View Full Version : I must be mad
Been looking for a car to keep in France now that I'm spending a lot of time here in order to keep the mileage down on the 2*****.
Saw one of these at a dealership yesterday
http://www.autoweb-france.com/autoweb2/html/img/venturi_260.jpg
and bought it.
It's a Venturi Atlantique 210. 1995, 55000km.
Friends tell me they're about as reliable as a Lotus but who cares, I think it looks great and it cost b*gger all :D
Drove one of the RHD ones about 10years ago (maybe less) and it was very nice inside, but they are entirely plastic aren't they and I don't like that. (personal preference, not a debating point, I upset some 'Lotus' guys on the Supra site for stating my dislike of plastic pigs, don't get me banned from this site)
It handled beautifully, you will love that, you will really love it, you can hang it out with the throttle and bumps hardly disturb the thing. The handling is right 'up there' with the Supercars one of the best in the World.
Fast driving is a delight around the town they creak like an old Galleon.
But the handling will win you over, smoother and more predictable than any Ferrari I have ever driven.
Yes they are made entirely out of plastic. Personally I'm not bothered cos at least it can't rust.
It does handle very well I have to say and the performance isn't too bad.
At the end of the day though it's just a bit of cheap fun (hopefully).
SteveCarter200
09-05-2002, 10:05
Nice motor, how much did it set you back then?
http://www.fantasycars.com/derek/cars/300atlant.html
4 grand Steve, including 2 years warranty (which I expect I'll need :( )
I think the '210' is the non-turbo version and is actually all the better for that as they were a bit 'clumsy' in operation, too on/off for smooth fast driving.
Yeah it is the non turbo. It's actually much slower than the 2*****, but still plenty quick enough to get into trouble :D
It's a Renault engine and from what I've been told the Turbo versions are all or nothing (like they were in the old Renault Alpine A610). The handling is sweet though and getting the back end out is really easy and very controllable.
Can't wait till tomorrow when I take delivery :D :D
At the risk of upsetting some people here, when you get used to the lack of the Turbo and the slightly odd power delivery, the Venturi will be quicker than the Standard 200SX, the old 3ltr Laguna will stay with a 200SX so I think once you are 'tuned' to it you'will be surprised how quick she'll be.
Originally posted by Iain
At the risk of upsetting some people here, when you get used to the lack of the Turbo and the slightly odd power delivery, the Venturi will be quicker than the Standard 200SX, the old 3ltr Laguna will stay with a 200SX so I think once you are 'tuned' to it you'will be surprised how quick she'll be.
It's definately slower than my 2***** (and that's an auto). They did one with a turbo and that would have been quicker.
I have a friend with a 3ltr Laguna (manual) and the 200 eats him for breakfast.
shadow21
09-05-2002, 14:08
Great one JB!
Venturis are great french cars, from the time we knew how to build cars :(
Wherabouts are you in France?
Cheers
Fabien
Nathan_200sx
09-05-2002, 14:17
thats the first time I have seen one and I think it looks realy nice, good buy there.
I'm in Normandy, house hunting at the moment Fabien :D
Chris_Lacey
09-05-2002, 14:20
Originally posted by Iain
At the risk of upsetting some people here, when you get used to the lack of the Turbo and the slightly odd power delivery, the Venturi will be quicker than the Standard 200SX, the old 3ltr Laguna will stay with a 200SX so I think once you are 'tuned' to it you'will be surprised how quick she'll be.
I've heard rumours that you're never that bothered if you offend anyone... And as for a standard 3L Laguna staying with a 200, you are sadly mistaken, I have a mate who had one and traded it in for a Rover 820 Turbo, which he says is a fair bit quicker than the Laguna, and my lightly modded 200 obliterates his rover up to 100.
We all have an opinion on this I suppose, but i'm afraid a tarted familly saloon and a sports coupe aren't in the same league.
Oh and JB, nice purchase mate, lovely looking mota, who cares if it's plastic :D
shadow21
09-05-2002, 14:24
I'm in Normandy, house hunting at the moment
And still on the web :D :D
I spotted the place on the map...
