Buying a MK2...8V OR 16V????????

[AlanGTI]

So come on guys i need to know which is the best!

Insurance aint much different so that don't matter.I aint driven either as yet so i suppose that will be a big factor.My mate who knows them inside and out sais go for the 8V   More low down torque and with a few mods will be nearly up to the 16V in the speed stakes.

If you have driven both just give me some examples of drving situations that you come accross and either have felt better if you get me!

Discuss  

[golfvr6]

The 16v drives just like the 8v low down, but over 4000rpm the 16v launches. The low down torque on the 8v is more than the 16v is bollox, its what 8v owners say to make themselves feel better. Get a 16v, its simply the better engine.

[COCKEL]

I HAVE A 8 VALVER AND I AINT THAT IMPRESSED BUT IT IS FUN TO DRIVE HANDLING WISE...GO WITH A 16VALVE MATE THEY ARE REVIER AND YOU WONT HAVE TO LAY OUT FOR THE MODS.... I HAVE ONLY JUST PURCHASED A MK2 8V BUT ALL MY OTHER CARS WERE 16V AND I DO PREFER THEM BUT MY 8V COST ME ?50 LAST FRIDAY SO BEGGERS CANT BE CHOOSERS.

[AlanGTI]

I do prefer the 8V to be honest guys but they are rare even on the Trader site!  

I want PAS though and it has to be a 3 door.Oak green prefered but i like the gray  

[Gambit]

as already said, a properly setup 16v will pull just aswell as an 8v thru the low rev's but once the 16v hits 4k rpm the 8v is uncomparible

plus you dont get the 16v howl with an 8v

[AlanGTI]

Hi Gambit  

Corsa nut of CS here,did you miss my hello post in Chat mate??

Anyway i think the 16V is the way to go..The search continues  

[The VolksWizard]

looking at the power and torque graph, it is true that the 16v can have slighly less torque than the 8v at certain engine speeds but in reality, on a well run-in example it is barely noticeable and as everyone has said, hit 4000rpm and the 16v takes off like an 8v never will.

I always used to run out of puff in an 8v when overtaking but haven't yet in a 16v.

However the MPG of a 16v is around 30 whilst an 8v will be around 38.  Quite a difference if you do miles.  Also the 16v is a fair bit more complex so with high miles/small budget I'd go for an 8v.

If you drive on the kind of roads where you can make full use of the 16v's top end then buy one.  Or if you live within the M25 get an 8v

Let's face it, both will be a good choice.

Cheers

[AlanGTI]

I hardly use my car but when i do i like to drive it if you get me  

I think the 16V will have to be the weapon of choice  

MPG 30?? I heard it can be as low as 25? On the 16V that is...

[Gambit]

awright mate!

all i can say is drive both of them, or at least get somebody to take you for a drive in both an 8v & 16v - the see how much more fun the 16v is to drive

16v is by far & away your weapon of choice  if you buy an 8v you'll be wanting a 16v within a matter of months!

just dont jump at the 1st one you see, look around and you will find the one for you - took me 3mths to find mine!!

[The VolksWizard]

..there's a reasonably famous Quentin Willson quote from the back pages of Top Gear magaxine circa 1995 when he'd written a brief guide to the Golf GTI 16v.
He said "gun it and you'll still get 30 mpg"!

They do use more fuel if there are problem with setup or head.

I had the valves lapped in on my 110k mile tack day 16v and after that it used less fuel and sounded like a good 16v should do.  Before it would rarely top 30mpg.

Set a limit at 120k miles and insist on a full history and you should be OK!