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

[Zoid]

I'm currently in the position of having bought a mint Mk2 8v, I really enjoy driving it and can't fault it, other than wanting more power.
The 8v pulls well from low revs up to about 5,000rpm and then runs out of steam. My 8v is in such nice condition that it deserves to be kept standard, and so at the moment I'm keeping my eyes peeled for mint low mileage 16v, but finding one in as nice a condition as my 8v will be hard!
I've never driven a 16v and keep reading conflicting reports regarding low down pulling power. However my mechanic who runs a specialist early GTI garage said that a 16v will feel more like a 1600cc engine low down in comparision to an 8v, and he works on them for a living.
I guess until I get to drive one I won't know for sure  

[Slim Shady]

"a 16v will feel more like a 1600cc engine low down in comparision to an 8v, and he works on them for a living."

wiggedy what?

your mechanic mate sounds like a bit of a plum - no offence intended - valves might be slightly down on torque under 3k - but like a 1.6???

I don't think so -

[Zoid]

Maybe I quoted what he said out of context, rather he was trying to illustrate the point (in simple terms to myself) that the 16v engine is not as flexible from low revs (i.e. from 1000rpm - 3500rpm) as an 8v. To put things more into context he also said that the 8v is more suited to an everyday runner, while you'd be mad not to have a 16v for track days, and that most well maintained Mk2 16v's end up producing more power than the original spec suggests, more like 150bhp rather than the standard 139bhp
Plus he's an excellent mechanic and works on GTI's for a living and is always very very busy because of the good reputation that he has built up!

Also if you read the article on Mk2 GTI's in this month?s edition of VW motoring, they say pretty much the same thing about 8v's pulling better from lower revs.....

[AlanGTI]

Thanks for the reply's lads   Wizard,zoid Gambit.

Looks like i'm gonna have to get this copy of VW motoring or whatever it's called and have a read eh.....

The MPG of the 16V sounds decent also.

Ooooo can't wait to get me arse in a Golf GTI  

Insurance is a lot more on the 16V though! Not enough to make me not get one though  

[sKrEwBaLL]

Get yerself an 8v mate, dont listen to them

[Zoid]

Just scanned in the section of the VW Motoring article which talks about the 8v vs. 16v question... although I think they are talking out of their arses regarding the current market prices, if they reckon you can buy a mint 91 8v with only 70k for ?2,000, then I'll have half a dozen please!

[AlanGTI]

Mate your a star! Cheers for that  

Now i aint so sure   I mean i like the sound of the 8V being more stable to drive rather than having to rev the f**k out of it..

This is truly one of the hardest decisions i will ever make.......

[kniterider]

yeah its true the 8v dont pull that much more after 5k rpm but the power down below that is well nice, ive got an old 85 1.8 8v all its got it a drilled airbox and lowered jamex shocks and springs, it drives like a roller skate, sucks like maddona and pulls like a train till about 5k, my mk4 20v gti dosnt really kick in till 3500-4000 rpm but hold on to its gears longer as it revs higher, the choice is yours nowt agaist the 16v but id rather have it lower down than have to rev the tits off it like i do in my 20v!

[Zoid]

Your welcome AlanGTI, it may be a tough decision but then again it really comes down to whats on offer. You have to remember the newest Mk2's are what 12 years old now, so I'd say base your decision on the best condition, lowest mileage within your price range that you can find. At the end of the day both the 8v and the 16v are great cars, just happens that one is a bit quicker than the other....

[AlanGTI]

There are loads of 8V's around my way too  

At least it's easyer for engine conversions and mods eh? The 1.9 mod sounds good