Ive got a Dilema too: 180 vs 120 POLL

[haGGard]

I've got a mk1 180 Hatchback in Anthracite which i admit i do love. I've owned it since about september last year and have maintained it with no expense spared. But the other day a Mk2 Saloon 120+ in Firefrost red and full 180 kit came up for sale just around the corner from me.

I've been thinking about downgrading to a 1.8 for a while (rising petrol/tax costs and all that) and if i was to do it, this is 100% the car i'd buy. I've just come back from a test drive in it, and its lovely! Mint condition, well looked after car. The only thing is, it didnt excite me like the 180 does. I put my foot down in second gear and there was nothing, i was waiting for a kick or something, and i dont know if its just because im used to the 180, but it was just slow, no other word for it. It still picked up nicely, just no power to play with.

Now im torn, do i go for the immaculate Mk2 120+ or keep my (still rather fresh looking) mk1 180 hatch and suffer the high petrol/tax/maintenance costs (Thats another thing, the 120 is SO much cheaper and easier to service yourself! I cant even change the plugs in the 180!!)

Im asking for some thoughts and opinions please :yes: Everyone loves a poll lol.

Cheers

[Jay-ZS+]

I had a 120 before my 180 and I wouldnt go back, might be better off with a zr 160.

After the 180 a 120 will feel fairly gutless. You need to rev the kseries as it doesnt have the torque the 180 has.

[Leigh_EvoIX]

Hmmm... Is it more that you fancy a MrkII?

If petrol costs etc are really bothering you then do it. If its more a cosmetic thing then get a MrkII 180. I'd not have another 1.4/1.8 K series car to be quit honest.

[caled]

I dont think I could downgrade. V6 all the way.

[haGGard]

The petrol costs are expensive as i use my 180 to get to work and back every day, but its not a huge issue. The bigger issue is the awkwarness of the engine, the fact i need to buy more than one gallon bottle of oil, just to change the oil, that im constantly paranoid about vis motors and manifolds, that i cant even change the spark plugs because i cant get to the rear bank without removing the manifold. Also the fact i need the belts doing (silly money) and the 120 is about the same price of the belts needing doing more than i paid for my 180. I do love the 180, when it works its great. But the 120 was 'nice'. It was smooth, no knocks or rattles, from the engine or the interior. It definatly looks the part, i just didn't love it like the 180. But i can imagine maintaining the engine myself would be a lot cheaper and easier to do.

[Bobdope2002]

ive only gone to a 110 becus of the price of running a 180 is just ******* ridiculous right now

If it was me and theyre was no issues with the 180 and you can afford it keep it

[MG ZS STE]

Definitely ditch the MK1 for a MK2 whatever engine you've got in your MK1. Although you're really gonna miss the power of the V6. I'd hang fire until a nice MK2 180 comes along.

[haGGard]

Yea been thinking about it a bit more and i know i would miss the V6 power/torque. I do love my mk1. Only reason im fussing about it is because the belts are long overdue, and it was either buy this mk2 and be economical, or spend the extra money i need for the mk2 and get the belts done on the mk1

[talkingcars]

Personally I prefer the looks of the MK1 anyday and much prefer the power deliver of the KV6 to the 4 pot, even the 160 so to me there is no question.

[andys1981]

i would get the mk 2 mate,as the belts need done which is costly,its newer,nicer looking,and petrol aint getting any cheaper mate,i just didnt have enough time when choosing my next motor hence why ave got a zr 105 pppfffft

[Dan1971]

Surely the difference in price between the two cars is an issue. I expect the Mk2 120 will cost you a minimum of ?1500 on top of yours if you can sell yours privately.

?1500 is a lot of miles worth of smile filled miles even at 25mpg against 40 mpg.

Bobdope's swap into an LPG 110 wasn't the same, as it was a swap - you'll have to put money into the deal - and plenty of it - to get a 120 from a dealer.

[big_wasa]

I am in the same boat.I really want a mk2 Ive bought a 416 today for ?120 :laugh: I need somthing to smoke about in whilst I make my mind up. The 180 is just to thirsty for work.

Had to drive the wifes 406 tonight, god it feels like a slow boat compared to the 180.

[vanishing days]

I'll say the same as Jay I had a 120 before my 180 and there's no way id go back to my 120. I've driven a zs td with a few little mods. that felt 10 times better than my 120 did I'd have a look at diesel

[Craig]

I went the opposite way. I loved my 180, I really like my 120. I desperately want another 180 :) Although, If I had the choice between a mk1 180 and a MK2 120 with the 180 kit, It would be a VERY hard decision!

[haGGard]

I went the opposite way. I loved my 180, I really like my 120. I desperately want another 180 :) Although, If I had the choice between a mk1 180 and a MK2 120 with the 180 kit, It would be a VERY hard decision!

It IS a very hard decison! I love the look of the mk2! But i do love the power delivery or the 180! Another thing is the bottom of my mk1 looks pretty rusty but the mk2 is clean! No rust, just the usual road grime. I think i'l put in an offer on the mk2 for 2.5K. Its only up for 2699, if he declines, so be it.

[fastmike]

I,ve been having exactly the same thoughts...... I want another ZS.... but a `120 or a 180 again ...I thought Bobdopes Firefrost red MK2 180 looked fab ( tho a MK1 Yellow saloon with extreme spoiler is what I want) and was wondering what a 120 felt like to drive in comparison to a 180. I went from a 300+ BHP Scooby last year to a 1.8 MX5 and I did eventually get used to the differance in power .
Factor in the cost of repairs to the V6 ( belts, water pump , thermostat , vis motors, inlet manifold....cheaper overall running costs of a 120 ......

