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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: hastd2 on 08 November 2006, 10:48

Title: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: hastd2 on 08 November 2006, 10:48
Hi Guys, looking to buy a second car and have my eye on a Mk3 Gti but must be a 5 door.
I had a Mk4 Gt Tdi in April and traded it in for an Audi Sportback Tdi for the family car.
I like the Golfs but cant find a clean one up my neck of the woods in Aberdeen.
I like the idea of a 16valve but are they more hassle if any thing breaks on them???

I have tried looking for a 5 door but they all seem to be the 3 door and in a pretty sorry state.
If anybody knows of a Golf Mk3 in the Aberdeen area could they get in touch... :undecided:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Len on 08 November 2006, 11:58
16valve everytime!
Bigger brakes as standard for a start!

You may have to travel though but there seem to be plenty around. Try Autotrader.
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Daz... on 08 November 2006, 12:38
The other little difference is the power output...

8v - 115bhp
16v - 150bhp

Obviously any major work on the engine would cost more on the 16v but if it's been looked after then you shouldn't have any problems seeing 150k+ miles out of one.

The main thing is to buy the cleanest example you can find and if possible test drive a few first, you may prefer the way the 8v drives or vice versa..

Good luck finding what you want  :smiley:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Len on 08 November 2006, 16:39
And a lot of 16v's have air-con and ABS. :grin:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 08 November 2006, 18:11
I think the 8v has 280mm front brakes, later 288mm as well as 16v and vr6.
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Neaty on 08 November 2006, 18:19
The other little difference is the power output...

8v - 115bhp
16v - 150bhp

Obviously any major work on the engine would cost more on the 16v but if it's been looked after then you shouldn't have any problems seeing 150k+ miles out of one.

The main thing is to buy the cleanest example you can find and if possible test drive a few first, you may prefer the way the 8v drives or vice versa..

Good luck finding what you want  :smiley:

i think you will find Mr Daz that it has 149bhp!!  :laugh:

but yea, keep your eyes open for a 16v. I had a Mark 3 8v, comfy and solid car but there will be one day where you will be having a blast and then you get overtaken by a 16v....then you'll think. I should of got one of those instead
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 08 November 2006, 19:45
Since when has the 16v had 149bhp?  :laugh:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Neaty on 08 November 2006, 19:55
http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=33715&Volkswagen

since always, sorry i stand corrected its 151ps and 148bhp if you want to be pedantic
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 08 November 2006, 20:03
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Data.aspx?model=1015&

Lists as 150bhp, which is what i always thought it was  :huh:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Neaty on 08 November 2006, 20:04
they round it up
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 08 November 2006, 20:05
they round it up

 :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 08 November 2006, 20:08
By the way mate, that link you posted is for a mk2 16v US market  :grin:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Neaty on 08 November 2006, 20:15
ah well, well i know its not dead on 150 anyway
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Neaty on 08 November 2006, 20:20
hang on, wait it cant be because the kerb weight of the first one is 1100kg and they never did a 2.0 in Mark 2 regardless of country.

this is the 16v mark 2 stats, albeit 1986 so it will be a bit heavier than that for the later ones but not as much as 1100kg

http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=40458&Volkswagen
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 08 November 2006, 20:35
That first link is a mk2, vw did a 2.0 16v for the US market.
Also the fuel system is listed as k-jet, ABF engines have a digifant system.
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 08 November 2006, 20:43
Ok Neaty, i'm gonna stop teasing you now  :tongue:
The exact spec for the mk3 16v ABF engine is 110kw, which is as you say slightly less than 150bhp  :laugh:
However that link you posted still isn't listing the correct engine  :evil:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: hastd2 on 08 November 2006, 22:13
Now Now Girls.....
Thanks for the kind info on the Mk3 16Valve, looks like i will be on the search for one
very soon, but as i said before it is getting a good one.
Thanks again.
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Rideandy on 08 November 2006, 22:47
Hey I have a 8v and am well happy with it, it's my 1st GTI, maybe I should have gone for a 16v , never driven one but you can do more with them so I have been told. 

I have been told that it's more fun driving an 8 V?
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Neaty on 08 November 2006, 23:03
dont get me wrong 8v's are a good car, but i was a bit spoilt after going from a Mark 2 16v to my Mark 3 8v so its hard to compare but with the 16v unit and the solidarity that mark 3's have it can only be good.

