Miguel Sánchez
Here we are, complicitly feeding the wheel of the less classic classics. Those that barely make it to the registration list as historic and also star in questionable upward climbs in their prices. But anyway, they are still a access door -predictable and expected- to the most distinguished fans of motor racing, so well, let's go.
That said, we will leave the evaluations for later in order to present the two models under comparison: the Clio 16V from 1991 and the Clio RSI from 1993. Both with the same engine block but also with notable differences in performance, equipment and parts designed to improve dynamic behavior.
First of all, the Clio 16V was born with the mission of representing the sportiest spectrum in the range of the popular utility vehicle, falling on it a difficult comparison with its predecessor the Supercinco GT Turbo.
Possibly the biggest handicap for that new model, not only because succeeding a myth can become really complex, but also because we are talking about an atmospheric model with 16 valves versus another defined by an eloquent turbocharger from the eighties. In short, two very different characters, starting with their respective values on the torque curve.
RENAULT CLIO 16V; SPORTS FOR EVERYONE
While the Supercinco GT Turbo showed a behaviour as efficient as it was merciless with respect to any driving error, the Clio 16V not only delivered power in a gradual and progressive way but also its character understeer made it easy to drive by being predictable and correct in difficult situations.
The rear axle stabilizer and torsion bars also provided firm and secure handling even when pushing the limits of the vehicle. Something that was easy to find, since the 1.764 cc, 16-valve engine was capable of delivering up to 140 CV for around 1.065 kilos.
With all this, the Clio 16V was not only a true sports car in a compact format, it also acted visually as such thanks to the widened wheel arches with special rims or its characteristic air intake on the hood
In short, it has plenty of charms not only for the public of its time but also for the public of today, being a perfect alternative to the expensive Clio Williams while its price is around more reasonable figures than those marked by GTI models of the previous decade; see the case of the 205 GTI or, without going any further, the price peaks achieved by the Supercinco GT Turbo until not long ago.
THE ALTERNATIVE TO THE CLIO 16V: RENAULT CLIO RSI
Shortly after presenting the Clio 16V, the diamond house saw fit to create a really interesting version, even though, as time went by, updates losing its identity. We are talking about the S, with which the sports offer was opened to the entry segment thanks to its commitment to the Spartan.
In that sense, the 1992 Clio S - and we insist, here it is very important to stick scrupulously to the first series - was the perfect opportunity for those looking for an easily accessible utility vehicle. modifiable with which to carry out his first tests in mechanical preparation and piloting.
As things stand, comforts such as electric windows or central locking were dispensed with, while its aesthetics were differentiated thanks to some curious 14" wheels. white sheet metal. In addition, mechanically we are also talking about something more sober here by mounting a block with 1.390 cc capable of delivering 80 HP; of course, the range reached 92 HP by offering an option with up to 1.7 liters.
At this point, the truth is that there was a fairly wide gap between the Clio S and the Clio 16V, which is why a new version appeared in 1993. intermediate version called RSI. Equipped with the 1.8 16V block -here with only 8 valves-, it produced around 110 HP combining elements from its coreligionists as evidenced by the appearance of its interior.
YESTERDAY'S FAILURE IS TODAY'S APPROPRIATENESS
Although the Clio RSI had a fully justified commercial sense on paper, the truth is that it went without pain or glory by the accounting books because for very little more you could buy an entire Clio 16V.
In this way, sales were rather modest and while the Clio 16V successfully entered the collective memory of the fans - in fact today it is the perfect alternative to the highly sought-after Williams - the RSI fell into slight oblivion at the same time as the S versions They moved away from what they could well have been: Renault's answer to the saga of the lightweight 205 Rallye.
After all that time passed with haste until today, when after the first three decades of all that, the Clio 16V, the S and the RSI can be classified objectively as historical figures and subjectively as young classics.
YOU ARE NOT JEAN RAGNOTTI
But which one to buy? That is the question. Well, if you read us regularly you will already have an idea of what we are going to say at this point. Indeed: “You are not Jean ragnotti". That is, you will surely not be able to squeeze not even half of the potential surrendered by the most cost-effective option and, if he tries, he will probably end up fined in the best case, crashed into a ditch in the intermediate case or destroying the life of some innocent person in the worst case.
That said, the RSI is more than enough to have a good time - very good - unless your driving skills allow you to explore further. the possibilities of the chassis. In that case, we congratulate you, but anyway, we know what happens most of the time when you read magazines in the comfort of your home: more hope and dreams of being a pilot than real capabilities.
BEYOND THE CLIO RSI, A VERY PERSONAL ADVICE
Given these coordinates, the final decision between buying a Clio 16V or a Clio RSI should come down to their respective prices in the second-hand market. Well, in both cases it is surprisingly high. Take a look because we have just done it on this side of the keyboard and we have only drawn one conclusion, which is nothing new: everything that smells like a sports compact from the eighties and nineties is going up in price unjustifiably.
Unjustifiably, because as interesting as these models are - and they are - we have expressed in multiple publications our deep fondness for them. Renault sports cars– they are still mass-produced vehicles and, for now, an age that barely includes them in the realm of historic vehicles and not in the limbo of “old car".
In this context, allow us a personal suggestion already expressed in our article yesterday on the BSA 3 Wheeler: with these prices treat yourself, have the imagination, to consider other more original, unforeseen options that adhere to the definition of “classic”.
