Mk1 or Mk2?

[Tweek_1984]

I recently visited my cousin who has rebuilt and refurbished a mk1 GTI.  He has made it look absolutely mint and as soon as I left, I wanted to build one myself.

However, I'm 18 and have very little engineering knowledge whatsoever.  The idea would be that I'd buy a Golf GTI, mk1 or mk2 with a sound body but a totally shagged engine and basically rebuild it.  

This would not only totally educate me about cars and engines in general, but would leave me with a superb car.  

My only dilemma in my mind is which version to do.  I thought my cousins mk1 looked mint and I've already fell in love with the look and sound of the engine.  But my dad (Who is an experienced DIY mechanic) and my best mate reckons I should go for the mk2 because it is easier to get hold of parts and it's also faster than the mk1.  

Discuss.

any suggestions will be warmly apreciated.
Cheers.

[MK1_BOY]

MK1 are without doubt faster, there allot lighter and not half as big and chunky as a MK2.  You dad is probably right as I do tend to have a few problems locating part for my MK1 but with a little persistance and this web site I can usually get hold of what I need.. When I brought my MK1 I knew practually nothing but with help from my friends and tampering under the hood myself I seem to have picked up a hell of allot, its all pretty basic really..  Like GOLFVR6 says, its all down to personal preference, I love MK1 and would never trade it in for a MK1, although I would like both.. Think long and hard, maybe even take your cousing out for a spin and find a MK2 for sale, take that for a spin, see which ytou prefer... Hope this helps..

Get a MK1, you know it makes sence fella..

[Tweek_1984]

Unfortunately my cousin lives in Australia and the Mk1 is sitting in his garage waiting to be sold.  

I didn't know the difference between the Mk1 and Mk2 up until this past week.  But my mate pointed out a Mk2 and it just looks really stocky, aggressive and slow.  Whereas the Mk1 can be made to look cool and I've been told they're really fast.  

Lookwise, I've already fallen for the Mk1.  But I'm after acceleration and G.force.  will the Mk1 provide me with that?  
And the parts issue as well.  Mk2's seem to be more common.

Most importantly, which engine is the easiest to re-build? and the interior for that matter?

[Tweek_1984]

So basically, it comes down to which looks the coolest.

So?  which one looks the coolest?  

[AdamB]

Go for a mk1 cabrio with the big bumpers, very cool!

[Slimmedmk2]

i agree,mk2 has better build quality,but mk1 is faster due to it being lighter.On the other hand you have a better chance of finding a nice mk2 than a mk1(if you dont want to pay stupid money)i know cause i have been there and ended up buying a mk2.I would have one of each though if i could

[Justins145bhpMK1]

Ive had a MK2 and have a MK1 and a Mk3 at the moment. Go for a MK1 without doubt the best fun to drive out of all of them. MK2 is a lot more comfortable and beter on long journeys bu hasnt quite got the rawness of the MK1. MK3 is a happy shopper!

[MK1_BOY]

MK1's rule..

[Justins145bhpMK1]

Mk1's undoubtedly do!! I kept up with a honda s2000 last night, he was ragging it too, I was very surprised I could keep up, think he was more distressed!!!!

[AdamB]

Mk1's have it all - looks, heritage, reputation, style, drivability - a true classic car.  No disrespect to the MK2, but you can't improve perfection.