Megane RS275 or FG X XR6T - Page 2

blueoval · 16-12-2014, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

The Megane is a good rig for sure but there will only be a few more years that we can buy new falcons.

Rumours of a 310 XR6T seems to be brewing so I would hold out a little bit longer.

Now doubt that will be a weapon. Again, it's horses for courses and it depends where he gets his jollys from.

mik · 16-12-2014, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FG50T

Hot hatches are more fun! The xr6t only wins in the showing off overtaking ability lol.

nah, also good for just plain old cruising in comfort.

Cable · 16-12-2014, 03:16 PM

I recently went from a 2010 Mazda 3 MPS into a FG XR6T mainly due to the MPS getting too small to cart 3 kids around in the back.
The XR6T was always my second choice even when I brought the MPS.
The smaller hatches will handle better, and brake better, probably be more reliable but will not have the ride comfort or the space.
Things like power, fuel economy are similar.
Wet weather driving was not the best in the MPS due to the FWD.
I realise the Megane is a better car than the Mazda but will be similar overall.
I'm happy with my XR6T for now, if I go back to a smaller car it will probably be a wrx.
My 2c but you've had the Fords for a while so why not try the Megane

Rosscoe04 · 16-12-2014, 08:51 PM

Just took delivery of an RS265 the other week and have a boss335 GT as well - even though they aren't the same two you are comparing they are similar.

They are completely different cars - the GT is a rocket ship lounge room on wheels - such a rapid but comfortable big long distance gobbler cruiser. Happy to live as an everyday ...

The Renault is incredibly rapid too ... And with the 'sport' mode on zero turbo lag - really great fun car ... Amazing grip and as good as front drive gets - will pull the wheel to one side (slightly) under WOT - just enough to make you smile with the turbo power on tap.

But maybe I'm too old but couldn't use it as a daily - just too hard and highly strung. Boing boin boing rock hard suspension - reminds me of my old WRX . Would have to be the best of that category I would say. Looks pretty cool too great unique design.

One thing tho - hear so often (on here) about the quality or lack of in local cars ... But gee - after 20k the GT has not one rattle squeak or 'groan' going up driveways etc ... But the Renault rattles squeeks and grains like something with 200k on it - panel fit ain't too flash either. Also ergonomics are a bit odd with lots of things missing the left to right conversion (handbrake / console and some switches) Buts that's not what it's about - it's the fun in driving them .... Think both are pretty damn good in that regard ... But just such different beasts you can't really pick one over the other - just pick the one that suits your situation best ... Personally I would love to get an I6T in the family as well

Road Games · 16-12-2014, 08:58 PM

My wife has a KIA we fitted nos and it ran a 14 at willowbank.. we have been all the way to adelaide in it ...what do i drive whenever WE have to go some where ?

The falcon of course.. no the kia isn't a Renault , but this Falcon of mine isn't std either and i refuse to drive a hatch over my sedan any day ...

Danny · 17-12-2014, 09:31 PM

My answer comes not as a surprise I'd wager...

Having both of your potential next cars side by side in my own garage puts me in the unique position of being the most relevant advisor to your conundrum, so let me throw in a few points as to why you should consider taking the plunge into RS ownership:

- You've had XR Turbo's in the past, and are looking for a different experience

- Granted, my FG XR6T has a smooth punchy as engine and it sounds the biz and goes well in a straight line (does ripper burnouts and sideways actionz as well bro), but show it a corner, and (for me) that's where the fun ends.

- The Megane is tuned by the talented hard workin folk over at RS with a tricky diff and hub set up that almost eliminates torque steer, almost. Bar not being able to rip burnouts and have the *** end slide out, it can be hard for a good driver to pick that the wrong wheels are slingshotting you out of corners toward the horizon. Even when you're up it mid corner, I don't know how (it defies FWD physics) but you can actually wind on more lock to tighten your line, and the ol fashioned LSD just tucks the nose in, hooks up and pulls you out of the corner. Its a proper rapid car, and pulls so hard to the redline with no breathlessness at all. Even in a straight line, off the line, its more than close to the XR6T (trust me on this one). Seat of the pants feel all but confirms it, IMO neither one feels quicker than the other. They're pretty close. Difference is that the Megane can take corners so flat and at such gobsmacking speeds you'll feel nothing but crazed and maniacal happiness behind the wheel.

