MK3 Golf GTI 8v versus 16v
Discussion
I've looked through the MK3 posts and have yet to find a thread that would answer this question.
I know its a personal choice but, whats the pro's & cons of the the 8v over the 16v Mk3? The main differences short of the engine & power, etc.
I've got about a grand to buy one. I realise that I won't get a minter, but theres plenty about - even some 16v's.
If anyone knows of any good ones going anywhere let me know.
Cheers
I know its a personal choice but, whats the pro's & cons of the the 8v over the 16v Mk3? The main differences short of the engine & power, etc.
I've got about a grand to buy one. I realise that I won't get a minter, but theres plenty about - even some 16v's.
If anyone knows of any good ones going anywhere let me know.
Cheers
I reckoned the Mk3 8v was utterly gutless. My Brother had one from new; continental drift would outdrag it. It had so little performance that handling was almost irrelevant! Don't do it. Haven't driven a 16v, but have heard it's a reasonable car. I own a Mk3 VR6 which has about as much handling prowess as HMS Ark Royal, although it has a decent amount of grunt.
Might Sir like to try a good Mk2 16v or a Corrado instead?
Edit: Sorry, just realised your budget is a grand. Scrub the Mk2 16v & Corrado plan.
Might Sir like to try a good Mk2 16v or a Corrado instead?
Edit: Sorry, just realised your budget is a grand. Scrub the Mk2 16v & Corrado plan.
Edited by speedtwelve on Sunday 21st September 01:27
Yeah, cheers for that heads up. I had a Mk2 8v and lusted after a 16v a few years back.... But like you observed Corrado's don't fall into my reach. though I've seen a few 16v MK3s for between 900-1200. Not too many miles.... Any ideas what I need to look for? VWs do do galactic mileage so thats not the biggest issue.
for a mk3 golf if you dont want a VR6 then 16v is the only way to go imo a 8v doesnt warrent a GTI badge.
Ive had a go in each of them and have owned some mk2 GTIs myself and a mk3 16v is the only option as far as im concerned. It is as fast as a mk2 8v in a straight line but does not handle like one and will lose pace through the twisties.
a 16v is 2seconds quicker to 60 than a 8 an has about 15mph top end but the 8v does 4mpg or so more but has 35hp less so it is worth sacrificing a few MPG for a LOT more fun and poke.A 16v revs a lot more freely than a 8v which loses all its puff after 5000rpm which is when a 16v is very much alive!!! Ignore any rubbish you read about a 8v having more torque than a 16v its all lies. A 16v has more power an torque throughout the rev range end of.
A 16v also have better specifications including traction control, bigger brakes, larger ARB as standard, imo better interiors,
If you plan to modify it then start with a 16v do some breathing mods like exhaust/filter an chip and you should see 170hp, get it lowered and a uprated front anti roll bar and enjoy!
Ive had a go in each of them and have owned some mk2 GTIs myself and a mk3 16v is the only option as far as im concerned. It is as fast as a mk2 8v in a straight line but does not handle like one and will lose pace through the twisties.
a 16v is 2seconds quicker to 60 than a 8 an has about 15mph top end but the 8v does 4mpg or so more but has 35hp less so it is worth sacrificing a few MPG for a LOT more fun and poke.A 16v revs a lot more freely than a 8v which loses all its puff after 5000rpm which is when a 16v is very much alive!!! Ignore any rubbish you read about a 8v having more torque than a 16v its all lies. A 16v has more power an torque throughout the rev range end of.
A 16v also have better specifications including traction control, bigger brakes, larger ARB as standard, imo better interiors,
If you plan to modify it then start with a 16v do some breathing mods like exhaust/filter an chip and you should see 170hp, get it lowered and a uprated front anti roll bar and enjoy!
the mk3 gti 8v is a heavy car but its not slow by any meens whether or not its the way i drive it or if its just a fluke car it doesnt lose grunt at 5000rpm it just keeps going in fact it feels like it needs another gear . ive beating plenty of quick cars on at the lights however it doesnt seem to like changing from 1st to 2nd at speed its a bit lagging might just need a service .
it does 35 in 1st 65 in 2nd 95 in 3rd 115 in 4 and ive never had it up to top speed . A good mate of mine has a 2 litre bmw which isnt as fast up to 100 my golf is in perfect condition inside and out with no mods and it is the 3door in my eyes if your a young guy its the one to have
it does 35 in 1st 65 in 2nd 95 in 3rd 115 in 4 and ive never had it up to top speed . A good mate of mine has a 2 litre bmw which isnt as fast up to 100 my golf is in perfect condition inside and out with no mods and it is the 3door in my eyes if your a young guy its the one to have
Edited by cynergy on Wednesday 1st April 15:34
cynergy said:
it does 35 in 1st 65 in 2nd 95 in 3rd 115 in 4 and ive never had it up to top speed .
