Does the 200 have greater kudos than the 197

[ashtons99]

Ive just bought EVO magazine with a feature on "expiring" supercars inc GT3,WRX, M3 AND the Clio 200.

In the article one comment refers to the 200s predecessor, the 197, which it states is "Not quite as revered".

Apart from the 200 being a newer model what is there about it which makes it allegedly "more revered"

 

[Willis]

It's an odd one this as I've often pondered on the initial 197 review they did.

I think, personally, becuase the 197 was such a massive change from the 182 in terms of how more planted it feels and how much bigger/chunkier the car is, it got this stigma of being ''watered down'' almost against the 182. Which I think is a complete load of sh!t to be honest. Obviously then when the 200 came out it was ''ERHMAHGERD EMEZZING'' which puzzles me because there's not a night and day difference between them in my opinion, it's just that now the journo's were used to the ever softer competition and the 200 sticks out more against them and wasn't as big a shock to the system as the 197 was.

You only have to look at their reviews of the new 911. It's a nail. Apparently...

 

[Roger200]

Having driven and been in both on track, I can completely understand evo saying the 200 is more revered. Is a more complete package overall. Obviously not huge changes but enough to make a difference between it being a good/very good car to a great/epic car.

 

[clewsey]

It's an odd one this as I've often pondered on the initial 197 review they did.

I think, personally, becuase the 197 was such a massive change from the 182 in terms of how more planted it feels and how much bigger/chunkier the car is, it got this stigma of being ''watered down'' almost against the 182. Which I think is a complete load of sh!t to be honest. Obviously then when the 200 came out it was ''ERHMAHGERD EMEZZING'' which puzzles me because there's not a night and day difference between them in my opinion, it's just that now the journo's were used to the ever softer competition and the 200 sticks out more against them and wasn't as big a shock to the system as the 197 was.

You only have to look at their reviews of the new 911. It's a nail. Apparently...

They are correct on the 911. It's a grand tourer, 997 is last real 911 IMO. I've driven both the 197/200 on track/road and it's less obvious. I think the 200 edges it but not by a lot.

 

[Willis]

No doubt it's a big step from the last one but give it a year until the next update and they'll be giving it the old ''the 911 is back!!!'' line...

 

[litchy]

Better because its newer and had a good foundation to build on. If it was that better all the 197 owners would aspire to own 200. Not sure they do. Personally I wouldn't. Not different enough....and at least the 911 is reflecting a change in direction for Porsche. All I feel renault had done was make some small changes because they didn't need or want the costs of any more development, purely because they didnt need it for in-coming 200T. They took peoples money offering 'special editions' until the new model was released. Renault couldn't even be bothered to change the wings to fit the headlamp properly or offer bloody xenons on the 200....and the difference in power 3 bhp from a healthy but older 197 to a newer 200.....It like the fable of the emperor's new clothes!!!!

 

[ashtons99]

So is there any significant change between the 197 and 200. Apart from cosmetic which looks to me like the front end changes.

 

[Willis]

There's a fair few changes, but nothing really major to be honest, they just honed little bits.

The 200 Cup is stiffer than the 197 Cup and the 200 is softer than the 197 in terms of springs and dampers. Beyond that, the 200 Cup has a faster steering rack than the rest of the range and also has a thicker ARB, but these can be retrotfitted to all of the others. The front and rear bumpers and diffusers are all completely interchangable between 197 and 200. Mechanically, there have been four gearboxes through the range and the 200 one is said to have better ratios, although the gearing is longer than both versions of 197 gearbox. Beyond that, there has been some minor tweaks to the engine from 197 to 200, which I would think are mainly down to mapping. I certainly can't see them going to the expense of reworking and physical parts for the sake of 3BHP, but I may be wrong on that one...

 

[930Tech]

IIRC it's mapped different to help with the flat spot and kangerooing.

The steering is quicker and i think the front anti roll bar is thicker.

They made the FF softer and cup harder suspension wise.

Then they chucked it out of the biggest ugly tree around and it hit every branch on the way down :rofl:

 

[930Tech]

Beat me

 

[GrumpyTwig]

It has +10 win!

 

[Willis]

Beat me

Ner ner!!!

 

[Starlet_GT]

Shame the 200 is so bloody ugly

 

[iAndy]

If 200 is so ugly.... Why do people put the 200 diffuser and exhausts on 197's? Cause lets face it most people just see the back end as ya overtake them lol

 

[J200]

I always hear how ugly the 200 is but I think it looks much better than the 197.

The rear of the 200 looks much better in my opinion and the front end on the 197 looks a little "dated" nowadays too.

No offence intended although I doubt people will care as people slate the 200 all the time lol

 

[Foxspeed]

If 200 is so ugly.... Why do people put the 200 diffuser and exhausts on 197's? Cause lets face it most people just see the back end as ya overtake them lol

no they dont

 

[GrumpyTwig]

I always hear how ugly the 200 is but I think it looks much better than the 197.

The rear of the 200 looks much better in my opinion and the front end on the 197 looks a little "dated" nowadays too.

No offence intended although I doubt people will care as people slate the 200 all the time lol

If you're vane it might make a difference, but we know which one gets all the praise.

 

[J200]

If you're vane it might make a difference, but we know which one gets all the praise.

Yeah, and it's not as though you see the outside when you're driving it lol

 

[fmp]

It's like all Renaultsport's, each new version is better than the last.

182 is better than 172, R26 230 megane is better than 225 and the 200 is better than the 197.

It's all in the little details which go on to make a car better.

I am sure the new 200t willbe good, but the 'face lift' version they will undoubtly bring out in 12-18 months will be better.

The cars evolve and luckily for us, Renault evolve them positively!!!

Ps - the 197 looks very dated now, so wake up and smell the coffee kids!!! LOLZ!

 

[minimaxs1]

200's less practical that the 197 for me thats why i stuck with it