Jan has just gonr from a Mk 2.5 1.6 to a Mk 3 1.8 - now we are taliking different cars and engines here but the difference between the 1.6 and the 1.8 is pretty noticeable.
That said the 1.6 was perfectly adequate - as to motrorway cruising we had a number of trips in the 1.6 right down the UK and on down to the Dordogne in France - it coped fine every time, never missed a beat.
Both the Mk2 and the Mk2.5 can be purchased in a 1.6 or 1.8, so the engine size isn’t really the issue between the two marks and the spend amount leap you are questioning.
I wonder how tall you are? There is about an inch less headroom in the 2.5, it has more bhp from the same 1.8 engine, it has a different style ‘nose’: but in essence the price jump is down to it having less years on it and probably less miles and people are prepared to pay a premium for that because it suggests fewer issues.
I just paid £2,800 for a W-Reg 1.8S Mk2 in fantastic condition with a new and expensive dual exhaust and K&N Typhoon and 10-CD very nice sounding stereo. Personally I feel that represents outstanding value from a beautiful used car whereas £5,500 sounds like proper car money and a big chunk!
Maybe if you intend to do serious mileage in it and it will be your daily driver spending a large amount seems like a relevant investment, but if like me you want a weekend toy that people will oooh at and presume cost a fortune, getting a great car for 2nd-hand Corsa money always adds to the grin factor!
By the way, my car is black and is Reg W*** UOG - anyone here own it before me? It has an owners club tax sticker. If so, thanks for keeping it so beautifully!
When I was looking at buying an MX-5 last November I had the same dilemma… ended up splashing out on a lovely Nevada which is worth every penny in my eyes [:D]