A little too far away from Dijon for a meet and a pint :(
But maybe later :)
Cheers
Fabien
Still working I'm afraid that's why I'm on the net. It's handy being able to work from another country :D
I've got a little place in the Ardeche I go to in the summer so could meet up with you on the way down :D
dave_s13
09-05-2002, 15:38
Whilst on the topic of all things French anyone know how hard it is to fit a clutch to a 2CV6 special???
My mum bought one for me dads 50th birthday cos he had one donkeys ago and loved it. It is the maddest car I've ever driven, not only does it look a bag of $hit it handles like one n'all. Good fun though.
Anyway just got quoted :eek:£300:eek: from Halfords. Bit steep that though.
Anyone ever worked on one??
DL you're maybe right.
Well if that is the case then I'll hire one for a week-end [if I can] and challenge any one who wishes to pit there standard 200sx against it to have a go, simple rule, when I win then you pay for the hire.
I've only got to prove my point a couple of times and I'm on an earner.
I have direct experience of this particular competition, whilst looking to buy a 200sx a few years back I occasionally went along with my mate Mike he has one, and he was all over the back of the 200sx and when the 200 owner set off after him he couldn't get near.
It was a bog standard 193hp 3ltr S reg Laguna with about 80K miles on it.
Originally posted by Iain
It was a bog standard 193hp 3ltr S reg Laguna with about 80K miles on it.
Maths aint my strong point but how much does a 193bhp Laguna weigh? Bet it's a fcuk of a lot more than a 197 bhp 200sx. Power to weight ratio mate, the 200 will kill it anytime.
But, of much greater importance is that the Laguna is a Scrabbly piece of repmobile sh!t, that shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath as a dedicated sports car.
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D
That looks like quite a sexy thing...
Wouldn't trade my Starion for it, but might have it as a garage-sista... ;)
philrob2000
09-05-2002, 22:33
My next door neighbour has a one of these Laguna's and he's never managed to keep up with my (semi) standard. The only mod's I have at present are boost upgrade and Gmax filter.. Loads more to come though. Anyway, the Venturi certainly has the looks covered. :)
PhilMorrison
09-05-2002, 23:09
I've driven a Laguna 3.0 (admitidly an auto) but it was absolutly piss slow compared to a standard 2*****.
Strangely the power to weight ratio is quite a lot closer than you think. additionally it has no lag.
The difference when you get out of a Turbo to an N/A is huge.
To get the most out of each requires a different driving technique.
Also on a similar vein the 'average' Laguna driver will not be an enthusiast so when you meet one, he is not a 'boy racer' and you will trounce him.
But I will happily take the money.
Anyone want to try their luck?
Mike has still got his 105k now, I may be able to wrest it from him for a week-end.
ELMO Owen
10-05-2002, 00:07
Being a Renault Technician,i have driven a few laguna 3.0's v.quick but not sporty.More like an egg yoke with wheels and a good engine (if its an L7X 24v) with regards to handling:D:D:D:D
Now we're talking.
Put that engine in a Lotus Esprit and you have (near as damn it the Venturi!
Very quick and handling to cry for.
philrob2000
10-05-2002, 01:06
Sorry to veer off a bit but does anyone know what these Clio 3Lt V6's are like ?
Originally posted by Iain
Strangely the power to weight ratio is quite a lot closer than you think.
Renault Laguna 24v: 194bhp & 1450kg = 138bhp/ton. :(
S14a 200sx: 197bhp &1250kg = 158bhp/ton. :D
Factor in better handling and weight distribution and the Laguna don't stand a chance. :D
Originally posted by philrob2000
Sorry to veer off a bit but does anyone know what these Clio 3Lt V6's are like ?
A colleague of mine has one of these. Personally I think it's ok, but he hates his cos it's built like a wet cardboard box and has soft handling. Don't think it's as fast as you'd think either.
Chris_Lacey
10-05-2002, 08:59
Even a bog standard S13 with 167 Bhp is still 143 BHP/Tonne and much more nimble.
My car has around 220-230 BHP though, so a Laguna 3L isn't exactly fair game..
Bugger all the nonsense about 3ltr Laguna's
A Venturi for for 4 Grand????
Blimey, I was looking to spend at least 5-6K on a quattro as a second car, but now I reckon I might look to one of these little beauties!!
