Which "classic" hot hatch would you most like to own?
Discussion
I'm not sure if I've ever driven a "bad" hot hatch (maybe a 2005 Polo GTi but I'm not sure if it was that bad) but the ones that I remember most fondly were the hatches from my youth (the 80s and early 90s). They were simple, light and despite today's hot hatches being a lot quicker I think more distantly removed from the "cooking" models. A lot more power in percentage terms and with features like alloy wheels and body-colour bumpers, they looked a lot more exotic than the rest of the range too. Nowadays, even the "base" model has these features. I think that even the most ardent FWD hater would be able to find some enjoyment in driving these cars. So which one would you most like to own today? Let's make 1995 the cut-off point. People often say that the Clio Williams was the ultimate "classic" hot hatch but by the time that came out, my interest had moved on to the rally reps (Integrales, Evos, Imprezas and Escort Cosworths etc).
I've never driven one and I expect the drive isn't that great but from a purely visual perspective, I've always liked the S1 Escort RST (a classic 80s Fast Ford).
I used to prefer the mk1 to the mk2 Golf GTi but now my Golf GTi of choice would be a mk2 GTi 16v 3 door. I regret not ever owning one of these, as the mk4 Golf GTi that I owned later was a pale imitation. I've never driven a 16v but the 8v that I drove was pleasant but a little underwhelming but I can see that it would still be a nice car to live with day-to-day.
However, having owned a 1.6 for 18 months and writing it off, I promised myself another (a 1.9) one day but never got around to it. So for the pure nostalgia, the timelessly pretty looks and the intoxicating driving experience, I choose the 205 GTi 1.9.
So if you could own any "classic' hot hatch from the 80s/early 90s, which one would it be?
I've never driven one and I expect the drive isn't that great but from a purely visual perspective, I've always liked the S1 Escort RST (a classic 80s Fast Ford).
I used to prefer the mk1 to the mk2 Golf GTi but now my Golf GTi of choice would be a mk2 GTi 16v 3 door. I regret not ever owning one of these, as the mk4 Golf GTi that I owned later was a pale imitation. I've never driven a 16v but the 8v that I drove was pleasant but a little underwhelming but I can see that it would still be a nice car to live with day-to-day.
However, having owned a 1.6 for 18 months and writing it off, I promised myself another (a 1.9) one day but never got around to it. So for the pure nostalgia, the timelessly pretty looks and the intoxicating driving experience, I choose the 205 GTi 1.9.
So if you could own any "classic' hot hatch from the 80s/early 90s, which one would it be?
Edited by white_goodman on Friday 24th March 04:04
white_goodman said:
I've never driven one and I expect the drive isn't that great but from a purely visual perspective, I've always liked the S1 Escort RST (a classic 80s Fast Ford).
Don't want to pee on your chips or anything but these were vastly overrated. Underbraked (and it didn't help that the bulkhead flexed where the brake serve/master cylinder was attached) and made of crap steel that rusted faster than a 70's Lancia. It had redeeming features for the time, but the 2nd generation Escort chassis (as opposed to MkII which was really just an extensive facelift of the 1st generation) was nothing special. Definitely an example of 'don't meet your heros'.(Yes I had one, briefly).
whitegoodman said:
I used to prefer the mk1 to the mk2 Golf GTi but now my Golf GTi of choice would be a mk2 GTi 16v 3 door. I regret not ever owning one of these, as the mk4 Golf GTi that I owned later was a pale imitation. I've never driven a 16v but the 8v that I drove was pleasant but a little underwhelming but I can see that it would still be a nice car to live with day-to-day.
If you have never driven a Mk2 Gti how do you how 'bad' the mk4 gti is? Or are you just going on everyone bashing the mk4 on the internet?Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 24th March 04:04
To be honest the mk2 gti was a bit over rated, the mk3 was boring and the mk4 really slow without a remap.
DSGbangs said:
If you have never driven a Mk2 Gti how do you how 'bad' the mk4 gti is? Or are you just going on everyone bashing the mk4 on the internet?
To be honest the mk2 gti was a bit over rated, the mk3 was boring and the mk4 really slow without a remap.
I don't think a MK2 is over rated at all, I've just got one again after many years and if its well looked after and suspension is fresh and setup properly its a fantastic car not just for its age for any ageTo be honest the mk2 gti was a bit over rated, the mk3 was boring and the mk4 really slow without a remap.
Pothole said:
Always fancied a Clio Williams or a Sunny (Pulsar) GTI, if only for the ridiculously vented bonnet.
The Pulsar GTI-R would be my choice - that's the one with the ridiculous bonnet ventI had one in 2009 but managed to melt the engine after 300 miles - digging deeper on the paperwork I found a lot of it had been fabricated by the seller. If I bought one again, I would want it stock
I have owned a Golf Gti Mk2 16v, a Peugeot 205 Gti 1.9 and a Renault 5 GT Turbo Raider.
I can say that I miss the Peugeot most, it was the most fun to drive and quite practical. The Renault was simply the maddest and the Golf was the most refined (but most boring). The Golf also went wrong the most.
I can say that I miss the Peugeot most, it was the most fun to drive and quite practical. The Renault was simply the maddest and the Golf was the most refined (but most boring). The Golf also went wrong the most.
some nice ones in Japan at the moment for sale. Certain dealer who advertises on here seems to be trying his arm with them at the moment.I drove a Golf 2 and a 205, they were both great and the obvious choices. However I'd want something a bit rarer, so a Strada 130TC. Or a 105, even. Both had Webers. Oh yeah. Having signed up to a 3 year finance deal aged 21 I saw a Strada for sale for less than the Fiesta I was in. Ho hum.
A French mate drools over the 205 Rallye. These were very special, AIUI a French market only homologation special. Twin Webers again, and a thing of beauty. Not for the hamfisted mechanic.
A French mate drools over the 205 Rallye. These were very special, AIUI a French market only homologation special. Twin Webers again, and a thing of beauty. Not for the hamfisted mechanic.
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