- The steering is magical, so direct with perfect weight, and great feedback, that handling I was talking about - the way it sticks to the road like its on rails - you take for granted until you jump into another car, and realise there are not many cars under $60k quite like this. Hell, there aren't many cars under $150k that handle like this! The Brembo brakes are pretty ridiculous too - they don't quit, and bite really really hard when you warm them up, i've never cheered before when hitting the brakes, but I did in this car

- If you get time, have a look at the current Nurburgring lap records, and you'll note some of the exotica whose times the RS275 has either matched or beaten, and you'll be shocked (understand that these times are all subject to drivers, days, the weather/temps etc - but its still fun to see who is close to who). No exaggeration, it's such a fun car to drive.

- Despite all this, its still pretty comfortable. It has enough initial damping in the suspension set up to be a supremely comfy longISH distance cruiser. My first one used to drive me to uni (about 120km round trip), and also fit 3 mates and our wakeboarding stuff on the 300 km drive to the Murray River without cracking a sweat. It's really not uncomfortable and those recaro seats? Ill let them speak for themselves, they're a nice place to sit (apologies for the photo size). Dual zone climate works a treat too, as does the proximity key and push button start.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...3.jpg~original

Can't say I've had any gripes with the interior fit finish and NVH, as both of them felt and feel as solid as a rock. I can't really say I'm getting any rattles - that said (and some of the more Francophobic members here will have a giggle), I have had the new one back once for a rattle that sounded like a screw in the door, and it turned out that there was a loose screw between the floor pan and carpet, maybe they left it there when they went to get their baguette for lunch? I don't know, otherwise, IMO, it feels like a more solid and polished place to be than the FG - the soundproofing inside is great, the doors shut solidly, the power windows slide up and down fast and without labouring or hinderance (unlike the FG), the switchgear feels great and solid to touch like any other euro, and the RS Link 2.0 Multimedia system/screen works in the same way as Siri - Ford Sync 2. The stereo though, its rubbish. Pathetic. Embarrassing. You have been warned.

Anyway enough from me, do yourself a favour and take one for a drive, pop it into sport mode, and get up it (they love being driven hard), only you can decide whether or not you agree with me.

Also if you decide you want any more info, shoot on over to www.ozrenaultsport.com and join the forums over there, meet some members and get some advice and the lowdown on whats available.

But honestly, you won't regret it. They're a brilliant car, so rapid, so much fun, but also very practical when you really want them to be. That's why I/we the owners love them so much. Rumour has it the next model's gonna be a DSG and 4 door only, so get one of the last of its kind, before manufacturers everywhere stop producing drivers cars for people like us!
EDIT: Oh and PS ^^ Just look at them! It's like they're going fast even standing still

gonads · 17-12-2014, 10:05 PM

Very well written post Danny. I'm pleasantly surprised to hear the balanced opinions on a Ford Forum. I think this is a measure of proper car enthusiasts versus blind badge loyalty. Lots of us are on here because Ford continues to make cars that are attractive to car nuts.

For the record, I've had 5 turbo Subarus with a couple of them reasonably quick on the track. I've had a similar commute to you and it was just *** fantastic to jump in a nimble, fast car to drive to and from work. Work was work, but the commute was an absolute blast. My only regret is that I didn't live further from the office.

The commute is a big part of your day. What better way to bookend your work day than driving a responsive little rocket ship that makes you want to keep driving past your house then come back home later?

...Ben

furiousgibbon · 17-12-2014, 10:20 PM

I went from a very modified XR5 (just under 300bhp, quaife diff etc) to an F6, and if I wasn't trying to expand the gibbon family I'd have gone to an RS265. I still look at these things and want.

