RE: PH Heroes: VW Golf GTI
Discussion
In this life I've experienced and lived with an array of cars in my time. Some very bespoke and some mass produced tin tops. Now here's the thing. Volkswagen introduced the GTI version of the Golf reluctently. By doing so they created a genre by accident. Taking and world by storm and themselves. Yes, there are faster hot hatches out there now, but back then the GTI and indeed the Golf as a whole was a whole new world. The feel, the legendary build quality, the grin factor, the style and its unique elegance made it stand out from the crowd. If you have a MK1 or MK2 cherish them - there's nothing that comes close to that feeling. Mk1 for its looks and MK2 for its sheer dynamism (KR engine prefably) - but this is just my opinion. You should try them for yourelves. You should also try cars like Astra GTE 16V, Maestro MG Turbo, Escort RS Turbo, Renualt 5 GT Turbo, 205 GTI 1.6 & 1.9, Simca, MG midget, Truimph Spitfire. Only then you'll appreciate the Golf GTI because its a consumate all rounder whereas the cars I've listed are only good specifically in one area. Getting hold of a MK1 or MK2 in decent condition is like the holy grail - but they are out there. Don't buy one that hasn't been looked after - you be disappointed because it won't fulfill its capabilities due to mediocre maintenance.
Volkswagen Golf GTI - the brand within the Brand - True automotive hero and then some.
Volkswagen Golf GTI - the brand within the Brand - True automotive hero and then some.
r5gttgaz said:
HeavyRightFoot said:
r5gttgaz said:
Can't understand the fuss, its one of the slowest "hot hatches" evah!
The fuss is because the Golf GTi created the hot hatch sector. Without the GTi the concept of 'hot hatch' probably wouldn't exist!
Oh, and they are bloody great fun to drive and as reliable as Christmas!
My father owned a Mk II for many years (got rid of it last year for a modern civic, he didnt trust it for long trips!)
He didnt have too many problems with rust, however that doesn mean there wasnt some; he had issues with a leaking sunroof and with a leaking front window seal caused by corrosion.
All in all though, it was a nice car. Felt really strange with the thin pillars and such, almost no blind spots unlike on modern cars. A good, smooth engine too.
Older fuel injection system requires extreme cleanliness. A bug-bear he had was cold starting (you could count the cylinders firing into life some days)
He didnt have too many problems with rust, however that doesn mean there wasnt some; he had issues with a leaking sunroof and with a leaking front window seal caused by corrosion.
All in all though, it was a nice car. Felt really strange with the thin pillars and such, almost no blind spots unlike on modern cars. A good, smooth engine too.
Older fuel injection system requires extreme cleanliness. A bug-bear he had was cold starting (you could count the cylinders firing into life some days)
RacingTeatray said:
Well one would bl00dy well hope that there had been some advances in suspension design between 1984 and 1995! But to claim "nearly everycar [sic] since 95' [sic] goes around corners better is just puerile exaggeration. The E46 3-series and the Ka are renowned for good handling, so it's not exactly like you are claiming the Mk2 GTI gets mauled by dross now are you.
The Mk2 GTI remains one of the best-handling FWD cars made - yes personally I find my Z1 handles better than my old 16v did but then it's RWD and it pioneered BMW's sophisticated z-axle design so that's no great surprise, but my FWD 156 GTA doesn't outhandle the GTI in my view - it might corner much flatter and have more grip, but ultimately it's not as good or fun.
The Mk2 GTi's were fantastic cars in their heyday very nimble and chuckable through twisties but to be honest they did not really give the impression that they enjoyed being driven very hard and were only fast in relation to the generally gutless standard hatches of the 80's. The Mk2 GTI remains one of the best-handling FWD cars made - yes personally I find my Z1 handles better than my old 16v did but then it's RWD and it pioneered BMW's sophisticated z-axle design so that's no great surprise, but my FWD 156 GTA doesn't outhandle the GTI in my view - it might corner much flatter and have more grip, but ultimately it's not as good or fun.
Your GTA may well have a poorer turn in initially due to the heavy engine but if you are having less fun driving it on a day to day basis than a GTi(up to and including the current GTi) you must have owned a Ferrari or 2 in between and become jaded to the charms of what is surely one of the most charismatic family sedans ever produced(the likes of which we probably won't see again):O
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