily tunable to over 400+ bhp exactly same power as the mps in standard form not french plenty of parts about at reasonable prices unlike vw and anything french and build quality is very good too just to throw another option into the mix

zippy!

iTrader: (1)

as for the rx8 i agree the looks are great but my best mate had one and it was **** slow he sold it as he said the performance did not justify the fuel bill! and that was supposed to be top of the range too!

BIG FUD

iTrader: (84)

Ive had 2 r26 cars last year and trust me ive been to the ring in some fast scoobies up to 400bhp and r26 was so much better fun and also beat my time in r26 9.04 ..

Exlnt cars watch out for box noise front discs warping and puling to the left..

jespin

Had a VXR myself a year or so ago and as nice as it was, the R26 is a MUCH better drive. The VXR is slightly quicker as standard and as mentioned, is far more tunable but doesn't handle anywhere near as well. Also 400 bhp is not achievable without spending a fair bit of money! 300 bhp is the limit before the costs get sky high.

I've not been a french car fan in the past and I admit the build quality is by no means germanic, but there is a certain character to them that the Germans don't possess. As for MPS having a better spec, the R26 is not exactly sparse, despite looking that way - auto wipers/lights, auto climate, half leather (full leather and keyless go on Lux models). Granted there is no nav as an option but most in car nav systems are awful anyway. The only real thing missing is a decent stereo as the factory one's pants.

AlanPPP

iTrader: (2)

RX8???? Don't make me laugh!! lol

Drive the VXR...R26 and an ST back to back and you'll sure pick a winner there IMO though the ST would have to be Mountuned

QuickNick

errr, I am considering possible Lotus Elise (amazing in this great white weather) or Nissan Zed now coming in at 10k...

Just have to decide between light weight or muscle to complement the 4wd in the driveway!!