Megane RS Mk2 or Mk3
Discussion
Looking at boh of these and really struggling
If I was looking at a mk3 I would be spending 8-12k
If I was getting an R26 I would be wanting to get a bit of a deal, so would be aiming to spend sub £4k
There is something I REALLY like about the R26, and I would be much happier slowly modifying it than a Mk3 but I wondered whether over time in an R26 I would wish I had considered a mk3?
If I was looking at a mk3 I would be spending 8-12k
If I was getting an R26 I would be wanting to get a bit of a deal, so would be aiming to spend sub £4k
There is something I REALLY like about the R26, and I would be much happier slowly modifying it than a Mk3 but I wondered whether over time in an R26 I would wish I had considered a mk3?
I drove a mk3 and a mk2 back to back. This is what I wrote afterwards:
“First up, the 275 with Ohlins. I’d read so much about this platform over the years. It did not disappoint. Without doubt the highlight was the sublime damping – over the worst imperfections that Essex and Cambs could throw at it, nothing could shake the perfect poise. Such a confidence-inspiring chassis, and the overall package superbly judged with boost coming in nice and early, and PF pads delivering bite and modulation.
Out of the box though, it’s far too refined for a weekend car. An NVH balance optimised for comfort. Gearchange like a 1.5 dCi. A bit modern for my tastes – I’ll have none of this new-fangled stop-start stuff, thanks.
This is not a criticism just a slight mismatch of solution to brief. Were I looking to lease a daily, an unmodded mk3 would be hard to overlook. It’s more engaging than the Mk7 Golf R DSG I took to the Alps last year. And as others have demonstrated, with a few choice mods you can create the perfect car for your individual needs.
Capability 9 / Fun 7
Then an all-too-brief blast in the lightly-modded R26. Only managed the A507 heading west and about three-quarters of it heading back east, but within 30 secs I was grinning like the Joker. It rattled, has lag like an old-school Scoob, and torque-steered like my XR2. I loved it. An out-and-out FWD go-kart with a nice dollop of rawness. The mk2 form factor is really well judged for a hoon car. The mk3 certainly didn’t feel bulky but stepping into the mk2, the lower waistline and overall proportions were immediately gratifying. The rorty exhaust and the suede Sabelt wheel were superb little additions. I’m still grinning.
Capability 7 / Fun 9
“
“First up, the 275 with Ohlins. I’d read so much about this platform over the years. It did not disappoint. Without doubt the highlight was the sublime damping – over the worst imperfections that Essex and Cambs could throw at it, nothing could shake the perfect poise. Such a confidence-inspiring chassis, and the overall package superbly judged with boost coming in nice and early, and PF pads delivering bite and modulation.
Out of the box though, it’s far too refined for a weekend car. An NVH balance optimised for comfort. Gearchange like a 1.5 dCi. A bit modern for my tastes – I’ll have none of this new-fangled stop-start stuff, thanks.
This is not a criticism just a slight mismatch of solution to brief. Were I looking to lease a daily, an unmodded mk3 would be hard to overlook. It’s more engaging than the Mk7 Golf R DSG I took to the Alps last year. And as others have demonstrated, with a few choice mods you can create the perfect car for your individual needs.
Capability 9 / Fun 7
Then an all-too-brief blast in the lightly-modded R26. Only managed the A507 heading west and about three-quarters of it heading back east, but within 30 secs I was grinning like the Joker. It rattled, has lag like an old-school Scoob, and torque-steered like my XR2. I loved it. An out-and-out FWD go-kart with a nice dollop of rawness. The mk2 form factor is really well judged for a hoon car. The mk3 certainly didn’t feel bulky but stepping into the mk2, the lower waistline and overall proportions were immediately gratifying. The rorty exhaust and the suede Sabelt wheel were superb little additions. I’m still grinning.
Capability 7 / Fun 9
“
For example this one looks decent and has some of the mods I would have looked out for already done...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-Renault-Megane-2-0...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-Renault-Megane-2-0...
Yeah maybe i didnt mean turinis - I meant whatever the standard multipsoke wheels are.
In terms of colour I actually like Silver/Grey and prefer it to black or blue or probably red.
The only colour I prefer is the Liquid Yellow/Gold colour but I am not sure it is worth the premium. Especially as it would put me off tracking it and generally abusing it as I would want to keep it clean!!
In terms of colour I actually like Silver/Grey and prefer it to black or blue or probably red.
The only colour I prefer is the Liquid Yellow/Gold colour but I am not sure it is worth the premium. Especially as it would put me off tracking it and generally abusing it as I would want to keep it clean!!
I like the mk3 but can't help but think it lost a little something when compared to the R26. I haven't driven one in all honesty but when I see one I don't think I'd like to swap my R26 for it.
It almost seems to me that the R26 and R26.R's were the last of the analogue hot hatches before they went digital. As such anything newer than that is likely to have lost a little feel.
Am I right in thinking that the mk2 was the last model to be built at the Renault sport factory in Dieppe before production moved to the main site?
It almost seems to me that the R26 and R26.R's were the last of the analogue hot hatches before they went digital. As such anything newer than that is likely to have lost a little feel.
Am I right in thinking that the mk2 was the last model to be built at the Renault sport factory in Dieppe before production moved to the main site?
Mike230 said:
I like the mk3 but can't help but think it lost a little something when compared to the R26. I haven't driven one in all honesty but when I see one I don't think I'd like to swap my R26 for it.
It almost seems to me that the R26 and R26.R's were the last of the analogue hot hatches before they went digital. As such anything newer than that is likely to have lost a little feel.
That's exactly how I feel, and how I feel about modern stuff in general. I think Renault actually did a good job of maintaining as much raw appeal as possible in the Mk3 while still making it acceptably modern. I haven't driven a Mk4 RS but wouldn't be surprised if it's been watered-down further.It almost seems to me that the R26 and R26.R's were the last of the analogue hot hatches before they went digital. As such anything newer than that is likely to have lost a little feel.
It's the perceived size that makes the biggest difference for me - the Mk2 isn't actually that much smaller or lighter than the Mk3, but it feels it.
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