[size=150
bn6qu7n][bbn6qu7n]Mk1 or Mk2[/bbn6qu7n][/sizebn6qu7n]
Everybody has a view on whether they prefer the Mk1 or the Mk2. Some Club Members have owned both.
[bbn6qu7n]Engine and drivetrain [/bbn6qu7n]
The most obvious difference on paper is in the power output of the engines ... 230 BHP vs. 255 BHP ... with improved performance for the Mk2. Interestingly though, the biggest factor in the performance difference between the Mk1 and the Mk2 is the gearbox. The gearbox on the Mk2 is a stronger 'box with a shorter shift and closer ratios, making it easier to keep the Mk2 on the boil when accelerating hard through the gears. However, the clutch on the Mk1 is generally felt to be stronger with a bigger plate and solid flywheel, vs. the Mk2's smaller plate and more complex dual-mass flywheel. Due to the different plenum design on the Mk2 it is possible to access the coils (a weakness on the V6) on both sides of the engine without having to remove the plenum; on the Mk1 the coils are only directly accessible on one side of the engine.
[bbn6qu7n]Handling[/bbn6qu7n]
The Mk1 has a reputation more difficult handling which in some instances is deserved, but generally has a large amount of grip in suitable conditions. The suspension was revised for the Mk2, and as a result it has more mannered handling characteristics including heavier steering with more feedback, but with more understeer to let you know you're approach the limit of things. The ride on the Mk2 is firmer with much less body roll at the rear than the Mk1. Whilst the Mk2's handling is easier to live with, some say that it's less engaging as a result.
[bbn6qu7n]Looks[/bbn6qu7n]
Like all such things ... this is very much a subjective choice. The Mk1 has a bolder front end, but with smaller 17" wheels and an older style rear lights. The Mk2 has possibly a more complete look with a further refined front end, 18" wheels which better fill the arches, and neater rear lights which make them a popular upgrade for Mk1 owners. The interior on the Mk2 is noticeably improved over the Mk1's more dated design, and includes colour coded dash parts on most cars (some i.d. colours being the exception). The Mk2 also benefits from more gadgets including climate control, cruise control, superb automatic windscreen wipers, and automatic lights. The engine cover on the Mk2 is made out of an improved softer material and benefits from 4 securing catches vs. the 2 on the Mk1.
[bbn6qu7n]Value[/bbn6qu7n]
Of course at the moment the Mk1 offers better value for money, with cars costing at least £5k less than the Mk2. Since many Mk1s are now five or more years old, their cambelts need changing which is a costly (c. £1k) but necessary job.
[bbn6qu7n]Overall[/bbn6qu7n]
The general view is that if you can afford it, the Mk2 offers a more complete package with the edge on handling and overall looks. However, the Mk1 is great value and as many will tell you is the "original".
Major upgrades MK 2[/urlbn6qu7n]
Owner review [url=http://v6clio.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=15775bn6qu7n]LINK[/urlbn6qu7n]
bn6qu7n][bbn6qu7n]Mk1 or Mk2[/bbn6qu7n][/sizebn6qu7n]Everybody has a view on whether they prefer the Mk1 or the Mk2. Some Club Members have owned both.
[b
bn6qu7n]Engine and drivetrain [/bbn6qu7n]The most obvious difference on paper is in the power output of the engines ... 230 BHP vs. 255 BHP ... with improved performance for the Mk2. Interestingly though, the biggest factor in the performance difference between the Mk1 and the Mk2 is the gearbox. The gearbox on the Mk2 is a stronger 'box with a shorter shift and closer ratios, making it easier to keep the Mk2 on the boil when accelerating hard through the gears. However, the clutch on the Mk1 is generally felt to be stronger with a bigger plate and solid flywheel, vs. the Mk2's smaller plate and more complex dual-mass flywheel. Due to the different plenum design on the Mk2 it is possible to access the coils (a weakness on the V6) on both sides of the engine without having to remove the plenum; on the Mk1 the coils are only directly accessible on one side of the engine.
[b
bn6qu7n]Handling[/bbn6qu7n] The Mk1 has a reputation more difficult handling which in some instances is deserved, but generally has a large amount of grip in suitable conditions. The suspension was revised for the Mk2, and as a result it has more mannered handling characteristics including heavier steering with more feedback, but with more understeer to let you know you're approach the limit of things. The ride on the Mk2 is firmer with much less body roll at the rear than the Mk1. Whilst the Mk2's handling is easier to live with, some say that it's less engaging as a result.
[b
bn6qu7n]Looks[/bbn6qu7n] Like all such things ... this is very much a subjective choice. The Mk1 has a bolder front end, but with smaller 17" wheels and an older style rear lights. The Mk2 has possibly a more complete look with a further refined front end, 18" wheels which better fill the arches, and neater rear lights which make them a popular upgrade for Mk1 owners. The interior on the Mk2 is noticeably improved over the Mk1's more dated design, and includes colour coded dash parts on most cars (some i.d. colours being the exception). The Mk2 also benefits from more gadgets including climate control, cruise control, superb automatic windscreen wipers, and automatic lights. The engine cover on the Mk2 is made out of an improved softer material and benefits from 4 securing catches vs. the 2 on the Mk1.
[b
bn6qu7n]Value[/bbn6qu7n] Of course at the moment the Mk1 offers better value for money, with cars costing at least £5k less than the Mk2. Since many Mk1s are now five or more years old, their cambelts need changing which is a costly (c. £1k) but necessary job.
[b
bn6qu7n]Overall[/bbn6qu7n] The general view is that if you can afford it, the Mk2 offers a more complete package with the edge on handling and overall looks. However, the Mk1 is great value and as many will tell you is the "original".
Major upgrades MK 2[/url
bn6qu7n]Owner review [url=http://v6clio.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=15775
bn6qu7n]LINK[/urlbn6qu7n]