Corsa Nurburgring or Fiesta ST?

[RSstuff]

Back in 2013 a new Corsa Nurburgring was more expensive than a new Fiesta ST, now a 10 year old Nurburgring is cheaper than the equivalent Fiesta ST. Putting aside that the Fiesta won most of the comparison tests back in the day, does the better spec of the Corsa make it worth considering today?

[TikTak]

There's a reason the Fiesta has held up better. It's just generally a better car to drive and to live with, many would say the best in class.

It doesn't mean the Corsa is bad, as you mention the price was most of the issue early on. So if you can put up with the harsher ride and it not being quite as nice place to be, the rorty engine and limited slip diff are probably worth it.

[RSstuff]

Maybe the Corsa is generally cheaper because it has a reputation for engine and gearbox issues. The Bilstein suspension and Brembo brakes are perhaps past their best by now, and probably expensive to replace too.

[Haltamer]

The Fiesta gets a reputation for chavvy-racers, the Corsa has a reputation for something else entirely...

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say the Corsa is the better drivers car with the suspension diff & brakes BUT the Fiesta edges it on the day to day usage, if you're looking for one I'd say test drive both & workout your usage.

I'd say you'd be winning with either.

[culpz]

Always liked those Nurburgring Corsa VXR's. Bit of a leftfield choice. I often like the idea of going with the the different option and the ST's are pretty common but there's good reason for that; they're brilliant. As stated, piston 4 issues and gearbox woes too, none of which you'll get with the Fiesta. I have been inside a Corsa VXR and i also thought the interior was horrific, and I'm not someone that really cares about that kinda thing.

I test drove a MK7 ST and, even in just a short test drive, I just wanted one. They do seem to get pinched a fair bit though!

[CG2020UK]

I just love this class of car.

Personally the VXR Nurburgring looks better on paper with LSD, suspension and break upgrades than it actually was to drive versus the standard car. I didn’t really notice a massive difference against the normal car in all honesty.

The VXR does get a bad reputation but especially for reliability, however my best mate has one and it lives the hardest life of any car I know and it’s never had a major issue. Also the steering does this weird self centring thing and the gears are vague which puts people off. I still think it’s a riot to drive and the most naughty of the lot. Seats are actually really good I find and it’s quite practical.

Both the ST and 208GTI came out in 2013 and they are just more modern and better cars while the VXR Nurburgring is realistically a generation behind end of model run so wasn’t a fair fight. Also have the VXR clubsport which is basically the same car except different exhaust.

If I was buying I’d just drive them all and pick which ever flavour of hot hatch you want as all different and all good.

[RSstuff]

I've driven a Corsa Nurburgring and a Fiesta ST, and the Fiesta is the better car. But for some reason the Corsa appeals to me, so I'll be looking for one that's already been rebuilt with forged pistons and con rods.

[RSstuff]

The search isn't going too well. I've bought a few older cars in my time, but Corsa VXR's seem to bring out the worst in some sellers. From suspect mileage history, to claims of forged engines, that were lies easily discovered. And from mature sellers too.

[Terry Tibbs]

I’ve got an ST and it’s fantastic.
Never owned the Corsa but have driven a few - standard VXR and the Nurburgring ones.

In my opinion the Fiesta is the better car. I could never get on with the steering in the Corsa’s I drove, just felt lifeless to me.

[RSstuff]

A similar age and condition Fiesta ST seems to be around £1k more. Though the Fiesta seems capable of 230 bhp + without issues, the road tax is a lot cheaper too.

[ChrisH72]

I also love my mk7 ST3.

Not sure what your budget is but these are starting to look seriously cheap for what appears to be a fantastic car with lots of power.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023092122...

[macron]

RSstuff said:

The search isn't going too well. I've bought a few older cars in my time, but Corsa VXR's seem to bring out the worst in some sellers. From suspect mileage history, to claims of forged engines, that were lies easily discovered. And from mature sellers too.

How would you easily discover the lack of forging? Bar a lack of paperwork?

[RSstuff]

macron said:

How would you easily discover the lack of forging? Bar a lack of paperwork?

No paperwork, first one told me the engine was forged but didn't know if it was pistons and rods. I politely suggested he asked the garage that did it, but that was ignored. Then I asked the name of the garage, and that was ignored too. Then they put 'no more timewasters' in their advert. Second one, no paper work, but told me they'd looked into the plug hole, and could see the pistons were forged. Call me cynical, but I'd like more proof for a £2k+ upgrade.

[RSstuff]

ChrisH72 said:

Not sure what your budget is but these are starting to look seriously cheap for what appears to be a fantastic car with lots of power.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023092122...

Aren't they prone to the same piston and gearbox issues as the Corsa, plus an extra 30 odd bhp to deal with?

[reddiesel]

RSstuff said:

No paperwork, first one told me the engine was forged but didn't know if it was pistons and rods. I politely suggested he asked the garage that did it, but that was ignored. Then I asked the name of the garage, and that was ignored too. Then they put 'no more timewasters' in their advert. Second one, no paper work, but told me they'd looked into the plug hole, and could see the pistons were forged. Call me cynical, but I'd like more proof for a £2k+ upgrade.

Personally its hard to believe anyone would lay out an additional £2k on any Vauxhall , especially in period . This sort of thing is the territory of the Vauxhall Enthusiasts and its to the various Owners Clubs and possibly Facebook Groups I would be looking to track one down .

[RSstuff]

reddiesel said:

Personally its hard to believe anyone would lay out an additional £2k on any Vauxhall , especially in period . This sort of thing is the territory of the Vauxhall Enthusiasts and its to the various Owners Clubs and possibly Facebook Groups I would be looking to track one down .

This is why I'm considering the Nurburgring or possibly Clubsport model. As they're the only versions that are worth saving. If someone has a nice one of those and piston 4 breaks up, they're unlikely to scrap what could be a £6k car. I do look on Facebook groups, and it seems engine problems are a matter of when, not if.

[reddiesel]

You have a real task on your hands I think

[RSstuff]

Despite there being a few for sale, you could be right.

[culpz]

You'd have to really want one over the Fiesta to go through all the hassle. I'm not sure it's worth it just to have something a bit different. Not much to look out for on the ST's, other than some pretty distasteful aesthetic mods and their theft numbers.