The Chief

I've noticed thare a lot of posts on here about the 306 gti-6 but has anyone owned the Xsi 16v model and what do they go like??? They seem to be bargains now in the Autotrader!!!!

Thanks!

Senior_AP

Yes, my brother owns one. A 1998 r reg. It's "ok". good handling, reasonable performance. I drove it and was bored within 10 mins.


tbh, they're ok but if performance is what you want a GTi-6 is a million miles better. Not much more expensive either.

TurboMav

Surely the GTI-6 can't be a million times better performance wise over the XSI. Standard XSI is 137bhp, the 6 is 167. I wouldn't think much would be in it IMO.

The Chief

Ok but what are they like to run mpg and other costs, i've heard they need to have a cambelt changed at 70k ho wmuch does this cost???

TurboMav

I get around 35ish mpg, not sure about how much it is for the cambelt, i wouldn't have thought it would be expensive though

ScoobyJawa

GTi-6 is alot faster than the XSi and much better handling

The Chief

I've seen a few gti 6's for around the 2.5k mark can they handle big mileages like 80k plus????

TurboMav

How is the handling much better? what sort of set up does the 6 have to make it handle better?

Green_Scooby_Wagon

I had one for about a year.

Blue, L reg, 306 2.oi XSi.

It was pony!

Considering it was a 2.0 litre it didn't really shift atall.

Save the extra and get the gti-6 imo.

stevenuk300 still

iTrader: (1)

The early model XSI were 8v. There was a 306 model called S16 which was 16v and 155bhp, and the GTI 6 at 167bhp.
I had an N reg XSI which was chipped, lowered and had a K+N induction kit. The induction kit is an excellent performance mod bringing the power on mine up 15bhp before I had it chipped. The passive rear axle also makes this an excellent handling car. Not sure if the passive rear wheels were on the newer models though.
I've driven the GTI 6 and owned an XSI and personally the passive rear axle makes the XSI a better handling car compared to the GTI 6. Obviously the performance is not as quick, but insurance group is lower.

TurboMav

What chip was it, what was the bhp with chip and induction kit?

stevenuk300 still

iTrader: (1)

The chip was a superchip and was something around 153bhp. The early models were standard 122bhp.
Considering I was 19 at the time of buying, this was an inexpensive hot hatch to insure and run.

ScoobyJawa

Don't see any reason they can't handle high mileage, just keep them properly serviced and change the cambelt every 30k.

As for handle better, the GTi-6 got the later model updated N5 (1000 more spot welds over the N3) chassis and suposedly the springs are different though the dampers are the same to the S16, plus the steering rack is different (crap turning circle but great to drive) as a result most mags praised it as far better than the S16.

pbee

i have had a 98 gti-6 and a 2000 facelift xsi.

the facelifted 2000 xsi has the gti-6 wheels sterring rack and suspension and is a LOT cheaper to insure and run than the 6.

pre facelift xsi's are boring inside and out and have soft **** suspension.

things that i had problems with on both brakes wear quicly and squeel solved this with ferrodo discs and pads stay clear of oem stuff. clutch went soft on both cars but stayed on original for 65k sold the car to a mate and he is approaching 90k with no other problems.

oh and speak to dealers about cam belts on 6's must recomend earlier changes than the manufacurer stipulates due to the amount that go earlier.


Is the xsi as good as the 6 no definetly not but if you are looking for cheap car to own and run and is fun to throw around the xsi is a better bet.

Stax

I owned a 97 XSi for about 4 years. I was pretty happy with it but it was only my 2nd motor. So I didn't really chuck it about too much, although I did manage to spin it once...! Couldn't comment on the GTI-6 though.

Rich D

iTrader: (12)

It's not just the extra 30bhp though... there's more torque, a different power & torque delivery, and that 6 speed box, all adds up!

Rich D

iTrader: (12)

Eh!?

You do know that ALL 306's have passive rear steering...

ScoobyJawa

LOL @ Rich - indeed it does

In fact, my lowered 306 GTi-6 would take corners almost as fast as my old scoob.

Rich D

iTrader: (12)

What suspension setup did you run on there matey?

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

I've had a string of Pugs before being converted to a Scooby. I've had an M plate 306 XSi 8v (2.0), Y plate XSi 16v, T plate 106 GTi and Y plate 106 GTi. Also had the use of a 306 GTi-6.

TBH I did not like either of the XSi's. The first was too soft on the suspensoin, low power output, crude and unreliable. The newer XSi handled better, but was again a poor driver. There was no fizz at the top end, sure it was quick, but not exciting. It also had terrible throttle response that made sliding the car on the absolute limit non pleasurable.

Both of the 106s were much much better cars in terms of performace. Much much more fun also. The GTi-6 is the best of both worlds. Gives almost the fun of the 106, more performace, and practicality. I would not consider the 306 XSi imo.

I would also have to say that all of my pugs died a premature death, even though they were looked after to the manufacturer's spec. The first 306 died due to sudden brake failure, nasty write off - never ever ever fit cheap brakes.

The first 106 had its engine blow at 18500 miles

The second 306 engine cut out when a mate borrowed it. He was pulling out of junction. That accident was 4 years ago and he is still regualarly back in hospital.

The last 106 had only 8500 miles and the clutch was on the way out, among other things. Then some tit wrote it off.

Insurance is a lot cheaper for the XSi. If you want a Pug and cannot afford the insurance of a 306 GTi-6 then try the 106 GTi, then 106 XSi (nearly as quick), then the 306 XSi. Also consider a chipped 306 DTurbo. In standard tune a DTurbo is almost as quick as the XSi.

ScoobyJawa

Surprisingly mate it was simply lowering springs on the front (but not stupid, was only a 25-30mm drop) and just adjusted rear torsions. The improvement was dramatic and really was like it was glued to the road, such a beautifully balanced car

Rich D

iTrader: (12)

I think my shocks may be a little tired actually, feels softer than my Rallye used to, but this is an older car anyway and the Rallye was a good couple of years ago, so I think these ones have seen better days.

Tempted by the Bilstein "Original" shocks, standard fitment but 10% firmer, and a slight drop, say 25-30mm like you did, probably on Eibachs.

Still handles well, but rolls too much.

ScoobyJawa

Billies on a Pug is always a good move mate

Does sound like they are a little tired...............