Trophy vs RST.......

[Christian and Beccy]

Hi guys.

I currently own a 320bhp 1600cc Escort RS Turbo. It is a truly awesome car in very many ways, but I am considering moving on. It is so difficult as that car gives me SUCH a buzz to drive.

Problem is, it's starting to show its age and is getting to the point where I may have to start spending reasonable amounts of money on the bodywork. I have been thinking this for months, but what on earth could I replace it with?

I work with Nissan 200sx's and know from experience that it would take 400+bhp in one of those to give me anything like the rush I get from my RST. Imagine someone that is used to driving powerful FWD getting into a powerful RWD!! :? But there in no way I could endure a standard one, even if only temporarily.

So, where does that leave me? The answer is right here!

But the burning question is, do you guys think that the Trophy would replace the fun I currently have in my RST? OK, so I know the Trophy won't accelerate like the RST or come close to 170mph like the RST, but I am interested in a fast-road car and one that I can use for occassional track-days. I am certain that a Clio will handle far better (I currently have a boggo standard Mk1 crapper and that actually feels quite inspiring!!) I wish I could get to drive one, but of course there are very few about, so buying one will be enough of a challenge (and I expect to have to travel to get one), let alone getting to drive one prior to deciding!

Could I get an idea of what a Trophy is like from driving a normal 182? OK, so I know that the Trophy will be better, but will that be noticeable on a test-drive?

Come on guys help me!!

 

[oliie]

Welcome!

There are a few people on here who swapped their 182 for the Trophy and prefer the latter...

Nik off hand has done this and Allvehicles drives both on a regular basis.

Unfortunately I come from a 330ci so I can't add much other than I don't regret the move

Good luck on the decision...

Cheers
O.

 

[duffer987]

Welcome C & B.
I moved from a regular Mk II 172 to a Trophy and the most noticeable differences for me were the ride is firmer, the Recaros are great and you can take corners faster, you can really chuck it into anything and come out the otherside! I'm 8000 miles in and its still huge fun. There's more to it than that obviously, but I'm a definite layman when it comes to these things, those that have track day'd em both could be alot more informative
You do say you're after a 'fast' road car and I do a good stretch of the M1 to work and back every day and its not a fast motorway cruiser by any stretch of the imagination. IMO a 'sporty' rep mobile will do better over 90 than the Trophy when you're slogging away the miles... but that said I'm not getting a saloon anytime soon :wink:

 

[hyb]

Hi! & welcome

There's no doubt the Trophy is a fun car, and I challenge you to find anyone that'll disagree, I think the only way to decide is to get a test drive in one. Where abouts are you?

I actually have mine up for sale at the moment and i'm based just outside yeovil somerset if you wish to come check it out.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/78505.htm

I had a guy come check it out on sunday, his first words were "it looks brand new" unfortunatly I got the impression he was just browsing, after I spent 4 hours polishing it too

 

[Christian and Beccy]

Cheers guys so far.

Remember I am more after a comparison between the RST and the Trophy than a comparison between a 182 and a Trophy, forgive my wording there, may have not explained properly.

'hyb' that looks like a lovely car, although you are the other side of the 'world' to me. I am prepared to travel, but that's about 6 hours each way I reckon! :shock:

I think I might have a look at what my local Renault dealer has to offer, they might have a 182 there and I might then be able to bag it for a drive, that should help me decide if it potentially has what it takes.

Keep 'em coming!! 8)

 

[hyb]

Scotland? im prepared to drive if your positive you want a trophy

 

[=CatasTrophy=]

where abouts in scotland are u m8 , im in Boness ,ur more than welcome to come check mine out if u want although its not for sale ...... yet anyway

as for a comparrison it would not be fair to compair an rst and trophy , the rst will far out perform the clio on the speed side of things due to the kick u get from the turbo although the big plus on the trophy side is the handleing .

my other car is a 5 gtt which has been off the road a few years now but dam do i miss that turbo feeling and the adrenalin rush you get, that is just not there in the trophy although others might disagree with me ,

i also had the 172 cup before i got the trophy but looked at both as a natural progression and a good alternative for when my 5 is off the road although u just cant beat that turbo feeling

 

[Christian and Beccy]

No, Im in Norfolk!! Not quite that bad!! LOL.

Thing is, I'm not positive I want one yet. I love the idea of it, but I don't want to do the car an injustice by buying it then selling it shortly after. I like to make the right decision and stick to it!!

The result of that is someone that CANNOT make a decision!! Thats me! LOL.

 

[hyb]

I had a WRX a few years back, not quite up to your rs performance but still had the turbo kick. It would make mince meat of the trophy off the line and in a straight line but around twisties and track the trophy really flows with speed. You get so much feedback through the wheel you can tell exactly whats happening and how hard to drive. You also get a fair few mpg

 

[Cue]

Welcome!

There are a few people on here who swapped their 182 for the Trophy and prefer the latter...

Nik off hand has done this and Allvehicles drives both on a regular basis.

Unfortunately I come from a 330ci so I can't add much other than I don't regret the move

Good luck on the decision...

Cheers
O.

I came from a 330Ci also!!! I miss the touring capacity as the trophy misses a 6th gear in my opinion. In terms of fun though, the trophy knocks spots of the beemer. I once drove the BMW on slicks in the wet and that came close to the level of fun but i wouldn't recommend it if your not used to RWD. I seriously trashed a M3 while learning this lesson!!!

 

[Cue]

I had a WRX a few years back, not quite up to your rs performance but still had the turbo kick. It would make mince meat of the trophy off the line and in a straight line but around twisties and track the trophy really flows with speed. You get so much feedback through the wheel you can tell exactly whats happening and how hard to drive. You also get a fair few mpg

good point about the mgp - 40 mpg and over 400 miles from the tank!!!! I did run out of petrol though for the first time in my life when the comp said 40 miles till next fill up, bugger.

Having never driven a RS but been a passenger, I'd say the biggest difference will be cornering - the RS isn't on the same planet to the trophy for 'slingability' (do you like my new word?) the trophy will go round a tight rounabout at 50+ and not feel like it's struggling for grip - amazed me even compared to an old mini.

 

[hyb]

Just got back in from a 50 mile trip to some customers through some really nice roads, makes me wonder if I should sell afterall, its awesome

 

[Portland]

Let's put it this way, I test drove a cupped 182 and didn't buy. Test drove a Trophy and went for it. The seats and slight suspension seats make all the difference.

You'll never look back

BTW, my brother had a couple of RS Escorts which I had a thrash in here and there, and although it's been a while, I think that the grip and feel on the Trophy is better than the RS.

 

[Christian and Beccy]

Thanks guys.

I know from the shitty Mk1Clio hack that I have, that the handling could potentially be good on the 182/Trophy. I have ALOT of fun in that Mk1 and thats with next-to-no power. It feels strangely 'inspiring'!!

The RST does corner OK, as it has extensively reworked suspension, but its still not as nimble as I would like.

 

[hyb]

Ive found the next car I'd like to i have to sell mine asap, if your interested I can send you any pics & details you may like

 

[hyb]

now on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 4645956293

 

[Cue]

The exhaust looks just like the standard one, not questioning the improvement in note though.

i'd post a message on cliosport.net also - they love Trophy's

 

[hyb]

its far bigger than standard, posts get deleted about cars for sale unless your a paid up member :/

 

[Cue]

i'm a member - I'll post the link if you want

 

[Cue]

posted on clio sport - see what it brings ya, gd luck