MK3 200 VS MK4 200/220

[CM200]

Hello all!
Hope you had a good week!

looking for opinions in the above.

I currently own a MK3 200 (non cup) and it’s coming upto 60k so was contemplating on selling it and moving onwards to preferably a 220.

however I’m a bit sceptical as I truly love my 200 to bits, the grounded ride, steering and exhaust note with my scorpion all combine to make a near perfect driving experience for myself.

I’m mostly interested in the following;

reliability - which I know is unique topic but I would just like a general feel for people’s experiences, my 200 has wanted for nothing apart from a cambelt change and the usual wear and tear.

drive - how’s the handling, drive, exhaust note? Seating? Suspension firm or similar to 200?

After market - Has anyone squeezed good numbers out of these or is it like the 200? I’d be interested in pushing both the BHP and Torque, also the after market exhausts?

common weaknesses/problems? I will take a read if their is one on the forum page but user experience!

lastly anyone else that has gone from a Megane or MK3 be it 197/200 heck even 182 etc, how did it compare/live up? And how’re they on a track in comparison?


Thank you all!

 

[peter]

@Micah

 

[wootwoot]

Following as I am also curious

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

 

[massivewangers]

I drove a 200 at the Nürburgring a few years ago. I wasn't a huge fan overall, but I think that was mostly down to the gearbox.

It's a bit more of a grown-up car than the MK3. The turbo engine and auto box make it feel a bit more refined and less frantic. That's a good thing in the eyes of many, but I always liked the harder edge of the older cars. That being said, the chassis is still very good, while the torque of the turbocharged engine makes it a lot more potent in most situations. I don't know much about tuning them, but I'm sure the usual intercooler/remap path would unlock 20-30 horses. I just found the gearbox a bit frustrating, even compared to the likes of the VAG DSG, not just manuals.

I'd like to try the Trophy, as it's supposed to address some of the issues of the 200EDC. I think I just prefer manual hot hatches though so, for that kind of money, I would be looking at a Megane 250/265 instead. I had a 265 a couple of years ago and it was fantastic.

I don't want to sound like I am slating the Clio, because it's not a bad car at all, it just wasn't really for me. Best thing is to try one yourself. You might really like it. Plenty of owners out there seem really happy.

 

[cliovirgin]

Old car 2009 197 Cup, with non res and decat Milltek and H & R lowering springs.
Much like yourself was very sceptical, but with the prices crashing knew the 197 had to go. Had my 220 for about 15 months now, and 21.000 miles, panel filter, new front pads and 3rd set of front tyres needed next week i absolutely love her to bits. Always driven in sport or race mode, auto when lazy and manual when hammering.
Ride and handling are excellent, no more are my internal organs being thrashed about.
Steering and throttle pedal response are great when set up on sport and extreme modes via the R3 monitor.
Exhaust note, mine has the Akrapovic system which bangs and pops/explodes. It sounds fabulous, without being too loud.
Reliability, hum yes have broken down once, 2 pages of fault codes with the battery being the culprit. Recovered by the RAC as part of the four year warranty.
Seating, ride position is better, have the full leather option which looks great, but reckon could do with bigger bolsters.
Power, obviously the car is a lot quicker. Remap would see 240/250 bhp. Larger FMIC, induction, and turbo on to 280/300.
Problems, none really. Because of the way i drive and roads i travel, average mpg is only 25.6, but higher than the 197 of 22.0.
Depending on how old your 220 might be, don't forget the four year warranty could well be void with any upgrades, including spoilers, splitters and alike. ( that bit i've ignored).
You'll only miss the 200 for a couple of weeks !

 

[cliovirgin]

Forgot, had to remove the under car spoilers to improve the brake cooling.

 

[CM200]

Thanks for the replies!

definitely sounds tempting, hoping to get a test drive before teeth pulled this weekend

My main fear was the handling/ride not being up to snuff but everywhere I’m reading it’s actually pretty damn good!

If all goes well then the hunt for a 220 I like begins