This time I decided to test the abilities in the Ring of two of the rivals of my actual car.
Production cars:
08:37.755 - Peugeot 206 RC '03 (IBZ6L20VT) NEW
08:34.726 - Renault Sport Clio R.S. 2.0 16V '02 (IBZ6L20VT) NEW
08:33.220 - SEAT Ibiza Cupra '04 (IBZ6L20VT) NEW
Ok, finally I decided to upload the time of the Cupra, but just to see it in the board. I have my personal commitment to get the time of the Cupra under 8:30.
I'm going to explain a little bit what this kind of Hot Hatchs mean in Europe. Probably, for the ones that live in the States or maybe if you just live out of Europe, won't understand the sucess of a FF car that is 4 meters long but has almost 200 hp. It's hard to understand, even for us. I think that the key to their sucess is the price. They are available for the youngsters. For a little bit more than 20000 € you have a car that handles lovely (despite the natural understeer) and have the acceleration of a car that duplicates its price.
Both Clio and 206 have 2.0 engines, with no turbo. 177 and 172 hp. IRL the Peugeot handles worse, with a chassis with difficulties to absorb all the power, it's like overwhelmed with the task. Fortunately PD reproduces this situation with fidelity. I am surprised with the ability of them to catch the spirit of the cars, and the little differences between them. I never faced that until I have this tests on the Ring. So, the Peugeot is nervous, constantly loosing traction. The Clio is relaxed, you get the time without effort. Probably, I could shave a second or two with the Peugeot, but today I'm tired to struggle with a rebel car.
As you see, they aren't the best detailed cars of the game. A shame.