Don't fancy helping me import one do you?
How much are the Turbo versions?
Originally posted by Dunk
Bugger all the nonsense about 3ltr Laguna's
A Venturi for for 4 Grand????
Blimey, I was looking to spend at least 5-6K on a quattro as a second car, but now I reckon I might look to one of these little beauties!!
Don't fancy helping me import one do you?
How much are the Turbo versions?
5 grand upwards if you know where to look. Importing one should be fairly simple. But why not leave it with its French registration, that way there's no tax, MOT to worry about and you can go through speed cameras with impunity :D :D :D
Gotta go now cos I'm going to collect mine :D :p
Hmmm
Just like my Austrian Registered Calibra Turbo
Got plenty of stick from xenophobic twats who though I was german though..
shadow21
10-05-2002, 13:44
I've got a little place in the Ardeche I go to in the summer so could meet up with you on the way down
No problem JB!
Let me know if you go near Dijon (or Lyon, that's my workplace)
Cheers
Fabien
Wooooo. Just been for a blast and it is as quick as my 200 I think, but having been driving round in a Volvo estate this week it's a bit difficult to make a direct comparison :confused: .
Can confirm that it lives up to the French reputation for build quality though. :(
The future Mrs JB calls it the plastic pig. Dunno if I like having it named after a Reliant Robin:mad: :rolleyes: ;)
Originally posted by shadow21
(or Lyon, that's my workplace)
I've got family in Lyon so I go there quite a bit. I'll let you know when I'm going down there next :)
bond_200
10-05-2002, 23:26
Originally posted by DL
My car has around 220-230 BHP though, so a Laguna 3L isn't exactly fair game..
Doubt it mate, a power increase of 50 or 60 horse power from 13psi, bigger exhaust, panel filter and SE chip? :eek: More like 190ish. :)
shadow21
10-05-2002, 23:32
Great!
And enjoy the Venturi!
It's maybe not a wheeled bomb (I must add I don't think so! -but I'm french, hence, non objective...), but at least it's a French legend....
Hope to see you soon in your yellow 'plastic pig' (or not :rolleyes:)
Cheers
Fabien
PazzaAE86
11-05-2002, 02:06
Here i scrabble.. My power to weight?
170bhp & 850kgs = 200bhp/ton... Eeee!
Looks like a pretty damn sweet car you picked up there, though JB :D Very differant too!
Paz
Originally posted by JB
Renault Laguna 24v: 194bhp & 1450kg = 138bhp/ton. :(
S14a 200sx: 197bhp &1250kg = 158bhp/ton. :D
Factor in better handling and weight distribution and the Laguna don't stand a chance. :D
Sideways Danny
11-05-2002, 13:27
Originally posted by philrob2000
Sorry to veer off a bit but does anyone know what these Clio 3Lt V6's are like ?
Fast as fcuk and twice as scary, sex on wheels i want one right now. I SAID NOW!!!
Amdathlonuk
12-05-2002, 02:00
Originally posted by sideways danny
Fast as fcuk and twice as scary, sex on wheels i want one right now. I SAID NOW!!!
SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABLE........
philrob2000
12-05-2002, 03:20
Hmmm:rolleyes: :D :D
Sideways Danny
12-05-2002, 18:43
Originally posted by Amdathlonuk
SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABLE........
WRONG, mid engined, and very much rear wheel drive thank you,
Sorry i like french cars, there is just something about the way they drive that is soooooo right, build quality is pants, but i don't care,
Now where is that book on twin turbo convertions for V6 engines, hmmmmmm power
Originally posted by Amdathlonuk
SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABLE........
There will be no scrabbling in the mighty RWD mid-engined Clio!;)
OOPS - Didn't see the last post :o :(
Sideways Danny
14-05-2002, 00:23
thank you! at least someone knows their cars, nice one
that venturi looks gorgeous :D :)
can I have it when you are finished?? ;) ;)
As for the renault clio V6 - Ive heard that it is quick, but not as quick as you would expect a balls out mid engined two seater to be :(
Id like to go head to head with one and see ............ :D
Sorry doc, you can't have it. But I've got an old Volvo 240 estate that I'm selling if you fancy that instead :D
As regards to the french cheap build quality - at least it keeps the weight down.
