The one car I regret selling was my 172, the pickup to 60 seemed quicker than the x-fire, although from 60+ the x-fire wins hands down, and the 172 was definitely more chuckable on country roads. Looking at the 172 (mk1) now it appears dated but for £1 for fun it beats everything else at the price.
Horses for courses, I used to use 2 roads frequently, Tiverton to Barnstaple (A361) which the x-fire outshines the 172, but on the Goole to Scarborough (A614) I'd use the 172 everytime.
Both cars do they're own thing the x-fire makes ease of long sweeping roads where the 172 is at home on short sprint/tight cornering roads.
Enjoy your new drive.