I'm presently looking for a mk2 gti and am wondering what people think to be the best engine. Two guys I work with both say get to get an 8v as they said they are nearly as fast and have less to go wrong. However, my mate whos had pretty much every golf going says get a 16v as they are better in everyway ? Or should I just find "the" right car and not worry about which engine is in it ? Your thoughts would be very useful ! thanks.
the people that suggest a 8v are always the ones that never owned or cant afford the 16v of coa5re its better, why would they make a more exp option thats worse they dont go wrong if looked after...had mine 11yrs and 150k and bounce it of the limiter regularly Edited by: pigbladder
i've never owned a 16v but i'm going to say 8v. People rave on abotu how the 8b has more torque, but the figures show the 16v has more torque and bhp throughout the rev range. Go 16v
I think what makes the 8v feel qwuicker at lower revs is due to it's shorter gearing (and I thought my 16v had short gearing!). The 16v does indeed have more torque across the range. But the way the 16v pulls from 4000rpm upwards is addictive! Also it's sits slightly lower than the 8v, hence better handling as standard (not really a consideration if you're going to be fitting lowering springs (don't) or a suspension kit), and as said the 16v has more kit and better brakes, wheels etc (dependant on the age mind). Go for the 16v, but get one with power steering... I used to hate PAS with a passion due to lack of feel but it really is worth having if you drive the car to work each morning. I wish my valver had it.
all depends on where you want to use your power. 8v run out of puff/rev's fairly early compared to the 16v and the G box's are the same except 5th which is longer on the 8v. Edited by: kenn
personally id go for the 8v if it was an everyday car that u dont caine the living day lights out of it all day long but would still like a bit of fun every now and then 16v are great cars but u would want to rag the hell out of it all the time
As kenn says - 8v and 16v mk2 have EXACTLY the same gearing, except the 5th gear. (16v has a shorter 5th) This is the most repeated thread on every VW forum on the internet. Edited by: GVK
i love my 8v, ok it my first gti but its great fun fizzing about in on the work runhaving never driven a 16v i cant realy comment, but the 8v is miles better than my MK3 driver....not surprisingly
Don't know why - it's a 0.912:1 in the 16v and 0.89:1 in most 8v 'boxes Maybe the shorter 5th in the 16v allows it to pull full revs in top to give it a higher top speed than the 8v. Yes, I know theoretically the 0.89 will have a higher top speed, but only if the motor can pull the longer gear.
5th gear on the 16v box is very well suited I find. At earthling speeds you're just entering the power band and it isn't too noisey. When pressing on you're right in the power and passing slowmos is a doddle.
