200 BRM/200Vi/25GTi/MG ZR 160?

[buster-bill]

Ok, so wanting red leather interior isn't the sole motivation for heading towards a 200 BRM LE, but it isn't far off.

But then I saw that it is the same car as the 200 Vi, but with closer ratio 'box, lowered suspension and slip diff (plus all the visual differences).

Then you get to see the 25 Gti, which apparently has a few differences to the 200 Vi as well, but isn't a BRM.

And then "the car the BRM and Vi wanted to be" the MG ZR, in particular the VVC 160 version.

Which is the best to own? Is the BRM more focused with the closer ratios and the slip diff, or does the extra power and later chassis of the MG make more sense? Or do the Vi and GTi do the same job, but save a few bob etc?

Any pointers gratefully received - I have trawled the web looking at reviews and stats etc, but I guessed that more on here may have owned one or more and be able to give me a steer!

Cheers

[buster-bill]

Doesn't anybody have a view?

Damn, I might just have to try and test drive them all!

Prices seem to run from £600 for a 200VI, from £800 for a 25 GTI, £1200 for a BRM and £1800 for MG ZR 160.

[Dave 500]

One of my mates has a 25GTi(girlfriend's)and a 200Vi and thinks they are good cars(he has an elise for the weekends). You seem to pay a lot more for the MG badge and if my memory serves me right the 25GTi was the test bed for the MG anyway. What about a really old Rover 220 GSI Turbo? a bit old school but loads of fun....

[buster-bill]

Yeah, a bit older than I was looking to go, but if I see a good one I might look. Of course a 200 Turbo Coupe might sneak in on that ticket too.

Really I am thinking BRM, but if I can't find one then one of the others, probably governed by budget on the day!

[Tahiti]

I had a low mileage BRM for some time (added a panel filter, 52MM TB and exhaust which improved things a bit) - great car - the Torsen diff, close ratio box and suspension make a big difference over the Vi (assuming they all still work as they should). Women don't like the way it looks (in case that makes any difference to you), and the leather means you slide about a bit (not got big bolsters on the seats).

Definitely a more interesting car to drive than the Vi - more responsive, handles better, and if it's to your taste (as it was to mine), it stands out from the croud.

I've only ever been passenger in a 160 and 25 GTi and they didn't do anything for me that the BRM couldn't do (and more). Hope that helps.

[buster-bill]

Cheers Tahiti - the extra "focussed" bits and the stand out visual bits (inside and out) have probably got it wrapped for me - BRM if any of them!

[Toni896]

Word of advice, if you go down the BRM route, the finishing parts, trims etc are like hens teeth, I now have a BRM on the drive that has a wrong bumper strip because the ins co cant be arsed looking for one, the ombudsman is not interested ... the upshot is if your policy had a "reasonable part" clause you will be stuffed if you have a minor accident ..

[Tahiti]

Are you talking about the silver rather than chrome strips? You could get them painted if you can't get originals - it's Sparkle Silver like the side strips if I remember right.