I love the F6, the power is silly, the handling is good after I've thrown three grand at it, but it's a compromised car. The Renault seems pure to me. Front wheel drive is great when it's coupled with a proper diff. It looks different but in my opinion it looks great, and has awesome road presence. I don't mind the recent styling refresh either.

The hot Renaults seem to have pretty good resale value, I was looking to waste some money on a Clio 197 recently and quickly realised I could not afford.

If you go for the Falcon, at least make it a manual.

MattSAU2XR8 · 18-12-2014, 02:11 AM

One advantage the Ford may offer is that you can extend the warranty which in turn means you could buy a Demo and have a 5+ year warranty for an extra $1900 odd on the asking price. I think going from 3 years 100 kkms to 6 years 200 kkms is about $1900. That way if you kept it for five years you could sell it with 6 months warranty remaining and be sure not to pay for any hard parts as long as you own it...

Danny · 18-12-2014, 12:42 PM

Good thing about the RS is that Renault are backing them up now with 5 year warranty and capped price servicing.

Big_Daz · 18-12-2014, 01:17 PM

2 totally different directions you could go in mate... Ive owned an FG XR6T and agree with what Danny has said, in a straight line the XR was quicker than a mates RS265.. But not by as much as I thought it would be... Yes when going mod for mod the XR would blow it out of the water but for a small car they certainly move.. In the mountains though the little Megane was gone through the twisties... They just handle that much better than the Falcon...

I know the Falcon will be dead in a few years but if they are going to go DSG and 4 door that makes the RS275 as much of a dying breed...

In the end though, take them both for an extended test drive with an open mind and get the one that puts a bigger smile on your dial and enjoy the hell out of it.. they are both awesome machines in their own little way..

Pube Fury · 18-12-2014, 03:21 PM

Thanks everyone for your thoughts, especially Danny. Very useful info. Interesting to see so many saying go the Renault on a Ford forum. I have booked a test drive for each on the same day in January.

**DJM83** · 18-12-2014, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny

My answer comes not as a surprise I'd wager...

image

image

How ******* good do they look? Very is the answer

**Fordman1** · 18-12-2014, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM83

How ******* good do they look? Very is the answer

And the facelifted RS275 looks better !!!

The new face / grille looks awesome.

Honest Gaza · 18-12-2014, 07:31 PM

I had the same decision to make back in 2011 (well similar).
FG XR6T v RS250. I eventually went with the RS250 as we had an FG XR6 already in the garage (which had replaced a BA XR6T).

We recently traded in the XR6 for an FPV GT...so now I have the GT and the RS250.

One thing about the Fords (FPV / XR6 / XR6T)...hopping into them is like coming home. Everything is where it should be and you don't have to RTFM to work out how to use the controls etc. The Megane is a complete different story. The French must be a crazy lot.

Unless the RS275 has changed drastically from the RS250...then the stereo will be less than adequate (if that is important to you).

Both are enjoyable to drive and I use my RS250 as my daily driver...but love hopping in the FPV in the weekend (as I would if it was an XR6T).

If it is all about the fun of driving, then go the Megane...but if you like to feel you are at home, then the Ford wins hands down.

**DJM83** · 18-12-2014, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM83

How ******* good do they look? Very is the answer

Also stole it for FB, the silver one. love it

Danny · 18-12-2014, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM83

Also stole it for FB, the silver one. love it

You used the photo? That's good

I've got quite a few flickr comments and favourites with that photo. Mademoiselle (rest her soul) was a great car..

**DJM83** · 18-12-2014, 09:32 PM

Sure did mate, just love it.

Falco GT51 · 21-12-2014, 09:40 AM

FG X XR6T Bud all the way!