In fact I miss that Mark 3 8v tbh, gonna see if my dad will put me on his insurance for his
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: SLIM-DUB on 09 November 2006, 08:53
8v's go well when de-catted! cant comment on a 16v tho,still rather have my vr6!!  :laugh:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: STOMMO on 09 November 2006, 20:18
Hi HASTD2 There is one for sale on good ole ebay. 5 door in edinburgh. Be a nice day out for you to have a look see at it. I got mine from ebay and its been bob on, apart from the oil light flashs and cutting out syndrome which was easy to sort cos of this forum.
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: carl on 09 November 2006, 20:59
i may sell my 16v next year for a mk4 turbo, but cant make my mind up as the old girls running perfect :undecided: :undecided:
tbc
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: hastd2 on 10 November 2006, 10:16
Hi STOMMO, had a look on ebay and could not find the car you are on about. Could you give me a helping hand to find it.
Cheers.
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Greg on 10 November 2006, 13:54
People rarely give the 8v a chance. I have a 16v and i think its too peaky, there's very little torque until you reach 3500rpm. My friends 8v is a better car in commuter traffic. Sure the 16v is faster when cained, but for 'second car' use like you say, i'd go which ever one you find thats cleaner.

 :nerd:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Neaty on 10 November 2006, 18:10
^^^ yea good point. I was perfectly happy driving my dads, I only really used it to knock about it
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: STOMMO on 10 November 2006, 19:53
Hi hastd2. if you go on ebay and in the search box type this number in , you will see the car you could have had. It must have been bought early and the seller took the beast off the auction. 110052873968, my advice is to keep looking on ebay cos there all sorts of stuff comes up. best of luck!! :wink: :wink:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: STOMMO on 10 November 2006, 20:01
 I agree with you greg. The 8v pulls all the way thru 2nd and 3rd. O.k its not as fast at the top end as16v but I dont like going that fast anyway. If you play it right you can even set of in 1st and then put it straight into 5th and just keep going. Weird really. I learnt that trick off of this forum. Thanks guys. My mechanic buddys thought  it a piss take but when I showed them they couldnt believe it.
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: boneybradley on 10 November 2006, 22:10
8 valve for a more relaxed drive (nice lazy engine the 2.0 8v) or revvy 16 valve with speed, All depends on what driving you do and if you want a fast car as 8valver's are a bit slow on the traffic light g.p!!! I drove both before buying my 8valver and still don't regret not going for 16
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: mattosmoknd on 13 November 2006, 18:56
i've got an 8v... it's not a bad car and it is pretty torquey for overtaking around 50mph...
but i guess if you want to rev alot then go for a 16v.
When i was looking all the 16v's were silly money and the 8v's were reasonably priced...
got mine on a 96 'N' in dragon  green with 100k for £1400, that was in newcastle..
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: vwagain on 13 November 2006, 23:55
The 8v is a very underrated car IMHO.  Mine seems to go like stink (drilled air box with green air filter made a lot of difference)  Though i think mileage has a lot to do with it. I recently drove my mates 78000 miler(1 lady owner) and it did feel tight and slow compared to mine(128,000, many owners and well used!! :grin:) He drove mine and was gutted :grin:  They do seem to get quicker the more miles they clock up.   I have had a few 16v's/vr6's etc of the lights and beyond, one chap pulled up to me after id left him at the lights(he was reving his engine like a twit!!) in his seriously mint looking 16v and asked "what the f u c k have you got under the bonnet of that???? :grin:) " He simply would not believe that it was a standard(apart from the air box)8v :cool:  We then did another trafic light race and i whooped him once again :grin: :cool: :laugh: :cool:

 Anyway, il grow up a bit now and say, give the 8v a chance because they can be a very nice car to drive indeed :cool:

Stu
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: hastd2 on 14 November 2006, 14:55
Hi Guys, i have found a 97 P plate Gti 2.0 8V 5 Door in Dragon Green on my door step for sale. I had a test drive today and found it not as quick as i was expecting. It is sitting with 79,000mls. The car is in first class condition and not a mark on the body work, it has had the same owner for the last 8 years.
The garage is looking for £3150.  Is this about right for this condition of car???
It also has FVWSH which was a bonus.
What do you think guys........... :undecided:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Len on 14 November 2006, 14:59
Way overpriced!!!!!