[Craig]

I dont do a lot of miles in my 120, whereas I did a lot more in the 180. Im used to the drop in power, it doesnt bother me too much. I suppose I just miss having the extra torque and horses, incase I wanna play :)

Re running costs. Yes belt changes in a 180 are expensive, but if the HG goes on a 120 It will still cost a load of money too. Petrol consumptions way better though.

Yet, I still want a V6 :)

[peterzs]

Derv Mk2 with all the kit, best of both worlds. Not as much grunt as the V6, but you dont have the same expensive bits that seem to go wrong.

Even the belts dont cost the earth, everything is get at-able for the service.

?125 years road tax, derv is dearer than petrol but you can get 50+ mpg (did say can, not seen it for a bit)

As far as the poll goes, its down to cash, if you can afford it keep the 180. no way will you be happy dropping down to a lower bhp car no matter what. The noise and grunt of the V6 wont be matched, so everything else will be a compromise.

:happy2::happy2::happy2:

[mgzsturbo2008]

Hey i have a mk2 110bhp zs with factory fitted 180 kit on an 04 plate 34k on the clock.;)

I have driven your car haggard on 2 ocassions i think and if i was you i would stick with the 180. The power is emense you only have to poodle along then give it a little throttle before changing gear and you can tell its a beast. I would love a 180 there just wow!

[fastmike]

I dont do a lot of miles in my 120, whereas I did a lot more in the 180. Im used to the drop in power, it doesnt bother me too much. I suppose I just miss having the extra torque and horses, incase I wanna play :)

Re running costs. Yes belt changes in a 180 are expensive, but if the HG goes on a 120 It will still cost a load of money too. Petrol consumptions way better though.

Yet, I still want a V6 :)

Did you notice much of a drop in insurance Costs ?... Mines gone silly this year and for no reason that I can see

[Marky Mark]

Go with what your heart says.

I too, used to have a mark 1 V6, but now have a mark 2 110. I personally dropped in power because of running costs, and was thinking about my pocket. Yes, I do miss the 180 sound and the torque, but I have got used to the 1.6 now even though it is slower. :smile1:

[caled]

Surely you could skim the head and replace the HG with the MLS one for less than the price of a belt change on a KV6? Or an inlet manifold, for that matter.

The fuel consumption on the 180 isnt that bad for what it is, but theres no way of believing that the 180 is a cheap car.

[Craig]

Insurance on a 180 is pretty steep for what it is IMO. I was less to insure a 240BHP T5 Volvo than I was for a 180

[haGGard]

Cheers for all the replys!

Still not made up my mind! Yesterday i thought i'd decided to keep the 180, but today im thinking ill go for the 120 argh!

[JimmyCoupe]

Had 2 120's and 1 180, the 180 is no 220 Turbo so sorry to disagree but the 120 wins for being a better all rounder, neither the 120 or 180 will ever win a I'm a fast car argument. Sorry was the K series a award winning engine? was the KV6. nah think not :tease: also didnt see anyone else wanting to stick a KV6 into another car :tease:.

[stamford]

Around town and sensible driving all cars are fairly equal, as the speed limits and flow of traffic dictates what you can do. Only when you need to hit the loud pedal do things matter. I can't see why dropping to a 120 is a bad choice if running costs are an issue, still a nippy car. If performance is important then you will need to compromise as such a thing costs money! Even I need to be careful when hitting the pedal as I know the gauge will soon drop if I am being devilish ;) There have been times when I wish I could change to a more practical and economical version but I would miss the extra torque and noise the 180 brings. A mk2 is a nice car with the full kit no doubt, they have grown on me but it's a tough choice. Why not just go for he change and see how you get on. At this time 180s are plentiful so if you do change your mind I'm sure you will have a few to choose from.

[marts66]

What about converting the 120 to a 160vvc, still good economy and a few extra horses to boot. I came down from 200bhp to a 120 and I miss massively the noise and the oooomph, but don't miss the frequent visits to the petrol station.

[Jay-ZS+]

:tease: also didnt see anyone else wanting to stick a KV6 into another car :tease:.

Really?

http://i52.tinypic.com/whbbia.jpg
http://i51.tinypic.com/1zl87d0.jpg

Taken from http://forums.xpowerforums.com/showthread.php?t=56551

[haGGard]

I've put the 120 on the back buner for now. I dont think its sold yet, however i think im going to keep the 180. As much as i like the looks of the mk2 with a full 180 boykit, i actually really like my mk1 hatch with a low level spoiler. Its got a more sleeper look about it which i love. If someone see's me in a mk2 with the extreme spoiler, they're going to expect it to go fast, but it doesnt.

Keeping the mk1 for now!

[marts66]

If someone see's me in a mk2 with the extreme spoiler, they're going to expect it to go fast, but it doesnt.


That's why I only have the small spoiler on mine, no point pretending it's something it ain't :(

[JimmyCoupe]

Hey wow look at that, not really what I was meaning this is a custom car ;) I meant commercial but I'm very impressed with what I see, shame the KV6 doesnt really look like that as standard my friend :) really does look good though :).

[haGGard]

I just cant wait to get my brakes fixed and get back in the 180! Might start 'thinking' about a decat/catback pipe too. Hmm