We often hear that the 'Golf Platform' is used in all sorts of cars - Golf, (obviously ) Scirocco, TT, A3, Skoda, Seat.

Sure they look different, but are they fundamentally the same dynamically? Or put an other way, is there any reason why with the usual tweaks to running gear (suspension, roll bar, brakes etc) should not bring out the same ability in all variants?

And what really changed between Mk4 and Mk5 chassis?

Thanks,

Richard.

PS Just to say that I've not found the various Audi and VW forums much use. Nothing can touch SN for knowledgeable, helpful peeps. So thanks in advance

 

I can't comment on the similarity of the platforms but even assuming you could duplicate suspension/braking across all models the size/weight/c of g/aerodynamics would still make them feel very different.

 

I would have thought all those things would be so close as makes no difference, apart from maybe the TT's aeros

There could be a bit more difference between Mk4 and Mk5 chassis, though. I wonder if the steering is the same across all models?

Richard.

 

There was changes on the chassi from mk4 to mk5 and again with the new mk6 (the scirocco is based on the new mk 6 platform)
There are so many difference between the steering and suspension even just on each mk .
I sell parts for a vw main dealer if your a bit more specific i can have a look into it for you
hope that helps

 

Mk4 Golf is very different to Mk5 suspension-wise...the latter is much like a BMW e46; huge alloy subframes and a rear support bushing on the lower front wishbones (with the same wear and tear flaw too ). Its this better lower arm bracing and subframe strengthening that has given the most improvements to the handling of the MK5 chassis IMO.


Seat Altea is indentical underneath to the Golf MK5 (even if its a Golf plus platform - longer wheelbase IIRC), as is the Audi A3. The differences in handling and feel are mainly just spring/shock/rollbar ratings/stiffness etc. (not to forget the programed assistance level from the electric PAS).

Think of how a Classic Impreza GL feels, drives and handles compared to a Classic WRX? They are like chalk and cheese, yet the physical suspension and chassis is the same, just WRX has stiffer shocks springs and rollbars.

 

are you sure about that? VW told me that the new A3 is based on the Mk4 golf....

 

That's my point really. This platform sharing thing is talked about a lot, but there are lot of different platforms, Mk3/4/5 etc, and there's a lot of confusion about who is using which for what.

And I'm not sure it means much in practise. ALi-B's post has a ring of authority about it and I guess that if you knew exactly what's what and were prepared to throw a lot of money at it, you could get an Audi TT to drive exactly like an Octavia, if that turns you on.

But it's surely better to let the factory do it for you, and I think it is generally reckoned that the VW versions tend to be set up as the best drivers' cars. That's what I'm getting at in the OP. If I was looking to buy a base car for modding, the Golf is probably the best place to start.

Richard.

 

Old A3 is definitely MK4. Current A3 I'm pretty damn certain is MK5, I'm was under the impression it was the first current generation VAG car to use the redesigned front subframe and suspension as now seen on the MK5 Golf.

I'll have to pay more attention next time I'm underneath one to double check.

Passat B6 also shares subframes and suspension with the MK5 Golf, as does the current Audi TT

But not the current A4 which is now unique to Audi; As that still has to accommodate the transaxle/longitudinal engine layout, where the current Passat has now gone to a traverse engine layout (The old passat had a transaxle longitudinal layout, shared with the old A4).

What still confuses me with VAG is the insistence to have VR6 and V6 engines (and more confusingly calls their VR6 a V6 as well, when its really an offset inline 6). Now the VR6 has FSi (giving scope for VR6 TDi) I can't see any need for the wide angle V6 anymore as the VR6 is more space efficient package. Same with the V8 vs the W8 engines.....did that make sense toanyone

 

volkswagen group platforms - Search results - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Mk4 platform handled terribly in all but R32 form - a Focus is about 1000 times better dynamically.
Mk5 is an awful lot better (VW nicked the Focus chassis engineer!) and the mk6 is pretty much identical.
Mk1 and 2 were very sorted, mk3 went off on one and the mk4 truly demonstrated how a badge can sell a car - The 2.0 GTi (mk4) pushed out a dire 115ish bhp, handled like a shopping trolley on sponge wheels yet sold in 1000s. A much less desirable 2.0 Focus has over 140bhp, handled very sweetly, had no "performance" badge yet would slay a 2.0 "GTI" Golf on any road, anywhere.