worth about £2200 max!
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Neaty on 14 November 2006, 16:40
that does seem a bit pricey to me

my dad got his dragon green 3 door 8v, very clean throughout, a years tax and ticket for £1700.
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: carl on 14 November 2006, 16:48
Hi Guys, i have found a 97 P plate Gti 2.0 8V 5 Door in Dragon Green on my door step for sale. I had a test drive today and found it not as quick as i was expecting. It is sitting with 79,000mls. The car is in first class condition and not a mark on the body work, it has had the same owner for the last 8 years.
The garage is looking for £3150.  Is this about right for this condition of car???
It also has FVWSH which was a bonus.
What do you think guys........... :undecided:
my cars a mint preg mk3 16v air con and electric sunroof .
you can have my car fo £2700
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Len on 14 November 2006, 16:57
Not selling your fantastic car are you Carl????
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: SLIM-DUB on 14 November 2006, 17:15
 :shocked: f**k me u! ucan have my vr6 for less than that!!  :grin: :grin: :wink:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: carl on 14 November 2006, 19:40
Not selling your fantastic car are you Carl????
only for the right price and if not no :wink:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Len on 14 November 2006, 20:40
Well if a stealer can put an inferior car up for 3150 then you should be asking 5 grand for your car!
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Greg on 15 November 2006, 10:19
It would have to be super mint for £3150. A friend of mine just bought a very similar 5door 8v gti in black from a used car stealer for £2500 which included 6 months warranty. I thought that was a bit much. My mint 108k black 3 door 16v was only £1420 last november...I'd expect a LOT for £3150, Tbh thats mk4 money.
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Len on 15 November 2006, 11:28
Yep my Billy bought a Mk4 1.8t for around £3300 last year!
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: hastd2 on 17 November 2006, 09:15
Hi Guys,
Managed to knock the guy down a few quid....
I have got the car for £2550 as i did not have a trade in, i managed to get my Astra sold yesterday.
I must admit that this Gti is in first class condition, it was a mature person that looks after his cars and took pride in looking after it. :rolleyes:
As i said before all the other ones i have seen have been tatty and well thrashed and round the block a few times.
I am getting as part of the deal = Full Service, 1year MOT, 1 Year Road Tax, 6Mth Warranty, New Timing Belt
and a full Valet. now that can't be bad.
I have just got a Quote for Insurance from Admiral £254.10 fully Comp which i thought was not bad.
Pick the Gti up on Wed next week so will try and post some photos. :wink:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: clett on 17 November 2006, 12:30
If you don't mind travelling theres a lad across the road from me selling his Mrk3 golf GTi four door in british racing green sat on 17"s he's looking for something with a boot. But we are based about 400miles south of aberdeen not far from Manchester. But it's a clean ride! I'll get him to post some pic's online if your interested? :cool:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: hastd2 on 17 November 2006, 15:45
Thanks Clett,

But already done the deal and pick it up Wed next week.
Can't wait.
Thanks anyway. :laugh:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: V_Arse6 on 17 November 2006, 16:42
Bit late I know, but when I found myself asking the same question (8v or 16v), I ended up going for the perfect compromise... 12v.... :cool:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: garfayliu on 17 November 2006, 17:39
Does anyone have any definative test data for the mk3 golf gti 8v and 16v.
Maybe a dyno plot of a stock engine and the usual in gear times? I'm afraid I don't have any issues of VW Driver that go far back enough!
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Pete Taylor on 14 January 2007, 13:39
I went for the 16 valve and i'm glad I did. It has air con and ABS. Neither work... but it still has it! I managed to get the car for £850 mind! new lower arms, new clutch  :smiley:
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: patch900 on 14 January 2007, 17:32
Hi Guys, i have found a 97 P plate Gti 2.0 8V 5 Door in Dragon Green on my door step for sale. I had a test drive today and found it not as quick as i was expecting. It is sitting with 79,000mls. The car is in first class condition and not a mark on the body work, it has had the same owner for the last 8 years.
The garage is looking for £3150.  Is this about right for this condition of car???
It also has FVWSH which was a bonus.
What do you think guys........... :undecided:

Bloody hell that is a lot, mine has done a few more miles than 79,000 but its a very nice 3dr 8V in black which needed a couple of bits doing to it (bit of sparying and service) and I got that for £1200
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: boneybradley on 14 January 2007, 18:09
Mine's an 8v and took me a while to find (and i drove a 16v also but settled for the lazy nature of the 8v)
 I paid £1220 with a full m.o.t, 6 month's tax and comprehensive history (including a bill for £220 done just week's before i bought)..All it's needed so far is retaxing, fuel and a rear shock absorber (but i did uprate at the same time) and everthing work's perfect. It has done 124000 miles but she drive's perfect and has great midrange torque
Title: Re: 8 Valve or 16 Valve
Post by: Neaty on 14 January 2007, 18:46
thats a bargain bradley, I have seen your car and its very tidy. nice one :afro: