MK1 v MK2

[tonigmr2]

Another MK1 enthusisast here...

I've had three MK2 tubbies and, well, too many MK1s to count

Love the tubby for power, but can't beat the MK1 for feedback, lovely car you always know when the back is coming round, even if it defeats your driving stiles on occasion
T

[Kelvin]

No power steering, no ABS, thats what did it for me (Gordon Murray is right in his loath for such things).

Father in law had a MK2 (na), I drove it once and that was enough.

I'm a definite tick for MK1's for all the reasons mentioned by the more illustrious posters above.

Kelvin

[PW@Woodsport]

im going to make two "out there" statements....

The way i see it mk1 owners chose mk1s due to the way the cars drive

mk2 owners choose a mk2 based more on its looks

" runs for cover"

[Icsunonove]

But you're missing the point , Paul.
An MR3 turbo will easily top the 1/4 mile standings, that's what's important! NOT!

[Kelvin]

The way i see it mk1 owners chose mk1s due to the way the cars drive

Certainly true for me, function over form.

kelvin

[Rowdan]

I am a relative newbie to the MR2, had my MK1 just over a year. I bought it as it was the car I fancied when I started driving and 17years later I finally got one. I feel it still looks as good today as it did when it hit the showroom and is the most rewarding and fun car I have ever driven. Even my mate who owns a WRX STI (near 400bhp) admits that while his car is quicker, faster and sticks to the road like glue, mine still makes you smile more.
Finally the MK1 is not regularly featured in the 'classic car' magazines because it is old, but because it is was it says on the tin 'a classic'. This, I feel is a status the MK2 will never hold.

God this reads like I am on a debating team, what the hey....I Love My MK1

[Gazboy]

not keen on getting an import that has been thrashed.

This statement always makes me laugh, especially when most of the replies talk about taking it on a track, or hacking down some B-roads!

Are you going to stick it in a glass case? Or are you going to drive it?

I had a call froma guy asking about my MR2T, and asked "has it been thrashed?" later in the conversation he revealed that it was going to be a track-day car!!!

If you want a car that's never been stretched, buy a new car.

[Paul R]

Or rebuild the engine as a few of us have/are doing on here

Paul.

[DevaMR2]

Another one for the mk1 brigade here. I agree with what somebody else said earlier on, they are different cars completely.
I've never driven a mk2 but have been a passenger in my mates one a few years ago (he didn't keep it for long ). It was very nice, quite comfy, much better on a motorway than mine is, but thats not why I own mine.
I only really take it out at weekends, but as soon as I do, it puts a big smile on my face and I suppose that says it all.
For the money you are looking at spending you could buy a mk1 in very good condition, do a few bits up if it needed it and pocket the change!

[Monty]

not keen on getting an import that has been thrashed.

This statement always makes me laugh, especially when most of the replies talk about taking it on a track, or hacking down some B-roads!

Are you going to stick it in a glass case? Or are you going to drive it?

I had a call froma guy asking about my MR2T, and asked "has it been thrashed?" later in the conversation he revealed that it was going to be a track-day car!!!

If you want a car that's never been stretched, buy a new car.

Fair one. I suppose my point was more that with an import you seem to get very little (if any) history. Buying an MR2 with 100k plus does not bother me if I can at least see that it has had a bit of TLC in the way of servicing. A UK car with service history also shows that the mileage is likely to be genuine, as around 65% of imported jap cars have there mileage altered!!

Anway, define thrashed? To me it means being driven by a 18yr old who thinks that the car has to be screaming on the red line before you are allowed to change gear!!

[Mk1 Turbo Powered Steve]

not keen on getting an import that has been thrashed.

This statement always makes me laugh, especially when most of the replies talk about taking it on a track, or hacking down some B-roads!

Are you going to stick it in a glass case? Or are you going to drive it?

I had a call froma guy asking about my MR2T, and asked "has it been thrashed?" later in the conversation he revealed that it was going to be a track-day car!!!

If you want a car that's never been stretched, buy a new car.

Fair one. I suppose my point was more that with an import you seem to get very little (if any) history. Buying an MR2 with 100k plus does not bother me if I can at least see that it has had a bit of TLC in the way of servicing. A UK car with service history also shows that the mileage is likely to be genuine, as around 65% of imported jap cars have there mileage altered!!

Anway, define thrashed? To me it means being driven by a 18yr old who thinks that the car has to be screaming on the red line before you are allowed to change gear!!

I agree that Imports could have had the mileage changed but i'm am sure that their regulations are far higher than ours,much more difficult for them to change the mileage.
Obviously some manage to get through the net but as far as i know they have massive fines if this is the case!

Other than that mk1's all the way for me!

You would have to spend far more on a car that out performs and out handles a mk1 .

As far as i am concerned you can still get a really smart mk1 for between £2500-£3000.For a top Sc you will be looking at uptp£5000,maybe a bit more for Se's but i am biased!!

[mr2nut123]

**This thread has been closed due to the obvious reason of the mk2 been the sexier and better car**

[Monty]

Have put some images of my old MK1 on a web page quickly as could not get them straight on here. Only four images so far. It was a real tidy example. What a waste!!!

Monty

www.montysmr2.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk

[craig]

Have put some images of my old MK1 on a web page quickly as could not get them straight on here. Only four images so far. It was a real tidy example. What a waste!!!

Monty

www.montysmr2.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk

can't see it

[Monty]

Standby, tech issues!! probably just a minor 'sausage finger' moment!!

Will re post when solved!

[Lauren]

**This thread has been closed due to the obvious reason of the mk2 been the sexier and better car**

This thread has now been re-opened due to the *obvious* flaw in your argument.

[Monty]

http://montysmr2.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk

[adamh]

**This thread has been closed due to the obvious reason of the mk2 been the sexier and better car**

hey mate, you forgot to put the word 'never' in between mk2 & been.

[DevaMR2]

http://montysmr2.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk

Very tidy. They do look better in red don't they? .

[steve b]

I've had an 88 mk1, a 1992 n/a & a 1992 turbo.

The thing that makes me say either n/a or turbo mk2 everytime is RUST.

You can restore a mk1 yes but a few years down the line you'll just have to do it again.

If you could go out and buy a mk1 that had the quality of body work that mk2s have, as in that they simply don't rust, then I'd buy one again.

They are more chuckable and do handle better, they are more fun round the bends.

But they simply are not as fast in anyway as a turbo, don't look as good (subjective) and are even less practical, and the above mentioned RUST.