Pube Fury · 03-01-2015, 08:47 PM

Well, the list is down to one, and it ain't the Megane. This thread was the deal breaker:

http://www.ozrenaultsport.com/bb/vie...p?f=47&t=26925

STINKY NINJA · 03-01-2015, 08:57 PM

haha are you serious...
All the problems fg falcons have and youre worried about an engine mount,what about the diff bushes,seat bases,transmissions dying,door handles falling off/snapping and numerous other issues the fg has that ford has never bothered to sort!
I think you should just buy the turbo because if something that trivial can sway your decision you never even had the renault in the running lol
I bought a brand new fg turbo and it was the most unreliable pos ive ever owned,had at least 10 grands worth of warranty work in the 15k i owned it...
Any new car will have warranty claims,most dont have anywhere near as much as the fg though,its the facts.

zilo · 03-01-2015, 09:11 PM

Comes down to handling the bends.

FWD's are very impressive when kitted out right.

Pube Fury · 03-01-2015, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STINKY NINJA

haha are you serious...
All the problems fg falcons have and youre worried about an engine mount,what about the diff bushes,seat bases,transmissions dying,door handles falling off/snapping and numerous other issues the fg has that ford has never bothered to sort!
I think you should just buy the turbo because if something that trivial can sway your decision you never even had the renault in the running lol
I bought a brand new fg turbo and it was the most unreliable pos ive ever owned,had at least 10 grands worth of warranty work in the 15k i owned it...
Any new car will have warranty claims,most dont have anywhere near as much as the fg though,its the facts.

Try reading the thread. It's an interesting read.

STINKY NINJA · 04-01-2015, 12:23 AM

Dont let it discourage you from buying the renault,all im saying is that the fg will most likely have issues worse than the renault.
Turbo falcons are fast but every man and his dog has one,they are like belly buttons,get a car that stands out from the pack!

duaned · 04-01-2015, 11:02 AM

I would go the Renault or look at an Subaru WRX. In this pack the 8 year old falcon is no contest apart from straight line bragging rights.

mcnews · 04-01-2015, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STINKY NINJA

Dont let it discourage you from buying the renault,all im saying is that the fg will most likely have issues worse than the renault.
Turbo falcons are fast but every man and his dog has one,they are like belly buttons,get a car that stands out from the pack!

The thing is though outside of major catastophic failures to engine or gearbox the Ford can be kept running on the cheap and be easily repaired anywhere, parts prices and availability good etc.

Danny · 04-01-2015, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pube Fury

Well, the list is down to one, and it ain't the Megane. This thread was the deal breaker:

http://www.ozrenaultsport.com/bb/vie...p?f=47&t=26925

That's being really fickle mate, you're missing out on one cracking car if that's how little it takes you to write off the RS. Don't forget that a Forum is a huge depository of knowledge and experience from people whose experiences both good and bad allow you to make a decision.

Do a similar search on the Falcon and in particular the I6T on these forums and see if it comes up with a shining clean bill of health.

zilo · 04-01-2015, 07:41 PM

I am in Ireland at the moment driving around in a Renault and I fecking hate the thing.

It's just all wrong interior wise, the sound system is crap, the cruise control is awkward.

Just hate it...shoulda got the mondeo.

**Fordman1** · 04-01-2015, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zilo

I am in Ireland at the moment driving around in a Renault and I fecking hate the thing.

It's just all wrong interior wise, the sound system is crap, the cruise control is awkward.

Just hate it...shoulda got the mondeo.

So how is that RS265 Rental ?

Is it worse than the Falcon Taxi that took me to the airport ?

Sprintey · 04-01-2015, 09:57 PM

This is a great thread, good to read considered opinions particularly from the guys who own both. Being a little familiar with the roads you will be travelling from working in the area some time ago, there are some very enjoyable twisties to drive. And driving is so much more fun in a car that handles. Is the ride quality between the two a great difference?

Anyway, imagine your commutes being on the Gt Ocean Road, that's my lot in life!

In this case, the Renault would be on the shopping list.

Also consider that globally, the last Falcon XR6Ts will be supremely more rare and unique than almost any other performance vehicles made by any mainstream manufacturers.