Getting a little off topic lol. Bit of a general statement to say a meg'd clio will 'blow away' a meg. I dont think there is really that much difference in weight (depends what power the clio is too) and then you are comparing a modified car to a standard car, easily mod the meg too...then again they will be pretty identical. However, standard vs standard the meg 'blows away' the clio in all areas.
The mk3 and onwards meg seem to be pretty trouble free, mine certainly has (previous owner used is as a track car only from day 1) and I know a fair few other owners will say the same too.
I take my hat off to those who go down the meg route and having been in Pete's car i can honestly say it is bloody epic. Its each to their own though, would i want to plough 7K/8K into a car? Personally, no. I'd just buy the car that came with the engine/set-up in the first place and save myself the money and potential problems. Its each to their own though.
If I had to change would go back to a 197/200 from the Meg - no chance. Unless it was Pete's car or an equivalent.