205 GTi 1.9 or mk2 Golf GTi 16v?
Discussion
I went from a 1.9 Gti to a 16v golf. The Pug is a much better drivers' car. It's a much more fluid car to drive, more alert and more entertaining. The VW is robotic by comparison. But the build quality on the VW was miles better.
I'd have the Pug if you can live with the less substantial build, it never really bothered me as I'm into how a car drives. It did suffer erratic revving when hot, and apparently that's a common issue. So if it's a daily with lots of slow commuting, you'd have to live with it or somehow sort it.
Never had any mechanical problems with either, other than the erratic idle/revving.
I'd have the Pug if you can live with the less substantial build, it never really bothered me as I'm into how a car drives. It did suffer erratic revving when hot, and apparently that's a common issue. So if it's a daily with lots of slow commuting, you'd have to live with it or somehow sort it.
Never had any mechanical problems with either, other than the erratic idle/revving.
If I wanted an homage to that period - well, the one just before, it would have to be the Alfasud Ti . Better steering , ride and brakes than either and a driving position that is classic Italian ape- so you can close your eyes and imagine you are in a 308GTB . I have owned lost of Golfs and they are a brilliantly competent allrounder - the Pug handles more nicely but I can't say I fell in love with them either.But great chassis . An off the wall choice would be to find a Strada Abarth ?
Own both and my 1.9 GTI is way more fun than the gti 16v but the 16v feels faster at top end if you thrash it and doesn't feel like it will kill you if you push on too hard.
MK2 if you want sedate and composed 80s hatch
Or 205 if you want a fun drive - plus everyone looks at 205 and tells me it's a classic and worth a few quid, the Golf to many just looks like an old car and not a classic.
MK2 if you want sedate and composed 80s hatch
Or 205 if you want a fun drive - plus everyone looks at 205 and tells me it's a classic and worth a few quid, the Golf to many just looks like an old car and not a classic.
I'm a serial Golf/Scirocco owner so read my post with that in mind.
As a daily driver the Golf is a stronger car. It's better built and overall a more substantial product than the 205. If it was a weekend toy the 205 would be better as it's more fun when driven close to the limit and much prettier. The bodyshell on the 205 is weaker than the Golfs. When tasked with the job of dealing with the 1.9GTi's power, 15" wheels and stiffer suspension it tends to flex, cracking behind the doors. The steel is thin too, leading to little dings in the doors and wings.
As a daily driver the Golf is a stronger car. It's better built and overall a more substantial product than the 205. If it was a weekend toy the 205 would be better as it's more fun when driven close to the limit and much prettier. The bodyshell on the 205 is weaker than the Golfs. When tasked with the job of dealing with the 1.9GTi's power, 15" wheels and stiffer suspension it tends to flex, cracking behind the doors. The steel is thin too, leading to little dings in the doors and wings.
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