I owned a Mk2 16v for a year before someone pulled out in front of me and wrote it off in March. Yesterday I bought a 8v as I found a 16v in the condition I wanted was hard to come by. I will admit straight off the 16v is faster but only if it is driven hard in the right gear! The 8v is an easier car to drive and it pulls very well from 2,500 rpm. This post is not for an argument but after owning the 2 I must say they are both fantastic cars and with my 8v being in mint condition I prefer it.