DominicA

which of these is the one to go for. i know the 8v has more low torque but i'm sure a bit of work could make the 16v as grunty?

Magic Boot

I used to run a Golf GTI Mk3 16V. If you get the AmD re-chip done (£250-£300 fitted an RR before/after) it will produce similar BHP/Torque to the VR6 (175.5 BHP from memory). Because the 16V lump is lighter than the V6 the 16V will handle so much better and therefore be the quicker car A to B.

Go for the 16V and visit AmD (Automotive Developments)

p.s. the 16V engine was seriously de-tuned to 150BHP by VAG to fit inbetween the 8V & VR6. Over engineering strikes again.

[Edited by Magic Boot - 4/4/2002 11:45:07 AM]

mike16v

I test drove about 12 Mk3 GTI's in Oct/Nov last year... 10 of which were 8v's.

At the time I drove a 1.6 XR2i. The 8v was much the same as that, but more solid feeling. The 16v blew me away! Much quicker than the 8v, and just as torquey. Opted for it, and have put on a K&N pannel filter and a Remus exhaust. Still want more of an improvement... This AMD chip sounds interesting... Any other things to improve the car's performance??

AMD - I am in Aberdeen. Know of anywhere else to try more local to me?

Cheers
Mike

mozzaITA

my mate had a mrk 16v and with a magnex exhaust and k n induction kit sounded the bollox and went extreamly well especiall when it was lowered, it was on rails!!!

he used to be as fast as my astra GSI 16v!! no problems!

ive been in a 8v too but i prefered the 16v

Rich D

iTrader: (12)

Would have to be the 16v every time.

My mate has an 8v mk3 and it is dog slow, they were only a pseudo GTi and had the looks and reputation without the performance.

The 16v is still a quick car nowadays.

Magic Boot

I had mine on 17's and lowered AVO suspension which made it a very capable car in the dry, wet weather was understeer madness though.
Still worth doing.

DominicA

thanks for all the replys.. cheers

mike16v

Magic Boot... lowered on Avo suspension... was that the adjustable kit, the coilover kit or just the springs?

Dr Lurve

16v definitely, holds good resale too.

skiddusmarkus

I remember reading an article comparing the MkII golfs,8v+16v.The low down torque figures were pretty much the same but after 4000ish rpm the extra 8valves gives more power and therefore made the earlier revs feel sluggish.

BBSparkys_Cupra

Out of interest have you thought about looking at SEAT's? can get 8 & 16v cupras/Gti for decent money. Just a thought

mike16v

16V...

Capacity (cc) 1984
Power (bhp) 150
Cylinders 4
Camshaft DOHC
Valves per cylinder 4

Max speed (mph) 134
0-60 mph 9.0 secs (I've seen 7.8 quoted, and it's alot faster than my old XR2i less than 9)
Kerb Weight (kg) 1165
Max Torque 133 lb/ft @ 4800 rpm



8V...

Capacity (cc) 1984
Power (bhp) 115
Cylinders 4
Camshaft SOHC
Valves per cylinder 2

Max speed (mph) 121
0-60 mph 11.0 secs
Kerb Weight (kg) 1170
Max Torque 122 lb/ft @ 3200 rpm

DominicA

ok, just to spice this thread up a little, down to 2 finalists..

MK3 16v GTi or VR6 Highline, both 5 door?? either one will end up with AmD chip and exhaust/induction kit.

mike16v

Would probably go with the highline if I had the cash. If both are getting chipped, the VR6 will be close on (if not over) 200bhp with the chip, exhaust & induction kit.

The 16v is a bit lighter & more nimble.

mozzaITA

didnt think u get massive gains with a vr6? theres 2 versions apparently later ones had a different ecu with more memory capacity 32 rams... sounds like a pc lol

vr6 more heavy and expensive to fix over a 16v

Dr Lurve

VR6 defo, I tried 'em all. Had 2 gti's both 8v, Mk2 and Mk3 and the Mk2 had 'it', too much weight on the Mk3 and the cat took the power down too much, always wished I'd gone for the 16v or VR6 (but too pricy for me), Above 5500 rpm you really notice the difference with the 16v, both cars pull evenly well into the red, but 16v definitely does better, not that I thrashed nuts off mine!! Jen.

Mark Jackson

I have just got a Mk2 8 valve with a Magnex system, goes quite well, drove a MK3 16 valve and was a bit dissapointed, expected it to be a lot quicker, was 3 up at the time !

MK2 16 valve very quick but needs revving. Going to do a few more mods to mine, take it up to 130 bhp, poss even get the 1.8 t engine fitted, about 3 grand to do that though

mega_stream

I've had both the Mk3 16v and VR6
The VR6 really needs to be driven to be apreciated, it is such a smooth powerful engine you don't feel like its trying even as its getting to the rev limiter.

The downside is its heavy, the brakes are very crap and it drinks fuel like a scoob does!

The 16v needs to be trashed to get life out of it, lighter though so better handling/brakes/fuel is better on this one also.

I had a 3 door 16v and a 5 door VR6 Highline.

My choice VR6
Oh, and the lights are absolute crap aswell, nice and dim yellow beam