172 v 200 Cup Comparison
Now that i've owned the new shed for just over a week, I thought id do a quick write up on how they differ and what I think to the car.
MPG
Over the past week, I have averaged 37mpg in the 172, using normal unleaded (the previous owner filled it up for me before I picked it up). I have only just put more fuel into the car this morning. There was still a quarter tank left and I had done over 250 miles this past week, which is more than double what I was sticking to in the 200. On my way home from the gym/petrol station this morning, I averaged 44mpg with super unleaded. That wasn't driving too economically either. Safe to say I never saw anywhere near that kind of mpg in the 200.
With the 200, I got 32mpg at the very very best, with super unleaded. Most of the time, I was getting between 29-30mpg, due to the short journeys that I do to and from work. 3/4 of a tank would barely last me a week in the 200, whereas around 3/4 of a tank in the 172 has lasted me over a week (hasn't the 172 got a smaller fuel tank too?).
The best thing is, i've been actually driving the 172 normal this week to get the 37mpg, rather than driving like a granddad in the 200 to struggle to get the 32mpg. Its bringing the fun back into driving.
Performance
Performance wise, I haven't pushed the 172 too hard yet, as the exhaust is blowing, so the last thing i've wanted to be doing is bouncing off teh limiter. Initial impressions are that it doesn't feel as quick as the 200, especially in the lower rev ranges. I forgot how bad the 5k kick is in 1*2's. I think once i've got the 172 to the standard that I want it (new exhaust, serviced etc), I think it will feel just as quick as the 200 did, straight line speed.
Oh and I can definitely tell that I don't have Brembos anymore LOL.
Cornering
Im sure we already know this, but the 200 is worlds apart in this division. I actually have to slow down for corners now. Again, I haven't really pushed the 172 yet, as i'm not sure of its limits when cornering. I knew that this would be a massive step down though, as the 200 was ridiculously good in the corners. This doesn't really bother me though, as I don't drive my cars hard anyway, so I doubt ill even use the 172 to its full cornering ability, nevermind the 200's.
Looks
Looks wise, the 200 obviously gets more people turning their heads, but I like the fact, in some ways, that people don't give this a second look. "It's just a Clio". Most people will just think that its a little 1.2. I've already had little chavvy Corsa B owners trying to do me LOL. This is probably the one aspect that I will miss about the 200, but to people in the know, Ph1 172's are full of win anyway. I just need to make this one mint!!
Financial
This was one of the main reasons for the 'downgrade'. Im certainly saving on fuel costs, tax is slightly less I believe, insurance only cost £11 to change over. The only thing that is stopping me from saving money at the moment is the fact that I suddenly have the urge to be doing stuff to the 172, but aslong as this doesn't go over the £3k mark (including maintenance), then I will have saved money over the next year (my plans will probably cost just over £1k over the next year). Im also out of the finance loop, which feels great.
Overall
I definitely glad that i've made the move back to a Mk2. I feel like i'm back where I belong. Its bringing my joy back into driving. Cheaper running costs until it breaks on me ). Its also bringing my passion back into car ownership, as I actually want to make/keep this a minter and make 'improvements' to it.
There are things that need sorting on the 172, which I am gradually sorting out, but that is the whole fun of car ownership that I have missed whilst owning the 200.
I should point out though, that I in no way regret getting the 200. It was a fantastic car and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with it. Onwards and upwards though. It has been the first car that I haven't missed one bit though when I sold it, which kind of makes me know that I have definitely made the right choice.
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