I really don't get it.

[indigti3]

On the forums here, ppl are raving about how slow the mk3 8v gti is.  Talking from personal experience, I am having a ball with my car, it's brilliant!

I was thinking on the way back from the supermarket, nothing modern ( i am talking avis rentals here as I rent quite a lot ) is as much fun as my mk3.

Is it really worth changing to a ABF is the question.

cheers indi.

[Mikester]

The way i see it (and i own a mk3 8v)

The 8v is a great town car, and you can have some traffic light fun, and its not slow, but its not fast. But it is a GTI.

Im upgrading my 8v to a VR6 with the sight to supercharge it, almost trippling my bhp.

Im not in search of big bhp because the 8v isnt enough for what i use the car for, but more for the fact i can, and it looks and sounds awesome.

People that hate the 8v mk3, tend to have something slower and non gti

Mine hasnt broken down and needed help threads every 2 days, unlike a lot of other cars on the forum

Worth upgrading to an ABF? Not really.

If the car is worth upgrading, you might as well do a VR, as you need to change all bits to fit a 16v or a VR6.

But again from experience, upgrading a mk3 engine is NOT easy, and i havnt even took the 8v out yet. lol

[Deano2711]

Could not agree more mate.  I have a 1997 8v GTi and it's the most fun I have had in ages. I certainly wouldn't have a 16v because of the insurance difference involved for the power gain. I would however love to get my ass in a VR6!!!!  Personally I would just continue to enjoy the 8 valver.     Cheers      Deano

[MrBounce]

Most people who know about cars wouldn't necessarily buy an 8v for it's speed and power, more for it's cruising ability and reliability. Mine had no major faults in 4 years and was good fun, and quick-ish although not rapid 

[indigti3]

thats awesome guys, something to think about before I close my eyes tonight.  peace y'all!

[Wayne]

If your going to change the engine as Mike said go for the VR6.

[VR6-Joe]

I drive a 1.6 every day and although people think the Mk3 is slow and a bit of a boat,  I have a lot of fun with my car!

It's like a go-kart round roundabouts and corners, and can keep up with quite a few cars until it hits 100 then things slowly start going downhill lol

The only thing I dislike about the 1.6 is that it might aswell just be a diesel cus it runs out of puff at about 6000rpm

The VR on the other hand... well... I wouldn't have it any other way

[indigti3]

You know what, I want to test drive a VR and a ABF.  I'll be at the next local meet, hopefully one of you guys would be kind enough to take me for a spin.   

[Wayne]

You know what, I want to test drive a VR and a ABF.  I'll be at the next local meet, hopefully one of you guys would be kind enough to take me for a spin.   

Not wanting this to turn into another 16V or VR6 which is better thread but forget power and start thinking of torque, ABF has a tiny bit more than the 8v yet VR6 has shed loads more torque plus the noise.

[Len]

comes down to horses for courses!

If young and insurance is an issue then its an 8v
If you want performance with some fuel economy then its a 16v
If all out power is your bag then go for a VR6

But buy the right car!