Edited by cynergy on Wednesday 1st April 15:34
is your mk3 8v standard? have you ever driven a 16v?
the point is even if you managed those speeds it still takes you longer to get there than it would in a 16v end of.
I don't know if this is the case with the Mk3 but with the Mk2 the 16V had shorter gearing. 16V is 100% the way to go, the previous poster that cited the oft mentioned myth that 8Vs have more torque - this is just an illusion created by the top end power of the 16V.
I would go so far as to say the Mk3 8V is crap and the 16V likely to be pretty good. A world apart.
I would go so far as to say the Mk3 8V is crap and the 16V likely to be pretty good. A world apart.
Chill out guys! 
)
Well I made a decision and 16v won over 8v. I got a deal for the ££ tbh. A 95M 16v for less than a grand. well ticketed and some tax. Just needs a new exhaust - but thats a new post.... Though throw some stuff on here if you wish...
I couldn't think of buying an 8v after driving a couple of 16v's tbh. And I bought a 3dr. Its the holy grail so I've heard, let me knoe what you guys think.
However I have 1 thing to ask, any ideas how to make the ABF( a 95 M plate - is that right??) inj engine slightly less thirsty. Admittedly its short runs, but its warmed up steady and then cooled down, but I'm not getting more than 300 from 40 litres, and tbh its killing me!!! oil & water, air, etc is all checked.... So any ideas???
)Well I made a decision and 16v won over 8v. I got a deal for the ££ tbh. A 95M 16v for less than a grand. well ticketed and some tax. Just needs a new exhaust - but thats a new post.... Though throw some stuff on here if you wish...
I couldn't think of buying an 8v after driving a couple of 16v's tbh. And I bought a 3dr. Its the holy grail so I've heard, let me knoe what you guys think.
However I have 1 thing to ask, any ideas how to make the ABF( a 95 M plate - is that right??) inj engine slightly less thirsty. Admittedly its short runs, but its warmed up steady and then cooled down, but I'm not getting more than 300 from 40 litres, and tbh its killing me!!! oil & water, air, etc is all checked.... So any ideas???
pauliec50 said:
Yeah, cheers for that heads up. I had a Mk2 8v and lusted after a 16v a few years back.... But like you observed Corrado's don't fall into my reach. though I've seen a few 16v MK3s for between 900-1200. Not too many miles.... Any ideas what I need to look for? VWs do do galactic mileage so thats not the biggest issue.
i've got a corrado that falls into your reach, a 1990 16v 
pm me for details
_Batty_ said:
pauliec50 said:
Yeah, cheers for that heads up. I had a Mk2 8v and lusted after a 16v a few years back.... But like you observed Corrado's don't fall into my reach. though I've seen a few 16v MK3s for between 900-1200. Not too many miles.... Any ideas what I need to look for? VWs do do galactic mileage so thats not the biggest issue.
i've got a corrado that falls into your reach, a 1990 16v pm me for details
What condition is it in?
Richair said:
8v = poop, 16v = less poo, but still moderately poo. Big heavy stodge-mobile.
In other words, buy a mk2 16v or something else like a 306 gti-6/rallye.
Rich
Cheers Rich, I nearly had a Mk2 a few years ago, but couldn't justify the cost at the time. I realise they are better than the MK3 but.... Now the need was too much. In other words, buy a mk2 16v or something else like a 306 gti-6/rallye.
Rich
As for GTI6, I looked at a few and even a xsara VTS (!!) but couldn't get em down to a price I wanted. Now is a different matter. but I wan't my VW now.
VW history of mine is currently , golf, polo, polo & golf. They are great motors.... then more so than now tbh....
MJK 24 said:
_Batty_ said:
pauliec50 said:
Yeah, cheers for that heads up. I had a Mk2 8v and lusted after a 16v a few years back.... But like you observed Corrado's don't fall into my reach. though I've seen a few 16v MK3s for between 900-1200. Not too many miles.... Any ideas what I need to look for? VWs do do galactic mileage so thats not the biggest issue.
i've got a corrado that falls into your reach, a 1990 16v pm me for details
What condition is it in?
no.
well its had a wee bit of work, so i want about a grand for it, which is still cheap for a rado.
pm me for details
t, do not buy one.
[/pic]I enjoyed my mk3 GTI 8v. It was a very reliable car apart from friggin window regulators.
OK, it never set the world on fire with its performance, but it was nowhere near as bad as some people seem to make out. Just like a mk4 2.0, no GTI, but a car I don't regret buying.
Yes the 16v is much faster, but £1000 doesn't go very far with a decent 8v let alone an unabused and straight 16v.
OK, it never set the world on fire with its performance, but it was nowhere near as bad as some people seem to make out. Just like a mk4 2.0, no GTI, but a car I don't regret buying.
Yes the 16v is much faster, but £1000 doesn't go very far with a decent 8v let alone an unabused and straight 16v.
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