Chris Harris Vid - Would Choose A 205 Gti Over An Mx5

[maturin23 10]

http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=1193431&nmt=RE%3A+Chris+Harris+video%3A+the+MX-5

 

Good little video with a nice compliment for the french baked bean tin at the end.

[Anthony 1,003]

I'll have a watch later.

 

Owning both, it would be a very close call from me if I were starting from scratch which one I would choose, and with 205's climbing in price and parts slowly becoming harder to find, the case for the MX-5 becomes ever stronger. Admittedly, rust-free Mk1 MX-5 are becoming ever thinner on the ground and too many are getting ruined by people following the current drifting and stancing craze

 

People hate them because of the hairdresser image, but frankly, a lightly fettled Mk1 MX-5 is utterly brilliant.

 

I know that I'm going to regret it when I sell mine, but I have a Caterham itch that's becoming difficult to ignore...

[kyepan 291]

as the one of the other dual owners...

 

My 205 makes my loins quietly ache in anticipation, but is a bit rough and ready when it comes to chuffing. The mx-5 is a pro, she waits quietly in the wings for her allotted slot, slaps on some lube and gets right on with the job with razor like effectiveness.

 

Although that said once the suspension on the pug is top notch it may reveal a new more stable side...

 

I think a stroked 1.8 mx-5 on bodies with some cams would probably make my nuts boil instantaneously at the thought of driving, whilst delivering a driving experience not found outside of cater-fields, elises, and single seater jobbys.

[Batfink 201]

just bolt a supercharger on the standard engine

[kyepan 291]

too much weight and complexity, i would rather have induction bark, than super-wine-charger noise

[Baz 421]

It isn't a comparison argument though, far from it.

 

A fettled MX5 isn't standard and therefore not a yardstick, i'd much sooner have a 205 1.6 GTi in standard format over the Mazda equivalent and the price of both is the only simile or comparison you can use here, a RWD tiny convertible isn't comparable to a FWD hot(cavernous) hatch for many reasons, perhaps obviously.

[kyepan 291]

i guess what we're both saying is a fettled mx-5 is as good as a normal 205... not that my 205 is that normal either..

[Anthony 1,003]

A standard MX-5 is very good too though, just that much like a 205, it can be sharpened up as a drivers car with a few choice modifications.

 

Indeed, in many ways, a Mk1 1.6 like mine and Justin's has a very similar character to a good 205 1.6 GTi, and I don't see why you can't directly compare them. They are after all both small, fun and affordable drivers cars that are just at home on the daily commute as they are on a B-road or on a track.

[Baz 421]

Because one's a rwd dedicated 2 seat convertible and the other's a Fwd souped-up everyday hatchback?

 

 

[kyepan 291]

They both have four wheels though ...... init*.... and like, if you well like to look in the mirror, and they both have three i might add, not including really clean glass, then it's not so even, but when the sun shines, one has a roof made of cloth, the other has a big glass hole that opens. So like, their pretty similar, that and the engines in the front, except one looks a bit girly, and the other is more like a box.. yer.. a girly slipper and a man box. both got four wheels though.... init

 

 

 

*added for emphasis about how lightly everyone should be taking this conversation

[Richie 32]

205 has it beat in the looks department.

[kyepan 291]

from what angle though? usually i only see my peugeot with it's undercarriage undone, and oil leaking everywhere, the mx-5 seems to be less likely to stand about with it's growler out, i've only had the bonnet open two or three times in 4 years, and even then it's a bit too ordered under there to get excited.

[Baz 421]

No offence J, but you didn't screw your MX5 together and your 205 is hardly the epitome of 205's - you're really not doing your argument any favours!!

 

It must be said, i think the 205's are used & relied upon a lot more than the MX5's in both yours & Anthony's cases, so that kinda speaks volumes really.

[feb 47]

Watched this today and found it interesting but having not driven a MX-5 I cannot have an opinion.

 

All I know is that the 205 is addictive on 90-degree bends without a spare at the back

 

I prefer the more classic look of the 205 (not that a MX-5 is ugly but it is more unnoticeable than a looked after 205 IMHO).

 

With the few(?) choice suspension mods my 205 has it is more rewarding the more you push it but I guess the MX-5 being japanese is a lot more reliable and needs mostly maintenance servicing rather than constant tinkering a 205 requires.

 

As we speak I am currently thinking of changing from a 205 to a MX-5 but until I drive one I can't say.

Edited September 6, 2012 by feb

[harryskid 193]

I have never driven on and its not on my wish list but a Lacia FULVIA HF thats a proper car!

[Alan77 78 1 Cars]

My old man had mk1 and mk2 mx5's. They are good to drive... If you could put the solid rifle like gear change from the mx5 into the 205, that would be the best combo...

[welshpug 1,657]

You have to remember that its just one guy's view, you don't have to take it as gospel though he is paid to write and talk what he thinks about cars so maybe you should, a little bit, taken with a pinch of salt