Not launched it on a strip for two years. I didn't even make it to Santa Pod last week and I had no intention of doing the 1/4 mile anyway. Wheels are circular and in 8x16 guise all round. It's running slightly stretched tyres 195/45/16
I have heard that before about the setup on Rallyes. Thing is though, if it's a "Rally" car and it doesn't even like being launched on the strip, then what's the point ! What about accelerating on the road ?
Stretched tyres are no issue for the Rallye drivetrain, provided they are all worn evenly, same size and model.
You really think much of the drivetrain on the Rallye was the same as used on the (particularly uncompetitive) Golfs used for rallying? To be fair rallying puts rather different stresses and strains on the drivetrain than launching it full-bore down a drag-strip.
Rallying is normally on loose or road surfaces, not the super-high-grip surface of somewhere like Santa Pod. Drag-racing is all about a moment of violence and when there are four driven wheels involved, there's much less wheelspin and a lot more mechanical abuse (and breakages).
Clio diesel - tool for the job, innit.