I recall fondly my tinfoil 205, weighed about as much as a damp packet of fags - handled and went well considering what it was.
I still believe the 205 was one of the better GTI's of the time. The 5GTT's were quick too, but broke down all the time (as we all know).
(Nostalgic rant over)
Dunc.
Well if that is the case then I'll hire one for a week-end [if I can] and challenge any one who wishes to pit there standard 200sx against it to have a go, simple rule, when I win then you pay for the hire.
If I was closer to newbury I'd take you up on that. What do you
pay me when my totally standard 200 disappears up the road ?
Best figures I can find on a laguna 0-60 = 8.3
200 = 6.7
What a load of horsepooh............
Originally posted by suffolk1
What a load of horsepooh............
:D:D
Chris_Lacey
15-05-2002, 09:14
JB, so how is the new motor? Stuck a turbo to it yet?!!!
Originally posted by DL
JB, so how is the new motor? Stuck a turbo to it yet?!!!
The mota is still in France, but I sadly am back in England for 3 weeks:(.
Just to show how pig ignorant I am mechanically, the car does in fact have a turbo but it must be a very light pressure jobbie because the only reason I found out was when I was having a good poke around under the bonnet at the weekend. ( the dealership I bought it from were pig ignorant -much like our dear Nissan dealers over here- mind they did have an nexcuse as they were a Peugeot garage abd not a Venturi one.
The future Mrs JB is pootling around in it at the moment so it's probably parked in a hedge somewhere now, therebye justifying the extortionate insurance premium that I'm having to pay.
Great mota thought, but on the whole I have to say that the 2***** is a better all round car (and definately a better bet if you want to guarantee reaching your destination in one hit).
Renault did offer the Laguna with the twin turbo lump from the Alpine GTA for a while as a sort of french lotus carlton - it was pricey but obviously had plent of grunt. Being FWD however it only knocked out 60 in about 7secs as I recall. But once moving I think it would give a standard 200 a hard time.
Never seen or heard of one in the UK though (not that I pay much attention to 'kin lagunas anyway:D ) but maybe one of these is the root of the previous debating???
Originally posted by Ben
Renault did offer the Laguna with the twin turbo lump from the Alpine GTA for a while as a sort of french lotus carlton - it was pricey but obviously had plent of grunt. Being FWD however it only knocked out 60 in about 7secs as I recall. But once moving I think it would give a standard 200 a hard time.
Never seen or heard of one in the UK though (not that I pay much attention to 'kin lagunas anyway:D ) but maybe one of these is the root of the previous debating???
They did that with the Safrane (I know cos I had one), but as far as I know a twin turbo was never an option on the Laguna!
gotta say chaps... i dont have much chance to post stuff these days, but i still read through things when i get near a pc... and you all still make me giggle...
collect your handbags from this corner before leaving the thread :p
btw, nice car JB! pleasant bonus that it has a turbo :)
And as for lagunas.. nuff said. Absolutely no chance whatsoever, and thats not a biased view on 200's. The laguna is overweight and underpowered and to claim that its faster when being driven properly is rather silly, unless you are saying renault didnt use every trick in the book to make it look as powerful as possible for sales figures.
my 2p.
shadow21
15-05-2002, 12:45
therebye justifying the extortionate insurance premium that I'm having to pay.
JB, have you tried www.ineas.fr (http://www.ineas.fr) ?
They offer VERY GOOD prices on insurance premiums if they wish to insure you car.
Cheers
Fabien
Fabien, I tried a lot of places, but the problem is that although I'm 36 and have a clean license, the future Mrs JB is only 22 with a history of smashing her cars :rolleyes:
Therefore, I think the expression is "boogered whichever way I turn".
I can't even get her on my insurance for the 200 until she's 25:confused:
Originally posted by JB
I'm 36..., the future Mrs JB is only 22
Ooooh - you dirty old man! :eek: :eek: :eek:
Top bloke! :D:D:D:D
JB - Let me get this right, you spend your life jetsetting around foreign countries, driving your collection of RWD TURBO sports cars, and the girl you are just about to marry is 22 years old :eek:
All I can say is.... RESPECT.;)
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